THE SETUP Client Background: Our clients, a couple who have transitioned into the empty nest phase, have cherished their home for over three decades without undergoing any significant renovations. With a newfound desire to adapt their living space to better suit their current lifestyle, they’ve embarked on a journey to reimagine their kitchen — the heart of their home. Their aspiration is to cultivate a serene, neutral-toned sanctuary on the first floor that seamlessly merges with their family room, ensuring a harmonious and inviting environment. Design Inspiration: The renovation is inspired by the couple’s penchant for soft, calming neutrals, using their cherished family room and the kitchen’s existing tile flooring as the cornerstone for the color scheme. This approach aims to foster a sense of warmth and tranquility throughout. Design Objectives: Harmonize the kitchen with the family room by adopting a soothing, neutral color scheme, ensuring a seamless flow across the first floor. Enhance kitchen functionality with thoughtfully designed cabinetry, providing a designated place for every item and maximizing storage efficiency. Cultivate an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that reflects the homeowners’ desire for a calm and relaxing space. Design Challenges: The homeowners wish to retain the existing kitchen tile flooring and integrate it into a refreshed, modern design. Accommodating a dining area spacious enough for family visits without compromising the kitchen’s open feel or functional layout. Despite liking the current placement of plumbing and appliances, the homeowners aspire for a more open floor plan to facilitate better movement and interaction. The need to amplify natural light in the kitchen, especially around the sink area, where existing lighting is insufficient. Preserving the half-wall between the kitchen and family room, a feature the homeowners want to keep, while ensuring it complements the new design. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: By choosing a neutral color palette that complements the existing tile, the design unifies the kitchen with the adjacent spaces. The tile’s grout was cleaned and restored, enhancing the floor’s appearance and integrating it seamlessly with the new kitchen aesthetic. The inclusion of a larger island with seating for two, alongside maintaining a substantial dining table, was achieved by optimizing the spatial layout. This allowed for a sociable yet functional kitchen, accommodating large family gatherings without feeling crowded. Minor adjustments to the kitchen’s layout maintained the preferred locations for plumbing and appliances while introducing an ‘open’ design concept. Strategic modifications, such as angling the pantry wall, improved the flow and accessibility within the space. Replacing the garden window with a broader, standard window significantly increased natural light, transforming the sink area into a bright, welcoming space with enhanced views of the outdoors. The decision to keep the half-wall was ingeniously leveraged to define the dining area while maintaining an open connection to the family room. This feature not only serves as a visual separator but also ties the two spaces together through the shared color scheme and design elements. The homeowners are thrilled with their newly remodeled kitchen, which has become a hub of warmth and hospitality. Hosting a wedding shower and a birthday party, they have shared their renewed space with friends and family, who have been equally enamored. This remodel has not only met their functional and aesthetic desires but has also enriched their home with a fresh sense of serenity and joy. The upstairs part of the home is shaping up nicely. Here’s their newly remodeled primary bathroom.

This Transitional Farmhouse Kitchen was completely remodeled and the home is nestled on the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena. Our goal was to keep the original charm of our client’s home while updating the kitchen in a way that was fresh and current. Our design inspiration began with a deep green soapstone counter top paired with creamy white cabinetry. Carrera marble subway tile for the backsplash is a luxurious splurge and adds classic elegance to the space. The stainless steel appliances and sink create a more transitional feel, while the shaker style cabinetry doors and schoolhouse light fixture are in keeping with the original style of the home. Tile flooring resembling concrete is clean and simple and seeded glass in the upper cabinet doors help make the space feel open and light. This kitchen has a hidden microwave and custom range hood design, as well as a new pantry area, for added storage. The pantry area features an appliance garage and deep-set counter top for multi-purpose use. These features add value to this small space. The finishing touches are polished nickel cabinet hardware, which add a vintage look and the cafe curtains are the handiwork of the homeowner. We truly enjoyed the collaborative effort in this kitchen. Photography by Erika Beirman

This amazing home features a backyard patio and pool area with a spectacular custom pool with many features including island which feature sitting areas and fire pit a spa as well as incredible slide which goes into the swimming pool. The pool measures roughly 2300 square feet, and has a deep end of 10'0". The spa is raised and has 12 therapy heads. There is LED colored lighting throughout the project. There is a 300 square foot zero depth beach entry into the pool with agitator jets to keep the water moving. There is also a sunshelf within the pool. The lazy river wraps around the sunken island, and the current in the lazy river is propelled by a commercial waterpark quality pumping system. The sunken island has lighting, a fire pit, and a bridge connecting it to the decking area. There is an infinity edge on one edge of the pool. The pool also has an in-floor cleaning system to keep it clean and sanitary. The swimming pool also has the ability to change colors at night utilizing the amazing LED lighting system. The pool and spa exposed aggregate finish is French Gray color. The slide that cascades down the grotto is custom built. The waterfall grotto also provide a thrilling jump off point into the deepest part of the pool. This amazing backyard was designed and built for a home in Bull Valley Illinois.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

This large gated estate includes one of the original Ross cottages that served as a summer home for people escaping San Francisco's fog. We took the main residence built in 1941 and updated it to the current standards of 2020 while keeping the cottage as a guest house. A massive remodel in 1995 created a classic white kitchen. To add color and whimsy, we installed window treatments fabricated from a Josef Frank citrus print combined with modern furnishings. Throughout the interiors, foliate and floral patterned fabrics and wall coverings blur the inside and outside worlds.

Our client was having trouble finding an aesthetic flow for this home, as she had both traditional, cultural, and contemporary pieces. We were hired to bring the whole space together, incorporating new furnishings with her existing ones - a fun but also delicate task, as the client had a bad experience with a previous designer. Because the home itself is so beautiful, we worked on creating a cohesive design and flow through incorporating custom textiles. By reupholstering furniture and finding the perfect throw pillows, we were able to keep new pieces at a minimal (only adding a few newly bought furnishings here and there), showcase her extensive art collection, and make her current furnishings stand out for their traditional beauty while keeping them updated and current with the newer pieces. Project designed by Atlanta interior design firm, VRA Interiors. They serve the entire Atlanta metropolitan area including Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Cobb County, and North Fulton County. For more about VRA Interior Design, click here: https://www.vrainteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.vrainteriors.com/portfolio/riverland-court/

This Transitional Farmhouse Kitchen was completely remodeled and the home is nestled on the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena. Our goal was to keep the original charm of our client’s home while updating the kitchen in a way that was fresh and current. Our design inspiration began with a deep green soapstone counter top paired with creamy white cabinetry. Carrera marble subway tile for the backsplash is a luxurious splurge and adds classic elegance to the space. The stainless steel appliances and sink create a more transitional feel, while the shaker style cabinetry doors and schoolhouse light fixture are in keeping with the original style of the home. Tile flooring resembling concrete is clean and simple and seeded glass in the upper cabinet doors help make the space feel open and light. This kitchen has a hidden microwave and custom range hood design, as well as a new pantry area, for added storage. The pantry area features an appliance garage and deep-set counter top for multi-purpose use. These features add value to this small space. The finishing touches are polished nickel cabinet hardware, which add a vintage look and the cafe curtains are the handiwork of the homeowner. We truly enjoyed the collaborative effort in this kitchen. Photography by Erika Beirman

Michael J. Lee Photography. Custom binding and area rug installation by Landry & Arcari Rugs and Carpeting.
Bedroom - traditional bedroom idea in Boston

