Elegant formal living room photo in Chicago with white walls and a standard fireplace

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

Eat-in kitchen - cottage l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Birmingham with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and white appliances

Emilio Collavino
Balcony - small contemporary balcony idea in Miami

Inspiration for a tropical gray tile beige floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Hawaii with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Mid-sized beach style multicolored floor mudroom photo in Charleston with white walls

This industrial chic open floor plan home in Pasadena's coveted Historic Highlands was given a complete modern farmhouse makeover with shiplap siding, wide planked floors and barn doors. No detail was overlooked by the interior designer home owner. Welcome guests into the vaulted ceiling great room as you gather your friends and family at the 10' farmhouse table after some community cooking in this entertainer's dream kitchen. The 14' island peninsula, individual fridge and freezers, induction cooktop, double ovens, 3 sinks, 2 dishwashers, butler's pantry with yet another sink, and hands free trash receptacle make prep and cleanup a breeze. Stroll down 2 blocks to local shops like Millie's, Be Pilates, and Lark Cake Shop, grabbing a latte from Lavender & Honey. Then walk back to enjoy some apple pie and lemonade from your own fruit trees on your charming 40' porch as you unwind on the porch swing smelling the lavender and rosemary in your newly landscaped yards and waving to the friendly neighbors in this last remaining Norman Rockwell neighborhood. End your day in the polished nickel master bath, relaxing in the wet room with a steam shower and soak in the Jason Microsilk tub. This is modern farmhouse living at its best. Welcome home!

Designer: Interior Selections Lighting: Cathy Shockey at Legend Lighting
Inspiration for a mediterranean beige tile powder room remodel in Austin with shaker cabinets, a vessel sink, gray countertops, beige cabinets and beige walls

Example of a tuscan carpeted and beige floor bedroom design in Phoenix with beige walls

Example of a trendy galley gray floor utility room design in Sacramento with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and gray countertops

Myro Rosky, Roskyimages.com
Mid-sized trendy master carpeted bedroom photo in Miami

Kitchen - southwestern medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Phoenix with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Ryann Ford Photography, LLC
Example of a trendy concrete floor and gray floor family room design in Austin with a music area and white walls

While a neutral palette provides a soothing common ground for a couple, it’s only half of the equation: the key to a perfectly designed romantic bedroom is balancing the common ground with elements that give him and her a sense of their own space. Just as a couple is the union of two individuals, their private oasis should be a room that celebrates their unity while honoring their individuality.

Set in the garden beside a traditional Dutch Colonial home in Wellesley, Flavin conceived this boldly modern retreat, built of steel, wood and concrete. The building is designed to engage the client’s passions for gardening, entertaining and restoring vintage Vespa scooters. The Vespa repair shop and garage are on the first floor. The second floor houses a home office and veranda. On top is a roof deck with space for lounging and outdoor dining, surrounded by a vegetable garden in raised planters. The structural steel frame of the building is left exposed; and the side facing the public side is draped with a mahogany screen that creates privacy in the building and diffuses the dappled light filtered through the trees. Photo by: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

Elegant l-shaped kitchen photo in New Orleans with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, mosaic tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Photographer: Ryan Gamma
Inspiration for a large contemporary master gray tile and glass tile porcelain tile and beige floor bathroom remodel in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Beach style multicolored floor entryway photo in New York with beige walls and a glass front door

Once upon a time, you’d never see high glamour looks, mod colorways, and life-long durability in the same sentence. Q™ Premium Natural Quartz changed all that. The industry’s most innovative quartz countertop brand, Q’s low maintenance, stain-resistant, and nearly indestructible collection features over 55 sleek and sophisticated styles – all backed by MSI’s best-in-class supply chain, lifetime residential warranty, and competitive pricing. What’s not to love?