Search results for "Issues continue" in Home Design Ideas

This traditional 1980's Texas kitchen was not only in need of a face lift, but was also in need of minor rearranging. The main issues were too many appliances jammed into one area and the homeowner needed to incorporate a home office into the kitchen as well. In order to keep a double oven, increase workspace, and allow for more food storage, we suggested replacing all the existing appliances with a 48" range, 42" built-in refrigerator, and built-in microwave. We also removed the peninsula and continued cabinets towards the breakfast area which opened up the kitchen to the eating area. We elongated the island adding more usable storage and working space, leaving open area on the end for seating. Lastly we integrated an office workspace by lowering the countertop, creating a seating area, and space for a pull out printer.

This modern kitchen features sleek, flat-panel white cabinetry paired with a rich, dark countertop, creating a striking contrast. A stylish, vertically stacked light gray subway tile backsplash adds texture and visual interest. Stainless steel appliances and minimalist hardware contribute to the contemporary aesthetic. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates the countertop, highlighting the clean lines and sophisticated design of this culinary space.

HISTORIC DISTRICT OF KALORAMA, A THREE-STORY BRICK CITY HOME IS RENOVATED AND ADDED TO. A DARK CONSERVATORY FORM IS ADDED CONTINUOUSLY ALONG THE BACK OF THE HOUSE SOLVING CIRCULATION ISSUES AND ADDING SPACE FOR A BREAKFAST ROOM. THE ADDITION REFERENCES CONSERVATORIES DESIGNED DURING THE TIME, THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL HISTORIC HOME AND THE NEW CONTRASTING ADDITION IS CLEAR. THE UPPER LANDING OF THE MAIN STAIRWAY WAS CHANGED TO WINDERS. THE BENEFIT OF WHICH PURCHASES ENOUGH RISE TO ALLOW CIRCULATION BELOW THE WINDERS ALLOWING ACCESS AND VIEW TO THE BACK GARDENS. INFORMAL KITCHEN, FAMILY AND BREAKFAST WERE OPENED UP TO ADDRESS MODERN LIVING, THE PARENTHESIS OF THE ORIGINAL ROOMS WAS LEFT CLEARLY DEFINED. BRICK WALLS ARE ALSO ADDED TO THE FRONT ACT AS A BASE ON THE FRONT.
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Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price.
At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time.
Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue.
We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line.
In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

Water leaks can be frustrating and happen often unexpectedly… especially when the water is coming from your upstairs neighbor!
Once the leak occurred, the homeowners decided that it was the perfect opportunity to create their dream kitchen and entryway. The decision was made and the homeowners went shopping to purchase materials for their renovation. One problem; they hadn’t hired a contractor yet. They quickly discovered they would need help building their dream kitchen and entryway which is where we came in.
Scope:
Create a versatile space that reflects the homeowners’ vibrant personalities where they could cook, work, relax and entertain.
Desired features include:
Color changing LED tape lighting was essential to help create ambiance.
Smaller can lights with updated trim to modernize the lighting.
Disguising a “workspace” into the island design.
Installing a compost bin that doubles as a wine chiller for entertaining.
Separate wine bar.
Installing an intricate piece of mirror art and lighting in the entryway.
Installing custom waved back splash tile.
Challenges:
Creating a working set of construction plans from cabinet drawings was a challenge. The process entailed continuous communication with the clients including several walkthroughs before final installation of each aspect throughout the project.
Incorporating high-gloss and muted surfaces into the space without creating glare from the natural light coming in from many existing windows.
Wavy tile became difficult to install with the desired layout of backsplash outlet style and locations.
Solutions:
The core design issues were resolved with exceptional communication between our field team and the homeowners.
Satin finish countertops and matte paint offset the high gloss cabinetry and backsplash.
Because of the size of tiles in the space, the outlets needed to be cut in the center of the tile to look uniform. Time and a steady hand made this possible for the best visual result.
Result:
Thoughtful execution helped to create a versatile dream kitchen and entry way that also provides an at-home workspace. This now versatile space is useful and aesthetically pleasing, exceeding the homeowners’ vision. The small details ranging from accent lighting to the compost bin turned wine chiller make this a luxurious statement piece.

In many Parisian apartment buildings, the water pressure can be quite low, which can make taking a shower or filling up a bathtub a slow and frustrating process. To combat this issue, many Parisians have installed water pressure boosting systems or use specialized showerheads that help to increase the water flow. Despite this challenge, however, Parisians continue to make the most of their bathroom facilities, taking pride in the functionality and style that their apartment bathrooms have to offer.

The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm.
Modern enhancements were central to the project’s success. We thoughtfully preserved the existing structure and carefully considered the design lines to ensure rhythm and continuity. We masterfully balanced symmetry and asymmetry, particularly in the new back patio design, which extends the living space and adds a visually cohesive element to the rear of the home. The choice of materials and colors highlights the home’s Spanish Colonial character, with a mix of textures and contrasting hues emphasizing key architectural features. Durable porcelain tiles on the patio floor provide function, safety and beauty. The color palette creates clear transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing flow and safety.
The homeowners desired an updated, functional space while preserving the home’s historic characteristics. We navigated the complexities of working with a historic property, coordinating with the Historic Preservation Office to ensure all updates followed established guidelines. We fully realized the homeowner’s vision for a beautiful and functional outdoor space, meeting their need for an inviting outdoor entertaining area.

A complete primary bathroom remodel in Springfield, Virginia, designed around three priorities our clients came in with: a real walk-in shower, a freestanding tub by the windows, and a proper double vanity with storage that actually worked.
The original layout had everything in the wrong place. The tub sat against an interior wall away from the natural light. A small stall shower took up real estate across the room. The vanity was squeezed into whatever space was left over. Three windows on the back wall were doing nothing for the room because the layout was fighting them. Our solution involved knocking down the dividing wall between the old shower and vanity area, relocating plumbing for both the tub and the new vanities, and placing the freestanding tub directly under the bay of windows so morning light became part of the experience.
Design Approach
We anchored the room around contrast: deep navy cabinetry against soft white walls, warm brushed gold against cool marble tile, sharp Shaker lines against the curved silhouette of the freestanding tub. Navy was the design decision the rest of the room was built around — the clients knew they wanted color but didn't want anything that would feel dated in five years. Navy reads bold without being loud, pairs with virtually any metal finish, and has staying power that trendier choices don't.
We used Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo for the vanities — all-plywood construction with solid wood doors and drawer fronts, soft close throughout. Shaker-style flat panels keep the navy from feeling heavy. The brushed gold (Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ in satin bronze) shows up across hardware, faucets, lighting, the tub filler, and the shower trim, creating a quiet continuity throughout the room.
The Shower
Removing the wall between the old shower and old vanity area created room for a proper walk-in. We tiled the entire shower floor to ceiling in Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain — large format installed in a 50% offset horizontal pattern, with cement board and redgard underneath. The marble-look porcelain gives the visual depth of natural marble without the maintenance.
A built-in shower bench, custom-built into the corner, is wrapped in the same wall tile on the front with a quartz top matching the vanity counter. The shower niche is detailed with MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic at the back, the same tile used on the shower floor. All tile edges are finished with Schluter in satin bronze to match the room's metal finishes. The shower door is custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass with a satin bronze pull — no metal frame interrupting the sight line.
The Vanities and Countertops
The new double vanity gives both clients their own space for morning routines. Counter tops are MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo quartz with pencil edging and a 4" backsplash — a soft white with subtle gray veining that reads like real Calacatta marble without the porosity issues. Two undermount square porcelain sinks finish the surface cleanly.
The Tub
A 60" freestanding soaker tub sits under the bay of three windows. The floor-mounted tub filler is satin bronze with a handheld sprayer. We relocated the drain and supply lines to make the centered placement work. The tub is the room's quietest feature and its strongest — clients tell us they use this bathroom differently than they used the old one.
Flooring
MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain runs throughout the bathroom floor in a 50% offset pattern parallel to the vanity wall. Cement board underneath, 4" white wood baseboard, Whisper Grey grout that handles daily use without showing wear.
Paint and Lighting
Walls are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 in satin — a true crisp white that doesn't lean cool or warm. The ceiling uses Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White, which is formulated to resist mildew in high-humidity spaces. Lighting is layered: three new 6" LED recessed lights on a dimmer, two satin bronze vanity sconces above the mirrors, and the existing three windows providing the daytime ambient light.
Project Specs
Location: Springfield, Virginia
Project type: Full primary bathroom remodel
Project duration: Approximately 5 weeks
Style: Modern, Transitional
Color palette: Navy, white, brushed gold, marble
Materials
Cabinetry: Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo, Shaker-style flat panel maple, all-plywood construction
Cabinet hardware: Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ Satin Bronze pulls
Vanity counter and bench top: MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo Quartz, pencil edge with 4" backsplash
Sinks: Undermount white porcelain BR-202 square (x2)
Wall tile: Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain
Floor tile: MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain
Shower floor + niche back: MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic marble
Edge trim: Schluter satin bronze
Shower door: Custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass
Tub: 60" freestanding acrylic soaker (Ferguson)
Tub filler: Floor-mounted satin bronze (Ferguson)
Vanity faucets, mirrors, sconces, toilet: Satin bronze coordinated finishes (Ferguson)
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 Satin
Ceiling paint: Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White
Grout: Whisper Grey (floor), Standard White (walls and shower)
Designed and built by My Kitchen and Bath out of our Alexandria showroom at 5710 General Washington Drive. We've been designing and building kitchens, bathrooms, and full home renovations across Northern Virginia and the DMV since 1994.

