We took this small master bathroom from uncomfortable and crowded to spacious and open. We removed walls, relocated the toilet across the room and added a privacy half wall, installed a zero-threshold door-less extra-large walk-in tile shower with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, a large tile niche and a beautiful tile accent row. We added a second vanity for increased storage and comfort. All of these changes allowed us to give these homeowners the master bathroom of their dreams!

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Our goal was to modernize an outdated spec kitchen by increasing the overall storage capacity and re-configuring the work-space to accommodate more use while increasing the natural light into the kitchen. We collaborated with the Owners Architect and determined it was necessary to partially remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Two small windows along the rear wall were replaced with a new over-sized window bringing in massive amounts of natural light. We removed a breakfast table that previously crowded the kitchen circulation and replaced it with a breakfast counter facing the kitchen and new window. The semi-open kitchen, delineated by the breakfast counter created a visual buffer for a busy kitchen and maximized the views and natural from the new window. By organizing every cabinet, we maximized the storage capacity and further increased the ergonomics of the kitchen using drawers for dishes and other items. Jonathan Kolbe Photographer

Our goal was to modernize an outdated spec kitchen by increasing the overall storage capacity and re-configuring the work-space to accommodate more use while increasing the natural light into the kitchen. We collaborated with the Owners Architect and determined it was necessary to partially remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Two small windows along the rear wall were replaced with a new over-sized window bringing in massive amounts of natural light. We removed a breakfast table that previously crowded the kitchen circulation and replaced it with a breakfast counter facing the kitchen and new window. The semi-open kitchen, delineated by the breakfast counter created a visual buffer for a busy kitchen and maximized the views and natural from the new window. By organizing every cabinet, we maximized the storage capacity and further increased the ergonomics of the kitchen using drawers for dishes and other items. Jonathan Kolbe Photographer

Our goal was to modernize an outdated spec kitchen by increasing the overall storage capacity and re-configuring the work-space to accommodate more use while increasing the natural light into the kitchen. We collaborated with the Owners Architect and determined it was necessary to partially remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Two small windows along the rear wall were replaced with a new over-sized window bringing in massive amounts of natural light. We removed a breakfast table that previously crowded the kitchen circulation and replaced it with a breakfast counter facing the kitchen and new window. The semi-open kitchen, delineated by the breakfast counter created a visual buffer for a busy kitchen and maximized the views and natural from the new window. By organizing every cabinet, we maximized the storage capacity and further increased the ergonomics of the kitchen using drawers for dishes and other items. Jonathan Kolbe Photographer

Our goal was to modernize an outdated spec kitchen by increasing the overall storage capacity and re-configuring the work-space to accommodate more use while increasing the natural light into the kitchen. We collaborated with the Owners Architect and determined it was necessary to partially remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Two small windows along the rear wall were replaced with a new over-sized window bringing in massive amounts of natural light. We removed a breakfast table that previously crowded the kitchen circulation and replaced it with a breakfast counter facing the kitchen and new window. The semi-open kitchen, delineated by the breakfast counter created a visual buffer for a busy kitchen and maximized the views and natural from the new window. By organizing every cabinet, we maximized the storage capacity and further increased the ergonomics of the kitchen using drawers for dishes and other items. Jonathan Kolbe Photographer

Our goal was to modernize an outdated spec kitchen by increasing the overall storage capacity and re-configuring the work-space to accommodate more use while increasing the natural light into the kitchen. We collaborated with the Owners Architect and determined it was necessary to partially remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Two small windows along the rear wall were replaced with a new over-sized window bringing in massive amounts of natural light. We removed a breakfast table that previously crowded the kitchen circulation and replaced it with a breakfast counter facing the kitchen and new window. The semi-open kitchen, delineated by the breakfast counter created a visual buffer for a busy kitchen and maximized the views and natural from the new window. By organizing every cabinet, we maximized the storage capacity and further increased the ergonomics of the kitchen using drawers for dishes and other items. Jonathan Kolbe Photographer

