The unusual arrangement of fridge, range, and sink around a large island had been working for the clients for years, so they decided to keep that layout, only opting to split the oven from the cooktop. Layers of dimmable lighting are essential for flexible ambiance. Steve Kuzma Photography

Arched mirrors paired with modern lighting create symmetry, warmth, and improved illumination, elevating the vanity wall into a design focal point.
Alcove shower - small modern master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and double-sink alcove shower idea in Austin with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

strategic layering of floor levels organized around the original central stair, the top portion of the building is a 1600 square-foot, multi-floored home, while the lower floors consist of two studio apartments – one front and one back. \ Photographer Cesar Rubio

Dining room - country dining room idea in Los Angeles

Freestanding bathtub - coastal master freestanding bathtub idea in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and white walls

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Design-build remodel in Wakefield, MA, featuring a kitchen with a bar area and mudroom space. (#ProjectEclecticEnvy) This remodel showcases painted frameless cabinetry in Rookwood Green, with a white textured subway tile backsplash, seamlessly integrated into a U-shaped layout with a peninsula for seating. The appliance suite in matte black adds contrast, accented with brass and German bronze hardware. A Silgranit apron sink with a fabric skirt and a brass bridge faucet introduce traditional charm. The bar area features a medium gray quartz countertop that mimics concrete, a highly textured geometric backsplash, and a concealed framed television. The mudroom space includes custom built-in storage with a stained bench top and continues the bar area’s backsplash tile. An 8” charcoal hexagon floor tile and Hygge & West Piedmont Wallpaper in Pine - a large-scale patterned wallpaper featuring foxes, birds, and florals - tie the space together with bold character.

Beach style open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a modern home office remodel in Denver

This expansive first floor takes luxury to the next level. A once dreary and dark kitchen, lacking in function, takes on a new look. Natural light floods through the kitchen with wall-to-wall windows, highlighting the gorgeous wood texture from the rift sawn white oak and walnut inset cabinets. A french La Corneau range provides a beautiful focal point, paired with layered designer lighting and various stones. A host’s dream space for entertaining with a hidden pantry, fully stocked with a chefs sink, dishwasher, and wall oven with ample storage for dry goods and small appliances. A morning brew or 5'oclock cocktail can be found in the fully loaded wet bar stocked with an integrated espresso maker, ice maker, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, and spirits collected from traveling the globe. Cheers!

Jim Bartsch Photography
Example of a tuscan terra-cotta tile kitchen design in Santa Barbara with raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island and paneled appliances

Ideally, an ensuite bathroom is a luxurious extension of your bedroom – but for these clients, the space felt dated. We relocated all the fixtures. These changes allowed us to add a larger vanity, a tall linen storage cabinet, and a doubled-in-size make-up area (which the client dubbed “her new favourite seat in the house”). Large vintage-inspired tiles, floating rustic shelves, and sleek grey cabinets inject style; a steam shower and modern fixtures add another layer of luxe.

The true farmhouse kitchen. Mixing bold traditional colours, natural elements, shiplap and wooden beamed ceiling details, all make for the perfectly crafted farmhouse. Layering in a traditional farm house sink, and an industrial inspired metal hood fan adds charm and a curated feel to this traditional space. No compromise spared with storage, function or innovation.

design + art direction: barbara schmidt, studiobstyle.com faucet: "Pekoe chrome faucet", americanstandard-us.com wallcovering: "Kasari Ikat", fschumacher.com Stove Tile: Jeffrey Court "Arica" glass tile, tilexdesign.com Pot Filler: Jado Contemporary pot filler, jadousa.com stove + fridge: 30" Wolf range hood and Sub-Zero refridgerator, rothdistributing.com Rug: aubryangelo.com countertops/lower cabinets- brite white #459, island: top- natural concrete #603, front-white ash #8841-WR, formica.com

John Bishop
Cottage chic open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Austin

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional kitchen remodel in Kent with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Creating an intimate space, when the great room flows to the dining room and kitchen, is felt in the coziness of the details that define each room. The transitional background is layered with furnishing stylings that lean to traditional, with a comfortable elegance. The blue and cream palette is derived from the rug, and blue is brought up to the window drapery to focus and frame the view to exterior. A wood coffee table reflects the caramel ceiling beams, and darker leather ottoman provides contrast and offers durability. Ceiling heights are lowered by perimeter soffits which allow for beams to define the space, and also conceal an automated shade to control the level of natural light. The floor lamp and tree provide additional verticality to ground and define the space from the nearby dining room and kitchen.

Inspiration for a coastal sunroom remodel in Minneapolis with a standard ceiling

Bedroom - transitional master light wood floor, wallpaper and beige floor bedroom idea in Orange County with multicolored walls