This kitchen took a tired, 80’s builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful client. The existing space was split up by the dated configuration of eat-in kitchen table area to one side and cramped workspace on the other. It didn’t just under-serve our client’s needs; it flat out discouraged them from using the space. Our client desired an open kitchen with a central gathering space where family and friends could connect. To open things up, we removed the half wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and the wall that blocked sight lines to the family room and created a narrow hallway to the kitchen. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and dark. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in linen white to brighten up the room. On the east wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features an appliance garage that keeps often used countertop appliance on hand but out of sight. The hutch also acts as a transition from the cooking zone to the coffee and wine area. We eliminated the north window that looked onto the entry walkway and activated this wall as storage with refrigerator enclosure and pantry. We opted to leave the east window as-is and incorporated it into the new kitchen layout by creating a window well for growing plants and herbs. The countertops are Pental Quartz in Carrara. The sleek cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous satin champagne bronze. One of the most striking features in the space is the pattern encaustic tile from Tile Shop. The pop of blue in the backsplash adds personality and contrast to the champagne accents. The reclaimed wood cladding surrounding the large east-facing window introduces a quintessential Colorado vibe, and the natural texture balances the crisp white cabinetry and geometric patterned tile. Minimalist modern lighting fixtures from Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting provide task lighting over the sink and at the wine/ coffee station. The visual lightness of the sink pendants maintains the openness and visual connection between the kitchen and dining room. Together the elements make for a sophisticated yet casual vibe-- a comfortable chic kitchen. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a bright and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

To create a soothing oasis for our busy bicoastal client, like we did for her Bay Area residence, we took cues from her petite NYC apartment’s architectural features and floor to ceiling windows as a foundational starting point for a luxurious interior design upgrade boasting brilliant décor and personality. And to make the space have a similar feel to her San Francisco home, Décor Aid’s interior designer Victoria C. set about to create the same sense of comfort and consistency that we did for her first project with us. Centered around her modern art collection, our client wanted a modern, fun, comfortable, and casual interior design upgrade for her apartment that boasted a light and airy feel along with a pulled-together sense of everyday urban glamor. From room to room, Victoria’s main objective was to create a quick budget-friendly turnaround with furnishings that were neither too precious or required custom construction – everything needed to be ready on the go as you can imagine for a client with such a heavy, frequent commute. For the living room, a transitional sectional in a rich purple hue was brought in for an easy sense of relaxed drama, was finished with pillows in complimentary jewel tones, and punctuated with a graphic cubist wall hanging featuring tonal shades of matte and muted gold. In order to break away from the rooms angular lined furnishings, a rounded glass-topped coffee table was sourced to also make the living room appear larger than it is. And a white sculptural Eames chaise was introduced as a conversation starter and juxtaposition to the indulgent color scheme of the other furnishings. For the den, Victoria placed a playful boldly hued collaged wall hanging above a somewhat traditional gray couch to emphasize a non-fussy approach to the room’s décor. While a modern rustic shelving unit was introduced to do triple duty as an entertainment center, a mini-library, and a spot to highlight decorative objects and collectibles.

This kitchen epitomizes traditional elegance with its thoughtfully curated features and warm, inviting tones. The space centers around a cherry wood island with a dark stain, paired beautifully with antique white cabinetry finished with a delicate coffee glaze, creating a timeless two-tone aesthetic. The stacked Dura Supreme cabinets, crowned with elegant molding, offer ample storage while showcasing intricate craftsmanship. A chimney hood takes center stage above the gas rangetop, blending seamlessly with the refined tile backsplash and intricate tile mosaic accents. The granite countertops provide both practicality and a touch of classic sophistication. Glass cabinet doors introduce an airy element, reflecting light to enhance the warm creme tones throughout. Bar stools nestled by the small island offer a cozy gathering spot, while stainless steel appliances, including double ovens, add a sleek, modern contrast. Drawer knobs and details from the Kitchens of Diablo design team complete the polished look. Set against the richness of a wood floor, this kitchen radiates charm and functionality in equal measure.

Our clients were looking to make this home their forever home and to create a warm and welcoming space that the whole family would enjoy returning to every day. One of our primary goals in this project was to change how our clients moved through their home. We tossed aside the existing walls that blocked off the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry to connect the kitchen directly to the dining room. Contrast is king in this home, and we utilized a variety of light and dark finishes to create distinctive layers and lean into opportunities for accents. To tie the space in this home together, we introduced warm hardwood flooring throughout the main level and selected a soft grey paint as our primary wall color. Kitchen- The heart of this home is most definitely the kitchen! We erased every trace of the original builder kitchen and created a space that welcomes one and all. The glorious island, with its light cabinetry and dramatic quartz countertop, provides the perfect gathering place for morning coffee and baking sessions. At the perimeter of the kitchen, we selected a handsome grey finish with a brushed linen effect for an extra touch of texture that ties in with the high variation backsplash tile giving us a softened handmade feel. Black metal accents from the hardware to the light fixtures unite the kitchen with the rest of the home. Butler’s Pantry- The Butler’s Pantry quickly became one of our favorite spaces in this home! We had fun with the backsplash tile patten (utilizing the same tile we highlighted in the kitchen but installed in a herringbone pattern). Continuing the warm tones through this space with the butcher block counter and open shelving, it works to unite the front and back of the house. Plus, this space is home to the kegerator with custom family tap handles! Mud Room- We wanted to make sure we gave this busy family a landing place for all their belongings. With plenty of cabinetry storage, a sweet built-in bench, and hooks galore there’s no more jockeying to find a home for coats. Fireplace- A double-sided fireplace means double the opportunity for a dramatic focal point! On the living room side (the tv-free grown-up zone) we utilized reclaimed wooden planks to add layers of texture and bring in more cozy warm vibes. On the family room side (aka the tv room) we mixed it up with a travertine ledger stone that ties in with the warm tones of the kitchen island. Staircase- The standard builder handrail was just not going to do it anymore! So, we leveled up designed a custom steel & wood railing for this home with a dark finish that allows it to contrast beautifully against the walls and tie in with the dark accent finishes throughout the home.

The mainly black and white colour palette from the family room has been continued, but warm coffee shades have been introduced, which give the kitchen a café aesthetic. The mid-brown stain of the oak bar top highlights the woodgrain and visually balances the Cosmic Black granite of the benchtop. White cabinetry with recessed panel doors provide a timeless, handcrafted look.

This kitchen epitomizes traditional elegance with its thoughtfully curated features and warm, inviting tones. The space centers around a cherry wood island with a dark stain, paired beautifully with antique white cabinetry finished with a delicate coffee glaze, creating a timeless two-tone aesthetic. The stacked Dura Supreme cabinets, crowned with elegant molding, offer ample storage while showcasing intricate craftsmanship. A chimney hood takes center stage above the gas rangetop, blending seamlessly with the refined tile backsplash and intricate tile mosaic accents. The granite countertops provide both practicality and a touch of classic sophistication. Glass cabinet doors introduce an airy element, reflecting light to enhance the warm creme tones throughout. Bar stools nestled by the small island offer a cozy gathering spot, while stainless steel appliances, including double ovens, add a sleek, modern contrast. Drawer knobs and details from the Kitchens of Diablo design team complete the polished look. Set against the richness of a wood floor, this kitchen radiates charm and functionality in equal measure.

This kitchen renovation blends timeless craftsmanship with a warm, modern aesthetic. Custom natural-oak cabinetry anchors the space with organic texture, while soft green island and perimeter accents introduce a subtle wash of color. Bright natural light highlights the clean stone surfaces, brass fixtures, and tailored millwork details throughout. Thoughtful upgrades—like paneled appliances, a plaster hood, a dedicated coffee nook, and a sculptural plaster range hood—elevate both function and flow. The result is a calm, inviting kitchen that feels fresh yet enduring, designed for everyday family living and effortless entertaining.