Dynamic Garage Door specializes in Tuscan Architectural beautification in the Newport Beach, CA through our custom designed and hand made architectural shutters, garden gates and garage doors. This Newport-Mesa Tuscan home was exquisitely decorated with a combination of custom gates, decorative shutters and balcony barn door style shutters all handcrafted out of authentic, century-old reclaimed barn wood specifically harvested for this custom project. Beginning with the balcony shutters which actually slide from side to side like a real barn door we worked a charming rustic shutter design that would typically be seen in the Tuscan Riviera. We opted for sliding shutters as the balcony spacing limited the swing action of even bi-folding shutters. Incorporating real barn door hardware railing and crowing it behind the faux reclaimed wood beam made an excellent statement while adding functional shutters that can be shut close for comfort during the summer morning when the sun beats down into the master suite. The four shutter leafs are decorated with real hand forged dummy straps that were hammered and crafted by hand to achieve that gorgeous rustic charm typical of Tuscan architecture. The reclaimed barn wood from a century-old barn gives off a timeless appearance that increase in characters as the years go by. Because rustic barn wood has already aged beautifully over hundreds of years, the next century will only increase its authentically gorgeous appearance. The culmination of this project has been a meticulous collaborative input of our in-house head designer and the clients themselves. Although the completion of this project is lengthy and intricate, the results speak volumes and the wait simply justifies the outcome. The rest of thew windows on this Tuscan home have been accessorized with rustic barn wood as well and accentuated with our custom designed and handmade dummy iron hinge straps. Our dummy hardware is so authentically done in the same tradition used for hundreds of years in Europe to create shutter hardware that looks authentic and functional although it is only decorative. The details of our custom shutters is evident in the slightest of details including the bolts used to hold the shutter straps in place. Each of the shutter also has a decorative ring pull with a hand-hammered back plate which enhances the appearance of true functional shutters and defining that authentic Tuscan look. The beauty of this Tuscan home is visible throughout the entire property including the garden gates, garage doors and entry door. Again, for the garden gates, we went with rustic barn wood carefully crafted to preserve the original surface that has aged over hundreds of years but building the gates on galvanized steel frames that will ensure structural durability for the next few hundred years. The gates are highly secure, sound and can definitely hold back a crowd with authentic rustic charm. Don't be fooled with the simple-looking gate design. It is quite intricate with its 45 degree angle cuts around the perimeter of the trim which deviates water away from crevices that would otherwise make the gates vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture from the elements, sprinkler system or simply air humidity since the home is located near the ocean. Each one of the garden gates is equipped with European style mortise lock mechanisms and roller catches. Dynamic Garage Door gates are not your typical garden gates, they are truly made with quality and durability in mind as well as aesthetic attention to detail. Everything, from the hardware used, the core steel frame and overlay material used is hand selected and approved individually for maximum beauty and timeless appreciation. At Dynamic Garage Door, we specialize in multiple facet projects that include garden gates, driveway gates as well as barn doors and shutters. It is very important because these are the accessories that can make or break the beauty and continuity of your home's architectural style and authenticity. Increase your curb appeal and home value with Dynamic Garage Door's gates, shutters and automatic custom garage doors. Our in-house designers would love to speak with you today! Design Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

Eclectic bathroom in a Bouldin Creek Austin home featuring a custom wood and metal vanity with a concrete countertop, black hex tile flooring, and open shelving.

Perhaps one of the trickiest things is planting a large planter with the appropriate amount of plants so that it doesn’t look too crowded or too sparse. When you first put your plants in the pot there should be soil showing in between the different plants. This ensures that the plants and their roots have enough space to grow. If everything is full from day one everything will start to tangle together, stumping growth. Over packing plants into a planter will also increase the risk for poor plant growth and disease.

Light moves through this Upper West Side kitchen, catching the stone surface of the island and the handmade tile along the backsplash, drawing the eye toward Central Park. Tall custom cabinetry and integrated refrigeration increase storage without crowding the room, and the island establishes a sense of structure between the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Proportion and elevation were central to the redesign, bringing cohesion and balance to a compact apartment layout. More on cabinetry proportion and design: https://homehouseinteriors.com/nyc-cabinetry-design-proportion/

Before the remodel, this bathroom was not functional at all! It was a large space that felt very crowded, so our intention was to increase the size and maximize the space. Everything in this bathroom was cramped together and let’s not forget the awful phonebooth shower. (fingers crossed phonebooth showers stay in the past!) Collectively, we set out to re-envision a bathroom that is functional and relaxing. In most cases, it’s difficult to accomplish everything on your wish list. By splitting up the double sinks and putting the shower in between the two, it made maneuvering around this bathroom much easier. Before this bathroom had a ton of wasted space and while it was a challenge; we were thrilled with the final design and outcome.

Before the remodel, this bathroom was not functional at all! It was a large space that felt very crowded, so our intention was to increase the size and maximize the space. Everything in this bathroom was cramped together and let’s not forget the awful phonebooth shower. (fingers crossed phonebooth showers stay in the past!) Collectively, we set out to re-envision a bathroom that is functional and relaxing. In most cases, it’s difficult to accomplish everything on your wish list. By splitting up the double sinks and putting the shower in between the two, it made maneuvering around this bathroom much easier. Before this bathroom had a ton of wasted space and while it was a challenge; we were thrilled with the final design and outcome.

Before the remodel, this bathroom was not functional at all! It was a large space that felt very crowded, so our intention was to increase the size and maximize the space. Everything in this bathroom was cramped together and let’s not forget the awful phonebooth shower. (fingers crossed phonebooth showers stay in the past!) Collectively, we set out to re-envision a bathroom that is functional and relaxing. In most cases, it’s difficult to accomplish everything on your wish list. By splitting up the double sinks and putting the shower in between the two, it made maneuvering around this bathroom much easier. Before this bathroom had a ton of wasted space and while it was a challenge; we were thrilled with the final design and outcome.

Before the remodel, this bathroom was not functional at all! It was a large space that felt very crowded, so our intention was to increase the size and maximize the space. Everything in this bathroom was cramped together and let’s not forget the awful phonebooth shower. (fingers crossed phonebooth showers stay in the past!) Collectively, we set out to re-envision a bathroom that is functional and relaxing. In most cases, it’s difficult to accomplish everything on your wish list. By splitting up the double sinks and putting the shower in between the two, it made maneuvering around this bathroom much easier. Before this bathroom had a ton of wasted space and while it was a challenge; we were thrilled with the final design and outcome.

Example of a mid-sized classic 3/4 medium tone wood floor and brown floor bathroom design in Bridgeport with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and quartzite countertops

Our goal was to modernize an outdated spec kitchen by increasing the overall storage capacity and re-configuring the work-space to accommodate more use while increasing the natural light into the kitchen. We collaborated with the Owners Architect and determined it was necessary to partially remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Two small windows along the rear wall were replaced with a new over-sized window bringing in massive amounts of natural light. We removed a breakfast table that previously crowded the kitchen circulation and replaced it with a breakfast counter facing the kitchen and new window. The semi-open kitchen, delineated by the breakfast counter created a visual buffer for a busy kitchen and maximized the views and natural from the new window. By organizing every cabinet, we maximized the storage capacity and further increased the ergonomics of the kitchen using drawers for dishes and other items. Jonathan Kolbe Photographer

A Dillard-Jones Builders design – this home takes advantage of 180-degree views and pays homage to the home’s natural surroundings with stone and timber details throughout the home. Photographer: Fred Rollison Photography

Jalapeño grown organically in a 7-gallon Smart Pot. This plant produced 69 jalapeños! Photo by Steve Masley
Example of an eclectic home design design in San Francisco