Million Dollar Listing’s celebrity broker Ryan Serhant reached out to Decor Aid to stage a luxurious Brooklyn condo development. The only caveat was that our interior designers had 48 hours to come up with the design, concept, and source all the furniture. Always up for a challenge, we partnered with Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams to create this contemporary gem. Staying true to their contemporary vision, our interior decorators sourced all pieces through MGBW. Starting in the living room, we placed the Gunner Sofa, a piece that offers clean-lined living. The thin arms and slanted profile emphasize the modern elegance of the home. Through the use of various contemporary patterns and textures we were able to avoid the one-dimensional ambiance, and instead, the apartment’s living room feels detailed and thought out, without making anyone who enters overcrowded with home decor. The Melrose cocktail table was sourced for its sleek, stainless steel and glass design that contrasts with more substantial pieces in the space, while also complementing the contemporary style. The glass design gives the illusion that this table takes up less space, giving the living room design a light and airy feel all around. The living space transformed into something out of a decor catalog with just the right amount of personality, creating a room that follows through with our starting design, yet functional for everyday use. After the living room area, we set our eyes on designing the master bedroom. Our interior decorators were immediately drawn to the Celina Floating Rail Bed, it’s opulent nailhead trim, and dramatic design brings fresh sophistication to the bedroom design, while also standing out as a timeless piece that can complement various trends or styles that might be added later on to the bedroom decoration. We sourced the Roland Table Lamp to add texture, with its elaborate ribbed design, that compliments the air of masculinity the Carmen Leather Ottoman add while contrasting with the light, sleeker pieces. This difference in weight left us with a bedroom decoration that lives up to the trending modern standards, yet a space that is timeless and stylish no matter the decor trends. Once we finished and the project was completed, our senior designers took a step back and took in all of their hard labor. Decor Aid was able to make this newly built blank space and design it into a modern wonder small brooklyn apartment. The MGBW furnishings were all hand-picked to keep an even balance of complementing and contrasting contemporary pieces, which was one of our more critical apartment decorating ideas. The apartment home decor brings to life this modern concept in a way that isn’t overbearing and shows off their style making the space in every sense an accurate reflection of a chic contemporary style.

A captivating transformation in the coveted neighborhood of University Park, Dallas The heart of this home lies in the kitchen, where we embarked on a design endeavor that would leave anyone speechless. By opening up the main kitchen wall, we created a magnificent window system that floods the space with natural light and offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings. Suspended from the ceiling, a steel-framed marble vent hood floats a few inches from the window, showcasing a mesmerizing Lilac Marble. The same marble is skillfully applied to the backsplash and island, featuring a bold combination of color and pattern that exudes elegance. Adding to the kitchen's allure is the Italian range, which not only serves as a showstopper but offers robust culinary features for even the savviest of cooks. However, the true masterpiece of the kitchen lies in the honed reeded marble-faced island. Each marble strip was meticulously cut and crafted by artisans to achieve a half-rounded profile, resulting in an island that is nothing short of breathtaking. This intricate process took several months, but the end result speaks for itself. To complement the grandeur of the kitchen, we designed a combination of stain-grade and paint-grade cabinets in a thin raised panel door style. This choice adds an elegant yet simple look to the overall design. Inside each cabinet and drawer, custom interiors were meticulously designed to provide maximum functionality and organization for the day-to-day cooking activities. A vintage Turkish runner dating back to the 1960s, evokes a sense of history and character. The breakfast nook boasts a stunning, vivid, and colorful artwork created by one of Dallas' top artist, Kyle Steed, who is revered for his mastery of his craft. Some of our favorite art pieces from the inspiring Haylee Yale grace the coffee station and media console, adding the perfect moment to pause and loose yourself in the story of her art. The project extends beyond the kitchen into the living room, where the family's changing needs and growing children demanded a new design approach. Accommodating their new lifestyle, we incorporated a large sectional for family bonding moments while watching TV. The living room now boasts bolder colors, striking artwork a coffered accent wall, and cayenne velvet curtains that create an inviting atmosphere. Completing the room is a custom 22' x 15' rug, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A hidden coat closet door integrated into the feature wall adds an element of surprise and functionality. This project is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of design and showcasing the possibilities. By curating an out-of-the-box approach, we bring texture and depth to the space, employing different materials and original applications. The layered design achieved through repeated use of the same material in various forms, shapes, and locations demonstrates that unexpected elements can create breathtaking results. The reason behind this redesign and remodel was the homeowners' desire to have a kitchen that not only provided functionality but also served as a beautiful backdrop to their cherished family moments. The previous kitchen lacked the "wow" factor they desired, prompting them to seek our expertise in creating a space that would be a source of joy and inspiration. Inspired by well-curated European vignettes, sculptural elements, clean lines, and a natural color scheme with pops of color, this design reflects an elegant organic modern style. Mixing metals, contrasting textures, and utilizing clean lines were key elements in achieving the desired aesthetic. The living room introduces bolder moments and a carefully chosen color scheme that adds character and personality. The client's must-haves were clear: they wanted a show stopping centerpiece for their home, enhanced natural light in the kitchen, and a design that reflected their family's dynamic. With the transformation of the range wall into a wall of windows, we fulfilled their desire for abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our favorite rooms and design elements are numerous, but the kitchen remains a standout feature. The painstaking process of hand-cutting and crafting each reeded panel in the island to match the marble's veining resulted in a labor of love that emanates warmth and hospitality to all who enter. In conclusion, this tastefully lux project in University Park, Dallas is an extraordinary example of a full gut remodel that has surpassed all expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of materials, and the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics create an unforgettable space. It serves as a testament to the power of design and the transformative impact it can have on a home and its inhabitants. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide.

Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Minneapolis

On the costs of painted wood vs drywall: “You can go with ugly drywall but if you go with level 5 (nice) drywall that stuff is expensive. Obviously it is more for the wood (materials and labor) but it’s not out of reach for a lot of people. It makes a HUGE difference and there is a HUGE impact with it. It’s like night and day!” ************************************************************************* Buffalo Lumber specializes in Custom Milled, Factory Finished Wood Siding and Paneling. We ONLY do real wood.

Inspiration for a mediterranean l-shaped beige floor, exposed beam, shiplap ceiling and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

A new custom Modern Prairie style home designed and built by Epic Development. The exterior features Hardiplank siding, brick foundation, stacked stone accents, custom metal railings and soffit lighting. Photo by OBEO

A captivating transformation in the coveted neighborhood of University Park, Dallas The heart of this home lies in the kitchen, where we embarked on a design endeavor that would leave anyone speechless. By opening up the main kitchen wall, we created a magnificent window system that floods the space with natural light and offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings. Suspended from the ceiling, a steel-framed marble vent hood floats a few inches from the window, showcasing a mesmerizing Lilac Marble. The same marble is skillfully applied to the backsplash and island, featuring a bold combination of color and pattern that exudes elegance. Adding to the kitchen's allure is the Italian range, which not only serves as a showstopper but offers robust culinary features for even the savviest of cooks. However, the true masterpiece of the kitchen lies in the honed reeded marble-faced island. Each marble strip was meticulously cut and crafted by artisans to achieve a half-rounded profile, resulting in an island that is nothing short of breathtaking. This intricate process took several months, but the end result speaks for itself. To complement the grandeur of the kitchen, we designed a combination of stain-grade and paint-grade cabinets in a thin raised panel door style. This choice adds an elegant yet simple look to the overall design. Inside each cabinet and drawer, custom interiors were meticulously designed to provide maximum functionality and organization for the day-to-day cooking activities. A vintage Turkish runner dating back to the 1960s, evokes a sense of history and character. The breakfast nook boasts a stunning, vivid, and colorful artwork created by one of Dallas' top artist, Kyle Steed, who is revered for his mastery of his craft. Some of our favorite art pieces from the inspiring Haylee Yale grace the coffee station and media console, adding the perfect moment to pause and loose yourself in the story of her art. The project extends beyond the kitchen into the living room, where the family's changing needs and growing children demanded a new design approach. Accommodating their new lifestyle, we incorporated a large sectional for family bonding moments while watching TV. The living room now boasts bolder colors, striking artwork a coffered accent wall, and cayenne velvet curtains that create an inviting atmosphere. Completing the room is a custom 22' x 15' rug, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A hidden coat closet door integrated into the feature wall adds an element of surprise and functionality. This project is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of design and showcasing the possibilities. By curating an out-of-the-box approach, we bring texture and depth to the space, employing different materials and original applications. The layered design achieved through repeated use of the same material in various forms, shapes, and locations demonstrates that unexpected elements can create breathtaking results. The reason behind this redesign and remodel was the homeowners' desire to have a kitchen that not only provided functionality but also served as a beautiful backdrop to their cherished family moments. The previous kitchen lacked the "wow" factor they desired, prompting them to seek our expertise in creating a space that would be a source of joy and inspiration. Inspired by well-curated European vignettes, sculptural elements, clean lines, and a natural color scheme with pops of color, this design reflects an elegant organic modern style. Mixing metals, contrasting textures, and utilizing clean lines were key elements in achieving the desired aesthetic. The living room introduces bolder moments and a carefully chosen color scheme that adds character and personality. The client's must-haves were clear: they wanted a show stopping centerpiece for their home, enhanced natural light in the kitchen, and a design that reflected their family's dynamic. With the transformation of the range wall into a wall of windows, we fulfilled their desire for abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our favorite rooms and design elements are numerous, but the kitchen remains a standout feature. The painstaking process of hand-cutting and crafting each reeded panel in the island to match the marble's veining resulted in a labor of love that emanates warmth and hospitality to all who enter. In conclusion, this tastefully lux project in University Park, Dallas is an extraordinary example of a full gut remodel that has surpassed all expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of materials, and the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics create an unforgettable space. It serves as a testament to the power of design and the transformative impact it can have on a home and its inhabitants. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide.

