A classic Portland foursquare, lovingly owned by an active and lively family of four, had undergone some unfortunate previous renovations that were in desperate need of updating. A cramped kitchen layout, lacking countertop work space, non-functional appliance locations (the range was floating on it’s own!), cramped kitchen nook not large enough for eat-in space and therefor left underutilized, and a general lack of storage all needed to be addressed. To increase functional space, we enclosed a small back porch and re-built the adjacent nook, folding in the square footage to create an expansive kitchen footprint. We relocated the back door and added a back deck while creating space for a mud bench for littles to tuck away their gear! The enlarged kitchen now boasts a extensive natural light thanks to the addition of several windows. An easy work flow was created within the new kitchen layout featuring an in-island sink with range and hood flanked by matching windows. Custom cabinet accessories make storage a breeze and provide a space for all the necessities to be right at the homeowner’s fingertips. The eat-in kitchen space allows not only for lingering family chats, but homework and craft projects to be done while dinner simmers on the stove. This kitchen truly is the heart of this home! All of the updates were completed with the home’s original foursquare architecture in mind. with a focus on classic architectural molding styles, traditional window details, and clean-lined classic fixtures. Youthfulness and modernity are infused into the space with the contemporary handmade tile backsplash, rich and timeless green cabinets, and artistic wallpaper with a whimsical floral print and subtle European nod. The custom range in cream and brass is a stunning showstopper and a testament that even the most functional of elements in a kitchen can still be beautiful! Which one is the star of the show? How do we pick just one?!

When meeting with our homeowners for this kitchen renovation project, they presented us with a large wish list. This busy family of five loves to cook and entertain for their large extended family. They felt their current kitchen was not functioning to its fullest potential. It felt cramped, dark, outdated, and had no flair. They wanted more room for storage, and convenient areas to hold their cookware. They had an unorganized pantry that wasn’t working for them, and a desk area that had become a clutter zone. They showed us examples of a cool toned color palette that they loved and asked us to bring in some farmhouse style elements with a modern aesthetic. We could not wait to transform this room! We began by reimagining the flow of the kitchen. In order to give them more counter space to use for food preparation, we moved the fridge to the wall where the desk was. We eliminated the messy pantry closet, and installed a tall cabinet to house an additional oven and built-in microwave. We added a large pantry cabinet to the right of the refrigerator to give them plenty of organized storage space, allowing easy access to snacks from the family room. On the left side of the fridge, we incorporated a drop zone area where they can leave their keys and mail when coming in from the garage. In the island we included a pull-out trash easily accessible from both the sink and the cooking areas, and added a vegetable sink to create an extended area for food prep. For the perimeter of the kitchen, we moved the range down to allow for a corner lazy susan and drawer bank for pots and pans, and provided them with a deep farmhouse sink to aid in washing larger items. By running the cabinetry up to the ceiling, we were able to provide them with additional storage space. We finished the cabinetry off with a beautiful decorative hood surround and capped the cabinets with a large stacked crown molding. The finishes we chose for the kitchen help modernize the space while keeping the room feeling warm and inviting. We used a soft grey paint on the perimeter cabinets and infused a warm chestnut stain on the island and decorative hood. We incorporated corbel details at both the hood and island to add some depth to the design. We included a very unique focal point to the ceiling above the island; it is a custom trim detail in the shape of an X, with dark paint as an accent. We topped the cabinetry with a luxurious calacatta quartz counter that created movement with large beautiful veining details. Hand-cut high gloss white subway tiles added brightness and sophistication to the space. Touches of silver were brought in with cabinet hardware and gooseneck faucets. We added an abundance of lighting including recessed lights, a farmhouse style silver pendant over the sink, two vintage style pendants at the island with ribbed glass, and a large wood and silver chandelier over the table, giving ample light and making the room feel bright. Adding under cabinet lighting provided our client with much needed task lighting while doing food prep. We finished the room off by using four comfortable upholstered counter stools with distressed white painted legs, adding to the farmhouse feel. New hand scraped oak plank hardwood flooring was added throughout the first floor along with large baseboard trim to tie the rest of the house in with the new kitchen design. Our client now has a large, updated, modernized kitchen to conjure up delicious meals for their family and friends.

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into rustic, timeless – even ancient-looking – outdoor design styles. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. Design objectives: -Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details -Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish -Classic neutral palette -Ample storage for toiletries and towels -Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower THE REMODEL “I’m not good at coming up with ideas,” the homeowner focused on the shower told us. “I like it when someone taps into my idea and gives me the options of what I’m looking for. That’s what Diana did for me and the shower while making my wife’s clear vision for everything else happen.” Once the goals were clear, Diana identified the project’s challenges and solutions so the Drury Design installation team could make the remodel a reality. Design challenges: -Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light -Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower -More storage solutions in the same space -Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements Design solutions: -Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously -Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit. -Open elegance – spacious tone and feel created by free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces -White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together -Warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space THE RENEWED SPACE This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.

Trendy concrete floor and open staircase photo in Seattle

For this project, my client’s goal was to remove a rarely-used existing bath tub next to a medium-sized shower and replace it all with a roomy, open, walk-in shower. With soaring, ten-foot high ceilings, this space became a luxurious statement in minimalism! I chose a neutral, linen-striated ceramic tile for the floor which, since we were creating a barrier-free shower, meant I could run this tile into the shower and add a hidden, tiled drain for a continuous, seamless look. This makes the bathroom appear even larger. For interest, I added opulent, large-format, ceramic tiles with a blue- and grey-veined marble pattern trimmed out with metal strips. A grand glass wall separates the wet area from the rest of the bathroom. Controls for the shower were wisely placed at the entrance which also features towel hooks and a towel bar on a coordinating panel of blue marble ceramic tile. The rest of the bathroom received a modern makeover as well with a crisp, custom-built vanity and quartz counter top replacing the old tile counter. Undermount sinks and sculptural hardware sit under modern mirrors with integrated LED lights for maximum light on the face. To top this design off, I chose a glamorous but tailored chandelier with discreet crystal embellishments to infuse sophistication into this sleek, minimalist space. The new room is light, bright, and uncluttered. For this client, the ultimate luxury is not having a space full of things, but having a space that is simply full of space! Photo by Bernardo Grijalva

The dining room shows the eclectic furniture and art. The table and chairs are very modern and they were paired with some eastern European heirloom plates, fabric, and mugs hung on the wall as art. The fish "swimming" on top of the large metal cabinet is causing the "bubbles" of plates, circular shelves, etc. This project involved Redecorating and Styling in a San Jose condo to bring together an eclectic mix of furniture, art, and accessories into a cohesive whole. This involved editing the pieces down as needed, purchasing new accessories as needed, and making it a stylish, yet comfortable, home overall.

The couple each had their own wish lists. Hers was focused on aesthetics and was very clear: a contrasting combo of dark and crisp-white tile along with warm wood, soft bronze plumbing finishes, and an elegant soaking tub. His list was all about the shower. He wanted to match the experience of a luxury hotel shower. Design objectives: -Open up the space and omit heavy millwork details -Furniture-style vanity in a warm wood finish -Classic neutral palette -Ample storage for toiletries and towels -Luxurious modern technology, especially in the shower THE REMODEL “I’m not good at coming up with ideas,” the homeowner focused on the shower told us. “I like it when someone taps into my idea and gives me the options of what I’m looking for. That’s what Diana did for me and the shower while making my wife’s clear vision for everything else happen.” Once the goals were clear, Diana identified the project’s challenges and solutions so the Drury Design installation team could make the remodel a reality. Design challenges: -Expand and open up the shower in a way that lets in more light -Continue crown molding from the rest of the home – solve for how this could work around the shower -More storage solutions in the same space -Create an elegant, streamlined look that unifies all of the new elements Design solutions: -Adding a soffit above the shower area allows crown molding to flow continuously -Large Robern medicine cabinets offer convenient eye-level storage while freeing up vanity space. The mirrors on both sides of the inner medicine cabinet make them bright and sleek without having to be lit. -Open elegance – spacious tone and feel created by free-standing tub highlighted by a large wall mirror and oversized sconces -White quartz with black and bronze veining ties all the materials together -Warm, contrasting character of walnut adds a nice infusion of nature into the spa-like space THE RENEWED SPACE This elegant bathroom is all about symmetry and well-thought-out details. A classic, spa-like appeal emanates from simple beveled subway tile, herringbone patterns in the floor and shower niches, and the gorgeous walnut vanity. The result is a beautiful bathroom that checks all the boxes from the homeowners’ original wish lists.

Design Statement: My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function. Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”. This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer. Construction and Design The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash. Technology and Design The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell. Materials and design Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design. Appliances and design All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow. Photography by Mark Oser

Design Statement: My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function. Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”. This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer. Construction and Design The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash. Technology and Design The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell. Materials and design Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design. Appliances and design All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow. Photography by Mark Oser

For this project, my client’s goal was to remove a rarely-used existing bath tub next to a medium-sized shower and replace it all with a roomy, open, walk-in shower. With soaring, ten-foot high ceilings, this space became a luxurious statement in minimalism! I chose a neutral, linen-striated ceramic tile for the floor which, since we were creating a barrier-free shower, meant I could run this tile into the shower and add a hidden, tiled drain for a continuous, seamless look. This makes the bathroom appear even larger. For interest, I added opulent, large-format, ceramic tiles with a blue- and grey-veined marble pattern trimmed out with metal strips. A grand glass wall separates the wet area from the rest of the bathroom. Controls for the shower were wisely placed at the entrance which also features towel hooks and a towel bar on a coordinating panel of blue marble ceramic tile. The rest of the bathroom received a modern makeover as well with a crisp, custom-built vanity and quartz counter top replacing the old tile counter. Undermount sinks and sculptural hardware sit under modern mirrors with integrated LED lights for maximum light on the face. To top this design off, I chose a glamorous but tailored chandelier with discreet crystal embellishments to infuse sophistication into this sleek, minimalist space. The new room is light, bright, and uncluttered. For this client, the ultimate luxury is not having a space full of things, but having a space that is simply full of space! Photo by Bernardo Grijalva

Rammed earth lantern. "Illuminate Your Space with Elegance and Earthiness: Welcome to a world where lighting transcends mere functionality to become a masterpiece of artistry and nature's embrace. Our exclusive collection of rammed earth lanterns is designed to captivate the discerning tastes of high-end connoisseurs, offering a harmony of earthly textures and artisanal craftsmanship. Each lantern in our collection is a testament to the time-honored tradition of rammed earth construction, where raw materials are transformed into stunning works of functional art. These lanterns bring the raw beauty of the earth into your living spaces, creating a seamless connection between your home and the natural world. Crafted by skilled artisans, our rammed earth lanterns are not just lighting fixtures; they are statements of luxury and sophistication. Their organic textures, warm earthy tones, and soft, ambient glow add a touch of serenity and refinement to any environment. Whether it's your living room, garden, or a high-end restaurant, these lanterns will transform the ambiance, elevating it to a level of unadulterated elegance. In a world where authenticity and environmental consciousness are highly valued, our rammed earth lanterns represent the pinnacle of sustainability and artistic expression. Discover a unique fusion of ancient building techniques and contemporary design in each meticulously created piece. Elevate your surroundings and inspire conversations about the fusion of luxury and nature. Illuminate your world with rammed earth lanterns - a symbol of opulence, craftsmanship, and an unbreakable bond with the Earth. Let the radiance of high-end artistry transform your space into a sanctuary of style and substance. Embrace the future of luxurious lighting with the timeless essence of the past. Experience the magic of rammed earth lanterns, exclusively for those who demand nothing but the best." This introduction combines the concepts of artistry, earthiness, luxury, and sustainability to attract high-end markets to your rammed earth lanterns. What is Rammed Earth? Rammed earth is an ancient construction technique that seamlessly blends the raw beauty of the Earth with architectural ingenuity. It involves compressing layers of natural raw materials, such as earth, chalk, lime, or gravel, to create sturdy, durable walls or structures. The result is a stunning display of the Earth's colors and textures, providing not only a harmonious connection to the natural world but also exceptional thermal mass properties for energy efficiency. • This time-honored building method, dating back thousands of years, continues to capture the imagination of modern architects, environmentalists, and those with a deep appreciation for sustainable living. Rammed earth structures are renowned for their organic appeal, as the layers of earth form unique patterns, creating a visual masterpiece in every piece of architecture. • At “Rammed Earth Graden”, we've harnessed the artistry of rammed earth to craft exquisite lanterns that not only illuminate your space but also infuse it with the timeless essence of this extraordinary building technique. Explore our exclusive collection to experience the magic of rammed earth in a new light

