Our clients love to entertain, and they needed a kitchen to fit their style. They had a space with an odd shaped island and they could not visualize how to best redesign this to get a larger island without all the angles. They also had no pantry storage area in the kitchen which they really wanted. We used our Kitchen Solvers app to create a video walkthrough to showcase the design we came up with, which they loved. The kitchen had a window that looked out into another room that had been converted into a bar and entertainment space. We took out the window and enlarged the opening, creating a pass-through and serving area to the adjoining room. On one side of the kitchen, we created a long bar area with dual wine coolers that serves as the bar and another serving area. Glass upper cabinets with thick glass shelves were used to display their collection of glass vases and bowls. Inside the cabinet, lighting was added to highlight the collection and shine through the glass shelves. A large pantry cabinet was built between the refrigerator and ovens with an adjustable height rollout system in the lower section. The new cabinets are from our Kitchen Solvers Legacy Collection in a classic white. The hood was custom designed to be the focal point of the kitchen and the honey maple wood matches what we did with the island cabinets. For the counters, we did the island with a waterfall edge in a Sandgate quartz, while the perimeter counters were done in a Lakedale quartz. We also did a full height backsplash in the same Lakedale quartz. The entire kitchen has no visible light switches or electrical outlets. Can lights in the ceiling was added over the new island. Undercabinet lighting is in two zones, the bar area and the rest of the kitchen. Down facing “hockey puck” lighting was built over the passthrough and hidden in the custom trim work. The center drawer in the island has hidden outlets behind the drawer face. Just look at this amazing kitchen transformation!

Outdoor living home addition including master bedroom and office addition all within reach of living beyond the walls of this Westport Connecticut home. Westport, Ct. WITH A LOVE of outdoor living, these Connecticut homeowners wanted to outfit their open-air area for maximum enjoyment. Envisioning a space especially for cooking, dining, and relaxing, they hired Michael Gotowala, principal designer and president of Preferred Properties Landscaping and Masonry, whose motto is to “live beyond the walls of your home outdoors.” Preparing their home so the owners could do just that, Gotowala got to work on an addition that allowed for a master bedroom and office walkout for private outdoor living. The heart of the outdoor area features a fireplace with arched stone bins, granite countertops, and an adult beverage center. To the right, a stone hot tub complements the stone courtyard and privacy walls, which are highlighted with fire jars. To the left of the addition is pool central. This section includes a fire pit with stone bench and L-shaped island against the house. element, visually connecting areas. The stone façade on the house matches that of the island, making the entire space appear larger. Stone steps at all the door openings have different heights to accommodate the pool and home addition. And Gotowala chose an artful mix of varieties that all complement each other: Noble hill yellow stone for the walls, Norwegian buff limestone for the pool deck and coping, and yellow river granite for the kitchen countertops. For more insight on this Fabulous outdoor living project in Westport, Ct. by Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES go to www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com

The center section is new. The connection between the garage on the right and the main wing was enlarged in order to create a larger kitchen complex. The match of the existing masonry veneer and roof was excellent. The new walkway using stone pavers completed the courtyard effect.

Hidden TV lift cabinet made to order for a beautiful family room.This TV Lift lift cabinet is US Made by Cabinet Tronix who has specialized in TV lift motorized furniture since 2002. This is the Maximus 2 door buffet which is perfectly married with a US made TV lift system. All high quality designs 125 Designs http://www.cabinet-tronix.com/ and come with a 5 year warranty and can be placed at the foot of the bed, against the wall or center of the room. These high quality Hidden TV lift cabinets are made to order and dimensions will be based on your TV size and other technology component needs. There is stock sizes however it can be made to hold any size larger flat screen TV. This maximus flat screen TV lift cabinet is hand carved and available in 16 amazing designer grade finishes. Custom finishing, configuration and sizing available. All designs are finished on all 4 sides with the exact same wood type and finish. All Cabinet Tronix TV lift cabinet models come with HDMI cables, Digital display universal remote, built in Infrared repeater system, TV mount, wire web wrap, component section and power bar. You can also opt to include our optional 360 TV lift swivel system. Custom finishes and sizing All our Furniture systems come with a 5 year http://www.cabinet-tronix.com/other.html Phone: 619-422-2784

This media unit is built from scratch in Putney in London, the style is contemporary and the whole unit is flush at the front, so all the doors and carcasses and shelving is on the same vertical plain. The shelving is less deep than the rest of the closed section and has a back that has been brought forward so that small books and items don't get too lost. The wardrobe is hand painted with an eco plant based paint. It is built around a TV and sound bar to ensure it fits perfectly, the shelves around have random compartments with lights inside to highlight the contents and the base unit has doors to keep the mess away and to store larger items.

