The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

The Key Elements for a Cozy Farmhouse Kitchen Design. ... “Classic American farmhouse style includes shiplap, exposed wood beams, and open shelving,” Mushkudiani says. “Mixed materials like wicker, wood, and metal accents add dimension, colors are predominantly neutral: camel, white, and matte black

The new-construction house in Bethesda, Maryland, had lovely millwork, including coffered ceilings, wainscoting, crown moldings and tall baseboards. But it lacked our clients' personality and style that reflected their Southern roots and love of coastal settings. We incorporated elements like wallpaper, paint and furnishings and without having to remodel, which made a huge transformation for this home and family of six. There is a varying but also consistent blue and white theme throughout the home from navy to slate, interspersed with cheerful patterns through the throw pillows and accent fabrics, as well as bold colors in the drapery and custom sitting room built-ins. There are also coastal vibes make an appearance through several paintings, woven grass shade, jute area rugs, and driftwood finishes, to create a light and breezy organic feel.

The architecture of this mid-century ranch in Portland’s West Hills oozes modernism’s core values. We wanted to focus on areas of the home that didn’t maximize the architectural beauty. The Client—a family of three, with Lucy the Great Dane, wanted to improve what was existing and update the kitchen and Jack and Jill Bathrooms, add some cool storage solutions and generally revamp the house. We totally reimagined the entry to provide a “wow” moment for all to enjoy whilst entering the property. A giant pivot door was used to replace the dated solid wood door and side light. We designed and built new open cabinetry in the kitchen allowing for more light in what was a dark spot. The kitchen got a makeover by reconfiguring the key elements and new concrete flooring, new stove, hood, bar, counter top, and a new lighting plan. Our work on the Humphrey House was featured in Dwell Magazine.

A love of blues and greens and a desire to feel connected to family were the key elements requested to be reflected in this home. Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/charlestown-brownstone

Key decor elements include: Bed: Desert Modern canopy bed from Ralph Lauren Home Fabric on Bed: Buckingham from Holland and Sherry Wallpaper: Metal coated cork wallpaper from Donghia Chandelier: Archipelago Surface chandelier by Allied Maker Credenza: Custom Goldfinger credenza by Mod Shop Stools: Arc stools by Ash NYC Bedside Sconce: Big Bulb Opal wall sconce by CTO Lighting Bedside table: Custom nightstands by Dylan Design Co Art above bed: Reinaldo Sanguino ceramic wall art from The Future Perfect Art above credenza: Phosphorus by Karin Schaefer from Sears Peyton Gallery Pink Pillow: Alpine lumbar pillow from ALT for Living Blue throw and pillows: Alpaca Peacock throw and Channeled teal velvet pillows from CB2

This project is a great example of how the details make all the difference in a space. This room began as a family den that had all the key elements needed for the space to function, a desk, a tv console and a brand new sofa. However, it felt unfinished and under appreciated. My client, Allison called upon me to pull the room together, unify the existing pieces and finish of the space. Adding the final layer of art, accessories, drapery and family photos, attractive storage and a collections of heirlooms brought style and personality to Allison's den. Photography and design by Sarah Macklem of The Yellow Cape Cod

After nearly 20 years of working in a cramped and inefficient kitchen, as well a doing most of their cooking on a hotplate because of on-going issues with old appliances, our food-loving clients were more than ready for a major kitchen remodel. Our goal was to open the kitchen and living space without compromising the architectural integrity of this gorgeous 1930’s home, allowing our clients to cook and entertain guests at the same time. We made sure to retain key elements, such as the plaster cove moulding detail, arched doorways, and glass knobs in order to maintain the look and era of the home. Features includes a new bar and prep sink area, new appliances throughout, a cozy dog bed area incorporated into the cabinet design, shelving niche for cookbooks, magnetic cabinet door on the broom closet to display photos, a recessed television niche for the flatscreen, and radius steps with custom mosaic tile on the stair risers. Our clients can now cook and entertain guests with ease while their beloved dog’s standby to keep the floor clean!

The architecture of this mid-century ranch in Portland’s West Hills oozes modernism’s core values. We wanted to focus on areas of the home that didn’t maximize the architectural beauty. The Client—a family of three, with Lucy the Great Dane, wanted to improve what was existing and update the kitchen and Jack and Jill Bathrooms, add some cool storage solutions and generally revamp the house. We totally reimagined the entry to provide a “wow” moment for all to enjoy whilst entering the property. A giant pivot door was used to replace the dated solid wood door and side light. We designed and built new open cabinetry in the kitchen allowing for more light in what was a dark spot. The kitchen got a makeover by reconfiguring the key elements and new concrete flooring, new stove, hood, bar, counter top, and a new lighting plan. Our work on the Humphrey House was featured in Dwell Magazine.

Chest: Rhea Bedroom Chest Nightstand: Rhea Nighstand Fan: Thatcher Vintage Fan Clock Accent Chair: Wimberley Accent Chair Floating Shelf: Laurel Round Wall Shelves (3) Tray: Ashwood Trays (2) photo: wifeinprogressblog.com

Tamara Alvarez
Example of a small island style home design design in Miami

The design team with Janie Petkus of Janie Petkus Interiors, Cyrus Rivetna of Rivetna Architects, and Gail Drury of Drury Design all worked together to design an inviting and luxurious destination for an entire family to gather all year round. Key design features addressed in this remodel included highlighting beautiful views of the Lake, brightening up the space, and modernizing the design to fit the needs of the family that loves to entertain The home is filled with lots of adults and kids regularly and the kitchen needed to function well for multi cooks as well large family gatherings. Therefore multi-work areas and large expanses of countertop space for buffets were a must. These design ideas paired with lots of seating at the island and the oversized table gave enough room for everyone. A multimetal hood with an antique patina was included to add an element of WOW to the space. A large multi-burner stove, two large sinks, two dishwashers, and three waste receptacles were strategically located in multiple locations so multiple family members could use the space simultaneously. An area off to the side in the family room that was designated as a desk area was multi-purposed to function as a buffet area for the large family dinners.

Example of a large eclectic formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Other with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Transitional living room photo in Detroit

Our client greatly enjoyed their natural setting, and our master plan was built on preserving its character. We wanted to enhance the juxtaposition of rigid clarity of the rectilinear house with the highly organic, natural features of the site. Striking a balance between the man-made and the natural is always in our minds, as we seek subtle ways of stitching orthogonal lines into an otherwise organic setting. The Petanque court is the key element in transforming the untamed rear yard. The court is slightly cut into a slope and parallels the predominant site contours; softening grade change making the yard more useable, while lessening its impact on the topography. The moment where this really came together was when we decided to reuse the old-balcony wood to create a new boardwalk that runs the length of the court, and provides seating for players. A bend in its length brings it back into alignment with the house and ties into the path of concrete steps. It’s a perfect place to sit and watch a game. Photo credit: Vince Lupo

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

This coastal Key Largo kitchen combines timeless elegance with modern functionality. Custom cabinetry in a crisp white finish is paired with a stunning quartz waterfall island, creating a centerpiece for both cooking and entertaining. The handcrafted details extend throughout, from brass fixtures to built-in storage solutions that maximize space and style. A bold blue range hood framed in brass adds a statement element against the marble backsplash, while wide-plank white oak flooring brings warmth to the light and airy interior. Designed for open concept living, this gourmet kitchen flows seamlessly into the adjacent spaces, embodying the luxury and relaxed charm of Florida Keys coastal design.

Key decor elements include: Side table: Floris Wubben Pressed stool from The Future Perfect Towels: Simple Waffle towels by Hawkins New York Rug: Eclipse by Kelly Behun from The Rug Company Art: Untitled (Salvation) by Mitch Paster Dark Green Vase: Stretch vase by Morgan Peck

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… A returning client wished to create an office environment that would refuel his childhood and current passion: Star Wars. Creating exhibit-style surroundings to incorporate iconic elements from the epic franchise was key to the success for this home office. A life-sized statue of Harrison Ford’s character Han Solo, a longstanding piece of the homeowner’s collection, is now featured in a custom glass display case is the room’s focal point. The glowing backlit pattern behind the statue is a reference to the floor design shown in the scene featuring Han being frozen in carbonite. The command center is surrounded by iconic patterns custom-designed in backlit laser-cut metal panels. The exquisite millwork around the room was refinished, and porcelain floor slabs were cut in a pattern to resemble the chess table found on the legendary spaceship Millennium Falcon. A metal-clad fireplace with a hidden television mounting system, an iridescent ceiling treatment, wall coverings designed to add depth, a custom-designed desk made by a local artist, and an Italian rocker chair that appears to be from a galaxy, far, far, away... are all design elements that complete this once-in-a-galaxy home office that would make any Jedi proud. Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston