photography by Rob Karosis
Beach style eat-in kitchen photo in Portland Maine with recessed-panel cabinets, a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

In the trails located in the heart of Westlake Village, a homeowner embarked on a transformative journey. Feeling the urge to expand, refresh, and breathe new life into their space, they envisioned more than just additional square footage; they dreamed of a home capable of hosting their large family and grandchildren, becoming the backdrop for countless cherished memories. Understanding our client’s vision, our team set out to create an open, inviting space bathed in natural light. We aimed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while radiating warmth and brightness throughout the home. This commitment to our client’s dream guided us as we transformed every corner of the house. The transformation began with a significant addition to the back of the house. We knocked down walls, relocated the stairs, and reconfigured the floorplan to enhance flow and functionality. To further enhance the connection with the outdoors, we replaced traditional French doors with a stunning LaCantina door. This change not only expanded the view but also invited the beauty of the outdoors into the heart of the home. Turning our attention to the dated red brick that adorned the home’s facade, we applied a mortar overlay with creativity and skill. This transformed the tired brick into a fresh, unique feature that set the tone for the entire remodel. Our dedication to detail extended to every inch of the home, with custom finishes and upgrades in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Each detail was carefully chosen and executed to reflect our client’s taste and elevate their living experience. Understanding our client’s desires for outdoor gatherings, we added two patios—one roofed and one louvered—complete with an outdoor fireplace, lounging, and dining areas. We also built a new pool and added an outdoor BBQ island, creating inviting retreats perfect for family gatherings, relaxation, and making new memories. As the project neared completion, our client’s dream home stood transformed—a bright, open sanctuary perfectly tailored to their family’s needs and desires. While we provided the expertise, guidance, and craftsmanship, it was our client’s vision, passion, and trust that made it all possible. In the end, this project was about more than just remodeling a house; it was about crafting a home where love, laughter, and memories could flourish for years to come. Photographer: Andrew Orozco

sarah fretwell photography
Shed - contemporary shed idea in Santa Barbara

Hideaway, Le Marche - San Marino, Italy A historical Hideaway. Image courtesy on the realtor, Leo Trippi. A well-hidden place where the spirit finds its peace, nested between the Romagna, the Marches and Tuscany. Entering the gate, one leaves behind the pace of chaotic lives, and abandons itself to the joy of living of this ancient land. It is meant to be understood as a site of experience, where nature, culture, history and pleasure are elevated to the centre of things in order to finally rediscover it in oneself. A sort of “back to the simplicity”, aiming to dedicate oneself to observation and drawing from it valuable experiences for one’s life. Each of the three houses presents itself as an unexpected world in its own right, closed in on itself and yet a harmonious part of the whole, waiting to be enlivened by lively laughter, animated conversation and playfulness. This territory is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The sheer variety of places and landscapes enables visitors to take excursions on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. History and architecture enthusiasts can follow an itinerary of strongholds and castles dotted around the area. Lovers of gourmet food will discover a full range of traditional dishes and quality local produce all year round. The rich variety of museums enables exploration into the rural arts, medieval architecture, archaeological finds and contemporary art.

Modern Courtyard integrated with home style, view corridors and flow patterns. Concrete has sand finish, artificial turf is installed between the pavers, IPE deck tiles used for dining area and restoration hardware fire pit was used.

Jeff Herr
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor laundry room remodel in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and wood countertops

Example of a trendy mudroom design in Chicago

Who wouldn’t feel at home in this beautiful eat-in kitchen? The open layout, classy white cabinets, and the sunshine streaming through the window combine to form a kitchen that’s functional and welcoming—the kind where you can easily imagine the delightful odors of fresh herbs and fragrant spices mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and family. A closer look reveals a number of design ideas that might be useful if you’re looking to create a similar ambiance in your own home. This design takes advantage of natural sunlight by pairing a large window with a light color scheme that makes the space bright and airy. No detail has been overlooked, as evidenced by the glass hexagon backsplash that serves as an accent. The interlocking glass tiles create a lovely pattern of varying neutral tones that gives just the right amount of energy to the space. The cabinets are equally as tasteful, finished with an elegant crown molding. The gray cabinet island with white cabinets creates a stylish two-tone look and adds a splash of contrast, and the spacious island includes both an impressive cooktop and a bar—adding more seating and extra workspace. Of course, the countertop is an essential part of any kitchen, but it’s especially important to choose the right one in a design that includes such a large work surface. The kitchen countertop has to look good—after all, it’s the element that ties the rest of the design together—but it also needs to be a functional surface that can handle the tomato sauce or red wine spill, whatever might be on the kids’ sticky fingers, and the wear and tear of everyday use. A quartz kitchen, like this one, doesn’t have to sacrifice its looks to be practical. This luxurious white quartz countertop with delicate, swirling gray veins ties the color palette together and glitters in the sun—but it’s also a durable work space. The engineered stone used here is a Calacatta Verona Quartz, one of many choices that Sky Marble offers as part of our extensive quartz selection. Calacatta Verona Quartz has all the classic beauty of marble, doesn’t require ongoing maintenance, and can stand up to many, many years of family dinners or cocktail parties. And it’s an excellent choice for this kitchen’s color scheme, maximizing the natural lighting and seamlessly uniting the gray of the island and the white of the other cabinets. Altogether, this contemporary kitchen style strikes the perfect balance between elegance and warmth. At Sky Marble in Sterling, VA, we can help you find just the right look to make your kitchen ideas for make your new build or renovation project a similar success.

Patio - coastal patio idea in New York

Ryann Ford
Country two-story mixed siding exterior home idea in Austin

Inspiration for a rustic patio remodel in Seattle

Hideaway, Le Marche - San Marino, Italy A historical Hideaway. Image courtesy on the realtor, Leo Trippi. A well-hidden place where the spirit finds its peace, nested between the Romagna, the Marches and Tuscany. Entering the gate, one leaves behind the pace of chaotic lives, and abandons itself to the joy of living of this ancient land. It is meant to be understood as a site of experience, where nature, culture, history and pleasure are elevated to the centre of things in order to finally rediscover it in oneself. A sort of “back to the simplicity”, aiming to dedicate oneself to observation and drawing from it valuable experiences for one’s life. Each of the three houses presents itself as an unexpected world in its own right, closed in on itself and yet a harmonious part of the whole, waiting to be enlivened by lively laughter, animated conversation and playfulness. This territory is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The sheer variety of places and landscapes enables visitors to take excursions on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. History and architecture enthusiasts can follow an itinerary of strongholds and castles dotted around the area. Lovers of gourmet food will discover a full range of traditional dishes and quality local produce all year round. The rich variety of regional museums enables exploration into the rural arts, medieval architecture, archaeological finds and contemporary art.

Dining room - cottage terra-cotta tile and brown floor dining room idea in New York with yellow walls

©Chris Laughter Photo
Dining room - tropical marble floor and gray floor dining room idea in San Diego with white walls

©Chris Laughter Photo
Bedroom - tropical master light wood floor and gray floor bedroom idea in San Diego with brown walls

Bluestone terrace and garden space.
Photo of a traditional shade backyard stone landscaping in New York.

Guest bath with pebble stone tile on the shower floor. Selected all the interior and exterior finishes and materials for this custom home. Furnishings were a combination of existing and new.

Alain Alminana | www.aarphoto.com
Inspiration for a large eclectic girl carpeted kids' room remodel in Miami with blue walls

From the Moment you step under the Taut Green Awning from Central Park West... you begin to feel the Tingling Calm you are about to behold. As you ascend in the elevator to the Tree Top Floor and enter the Enclave, you know you have arrived, not at a residence, but an experience. A place that is as Bright and White as the Sun Shining outside the Bank of Windows, yet Tempered by the Green Lush Expanse of all Central Park Laid before your Wandering eyes. As you turn to Drink in the Apartment, your Eyes are delighted with the Twinkle of Crystal, the Sheen of Marbles, The Roughness of Carved Granite, all played against Cozy Silk and Wool Carpets, Sofas and Chairs that soak you in, the Art and Treasures in glints of Patina-ed Golds and Silver from the Past, The Present and the Future to come, all gift boxed in a setting that harks back to the Golden Age of Pre-War New York but Splashed with Modern Flourishes in design that remind you, you are Here and Now. In this Trance you can hear the Sounds of Clinking Glasses celebrating a Birthday Celebration, The Laughter of Friends preparing to leave for an Opening Night at the Theater, the soft hush of a night cap toast as you savor in the city lights below before you dream some more, only to wake to the smells of Omelette's and French Toast waiting on White Porcelain with Crisp Linen Napkins all set beside the Mountain of the Sunday New York Times in the Shadow of a Blue Hydrangea arrangement. The Day and The City awaits you, but you cocoon yourself in the envelope you are savoring, You reach for the Times, or the New Yorker, and curl in, with Cole Porter or Leonard Bernstein wafting through the aerie of peace, as you gaze out the window... Central Park fills with Leaves, People, Rain, or even a Gentle Snow. This is Central Park West. This is: An Experience. Not a Residence.