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

Artsy + Airy Open Concept Living - Working with an open concept space can have its advantages...spaces often appear larger, lots of natural sunlight, great for entertaining. However, often times, the caviot is that you have to commit to a concept and keep it cohesive throughout, which can present some challenges when it comes to design. Collectively, the entry, dining, living and kitchen were all open to the centered stairwell that somewhat divided the spaces. Creating a color palette that could work throughout the main floor was simple once the window treatment fabric was discovered and locked down. Golds, purples and accent of turquoise in the chairs the homeowner already owned, creating an interesting color way the moment you entered through the front door. Infusing texture with the citron sea grass-grass cloth wall covering, consistent with the fireplace/TV combo, creating one focal point in each space is key to your survival with an open floor plan. [if you would like 4 Simple tips on creating one focal point with a fireplace and TV click here!] A great layout and spacial plan will create an even flow between spaces, creating a space within a space. Create small interesting and beautifully styled spaces to inspire conversation and invite guests in. Here are our favorite project images!

This bathroom featured a bathroom divided into two areas, a vanity area and a shower/ toilet room. We we replaced an acrylic shower surround with a custom tile shower. We found a surprise on the exterior wall when we removed the acrylic surround.... termite damage. There were sections of the wall that were literally sawdust! We had to remove the exterior siding and sheathing, reframe the wall and window and install new sheathing and siding before we could move on with the shower. The custom tile shower is a twist on a classic subway tile. We used larger 8" x 20" tiles for the shower wall instead the traditional 3" x 6" size. We completed the shower with a marble bench, recessed niches and a rain head style shower head with a handheld shower wand. We carried the wall tile down the exterior wall to create an accent wall in the toilet area.

The neutral tones of this ivory, taupe and black Living Room are both calming and sophisticated. My client had recently downsized from a larger home and was starting fresh with all new furniture. The varied textures of the ivory leather sectional, cream linen chair, sisal rug and burnished gold coffee table come together beautifully to give a richness to the space. When we couldn't find a TV stand that worked, a custom lacquered piece was designed. The original oil painting completes the room and becomes a focal point.

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

Caroline Trinidad
Large trendy open concept and formal travertine floor living room photo in Other with beige walls, a corner fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

This paving and planting scheme features new hard landscaping elements and a new planting scheme. Artscape was initially briefed to extend and enhance the patio in the garden of a lovely home in the village of Cookham Dean in Berkshire. Our clients wanted to increase the size of the paved area so they could use it more frequently for relaxing and dining in the sun during the day. As well as increasing its size and practicality, they wanted the terrace to look and feel more inviting. The existing site was a mixture of brick paving, which was slippery underfoot, and tired concrete crazy paving. The patio also had stone retaining walls surrounded by sloped lawns and a few poorly maintained and mismatched shrubs. Redesigned and repaved area We first created a new, larger layout with a series of wider steps closer to the house, making a more inviting and welcoming area. Our landscapers paved the area with coursed sandstone, renowned for its incredible strength and durability. The earthy tones and unique texture of the sandstone gives it a natural timeless look which blends sympathetically with the garden setting. The worn finish of the paving also makes the surface safer to walk on. The edge of the paving curves in line from the end of the house to visually link the areas. Bullnosed edges enhance looks and safety Bullnosing provides the garden step edges with a smooth, luxury appearance, which also enhance safety. Safety is an important factor to consider when renovating or building new steps and paved areas. Smooth, rounded bullnosed steps or edges means there won’t be any harshly cut, sharp edges to injure someone should they trip or fall. Our Artscape paving experts can advise on the best bespoke, professionally profiled bullnose edges to suit the needs of your garden project. Replacing sloped lawns with plants Our initial brief was to create a new planted border just around the paved area. However, after various discussions and designs, our clients decided to follow our recommendation to expand the planting, so it included the whole sloping bank. The planting design also included the addition of small trees to create vertical interest. New nature-friendly planting The planting features an easy-to-maintain mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs. This adds softness to the seating area and brings an everchanging display of flowers, foliage, textures and colours to the garden. The plants will attract more birds and butterflies to the garden, and will be beneficial for insects too. The lawn was doing very little to support a diversity of insects and birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with perennial flowers, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, or groundcovers will benefit nature and wildlife. As well as supporting greater biodiversity, plants are more environmentally friendly than maintaining a lawn. Lawns are drought tolerant and will recover even if the grass has turned brown and patchy in a heatwave. But to keep the lawn looking lush, green, and beautiful in a hot, dry spell will require constant and wasteful watering. The planting is informal and includes grasses, taking inspiration from the fields opposite. Ornamental grasses soften the scheme and bring movement to the garden as they shimmer in the slightest of breezes. Grasses are easy to grow and require little ongoing care. The main maintenance task is to cut the planting back in spring ready for the new growth to come through. To keep the whole project within our client’s budget, we retained the existing walls, simply carrying out some small repairs and modifications where necessary. We were also able to add stunning new atmospheric lighting to the older existing lighting circuit to illuminate the area at night.

