Tucked into the hillsides of Marin, the environment played a predominant role in defining the contemporary yet exotic style of this home. In the master bedroom, a fireplace adds a cozy design element, while an inconspicuous home theater system can be elegantly tucked away when not in use. In the master bathroom, pebbled stone tile adorn the walls of the double shower that overlooks the hillsides of Marin. A guest bathroom was designed to compliment the eclectic aesthetic of the home. While in the center of the residence, a spiral acrylic staircase climbs 3 floors acting as a consistent element, tying together the varied yet complementary styles.

Photography: Christian Garibaldi
Eat-in kitchen - large modern single-wall dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

We helped stylish blogger Erin Hatzis - one half of Suburban Bitches - choose chairs for her new wood and iron dining room table from Restoration Hardware. The silver tabouret chairs she had paired with her old, farmhouse table just weren't working, and Erin needed sorting through the overwhelming number of options available online. She had her eye on the handwoven, antiqued zinc CB2 Reed chair, and Decorist suggested layering in two Pascal Modern Shell Chairs from Overstock (with a sheepskin overlay for added comfort!) to blend the mid-century elements she had in her living room. Shop the room here http://www.decorist.com/makeovers/24/a-rustic-modern-dining-room-makeover Rachel Olsen Photography

Master Bath and Shower Photograph by Gordon Beall
Inspiration for a timeless master white tile and ceramic tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in DC Metro with white walls, marble countertops and a console sink

For these clients, opening the kitchen to the dining room, incorporating an island and moving the sink to the window were priorities. We were happy to accommodate! The new open concept makes for an airy and spacious kitchen that flows seamlessly into the dining room. The owner loves looking out her window from her sink. It's also where her orchids have a found the perfect place to bloom and thrive. Over-sized pendants above the dark gray island offers a striking and appealing contrast to the neutral medium gray perimeter cabinets. Oliver Bencosme, photographer

This country kitchen is accented with detailed tiles, brass light fixtures and a large butcher block. Greg Premru Photography
Example of a mid-sized cottage u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Boston with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and tile countertops

Inspiration for a rustic medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This thoughtfully designed kitchen blends the clean simplicity of Scandinavian style with the warmth of natural materials. Light oak shaker cabinetry pairs seamlessly with a soft blue quartzite island, creating a balanced palette that feels fresh yet timeless. Brass hardware, a farmhouse sink, and oversized pendant lights add refined character without overpowering the space. A custom range hood and full-height ceramic tile backsplash provide subtle texture and visual interest, while panel-ready appliances and smart storage solutions keep the look streamlined. The spacious island offers ample prep space and casual seating, making it both functional and welcoming for everyday life. From the light porcelain tile flooring to the gold-toned fixtures and tailored detailing, every element works in harmony to create a bright, inviting kitchen that celebrates craftsmanship and modern living.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Upper floor master suite bath features an entire backsplash wall of hexagon tile.
Bathroom - large contemporary master gray tile, multicolored tile, white tile and mosaic tile white floor bathroom idea in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and multicolored walls

Two tile combination in large pattern mother of pearl mosaic paired with large marble subway tile look stunning together.
Trendy bathroom photo in Sacramento

This dreamy master bath remodel in East Cobb offers generous space without going overboard in square footage. The homeowner chose to go with a large double vanity with a custom seated space as well as a nice shower with custom features and decided to forgo the typical big soaking tub. The vanity area shown in the photos has plenty of storage within the wall cabinets and the large drawers below. The countertop is Cedar Brown slab marble with undermount sinks. The brushed nickel metal details were done to work with the theme through out the home. The floor is a 12x24 honed Crema Marfil. The stunning crystal chandelier draws the eye up and adds to the simplistic glamour of the bath. The shower was done with an elegant combination of tumbled and polished Crema Marfil, two rows of Emperador Light inlay and Mirage Glass Tiles, Flower Series, Polished.

Amazing kitchen transformation. The customer selected Fieldstone Cherry Cabinetry in a flat panel (Stratford door) with a chestnut stain. The countertops are granite, the floors and backsplash are tile. Miele Stainless steel appliances. The floors are an 18”x 18” porcelain tile set in a diagonal pattern. This project was a large kitchen and sunroom remodel. The customer wanted a large angled peninsula with overhang for seating. We installed a large undermount stainless steel sink with the Brizo collection touch activated faucet by Delta. This project was under 70K.

With stunning views of the Annisquam River, this beautiful first period home was constructed in 1690 for Nathanial Harraden, sailing master of the USS Constitution. It is believed to be the oldest remaining house in this neighborhood of Gloucester. Our extensive historic restoration preserved the integrity and historic details of the original structure, which had been altered significantly over time. Deteriorated structural elements were repaired or rebuilt, and historic elements including beams were revealed. A bright new kitchen and bathrooms provide a functional layout suited for modern living, and use authentic natural materials that will patina and weather in harmony with the rest of the home. The new island counter was hewn from a large decaying tree on the site, and hand-painted marble tiles adorn the backsplash. New cabinetry was hand-crafted using methods authentic to the time. We preserved the kitchen’s existing brick floor, which originally provided a durable surface for milking animals inside during cold winter months. Using authentic materials and craftsmanship of the era, this special house celebrates its historic character and embraces modern updates that will welcome home generations to come.

While the owners are away the designers will play! This Bellevue craftsman stunner went through a large remodel while its occupants were living in Europe. Almost every room in the home was touched to give it the beautiful update it deserved. A vibrant yellow front door mixed with a few farmhouse touches on the exterior provide a casual yet upscale feel. From the craftsman style millwork seen through out, to the carefully selected finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms, to a dreamy backyard retreat, it is clear from the moment you walk through the door not a design detail was missed. Being a busy family, the clients requested a great room fit for entertaining. A breakfast nook off the kitchen with upholstered chairs and bench cushions provides a cozy corner with a lot of seating - a perfect spot for a "kids" table so the adults can wine and dine in the formal dining room. Pops of blue and yellow brighten the neutral palette and create a playful environment for a sophisticated space. Painted cabinets in the office, floral wallpaper in the powder bathroom, a swing in one of the daughter's rooms, and a hidden cabinet in the pantry only the adults know about are a few of the elements curated to create the customized home my clients were looking for.

LAIR Architectural + Interior Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile doorless shower remodel in Dallas with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

Christopher Davison, AIA
Example of a mid-sized classic master gray tile and glass tile porcelain tile walk-in shower design in Austin with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops and beige walls

“Bright and elegant farmhouse-style kitchen with modern touches. Featuring crisp white cabinetry, a spacious center island with granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, this space blends functionality with charm. Classic subway tile backsplash, a farmhouse apron sink, and glass pendant lighting add timeless appeal, while the walk-in pantry and double ovens provide convenience for everyday cooking and entertaining. Wood-look flooring and open shelving above the cabinets bring warmth and a touch of rustic flair.”

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean l-shaped kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, a farmhouse sink and multicolored backsplash