• Design Elements: To achieve a transitional look, the client selected two-toned shaker-style cabinetry that blends timeless charm with contemporary appeal. Navy blue base cabinets anchor the design with rich contrast, while light wood wall cabinets and a coordinating range hood add warmth and balance. Modern elements were introduced through sleek quartz countertops, which extend seamlessly up the wall as a full-height backsplash and waterfall gracefully down the side of the peninsula. This peninsula also provides integrated seating, creating a functional and stylish space for dining and entertaining. • Functional Improvements: On the wall opposite of the kitchen, additional cabinetry was incorporated to maximize storage and create a dedicated coffee bar. Tall pantry cabinets were installed to provide more storage, while upper cabinets with glass doors introduced both function and style. The glass-front cabinetry features a matching wood interior and integrated lighting, offering a warm glow that highlights the displayed glassware and adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

The clients are a younger couple with no pets or children. They asked me to help them with the Great Room in their brand new townhouse. The space is open concept with 9-foot ceilings. When the clients moved in they had very little furniture and the walls were white and bare. The husband had his eye on a very large original work of art that he wanted to purchase and incorporate into the design. They love to cook and entertain. They asked for a tranquil, neutral space with some color accents, comfortable and flexible seating, a wall-mounted TV with some storage for media equipment, and a bar. The room has several large windows and two sets of sliding glass doors so there is a lot of natural light, which the clients didn’t want to block, but also a lack of privacy. The couple also requested lighting over the kitchen island and some counter stools. I was challenged by the lack of architectural detail in the room and a tight budget. I decided to choose furniture and accessories with classic modern lines so they would last for a long time. To offset all of the straight lines and neutral colors of the main furniture pieces, and to add visual interest, I introduced organic elements, texture and movement. I did this with wallpaper on the fireplace wall and on the kitchen island (in the case of the island, I railroaded the paper for some interest), a textured rug, some greenery, rough wood on the pedestals next to the fireplace, window shades in natural woven wood, and accessories (particularly two ceramic vases) in interesting shapes. I used the husband’s art piece as the starting point for the color scheme and overall design. I added balance and harmony by adding a large art piece and large pedestals across the room from the large art piece and carrying the teal color across the room in the sofa cushion and ottoman fabrics, art above the mantel and a vase in the niche next to the fireplace. I chose large green glass pendant lights for the kitchen to add color and to match the scale of the room. One major challenge was that the clients wanted ottomans so they could put their feet up while watching TV. I couldn’t accommodate ottomans and a coffee table, so I opted just to have one large ottoman and added casters so it could be moved closer to the sofa; however, the husband is very tall and the wife is very petite so they wanted separate ottomans to accommodate their different leg lengths. My solution was to design an ottoman that provides maximum flexibility: the two pieces can be joined and a tray added to make it a coffee table, or pulled apart and used either as party seating or individual ottomans for the homeowners. They were thrilled with the solution. Phoographer: Jon W. Miller

Our clients were looking to make this home their forever home and to create a warm and welcoming space that the whole family would enjoy returning to every day. One of our primary goals in this project was to change how our clients moved through their home. We tossed aside the existing walls that blocked off the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry to connect the kitchen directly to the dining room. Contrast is king in this home, and we utilized a variety of light and dark finishes to create distinctive layers and lean into opportunities for accents. To tie the space in this home together, we introduced warm hardwood flooring throughout the main level and selected a soft grey paint as our primary wall color. Kitchen- The heart of this home is most definitely the kitchen! We erased every trace of the original builder kitchen and created a space that welcomes one and all. The glorious island, with its light cabinetry and dramatic quartz countertop, provides the perfect gathering place for morning coffee and baking sessions. At the perimeter of the kitchen, we selected a handsome grey finish with a brushed linen effect for an extra touch of texture that ties in with the high variation backsplash tile giving us a softened handmade feel. Black metal accents from the hardware to the light fixtures unite the kitchen with the rest of the home. Butler’s Pantry- The Butler’s Pantry quickly became one of our favorite spaces in this home! We had fun with the backsplash tile patten (utilizing the same tile we highlighted in the kitchen but installed in a herringbone pattern). Continuing the warm tones through this space with the butcher block counter and open shelving, it works to unite the front and back of the house. Plus, this space is home to the kegerator with custom family tap handles! Mud Room- We wanted to make sure we gave this busy family a landing place for all their belongings. With plenty of cabinetry storage, a sweet built-in bench, and hooks galore there’s no more jockeying to find a home for coats. Fireplace- A double-sided fireplace means double the opportunity for a dramatic focal point! On the living room side (the tv-free grown-up zone) we utilized reclaimed wooden planks to add layers of texture and bring in more cozy warm vibes. On the family room side (aka the tv room) we mixed it up with a travertine ledger stone that ties in with the warm tones of the kitchen island. Staircase- The standard builder handrail was just not going to do it anymore! So, we leveled up designed a custom steel & wood railing for this home with a dark finish that allows it to contrast beautifully against the walls and tie in with the dark accent finishes throughout the home.