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

A respectful renovation balances historical preservation and contemporary design. A historic log cabin, reimagined for a preservation-minded couple. Working with the architect, we thoughtfully swapped extraneous wood for panoramic windows and steel I-beams. The resulting interior feels simultaneously seamless and sophisticated, open and intimate. Layers of texture lend intrigue throughout: rustic timber walls complement the client’s contemporary art collection; plush upholstery softens such as a copious cobalt sectional soften minimalist lines of metal; cozy nooks, like one bridging the living room and master suite, invite relaxation. The master transforms the historic core of the cabin into a refuge defined by logs darkened to near black. Catering to keen chefs, we designed a gourmet kitchen as functional as it is flawless; opting out of a dining room in favor of a larger family area, the expansive kitchen island seats six. Every careful detail reflects the synergy we felt with this client and their respect for both history and design.

A very large sectional sofa fills almost the entire room. There is intentionally no TV in this small "formal" Parlour - The TV lounge is located in the adjoining larger of the two bedrooms and flexibly doubles as a guest room as needed.

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

When it comes to defining a space, few elements are as transformative as a rug. Particularly in larger rooms, 9x12 rugs play a pivotal role in anchoring furniture, unifying aesthetics, and providing comfort underfoot. As home design continues to evolve, so do the styles, materials, and motifs that define contemporary rug choices. Whether you're redesigning a single room or curating an entire home, choosing the right 9x12 rug can dramatically influence the tone and function of your space. This blog explores the transition from classic to contemporary rug styles, highlighting current trends in design, texture, and sustainability. Read on to discover how 9x12 rugs are being used to redefine modern living environments in 2025. Classic Rug Designs: Timeless Elegance and Historical Influence Classic rugs have always been synonymous with tradition, craftsmanship, and sophistication. These pieces often draw inspiration from centuries-old techniques and cultural aesthetics, primarily seen in Persian, Oriental, and Turkish designs. A 9x12 classic rug is not merely a floor covering but a narrative woven through intricate patterns and deep, rich colors. Traditional rug styles typically feature ornate borders, central medallions, and floral or geometric motifs. Colors like burgundy, deep navy, ivory, forest green, and gold dominate these designs, making them ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The materials used often high-quality wool or silk add a luxurious texture and long-lasting durability. Hand-knotted techniques passed down through generations lend these rugs their intricate detail and resilience. Today, classic rugs are being reimagined to fit modern sensibilities. Interior designers are pairing antique Persian rugs with contemporary furniture to create a unique, eclectic mix. For instance, a vintage 9x12 Rugs might lie beneath a minimalist glass coffee table and a sleek leather sectional, marrying old-world charm with modern clarity. In open-plan layouts, these rugs help delineate spaces and introduce visual interest. Their timeless beauty ensures that they remain relevant, even as design trends shift. Moreover, the reintroduction of classic designs in modern colorways has allowed traditional rugs to appeal to a new generation. Muted tones, distressed finishes, and faded patterns give these rugs a more relaxed, lived-in feel that blends well with both rustic and urban interiors. For those seeking to infuse character and heritage into their living spaces, a classic 9x12 rug offers a versatile and enduring option. Modern Minimalism: Embracing Simplicity and Subtlety in Large Rugs As modern design trends continue to favor simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance, the demand for minimalist rugs has surged. The 9x12 rug format, given its expansive coverage, is particularly suited to minimalistic interiors where clean lines, neutral tones, and open spaces dominate the aesthetic. Minimalist 9x12 rugs often utilize a restrained palette think beige, gray, ivory, taupe, and soft earth tones. These colors help maintain a calm, cohesive environment, especially in spaces where natural light plays a crucial role. Designs may be solid or include subtle patterns such as linear textures, tone-on-tone geometrics, or abstract gradients. The absence of elaborate ornamentation allows these rugs to blend seamlessly with contemporary furniture, making them a staple in Scandinavian, Japandi, and transitional interior styles. Materials also play a crucial role in defining the minimalist look. Natural wool, bamboo silk, and viscose provide a soft, luxurious feel while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Flatweaves and low-pile constructions are popular choices, offering practicality alongside elegance.

Party Palace - Custom Ranch on Acreage in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. This family is very involved with their church and hosts community events weekly; so the need to access the kitchen, seating areas, dining and entryways with 100+ guests present was imperative. This prompted us and the homeowner to create extra square footage around these amenities. The kitchen also received the double island treatment. Allowing guests to be hosted at one of the larger islands (capable of seating 5-6) while hors d'oeuvres and refreshments can be prepared on the smaller more centrally located island, helped these happy hosts to staff and plan events accordingly. Placement of these rooms relative to each other in the floor plan was also key to keeping all of the excitement happening in one place, making regular events easy to monitor, easy to maintain and relatively easy to clean-up. Some other important features that made this house a party-palace were a hidden butler's pantry, multiple wetbars and prep spaces, sectional seating inside and out, and double dining nooks (formal and informal). Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya