Kitchen remodel featuring a custom hood, Virginia Mist perimeter tops, Danby Marble island top, custom white cabinetry, and subway tile Photo Credit: David Bader Interior Design Partner: Becky Howley

APLD 2021 Silver Award Winning Landscape Design. Galvanized troughs used for vegetables in the side yard. An expansive back yard landscape with several mature oak trees and a stunning Golden Locust tree has been transformed into a welcoming outdoor retreat. The renovations include a wraparound deck, an expansive travertine natural stone patio, stairways and pathways along with concrete retaining walls and column accents with dramatic planters. The pathways meander throughout the landscape... some with travertine stepping stones and gravel and those below the majestic oaks left natural with fallen leaves. Raised vegetable beds and fruit trees occupy some of the sunniest areas of the landscape. A variety of low-water and low-maintenance plants for both sunny and shady areas include several succulents, grasses, CA natives and other site-appropriate Mediterranean plants complimented by a variety of boulders. Dramatic white pots provide architectural accents, filled with succulents and citrus trees. Design, Photos, Drawings © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | City Homes, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

The major objective of this home was to craft something entirely unique; based on our client’s international travels, and tailored to their ideal lifestyle. Every detail, selection and method was individual to this project. The design included personal touches like a dog shower for their Great Dane, a bar downstairs to entertain, and a TV tucked away in the den instead of on display in the living room. Great design doesn’t just happen. It’s a product of work, thought and exploration. For our clients, they looked to hotels they love in New York and Croatia, Danish design, and buildings that are architecturally artistic and ideal for displaying art. Our part was to take these ideas and actually build them. Every door knob, hinge, material, color, etc. was meticulously researched and crafted. Most of the selections are custom built either by us, or by hired craftsman.

The 7th Avenue project is a contemporary twist on a mid century modern design. The home is designed for a professional couple that are well traveled and love the Taliesen west style of architecture. Design oriented individuals, the clients had always wanted to design their own home and they took full advantage of that opportunity. A jewel box design, the solution is engineered entirely to fit their aesthetic for living. Worked tightly to budget, the client was closely involved in every step of the process ensuring that the value was delivered where they wanted it.

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Tampa

The Plumrose at Inglenook’s Pocket Neighborhoods is a three- or four-bedroom Cottage-style Home that possesses a feeling of spaciousness driven by beautiful vaulted ceilings, numerous big windows, and smart, flexible design. A key element of cottage-style living is individuality. Each home is unique, inside and out. Focused on expanding the homeowner’s choices, the Plumrose takes individuality all the way to the number and design of the rooms. The second “bedroom” upstairs offers one such opportunity to customize the home to fit life’s needs. Make it a spacious, quiet master retreat and master bath, or a bright and cheery child’s bedroom and playroom, or a guest bedroom and office – the possibilities are endless and the decision is yours. The customization in the Plumrose continues in the creative and purposeful storage options. Each room and stairway landing provides an opportunity for a built-in bookshelf, reading nook, or trellis. All of these built-ins can serve as thoughtful places to showcase photos, treasured travel souvineers, books, and more! After all, a good storage option should be both decorative and useful. Bringing the home’s utility outdoors, the front porch and private bedroom patio serve as extensions of the main living space. The front porch provides a private yet public space to enjoy the community greens and neighbors. The private patio is a great spot to read the newspaper over a morning cup of coffee. These spaces balance the personal and social aspects of cottage living, bringing community without sacrificing privacy.

This British Colonial theme new residence sits atop the ridgeline on the west end of Sanibel Island overlooking the Gulf. Carefully manicured dune and beach access offer breathtaking views from the main and upper patios of the residence to the beach and the sunset. A lush, tropical entry runs the length of each side property line from the road, along each side of the house, to the CCCL line and provides a dense privacy barrier from the beach access path along the east property line. Tropical bamboo, white bird of paradise, traveler palms, dwarf leaf clusia and relocated native trees and shrubs make up the dense buffer. In the front of the residence a specimen multi-stem Sylvester Date Palm anchors the center drive island while stately royal palms, foxtail palms and multi-stem adonidia palms accent the foundation of the residence. Curved coconut palms march down the driveway to the street. Individual theme gardens were created in the side yards which include a Moon Garden, Fruit Garden, Butterfly Garden, Wetland Garden, Tropical Garden and Bamboo Garden. Architectural garden elements include a Walpole garden gate, arbor and mail box with a custom house name sign attached. As one walks the many different specimen gardens, large concrete garden benches from Curry & Co. offer a place to pause while botanical plant label stakes indicate plant species and origin. A California style espalier wall with confederate jasmine vine softens the back side of the pool wall, which is visible upon the entrance to the garages and espalier on the pool side wall for trellis bougainvillea offer vertical elements to connect the house and the landscape with tropical vegetation and color. This ideal client had a specific idea for their property which we were able to visualize and bring to reality.

The major objective of this home was to craft something entirely unique; based on our client’s international travels, and tailored to their ideal lifestyle. Every detail, selection and method was individual to this project. The design included personal touches like a dog shower for their Great Dane, a bar downstairs to entertain, and a TV tucked away in the den instead of on display in the living room. Great design doesn’t just happen. It’s a product of work, thought and exploration. For our clients, they looked to hotels they love in New York and Croatia, Danish design, and buildings that are architecturally artistic and ideal for displaying art. Our part was to take these ideas and actually build them. Every door knob, hinge, material, color, etc. was meticulously researched and crafted. Most of the selections are custom built either by us, or by hired craftsman.

wa design
Bathroom - contemporary black tile ceramic tile and black floor bathroom idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets and white walls

Photography by Kirsten Francis.
Trendy guest wallpaper bedroom photo in New York with gray walls

This British Colonial theme new residence sits atop the ridgeline on the west end of Sanibel Island overlooking the Gulf. Carefully manicured dune and beach access offer breathtaking views from the main and upper patios of the residence to the beach and the sunset. A lush, tropical entry runs the length of each side property line from the road, along each side of the house, to the CCCL line and provides a dense privacy barrier from the beach access path along the east property line. Tropical bamboo, white bird of paradise, traveler palms, dwarf leaf clusia and relocated native trees and shrubs make up the dense buffer. In the front of the residence a specimen multi-stem Sylvester Date Palm anchors the center drive island while stately royal palms, foxtail palms and multi-stem adonidia palms accent the foundation of the residence. Curved coconut palms march down the driveway to the street. Individual theme gardens were created in the side yards which include a Moon Garden, Fruit Garden, Butterfly Garden, Wetland Garden, Tropical Garden and Bamboo Garden. Architectural garden elements include a Walpole garden gate, arbor and mail box with a custom house name sign attached. As one walks the many different specimen gardens, large concrete garden benches from Curry & Co. offer a place to pause while botanical plant label stakes indicate plant species and origin. A California style espalier wall with confederate jasmine vine softens the back side of the pool wall, which is visible upon the entrance to the garages and espalier on the pool side wall for trellis bougainvillea offer vertical elements to connect the house and the landscape with tropical vegetation and color. This ideal client had a specific idea for their property which we were able to visualize and bring to reality.

Matthew Niemann Photography
Example of a transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops, quartz countertops, white cabinets and stone tile backsplash

Photography by Miranda Estes.
Foyer - mid-sized eclectic medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood wall foyer idea in Seattle with a dark wood front door and white walls