Since 1994 Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping has been serving the Las Vegas Valley and Henderson as a full service design build landscape firm, specializing in creating custom and unique landscape designs. We provide our clients with excellence in custom residential landscaping through our creative landscape designs, exceptional customer service and our commitment to quality. Our services include: custom landscaping, concrete pavers, low voltage lighting systems, custom barbeques, outdoor living environments with waterfalls and custom water features, synthetic turf, putting greens, masonry walls and custom stone work. Chip-N-Dale’s employs a full service maintenance division dedicated to keeping your landscaping looking beautiful year round. Our commitment to quality is showcased on each and every project and backed by a One Year Guarantee on all materials and labor. Our professionalism along with our constant dedication to fulfilling our client’s vision has made us the premier custom landscape contractor in Las Vegas. We understand the importance of the decision in choosing the right landscape contractor. The company you choose must possess a strong management team with leadership and a commitment to excellence. The company must employ dedicated and skilled personnel who take pride and a sense of accomplishment in their work, Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping takes immense pride in being that company. The difference between an ordinary landscape and an extraordinary landscape lies in the details. Quality, service, pride and commitment to excellence are why Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping is the right choice for your next landscape project. Regards, Greg Struhl President

My client Kyra asked me to help her update their family room which was done in peach and green several years ago. She gave me carte blanche initially at the first meeting to come up with fabric selections and a new color scheme. Then once I showed her the indigo, white and grey colors and fabrics, I had nailed it on the head and it was a reflection of the client's personality and design aesthetic. She was probably the most decisive person I know in making quick fabric and design decisions throughout the rest of this project! We kept to the idea of a white background because the client was afraid she would get tired quickly with colors and patterns. We used a gorgeous Holland & Sherry white linen for the window treatments with a white decorative tape along the lead edge. The white window treatments along with the white furniture and white/pale gray painted walls became her blank canvas. With a few shots of indigo and a blue-grey mohair chair, she shouldn't outgrow this room for a long time. Even if she did want to change out the color scheme, it would involve only a small investment to change out a few pillows and one club chair. The client already had a coffee table made of reclaimed wood. It looked pretty beat up so I suggested a refinish in a lacquered dark walnut. A totally different look and "instant update". The client had a refinisher she wanted to use herself so that was one way to bring the total project cost down and at the same time recreate an almost brand new piece for such a reasonable price (workroom labor alone transformed this piece into a gorgeous table and focal point in the room). For the side tables, the client wanted to do "linen wrapped" tables in a ming style. She requested a navy blue rather than another shade of blue or even another accent color; this way she should be able to use a neutral color like navy to go with almost any other color scheme. The best part of this project is that this is the home of a very active family with 4 children and one large dog, and we were able to do everything with indoor/outdoor performance fabrics and one sturdy mohair fabric. Cherry blossoms, flowers and foliage can introduce new colors depending on the season so the client won't get sick of seeing the same thing, and it makes the whole room cozier and even more beautiful at different times of the year. Kyra is so very talented with designing and arranging flowers and foliage which makes her entire home look and feel warm and inviting. Overall, with this one redo, the family room has been transformed into a peaceful haven with a beautiful design aesthetic that the client and their family will be able to enjoy for years. Sam Gray Photography