Our client was having trouble finding an aesthetic flow for this home, as she had both traditional, cultural, and contemporary pieces. We were hired to bring the whole space together, incorporating new furnishings with her existing ones - a fun but also delicate task, as the client had a bad experience with a previous designer. Because the home itself is so beautiful, we worked on creating a cohesive design and flow through incorporating custom textiles. By reupholstering furniture and finding the perfect throw pillows, we were able to keep new pieces at a minimal (only adding a few newly bought furnishings here and there), showcase her extensive art collection, and make her current furnishings stand out for their traditional beauty while keeping them updated and current with the newer pieces. Project designed by Atlanta interior design firm, VRA Interiors. They serve the entire Atlanta metropolitan area including Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Cobb County, and North Fulton County. Photography by Katie Lake For more about VRA Interior Design, click here: https://www.vrainteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.vrainteriors.com/portfolio/riverland-court/

Kitchen - After - The new kitchen design is highlighted by custom cabinetry, with over, under, and interior cabinet lighting. The large custom hood is the center piece of an expansive cooking area and the island allows for better flow through the kitchen. Prefinished hardwoods complete the look. Photo credit - Beckshot, LLC

This was a typical kitchen from the 1970's, with orange-stained cabinets and awkward storage. The homowner choose to keep the current layout, but picked out some wonderfully updated materials, including grey shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and a beautifully textured backsplash tile. She accented the kitchen with a whimsical teal light and accessories.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped terra-cotta tile and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a peninsula

Opened up, and refreshed a 2008 Tuscany brown bathroom to be more light and bright. Keeping the current vanity and soaking tub. Updating with tile and new color pallet.

This compact kitchen packs a lot of punch with fantastic details that add a lot of storage to this small space.
Small elegant l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Our kitchen designer worked with Fire Island Contracting that was set out to do a total renovation on a home, to get it market ready. Keeping with current trends, and within budget, we chose a White Shaker door by Fabuwood Cabinetry.

This was a typical kitchen from the 1970's, with orange-stained cabinets and awkward storage. The homowner choose to keep the current layout, but picked out some wonderfully updated materials, including grey shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and a beautifully textured backsplash tile. She accented the kitchen with a whimsical teal light and accessories.

In kitchen design, one or two details can make all the difference. Here, Herra Laminate kitchen cabinets in Elk Textured PureStyle, along with several well placed design details, help this kitchen exude a rustic charm. Pairing this with a Maple Black island or eat-in table gives the space an inviting warmth while keeping it current. Herra door in Elk finish and Prestley door in Black finish

After searching for the perfect Paris apartment that could double as an atelier for five years, Laure Nell Interiors founder and principal Laetitia Laurent fell in love with this 415-square-foot pied-à-terre that packs a punch. Situated in the coveted Golden Triangle area in the 8th arrondissement—between avenue Montaigne, avenue des Champs-Elysées and avenue George V—the apartment was destined to be fashionable. The building’s Hausmannian architecture and a charming interior courtyard make way for modern interior architectural detailing that had been done during a previous renovation. Hardwood floors with deep black knotting, slatted wood paneling, and blue lacquer in the built-ins gave the apartment an interesting contemporary twist against the otherwise classic backdrop, including the original fireplace from the Hausmann era. Laure Nell Interiors played up this dichotomy with playfully curated furnishings and lighting found during Paris Design Week: a mid-century Tulip table in the dining room, a coffee table from the NV Gallery x J’aime tout chez toi capsule collection, and a fireside chair from Popus Editions, a Paris-London furniture line with a restrained French take on British-inspired hues. In the bedroom, black and white details nod to Coco Chanel and ochre-colored bedding keeps the aesthetic current. A pendant from Oi Soi Oi lends the room a minimalist Asian element reminiscent of Laurent’s time in Kyoto. Thanks to tall ceilings and the mezzanine loft space that had been added above the kitchen, the apartment exudes a feeling of grandeur despite its small footprint. Photos by Gilles Trillard

This Davison, MI client wanted a different look for their kitchen. Keeping their current countertop, we updated their cabinets to Hickory with their outer cabinets being in the Midnight finish and the island in the Tawny finish. We installed a microwave in the island and built a custom hood vent box above the stove.