Personalization is no longer just a design trend—it has become an essential part of creating spaces that truly feel like home. Our homes are much more than places where we live; they are reflections of our personalities, our values, and the memories we hold dear. Personalization allows homeowners to go beyond surface-level aesthetics and bring their unique stories to life through thoughtful design choices. From one-of-a-kind decor to custom furniture, there are countless ways to make a space uniquely yours. This article explores the transformative power of personalization in home design, offering creative ideas and strategies to ensure your home feels as special as the people who live in it. By incorporating meaningful elements, sentimental keepsakes, and designs tailored to your lifestyle, you can create a home that speaks to your heart while remaining both functional and beautiful. Why Personalization Is Transforming Home Design Personalization in home design is a powerful trend that’s shaping how we live. It’s about more than just creating a stylish space—it’s about creating an emotional connection to your environment. Here’s why it matters: Emotional Resonance: Personal touches make your home feel like a sanctuary. Items that carry sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or custom-made pieces, evoke memories and create a sense of belonging. Individuality: Your home is a reflection of your personality. Personalization allows you to infuse your style into every corner, ensuring your space doesn’t look like a copy of someone else’s. Functionality with Meaning: Customized furniture or decor isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical. Personalized design ensures every piece serves your specific needs while adding character to your home. How to Add Personal Touches to Your Home Design 1. Customized Furniture and Decor Investing in bespoke pieces is one of the best ways to personalize your home. Whether it’s a hand-carved coffee table or custom shelving designed to fit your space, tailored furniture adds both functionality and uniqueness. Ideas for Customized Furniture: A dining table engraved with a special date or family name. Built-in bookshelves designed to fit your exact collection of novels and treasures. Upholstered chairs or couches in fabrics that reflect your style and preferences. For decor, consider smaller but impactful personalized items. For instance, displaying a meaningful keepsake, like a shadow box featuring a personalized necklace, can add an intimate touch to any room. 2. Symbolic Design Elements Incorporating symbols that resonate with you is a thoughtful way to personalize your space. Items inspired by spiritual or cultural symbols, such as angel numbers, can serve as both decor and a reminder of values or goals that matter to you. Examples of Symbolic Decor: Wall art or prints featuring numbers, quotes, or patterns that hold personal significance. Sculptures or figurines that represent qualities like protection, growth, or harmony. Patterned rugs or textiles that subtly include symbols tied to your family’s history or beliefs. 3. Displaying Sentimental Items A personalized home thrives on nostalgia and sentimentality. Displaying cherished keepsakes and mementos is a wonderful way to bring life and meaning into your space. Ideas for Sentimental Displays: Memory Galleries: Create a gallery wall filled with family photos, travel souvenirs, and sentimental artwork. Mix and match frames to add visual interest while showcasing your memories. Functional Keepsakes: Repurpose sentimental items into practical decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom clock or framed photo, can double as both a functional and meaningful addition to your space. Incorporate small family treasures, like vintage jewelry or heirlooms, into your decor. Feature Pieces: Highlight unique items in shadow boxes, such as wedding keepsakes, old letters, or jewelry. These displays turn your memories into a focal point of the room. 4. Personalized Artwork and Accessories Custom artwork is one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch to your home. Whether it’s commissioning a piece or creating something yourself, personalized art instantly elevates a space. Custom Art Ideas: A commissioned painting of your family home, wedding venue, or favorite landscape. Abstract art featuring colors or symbols that are meaningful to you. Name plaques, monograms, or custom wall hangings. Incorporating personalized accessories like cushions, throws, or coasters featuring family names or initials is another subtle yet effective way to customize your decor. 5. Seasonal Personalization Switching up decor seasonally offers a great opportunity to incorporate personal touches. For example: Display holiday-themed photos, such as a family portrait from last year’s festivities. Rotate sentimental items based on the time of year, such as a fall centerpiece with family heirloom candlesticks. Incorporate handmade seasonal crafts created with family members, making the decor feel both personal and festive. Incorporating Personalization Into Outdoor Spaces Personalization doesn’t stop at your front door. Outdoor spaces, like patios, gardens, and porches, offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Ideas for Personalizing Outdoor Areas: Custom Signs: Add a handmade welcome sign or a plaque with your family name to the front of your house. Engraved Furniture: Outdoor benches or tables engraved with meaningful quotes or dates can create an intimate touch. Garden Markers: Personalized garden markers or stepping stones with family names or inspirational words can make your garden truly yours. Personalizing your home is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that feels deeply connected to you and your loved ones. Every item, color, and design element can carry a piece of your story. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into actionable ideas for personalizing your living spaces, transforming them into meaningful reflections of your life. 6. Layering Sentimental Textiles and Accessories Textiles such as rugs, curtains, and throw pillows are an excellent way to infuse personality into your home without a full-scale renovation. Opt for customized or sentimental fabrics that tie in your personal story. Ideas for Textiles That Add Meaning Custom Monogrammed Pillows Add initials, family names, or even special dates to throw pillows for your living room or bedroom. Memory Quilts Use pieces of fabric from meaningful items, like old clothes or wedding attire, to create a quilt that tells a story. Personalized Rugs Consider a custom rug with patterns or symbols that resonate with your family’s heritage or values. Incorporating textiles that tell a story not only makes your home feel cozier but also serves as a subtle reminder of cherished memories. 7. Meaningful Gifts as Decor Some of the most cherished items in a home are gifts from loved ones. These pieces carry stories and emotional weight, making them perfect for display as decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom leather-bound journal or engraved keepsake, can be displayed in a home office or study. These items become part of the space’s character while celebrating the bond shared with a loved one. Tips for Displaying Gifted Items: Use bookshelves or mantels to showcase sentimental gifts alongside other decor elements. Pair gifted items with complementary pieces, such as family photos or artwork, to create cohesive displays. 8. Personalized Storage Solutions Functional spaces can also benefit from personalization. Custom storage solutions allow you to stay organized while reflecting your style and needs. Ideas for Personalized Storage Engraved Wooden Crates: Use crates with engraved names or labels for stylish, functional storage in living rooms or children’s play areas. Custom Closet Systems: Design closets with features like jewelry drawers, tie racks, or shoe compartments tailored to your specific collection. Sentimental Storage Bins: Store seasonal decorations, keepsakes, or family mementos in decorative bins labeled with meaningful phrases or designs. By blending practicality and personalization, you can create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. 9. Creative Personalization for Kids’ Rooms Children’s rooms are ideal spaces for playful and meaningful personalization. From custom artwork to interactive elements, you can design a room that reflects their personality while creating an inspiring space for them to grow. Ideas for Kids’ Room Personalization Name Signs and Wall Art: Incorporate their name in decorative signage or framed artwork to make their space uniquely theirs. Growth Charts with Memories: Add personalized growth charts where you can mark milestones and attach small mementos. Interactive Decor: Create activity walls featuring chalkboards, corkboards, or magnetic surfaces where kids can express their creativity. These personal touches turn their rooms into a space that grows with them, capturing memories along the way. 10. Blending Modern Trends with Personalized Touches If you’re drawn to modern design trends, you can still incorporate personalization without losing that sleek, contemporary feel. Here’s how: Tips for a Modern Yet Personalized Space Minimalist Monograms: Add subtle, elegant initials or symbols to decor pieces like vases, linens, or art prints. Statement Lighting: Choose pendant lights or chandeliers with a customized design or engraving to reflect your style. Neutral Colors with Personal Accents: Keep the base color palette neutral, but incorporate personal elements like family photos in modern frames or sentimental objects displayed in chic shadow boxes. This approach ensures your home stays trendy while retaining meaningful personal elements. 11. Technology Meets Personalization Technology can also play a role in making your home feel more personal. Smart home systems and digital tools can be customized to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Ideas for Personalized Tech Customized Smart Displays: Use smart screens to display rotating family photos or personal artwork. Smart Lighting Scenes: Set up lighting presets for different moods, such as a cozy evening scene that highlights your favorite decor. Voice-Activated Reminders: Program smart assistants to remind you of family birthdays, anniversaries, or even daily affirmations. By integrating personalized technology, your home becomes both functional and deeply connected to your needs. 12. Seasonal Rotations with a Personal Touch Personalization doesn’t have to be permanent. Changing up your decor with the seasons is a wonderful way to keep your home feeling fresh while adding meaningful elements. Ideas for Seasonal Personalization Holiday Decor with Family Themes: Create personalized ornaments, stockings, or wreaths that highlight your family’s story. Seasonal Photo Swaps: Rotate family photos to reflect seasonal activities or vacations. Custom Table Settings: Design table linens, centerpieces, or napkin rings featuring symbols or colors that are meaningful to your family. Seasonal personalization allows you to constantly renew the look and feel of your space while keeping it tied to your personal story. Turning a House Into Your Sanctuary Personalization in home design is about more than creating a visually appealing space—it’s about creating a home that reflects your life, values, and memories. Every detail, from the textiles you choose to the sentimental items you display, adds a layer of meaning that makes your house truly yours. By incorporating elements like customized decor, thoughtful gifts, and symbolic designs, you can craft a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels deeply personal. Take inspiration from these ideas to make your space a reflection of everything that matters most to you and your loved ones.