3cm Taj Mahal Quartzite, Danze Opulence pot filler, Cobblestone Jeffrey Court backsplash
Kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in New Orleans with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Since 1994 Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping has been serving the Las Vegas Valley and Henderson as a full service design build landscape firm, specializing in creating custom and unique landscape designs. We provide our clients with excellence in custom residential landscaping through our creative landscape designs, exceptional customer service and our commitment to quality. Our services include: custom landscaping, concrete pavers, low voltage lighting systems, custom barbeques, outdoor living environments with waterfalls and custom water features, synthetic turf, putting greens, masonry walls and custom stone work. Chip-N-Dale’s employs a full service maintenance division dedicated to keeping your landscaping looking beautiful year round. Our commitment to quality is showcased on each and every project and backed by a One Year Guarantee on all materials and labor. Our professionalism along with our constant dedication to fulfilling our client’s vision has made us the premier custom landscape contractor in Las Vegas. We understand the importance of the decision in choosing the right landscape contractor. The company you choose must possess a strong management team with leadership and a commitment to excellence. The company must employ dedicated and skilled personnel who take pride and a sense of accomplishment in their work, Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping takes immense pride in being that company. The difference between an ordinary landscape and an extraordinary landscape lies in the details. Quality, service, pride and commitment to excellence are why Chip-N-Dale’s Custom Landscaping is the right choice for your next landscape project. Regards, Greg Struhl President

Perfect reading corner
Inspiration for a shabby-chic style bedroom remodel in Birmingham

At Corvus Construction, quality kitchen and bathroom remodels are our specialty. And while it’s great to go and pick out some nice tool for your kitchen backsplash or bathroom, what’s even better is when it can be configured uniquely to give you a custom-made design that will be one-of-a-kind and the envy of all who see it. If you’re considering a bathroom remodel and need your shower replaced or upgraded, tile is a great way to go. We’ve tiled hundreds of showers and most homeowners go for the standard look you see in home décor magazines or online. What you’ve likely seen, and may have now, is tile underfoot in the shower pan, field tile on the walls and perhaps an accent row of different pattern, color, or textured tile running horizontally around the walls of the shower stall. Some higher-end showers may feature accent rows of tile running vertically from floor to ceiling. This is nice but still pretty vanilla. The reality is there’s nothing that says you have to limit yourself to what you’ve seen before or what you see on idea walls at big box home improvement stores. Almost anything you can imagine is feasible when it comes to tile work. Today we’ll talk about a recent project where we thought way outside the tile box and created a bespoke shower that wasn’t limited to the same old horizontal and vertical runs of tile. after tile bathroom remodelbefore bathroom tile remodel What we’ve found is that irregularly shaped tile accents on a larger scale make an amazing focal point and turn your shower into a tailor-made work of art. Many homeowners never even consider a custom feature like this because they think of them as a luxury that’s outside of their price range. But nothing can be farther from the truth. In fact, a stunning shower design like this can be quite affordable. The photos featured in this blog are from a recent remodel we did and you can see just how incredible and opulent this custom tile work makes even this modest-sized bathroom look. If you hire a knowledgeable and experienced contractor for your bathroom remodel, a tile feature should only cost you about six more hours of labor – depending of the complexity of the design. The more complex, the more costly, but even a simpler design can make a huge difference in the look of your bathroom and can improve the look and value of your home. bathroom tile accents Done properly, the result is a totally unique, fantastic focal point. Having personally tiled hundreds of showers and bathrooms, I can tell you that crafting a custom design like this is an enjoyable change of pace. If you’re not sure what you want, we can work with you to come up with a layout that will express your style and ramp up the visual appeal of your bathroom. Collaborating with you to create a unique piece of tile work for your home would be a privilege. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, why not break away from the norm and indulge yourself in an affordable tile feature that you’ll enjoy time and again? One piece of advice I’ll offer is that if you want to keep the price of your custom tile work modest, be sure to select accent tiles in the same gauge (i.e. thickness) as your primary tile (also called field tile). If they have different depths, it will be more work to achieve a flush surface and more work equals higher cost.