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price.
At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time.
Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue.
We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line.
In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

Formerly the home's "bonus room", its transformation to master bathroom was a design challenge for the MOSS team: an odd layout, as well as three staircases in and out of the room and the top of the former kitchen’s chimney running through it were the main issues. To solve these challenges, one staircase was completely closed off and the chimney covered up so as to essentially disappear, while all the plumbing for the room had to be run through the lower level ceiling and walls up to the bathroom. The final result? A calming oasis for the homeowners to relax in at the end of the day. The large walk-in shower is beautifully hand-tiled and located next to a standalone soaking tub, which sits next to a large window that allows in plenty of natural light. The water closet area has a unique wallpaper that draws the eye, as does the curved archway above the toilet, which matches the design in the kitchen leading from the hallway. MOSS was also able to transform a beloved piece of family furniture, which had traveled the globe with the family, into the master bathroom’s vanity, adding in a gorgeous countertop. While the room was transformed almost entirely from its original purpose, the homeowners kept the original hardwood floor, which provides continuity to the rest of the home and the original look and feel of a bygone era.

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere.
On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors.
Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor.
The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

It’s important to make sure that all trees on your property are healthy and in good condition. This means hiring professional tree trimming services to maintain your trees yearly in order to keep them looking beautiful and healthy. In late winter or early spring is the best time to trim your trees. Doing so will help to improve the new growth that happens later in the spring. But fruit bearing trees and damaged trees can benefit from careful pruning in the summer. It takes an expert to skillfully trim trees during the summer without damaging them or causing harm and our team at Five Star Tree Services is just a call away to help you with your tree trimming needs!
Why Trim Your Trees?
By trimming your trees annually, this will not only open up your landscaping, which allows more sunlight to get to your property, but there are many other benefits.
These can include:
-Keep Trees Healthy and Promote Growth
When you trim your trees in the spring, before they start producing buds, this helps to stimulate more new growth, which helps to keep trees in excellent condition. This can be especially important for saplings as it encourages them to fill out nicely and in a controlled and structurally sound way. If you are not maintaining your trees properly, they can become too dense, which causes a bunch of problems. One being that it restricts the amount of sunlight getting to all the leaves and it reduces the amount of nutrient circulation needed to support the tree.
Professional tree pruning properly aids in tree growth and its overall aesthetic. Cutting off unneeded or unwanted branches allows other parts of the tree to grow easier. Ridding the tree of these extra branches also stimulates more leaf and fruit production.
-Increased Safety
Your landscape is affected when you neglect to take care of your trees, along with everything else on your property. If you have any dead trees remaining on your property, not only are you putting yourself at risk of injury, but you are putting your family, neighbours, pedestrians, and guests at risk as well. Dead or damaged branches can also be a hazard as they could fall at any time and impact with anyone standing too close to it, or it can fall on your house, which is another issue altogether, if it causes damage. Luckily, you are able to avoid all of this by simply having regular trimmings that will keep your trees healthy. You also need to make sure that all branches close to power lines are cut. This especially, should only be done by a trained professional in order to avoid potential electrocution.
-Increase Production of Fruit
If you are lucky enough to have a fruit bearing tree, it is especially important to have it professionally trimmed before and after it fruits. Doing so helps to improve its overall health and ability to bear fruit by getting rid of unhealthy branches. New fruit also develops and spurs for bearing fruit for the following year.
-Manage Spreading Diseases
Tree branches that are damaged tend to be prone to diseases which are able to spread to other plants and trees in your yard. Branches that are dead also have the potential to easily fall with any wind and especially during a storm. Severely damaged branches can even fall without reason. When you get your trees trimmed and pruned regularly, this prevents these things from happening. It also prevents spreading disease to other trees. Any disease branches should especially be trimmed if they are close to where kids play, people walk, or by doors.
-Increase the Value of Your Property and Overall Appearance
Continuous maintenance and trilling will improve the aesthetic of your property. It controls clutter and opens up the space of the landscaping. Meaning that the curbside appeal to your property increases. This is especially important if you are planning to sell your house, which will actually raise the value of your property. The first step in enhancing the appearance of your property is properly taking care of your trees. The first thing people see when they pull up to or go past your house is the trees. By simply pruning your trees you can make a good impression on potential buyers and your neighbours as well.
-Safeguarding Your Property
Owning a house is the biggest investment you will probably ever make. Making the effort to maintain and increase its value by keeping it in good condition should be your first priority. By trimming your trees regularly, you will be protecting your investment. Not to mention this also allows you to enjoy a nicely manicured property.
Why Professionals Are Essential
Professionals help to improve the health and overall condition of your trees. Trying to trim or prune your trees when you don’t know how can be detrimental. This is why hiring a professional, who has the right knowledge and tools, is better than trying to do it yourself.
-Cost-Effective
Think of it as a short-term expense for a long-term return on your investment. Allowing professional arborists to do your tree maintenance can potentially help to negate the costs of injuries attained from DIY home improvements related to trees, replacements and repairs.
-Skilled and Experienced
Real tools required for trimming a tree need to be handled properly and by the appropriate people. If a regular person were to try and use these tools, the end result could be injury and property damage. This is especially true for any trimming required around power lines. All professionals will have the right experience and skills required to wield these tools in a safe way. This minimizes the likelihood of hazards, injuries, and life-threatening incidents.
-Proper Tools
Heavy-duty chainsaws, ladders, and protective gear are all needed to safely and properly trim a tree. When you hire a professional, they have all the required tools and more. Meaning that you won’t have to go out and buy these tools yourself. As a professional, they also make sure that their tools are reliable and well-maintained in order to efficiently get the job done well.
-Insured
Professionals are also always insured with liability insurance when doing jobs to cover any damages or injuries attained while working. They are able to also provide a guarantee for the safety of your property and belongings while they are doing a job for you.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
Although trimming your tree might seem like an easy job, it’s always best to trust the professionals. Proper execution of the task requires the right skills, experience, and knowledge. Our team at Five Star Tree Services have all of this and more! Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to enlist us for all your Toronto Tree Trimming needs!

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere.
On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors.
Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor.
The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

This home's master bathroom is the size of some homes' master bedroom. It includes two windows -- one on the right and one on the left of the soaking tub -- with beautiful views of the backyard.
Privacy was not an issue in this case, so we went with unique treatments to complement the windows. The designer actually drew the design out on paper first to make sure it would fit the room. Then, we continued with a lightweight, sheer voile in two colors. The top of the windows were curved, so we curved the boards and swags and included a panel coming down with a jabot-cut panel in the middle. There are rosettes on top and a tie-back on the bottom to finish the design.
This treatment flows and warms up this fantastic master bathroom.

A complete primary bathroom remodel in Springfield, Virginia, designed around three priorities our clients came in with: a real walk-in shower, a freestanding tub by the windows, and a proper double vanity with storage that actually worked.
The original layout had everything in the wrong place. The tub sat against an interior wall away from the natural light. A small stall shower took up real estate across the room. The vanity was squeezed into whatever space was left over. Three windows on the back wall were doing nothing for the room because the layout was fighting them. Our solution involved knocking down the dividing wall between the old shower and vanity area, relocating plumbing for both the tub and the new vanities, and placing the freestanding tub directly under the bay of windows so morning light became part of the experience.
Design Approach
We anchored the room around contrast: deep navy cabinetry against soft white walls, warm brushed gold against cool marble tile, sharp Shaker lines against the curved silhouette of the freestanding tub. Navy was the design decision the rest of the room was built around — the clients knew they wanted color but didn't want anything that would feel dated in five years. Navy reads bold without being loud, pairs with virtually any metal finish, and has staying power that trendier choices don't.
We used Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo for the vanities — all-plywood construction with solid wood doors and drawer fronts, soft close throughout. Shaker-style flat panels keep the navy from feeling heavy. The brushed gold (Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ in satin bronze) shows up across hardware, faucets, lighting, the tub filler, and the shower trim, creating a quiet continuity throughout the room.
The Shower
Removing the wall between the old shower and old vanity area created room for a proper walk-in. We tiled the entire shower floor to ceiling in Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain — large format installed in a 50% offset horizontal pattern, with cement board and redgard underneath. The marble-look porcelain gives the visual depth of natural marble without the maintenance.
A built-in shower bench, custom-built into the corner, is wrapped in the same wall tile on the front with a quartz top matching the vanity counter. The shower niche is detailed with MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic at the back, the same tile used on the shower floor. All tile edges are finished with Schluter in satin bronze to match the room's metal finishes. The shower door is custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass with a satin bronze pull — no metal frame interrupting the sight line.
The Vanities and Countertops
The new double vanity gives both clients their own space for morning routines. Counter tops are MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo quartz with pencil edging and a 4" backsplash — a soft white with subtle gray veining that reads like real Calacatta marble without the porosity issues. Two undermount square porcelain sinks finish the surface cleanly.
The Tub
A 60" freestanding soaker tub sits under the bay of three windows. The floor-mounted tub filler is satin bronze with a handheld sprayer. We relocated the drain and supply lines to make the centered placement work. The tub is the room's quietest feature and its strongest — clients tell us they use this bathroom differently than they used the old one.
Flooring
MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain runs throughout the bathroom floor in a 50% offset pattern parallel to the vanity wall. Cement board underneath, 4" white wood baseboard, Whisper Grey grout that handles daily use without showing wear.
Paint and Lighting
Walls are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 in satin — a true crisp white that doesn't lean cool or warm. The ceiling uses Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White, which is formulated to resist mildew in high-humidity spaces. Lighting is layered: three new 6" LED recessed lights on a dimmer, two satin bronze vanity sconces above the mirrors, and the existing three windows providing the daytime ambient light.
Project Specs
Location: Springfield, Virginia
Project type: Full primary bathroom remodel
Project duration: Approximately 5 weeks
Style: Modern, Transitional
Color palette: Navy, white, brushed gold, marble
Materials
Cabinetry: Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo, Shaker-style flat panel maple, all-plywood construction
Cabinet hardware: Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ Satin Bronze pulls
Vanity counter and bench top: MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo Quartz, pencil edge with 4" backsplash
Sinks: Undermount white porcelain BR-202 square (x2)
Wall tile: Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain
Floor tile: MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain
Shower floor + niche back: MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic marble
Edge trim: Schluter satin bronze
Shower door: Custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass
Tub: 60" freestanding acrylic soaker (Ferguson)
Tub filler: Floor-mounted satin bronze (Ferguson)
Vanity faucets, mirrors, sconces, toilet: Satin bronze coordinated finishes (Ferguson)
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 Satin
Ceiling paint: Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White
Grout: Whisper Grey (floor), Standard White (walls and shower)
Designed and built by My Kitchen and Bath out of our Alexandria showroom at 5710 General Washington Drive. We've been designing and building kitchens, bathrooms, and full home renovations across Northern Virginia and the DMV since 1994.

This private residence involved construction of a modern architectural style estate property in Highland Park, Texas. Dee Brown Inc’s role came into play late in the project, when corrections were needed to some specialty stonework.
The home’s center is formed around the main entry. The floorplan is largely open, but parallel core wall areas serve to define the foyer, kitchen, dining, and living areas. As key areas, the architect put special focus on materials selection for the core walls. It was decided that Indiana limestone would be the finish, and that the cladding panels would all have unique continuous horizontal grooves.
Material was received and installed by the original subcontractor. Upon seeing the completed work, it was evident to the architect and owner that grooves in the fabricated material were not consistent, and that the installation process had left numerous chips to the panels. It was at this point that the partially completed work was removed, and the second fabricator/installer was contacted.
Dee Brown Inc ordered the Indiana limestones slabs. There, special care was taken to hold tight tolerances to the horizontal grooves as well as to the typical cut-to-size aspects. Erection of these mechanically set panels was done very carefully. The result was a clean finished product with none of the tolerance and chipping issues of the original installation.
Dee Brown, Inc also created and installed special stone finishes at the adjacent half-bath. Semi-precious white onyx was transformed into a lavatory top/bowl assembly, water-closet wall cladding, and even tissue and towel holders.

A complete primary bathroom remodel in Springfield, Virginia, designed around three priorities our clients came in with: a real walk-in shower, a freestanding tub by the windows, and a proper double vanity with storage that actually worked.
The original layout had everything in the wrong place. The tub sat against an interior wall away from the natural light. A small stall shower took up real estate across the room. The vanity was squeezed into whatever space was left over. Three windows on the back wall were doing nothing for the room because the layout was fighting them. Our solution involved knocking down the dividing wall between the old shower and vanity area, relocating plumbing for both the tub and the new vanities, and placing the freestanding tub directly under the bay of windows so morning light became part of the experience.
Design Approach
We anchored the room around contrast: deep navy cabinetry against soft white walls, warm brushed gold against cool marble tile, sharp Shaker lines against the curved silhouette of the freestanding tub. Navy was the design decision the rest of the room was built around — the clients knew they wanted color but didn't want anything that would feel dated in five years. Navy reads bold without being loud, pairs with virtually any metal finish, and has staying power that trendier choices don't.
We used Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo for the vanities — all-plywood construction with solid wood doors and drawer fronts, soft close throughout. Shaker-style flat panels keep the navy from feeling heavy. The brushed gold (Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ in satin bronze) shows up across hardware, faucets, lighting, the tub filler, and the shower trim, creating a quiet continuity throughout the room.
The Shower
Removing the wall between the old shower and old vanity area created room for a proper walk-in. We tiled the entire shower floor to ceiling in Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain — large format installed in a 50% offset horizontal pattern, with cement board and redgard underneath. The marble-look porcelain gives the visual depth of natural marble without the maintenance.
A built-in shower bench, custom-built into the corner, is wrapped in the same wall tile on the front with a quartz top matching the vanity counter. The shower niche is detailed with MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic at the back, the same tile used on the shower floor. All tile edges are finished with Schluter in satin bronze to match the room's metal finishes. The shower door is custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass with a satin bronze pull — no metal frame interrupting the sight line.
The Vanities and Countertops