An over scaled family room with dark original shadow box paneling, large Carthage stone fireplace, and leaded windows, required a design esthetic that paid homage to the history of the home, yet created a space for entertaining large groups, while at the same time feeling warm and comfortable, and would also allow the homeowners to take Sunday naps in the often unused room. With the entry to the home also included in the overall dimensions, creating definition without walls was the challenge. Using an antique table that was purchased by the client many years ago as an entry table was the perfect answer. We took the Italian chandelier from the dining room, had it refinished to look old, and re-hung it as the entry fixture. An antique, nearly 18’ foot rug was found, and was the anchor to the room. Over scaled sofa’s, large cocktail truck, antique console tables, new “shiny” lamps, modern tables, and plush pillows all add to the warmth of this space. The room was also painted a warm gray/green to pull all the warm colors and textures together. Original artwork was also very important to the client, and represents their travels an individual taste. Original Artwork by Karen Schneider Photos by Randy Colwell

Two Sisters. Two Homes. Two Distinct Visions. We designed two full gut renovations for two sisters, creating vacation homes that uniquely reflect their individual lifestyles and personal style. From architectural details and custom millwork to kitchens, baths, furnishings, lighting, and finishes, every detail was thoughtfully curated from the ground up. While they traveled the world, we seamlessly managed the entire process, allowing them to return home to a beautifully transformed sanctuary designed just for them.

Designed by: Studio Revolution Photography by: Thomas Kuoh
Bedroom - southwestern master dark wood floor bedroom idea in San Francisco with white walls

ABOUT THE PROJECT: These, like many of our clients, are multiple luxury home owners. As they traveled, inspiration turned into multiple renovation phases kept cohesive with our firm's design and construction. First the kitchen was opened up for their comfort and to maximize the incredible sea & marsh vistas, then the master bed made into a bed/bath suite, then the living room modernized. RENOVATONS: The in-house kitchen design maximized both practical comfort and entertainment which included extending the island and relocating the sink to the end of the island. Condo bylaws usually limit coring through floor slabs so the island was raised to accommodate the necessary plumbing underneath. To see the incredible sunsets over the marsh, the contiguous room walls were shortened and kitchen counterspace added. We fabricated rock maple custom cabinetry in a muted washed grey stain to capture the subtle definition of the wood grain. Storage was accommodated in for a butlers pantry with pullout trays to for practical reachable convenience. The kitchen's focal point is a custom niche surround for the Thermador gas range made practical for cooking incorporated uncials and spice access. A gorgeous tile backsplash the owner selected added the final panache and glitz which also complements the Cambia quartz countertops. Appliances are a 36" subzero refrigerator, Fisher Paykel two drawer dishwasher, Thermador 36" gas range suitable for creating delicate sauces, a custom hood, and a stainless drawer microwave. MASTER BATH renovation transformed two contiguous rooms into a luxury master suite. Removing several walls, we were able to design for a spacious double sink vanity and include a personalized makeup center while fitting the new shell floor tiles seamlessly to match the master bedroom flooring. Custom cabinetry with oak match booked lateral grain drawers form a unique monolithic style that flows as a tree would from one end to the other. Satin frameless glass doors were added to the shower and water closet for an airy - spa feel, while functioning for privacy. LIVING ROOM Entertainment cabinetry were added for travel mementos and electronics along with the removal of the traditional fireplace. In its place, a modern linear gas fireplace was installed with a Dekton heat safe solid surface face. CONTRACTOR's Note: We are privileged to know these friends. Both are exceptional individuals in their philanthropic efforts and qualities. We are honored to have their repeat confidence - the husband is a retired executive of one of the nation's largest and leading engineering & construction firms. - Matthew Winchenbach, CGC Location: OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION, Fl.