A fun, hip kitchen with a mid-century modern vibe. The homeowners wanted a kitchen to make them happy. We think you can't help but smile! NEXT Project Studio Jerry Voloski

With versatile adjustable shelves, a massive storage capacity, and plenty of innovative features, Allavino's all-new 2X-YHWR305-1ST Dual-Zone Wine Cellar Refrigerator is the answer to all of your wine storage needs. Made up of two single zone 305-bottle wine refrigerators with opposite hinged doors, it can store an impressive 610 bottles of red and white wine in two distinct zones, each independently controlled using a clear digital display with user-friendly push button controls. Thanks to storage shelves that can be adjusted in 1-1/4" increments to accommodate larger bottles, you are no longer limited in the types of wine that you can store, allowing you complete customization for your personal storage needs. Dual-Zone Digital Temperature Control:The 2X-YHWR305-1ST features two individual temperature zones that can each be set between 41°F and 72°F, allowing you to store all red, all white, or both red and white wines depending on your needs. Each zone is adjusted using a digital display with push button controls that make controlling your wine's environment easier than ever. For added convenience, you can easily monitor the lighted temperature displays through the glass at any time without needing to open the doors. Fan-Forced Cooling:To provide additional cooling and help prevent large differences in temperature between the upper and lower zones, internal fans circulate air throughout the cabinets. These fan reduce initial cool down time by 50% and create a frost-free environment so you will not have to hassle with defrosting the unit. Blue LED Interior Lights:Find the perfect bottle quickly and easily thanks to the YHWR305-1ST's cool blue LED lights, which illuminate your bottles without the heat created by incandescent bulbs. You can leave these lights on to show off your collection without needing to worry about a harmful hot spot affecting your wine. Easy Rolling Hardwood Shelves:This wine cellar can safely store up to 610 standard size wine bottles on it's extra thick hardwood shelves, which glide-out smoothly on ball bearing tracks to provide easy access to every bottle. Twenty shelves can store up to 28 standard size bottles each, and two bottom shelves can store larger bottles or up to 25 standard bottles. Each shelf can be adjusted in 1-1/4" increments to accommodate larger diameter bottles. Tinted Glass Door with Lock:Frost-free and condensation-free UV-protected glass doors provide an excellent view of your wine while keeping it safe from harmful light. The door comes equipped with a built-in key lock for added security, and two keys are included so that you can always have a spare on hand. Height: 78-1/2" Width: 63" Depth: 27-1/2" (29-1/4" w/Handle) Unit Weight: 650 lbs. (2 units - 325 lbs. each) Labor: 1 Year Parts: 1 Year Compressor (Parts Only): 5 Years Built-In Capable: No Security Lock: Yes Multiple / Dual Zone: Yes Beverage Center: No Cabinet Color / Material: Black Ada Compliant: No Commercial Use: No Outdoor Use: No Energy Star Rated: No Wine Bottle Count: Up to 610 Bottles Adjustable Thermostat: Yes Digital: Yes Type: Compressor Defrost System: Auto Front Ventilation: No Type: Wood Presentation Number Of Shelves: 20 Material: Hardwood Removable: Yes Adjustable: Yes Glide-Out (Roller Assemblies): Yes Bottles Per Shelf: 28 Color: Black Compartments (Distinct Zones): 2 Lighting: Blue LED Type: Glass Number Of Doors: 2 Color / Material: Stainless Steel Frame Door Handle: Towel Bar Field Reversible: NO Accepts Custom Panel: NO Tinted / Uv Protective: Yes Self-Closing: No Dimensions Height 78-1/2" Width 63" Depth 27-1/2" (29-1/4" w/Handle) Weight Unit Weight 650 lbs. (2 units - 325 lbs. each) Warranty Labor 1 Year Parts 1 Year Compressor (Parts Only) 5 Years Key Features Built-in Capable No Security Lock Yes Multiple / Dual Zone Yes Beverage Center No Cabinet Color / Material Black ADA Compliant No Commercial Use No Outdoor Use No Energy Star Rated No Capacity Wine Bottle Count Up to 610 Bottles Controls Adjustable Thermostat Yes Digital Yes Cooling System Type Compressor Defrost System Auto Front Ventilation No Shelving Type Wood Presentation Number of Shelves 20 Material Hardwood Removable Yes Adjustable Yes Glide-Out (Roller Assemblies) Yes Bottles per Shelf 28 Interior Color Black Compartments (Distinct Zones) 2 Lighting Blue LED Door Type Glass Number of Doors 2 Color / Material Stainless Steel Frame Door Handle Towel Bar Field Reversible NO Accepts Custom Panel NO Tinted / UV Protective Yes Self-Closing No

At Corvus Construction, quality kitchen and bathroom remodels are our specialty. And while it’s great to go and pick out some nice tool for your kitchen backsplash or bathroom, what’s even better is when it can be configured uniquely to give you a custom-made design that will be one-of-a-kind and the envy of all who see it. If you’re considering a bathroom remodel and need your shower replaced or upgraded, tile is a great way to go. We’ve tiled hundreds of showers and most homeowners go for the standard look you see in home décor magazines or online. What you’ve likely seen, and may have now, is tile underfoot in the shower pan, field tile on the walls and perhaps an accent row of different pattern, color, or textured tile running horizontally around the walls of the shower stall. Some higher-end showers may feature accent rows of tile running vertically from floor to ceiling. This is nice but still pretty vanilla. The reality is there’s nothing that says you have to limit yourself to what you’ve seen before or what you see on idea walls at big box home improvement stores. Almost anything you can imagine is feasible when it comes to tile work. Today we’ll talk about a recent project where we thought way outside the tile box and created a bespoke shower that wasn’t limited to the same old horizontal and vertical runs of tile. after tile bathroom remodelbefore bathroom tile remodel What we’ve found is that irregularly shaped tile accents on a larger scale make an amazing focal point and turn your shower into a tailor-made work of art. Many homeowners never even consider a custom feature like this because they think of them as a luxury that’s outside of their price range. But nothing can be farther from the truth. In fact, a stunning shower design like this can be quite affordable. The photos featured in this blog are from a recent remodel we did and you can see just how incredible and opulent this custom tile work makes even this modest-sized bathroom look. If you hire a knowledgeable and experienced contractor for your bathroom remodel, a tile feature should only cost you about six more hours of labor – depending of the complexity of the design. The more complex, the more costly, but even a simpler design can make a huge difference in the look of your bathroom and can improve the look and value of your home. bathroom tile accents Done properly, the result is a totally unique, fantastic focal point. Having personally tiled hundreds of showers and bathrooms, I can tell you that crafting a custom design like this is an enjoyable change of pace. If you’re not sure what you want, we can work with you to come up with a layout that will express your style and ramp up the visual appeal of your bathroom. Collaborating with you to create a unique piece of tile work for your home would be a privilege. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, why not break away from the norm and indulge yourself in an affordable tile feature that you’ll enjoy time and again? One piece of advice I’ll offer is that if you want to keep the price of your custom tile work modest, be sure to select accent tiles in the same gauge (i.e. thickness) as your primary tile (also called field tile). If they have different depths, it will be more work to achieve a flush surface and more work equals higher cost.

Home design - contemporary backyard concrete paver home design idea in San Diego

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection. "The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go. "Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing." The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined. "She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that." Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit." The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space." After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living. "The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'" However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture." The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate." The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern. In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches. The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever. "Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). "We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."

Secret Gardens has been developing this stunning harbourside garden over a number of years. A simple layout at water level provides a subtle foreground to the harbour view beyond. Simple, modern plant combinations draw from a simple but consistent colour palette. The main courtyard space is the highlight . A five metre high green wall and water wall provide the backdrop to a large banquet seat. The built in bbq, retractable ceiling, customised firepit and coffee table provide options for year round entertainment. Extensive soundproofing was incorporated into the boundary wall as well as behind the green wall to absorb noise from a neighbouring property.