Our clients were ready to update their kitchen with soft and subtle colors to blend in with the home’s recently updated interior. It was also time to improve the layout. The kitchen needed to be reconfigured in order to facilitate a three-generation family and occasional entertaining. Design Objectives -Brighten up to blend with the home’s interior and flow into the adjacent family room area -Incorporate specific storage for pantry items like bulk ingredients and small appliances -Designate areas for a coffee bar, multiple prep areas and seating while highlighting a dry bar for display -Keep clutter off of counters for a seamless design that facilitates visual flow through the entire area Design Challenges -Make a subtle statement with contrasting cabinets and countertops -Incorporate a stand-alone, statement-making dry bar just outside the main kitchen space -Design a statement hood that serves as a focal point without interrupting visual flow -Update and add lighting to add more task, accent and overhead brightness. -Have the space be usable for different tasks by different family members at the same time -Create a space that looks classy and formal but is still inviting. Design Solutions -A soft grey stain and white paint were used on all the cabinets. On only the wall cabinets flanking the window was the grey introduced on the frame to make a pop against the white paint. -The white-painted refrigerator and freezer door panel style is a custom reeded look that adds a soft contrasting detail against the main door style. Along with the open grey-stained interior cabinet above, it looks like a piece of furniture. -The same soft tones were used for the countertops and a full, high backsplash of Chamonix quartzite that tied everything together. It’s an elegant backdrop for the hood. -The Dry Bar, even though showcasing a dark stained cabinet, stays open and bright with a full mirror backsplash, wood retained glass floating shelves and glass wall cabinet doors. Brushed brass trim details and a fun light fixture add a pop of character. -The same reeded door style as the refrigerator was used on the base doors of the dry bar to tie in with the kitchen. -About 2/3 of the existing walk-in pantry was carved out for the new dry bar footprint while still keeping a shallow-depth pantry space for storage. -The homeowners wanted a beautiful hood but didn’t want it to dominate the design. We kept the lines of the hood simple. The soft stainless steel body has a bottom accent that incorporates both the grey stain and white-painted cabinet colors. -Even though the Kitchen had a lot of natural light from the large window, it was important to have task and subtle feature lighting. Recessed cans provide overall lighting while clear pendants shine down on the 2nd level of the seating area on the island. -The circular clear chandelier is the statement piece over the main island while the pendants flanking the hood emphasize the quartzite backsplash and add as accent lighting in the evening along with the interior cabinet lights. With three generations living in the home it was important to have areas that multiple family members could use at the same time without being in each other’s way. The design incorporates different zones like the coffee bar, charging station, dry bar and ­­refrigerator drawers. The softness of the colors and classic feel of the wood floor keep kitchen is inviting and calming.­­

This kitchen renovation blends timeless craftsmanship with a warm, modern aesthetic. Custom natural-oak cabinetry anchors the space with organic texture, while soft green island and perimeter accents introduce a subtle wash of color. Bright natural light highlights the clean stone surfaces, brass fixtures, and tailored millwork details throughout. Thoughtful upgrades—like paneled appliances, a plaster hood, a dedicated coffee nook, and a sculptural plaster range hood—elevate both function and flow. The result is a calm, inviting kitchen that feels fresh yet enduring, designed for everyday family living and effortless entertaining.