Staircase - modern wooden floating open and glass railing staircase idea in Miami

Modern steel and glass staircase with solid oak treads, San Francisco photo credit: Mariko Reed
Large minimalist wooden floating open and glass railing staircase photo in San Francisco

A transformation inspired by the owner’s love of modern architecture, art and color (and the adjacent sand, rock, water, and the northwest landscape), the Indianola House sought to bring the soul of a home to a colorless muted box. The original house was a drab 1990’s-era box with no personality or presence sited on a beautiful secluded bay, facing water and island views, northwest of the City of Seattle. The existing mono-colored stucco-clad exterior and pyramidal glass-block openings had led the neighborhood to dub the structure, unflatteringly, “The Miami Vice House”. Rhodes Architecture’s Residential Architects careful use of natural light, rich, collaged finishes and ability to open the house to gardens, beach, and outdoor gathering was critical to the design. The house soon became “The Gallery”. The original home’s grey stucco exterior made the house seem both large and featureless; the introduction of no-maintenance exterior materials that collage and complement each other was a goal of the homeowner and the Seattle Architects who teamed up for this residential design. The bloated scale of the house cried out for the establishment and definition of the parts of the structure, a breaking down of the home’s form and its apparent bland size. Living, sleeping, and bathing areas that started as staid spaces were in need of opening to the natural environment with additions of large doors, folding glass walls and useable balconies were crucial to each space having a dialogue with the outdoors. The owner’s extensive art collection was highlighted and became the focus of interior places, well-lit naturally and through a new lighting system. Energy use and sustainable systems were a key component of the design which used high-efficacy lighting, better cladding on a rain-screen system, high-efficiency doors and windows, new insulation and weather barriers, and which added a photovoltaic-generated electrical system. The contemporary design sought to integrate all of these systems, materials, and finishes into a seamless whole that lent interest and drama to a residence which was previously lusterless. How radically this house was transformed is evident in the exteriors, gardens and the natural spaces the house now opens to, as well as the gallery-like interiors. This home is a stunning testament to what is possible “before-and-after” when remade by Rhodes Architecture + Light. The clients are an older couple with long professional and political careers, a love of art and a clear desire to connect with the Northwest environment and enliven their daily lives with spaces full of color and natural light. Rhodes Architecture + Light was hired in 2019 to add new exteriors and interiors, natural light, larger openings to beach and bay, seismic and foundation upgrades to the home, and to infuse life into the house through the re-use of existing space and varied materials, color, textures, and lighting. The only actual change to the exterior “shell” of the house was the introduction of a low “gull-wing” roof with wood soffits above the central atrium space, to add drama and bring natural light into the entry gallery space. Interior spaces, including bedrooms and bathrooms, were re-planned and opened to each other, to greater natural light, to roof decks, and to the incredible views and sea-side environment. The Builder, Fairbank Construction Company of Bainbridge Island, Washington, met the challenge of the design, first completely deconstructing the finishes inside and out, then precisely interlocking new claddings, windows and doors, cabinetry, finishes and a new gull-wing central roof in a beautiful transformation. The construction was total, thorough, and very detailed, resulting a house that, far from seeming a “remodeling”, is far more present and fitting to the owner’s lives and the natural environment than the house we started with.

This Manhattan Beach home is a masterpiece of the warm contemporary movement. Rich mahogany wood has been combined with elegant limestone to create clean lines and an inviting exterior. Simple concrete planters are filled with drought tolerant native plants to add color and low maintenance beauty.

With pops of magenta and sleek ebony, this bright, lively room exemplifies electric glam.
Transitional living room photo in Houston

Two-story living room is an unexpected surprise discovered upon entering the house. Photos by Chris Nigro
Living room - mid-sized modern open concept light wood floor living room idea in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

Corey Gaffer
Example of a transitional family room design in Minneapolis