The new double vanity gives both clients their own space for morning routines. Counter tops are MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo quartz with pencil edging and a 4" backsplash — a soft white with subtle gray veining that reads like real Calacatta marble without the porosity issues. Two undermount square porcelain sinks finish the surface cleanly.
The Tub
A 60" freestanding soaker tub sits under the bay of three windows. The floor-mounted tub filler is satin bronze with a handheld sprayer. We relocated the drain and supply lines to make the centered placement work. The tub is the room's quietest feature and its strongest — clients tell us they use this bathroom differently than they used the old one.
Flooring
MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain runs throughout the bathroom floor in a 50% offset pattern parallel to the vanity wall. Cement board underneath, 4" white wood baseboard, Whisper Grey grout that handles daily use without showing wear.
Paint and Lighting
Walls are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 in satin — a true crisp white that doesn't lean cool or warm. The ceiling uses Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White, which is formulated to resist mildew in high-humidity spaces. Lighting is layered: three new 6" LED recessed lights on a dimmer, two satin bronze vanity sconces above the mirrors, and the existing three windows providing the daytime ambient light.
Project Specs
Location: Springfield, Virginia
Project type: Full primary bathroom remodel
Project duration: Approximately 5 weeks
Style: Modern, Transitional
Color palette: Navy, white, brushed gold, marble
Materials
Cabinetry: Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo, Shaker-style flat panel maple, all-plywood construction
Cabinet hardware: Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ Satin Bronze pulls
Vanity counter and bench top: MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo Quartz, pencil edge with 4" backsplash
Sinks: Undermount white porcelain BR-202 square (x2)
Wall tile: Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain
Floor tile: MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain
Shower floor + niche back: MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic marble
Edge trim: Schluter satin bronze
Shower door: Custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass
Tub: 60" freestanding acrylic soaker (Ferguson)
Tub filler: Floor-mounted satin bronze (Ferguson)
Vanity faucets, mirrors, sconces, toilet: Satin bronze coordinated finishes (Ferguson)
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 Satin
Ceiling paint: Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White
Grout: Whisper Grey (floor), Standard White (walls and shower)
Designed and built by My Kitchen and Bath out of our Alexandria showroom at 5710 General Washington Drive. We've been designing and building kitchens, bathrooms, and full home renovations across Northern Virginia and the DMV since 1994.

This stunning one-acre garden, within walking distance of downtown Bethesda, was designed and installed by our firm in 2004.. LPI continues to maintain it today. The owners, devoted gardeners, wanted to utilize as much of the existing plant palette as possible but also to have space for a pond, a cutting garden, and expanses of lawn. The biggest challenge proved to be coping with the prodigious amount of water on site due to an underground spring and drainage issues posed by it and the topography of the site.
In 2010 this garden won an Award of Merit from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, , a Grand Award from the MD*DC*VA Landscape Contractors Association, and an Environmental Improvement Award of Distinction from PLANET.
©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.

This stunning one-acre garden, within walking distance of downtown Bethesda, was designed and installed by our firm in 2004.. LPI continues to maintain it today. The owners, devoted gardeners, wanted to utilize as much of the existing plant palette as possible but also to have space for a pond, a cutting garden, and expanses of lawn. The biggest challenge proved to be coping with the prodigious amount of water on site due to an underground spring and drainage issues posed by it and the topography of the site.
In 2010 this garden won an Award of Merit from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, , a Grand Award from the MD*DC*VA Landscape Contractors Association, and an Environmental Improvement Award of Distinction from PLANET.
© Melissa Clark Photography All rights reserved.
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