Our clients wanted to bring a modern, fresh feel to their kitchen without changing its overall flow or functionality. To achieve this, we introduced a series of thoughtful updates that enhanced both its character and style. The existing pendants were replaced with matte black Anello Spun cone pendants by Rejuvenation, setting the tone with a sleek, modern statement. To create cohesion with the rest of the kitchen, we used matte black cabinet pulls and Pull-Down Bridge Faucet by Signature Hardware. For contrast, we updated the range hood, while the island base legs were refreshed with a coat of Sherwin-Williams Swiss Coffee, tying in seamlessly with the hood’s color and finish. What was once a mudroom next to the kitchen was transformed into a cozy breakfast nook with built-in bench seating, softly lit by the Beatrix pendant from West Elm. The base of the bench was finished in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox, a rich tone that perfectly complemented the lighter Swiss Coffee used on the island base while still creating contrast that ties seamlessly with the matte black fixtures.

Our clients wanted to bring a modern, fresh feel to their kitchen without changing its overall flow or functionality. To achieve this, we introduced a series of thoughtful updates that enhanced both its character and style. The existing pendants were replaced with matte black Anello Spun cone pendants by Rejuvenation, setting the tone with a sleek, modern statement. To create cohesion with the rest of the kitchen, we used matte black cabinet pulls and Pull-Down Bridge Faucet by Signature Hardware. For contrast, we updated the range hood, while the island base legs were refreshed with a coat of Sherwin-Williams Swiss Coffee, tying in seamlessly with the hood’s color and finish. What was once a mudroom next to the kitchen was transformed into a cozy breakfast nook with built-in bench seating, softly lit by the Beatrix pendant from West Elm. The base of the bench was finished in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox, a rich tone that perfectly complemented the lighter Swiss Coffee used on the island base while still creating contrast that ties seamlessly with the matte black fixtures.

This calm and characterful double reception room pairs gentle colour with tactile materiality for a layered and welcoming feel. Muted blue-green walls offer a soothing backdrop for the mid-century-inspired furnishings, including dark sofas and a robust timber coffee table set atop a cowhide rug. Pale oak flooring throughout lightens the space and ties it into the rest of the home. Two fireplaces—one traditional and one reimagined with bold blue cabinetry—anchor each end of the room and add architectural rhythm. Floating oak shelves and abundant greenery soften the look and introduce natural textures, while a simple arched sash window frames the end of the room, ushering in daylight and referencing the period charm of this Victorian terrace.

This kitchen renovation blends timeless craftsmanship with a warm, modern aesthetic. Custom natural-oak cabinetry anchors the space with organic texture, while soft green island and perimeter accents introduce a subtle wash of color. Bright natural light highlights the clean stone surfaces, brass fixtures, and tailored millwork details throughout. Thoughtful upgrades—like paneled appliances, a plaster hood, a dedicated coffee nook, and a sculptural plaster range hood—elevate both function and flow. The result is a calm, inviting kitchen that feels fresh yet enduring, designed for everyday family living and effortless entertaining.

The clients are a younger couple with no pets or children. They asked me to help them with the Great Room in their brand new townhouse. The space is open concept with 9-foot ceilings. When the clients moved in they had very little furniture and the walls were white and bare. The husband had his eye on a very large original work of art that he wanted to purchase and incorporate into the design. They love to cook and entertain. They asked for a tranquil, neutral space with some color accents, comfortable and flexible seating, a wall-mounted TV with some storage for media equipment, and a bar. The room has several large windows and two sets of sliding glass doors so there is a lot of natural light, which the clients didn’t want to block, but also a lack of privacy. The couple also requested lighting over the kitchen island and some counter stools. I was challenged by the lack of architectural detail in the room and a tight budget. I decided to choose furniture and accessories with classic modern lines so they would last for a long time. To offset all of the straight lines and neutral colors of the main furniture pieces, and to add visual interest, I introduced organic elements, texture and movement. I did this with wallpaper on the fireplace wall and on the kitchen island (in the case of the island, I railroaded the paper for some interest), a textured rug, some greenery, rough wood on the pedestals next to the fireplace, window shades in natural woven wood, and accessories (particularly two ceramic vases) in interesting shapes. I used the husband’s art piece as the starting point for the color scheme and overall design. I added balance and harmony by adding a large art piece and large pedestals across the room from the large art piece and carrying the teal color across the room in the sofa cushion and ottoman fabrics, art above the mantel and a vase in the niche next to the fireplace. I chose large green glass pendant lights for the kitchen to add color and to match the scale of the room. One major challenge was that the clients wanted ottomans so they could put their feet up while watching TV. I couldn’t accommodate ottomans and a coffee table, so I opted just to have one large ottoman and added casters so it could be moved closer to the sofa; however, the husband is very tall and the wife is very petite so they wanted separate ottomans to accommodate their different leg lengths. My solution was to design an ottoman that provides maximum flexibility: the two pieces can be joined and a tray added to make it a coffee table, or pulled apart and used either as party seating or individual ottomans for the homeowners. They were thrilled with the solution. Photographer: Jon W. Miller

This modern organic living room blends warm neutrals, natural textures, and clean lines to create a space that feels both elevated and inviting. A spacious sectional anchors the room, layered with textured pillows that add depth and comfort, while a substantial wood coffee table introduces an earthy, grounded element. The statement sputnik chandelier adds a bold, contemporary touch, balancing the softness of the furnishings. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light and frame serene outdoor views, enhancing the home’s indoor-outdoor connection. Thoughtfully placed greenery and curated decor bring life and movement, while the patterned rug ties the palette together with subtle visual interest. Designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining, this space embodies cozy modern style with a refined, livable edge.

Our clients were looking to make this home their forever home and to create a warm and welcoming space that the whole family would enjoy returning to every day. One of our primary goals in this project was to change how our clients moved through their home. We tossed aside the existing walls that blocked off the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry to connect the kitchen directly to the dining room. Contrast is king in this home, and we utilized a variety of light and dark finishes to create distinctive layers and lean into opportunities for accents. To tie the space in this home together, we introduced warm hardwood flooring throughout the main level and selected a soft grey paint as our primary wall color. Kitchen- The heart of this home is most definitely the kitchen! We erased every trace of the original builder kitchen and created a space that welcomes one and all. The glorious island, with its light cabinetry and dramatic quartz countertop, provides the perfect gathering place for morning coffee and baking sessions. At the perimeter of the kitchen, we selected a handsome grey finish with a brushed linen effect for an extra touch of texture that ties in with the high variation backsplash tile giving us a softened handmade feel. Black metal accents from the hardware to the light fixtures unite the kitchen with the rest of the home. Butler’s Pantry- The Butler’s Pantry quickly became one of our favorite spaces in this home! We had fun with the backsplash tile patten (utilizing the same tile we highlighted in the kitchen but installed in a herringbone pattern). Continuing the warm tones through this space with the butcher block counter and open shelving, it works to unite the front and back of the house. Plus, this space is home to the kegerator with custom family tap handles! Mud Room- We wanted to make sure we gave this busy family a landing place for all their belongings. With plenty of cabinetry storage, a sweet built-in bench, and hooks galore there’s no more jockeying to find a home for coats. Fireplace- A double-sided fireplace means double the opportunity for a dramatic focal point! On the living room side (the tv-free grown-up zone) we utilized reclaimed wooden planks to add layers of texture and bring in more cozy warm vibes. On the family room side (aka the tv room) we mixed it up with a travertine ledger stone that ties in with the warm tones of the kitchen island. Staircase- The standard builder handrail was just not going to do it anymore! So, we leveled up designed a custom steel & wood railing for this home with a dark finish that allows it to contrast beautifully against the walls and tie in with the dark accent finishes throughout the home.