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.

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Detroit

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

Starting with the great room; the center of attention is the linear fireplace faced with rich walnut paneling and flanked by walnut floating shelves with storage cabinets below painted “Railings” by Farrow & Ball. Gold Clemente Wall sconces spotlight family pictures and whimsical art pieces.

Example of a small trendy master glass tile ceramic tile alcove shower design in Boston with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Upon entering this outdoor space, the atmosphere of a resort surrounds you and the raised spa makes for a perfect vantage point for taking it all in. The linear fire feature is another stunning and memorable element of this space. Ryan Hughes' custom design beautifully beckons family and friends to relax and enjoy life in the resort-like backyard. From beautiful Travertine tile surfaces, this space produces a major “wow” moment and brings the modern vibe and tranquil beauty that was desired in this northern Virginia backyard.

Seacoast RE Photography
Inspiration for a small modern kids' multicolored tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove bathtub remodel in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Areas for enjoyment and entertainment abound throughout this intricately designed and meticulously planned outdoor living space. Whether entertaining a movie night crowd or diving into an afternoon family swim, this design delivers from every angle. Photography by Joe Traina

The backsplash adds a nice element in the space
Example of a mid-sized minimalist beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile wet room design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls and an undermount sink

Stone: Oyster - Cut Coarse Stone Cut Coarse Stone is reminiscent of a saw-cut Turkish Limestone. The highly textural and yet contemporary linear-style installs with a clean, dry-stack application. This stone is the perfect scale for an efficient installation, appealing to both commercial and residential exteriors and interiors. The stones include three different heights of 3″, 6″ and 9″ and various lengths from 12″ to 24″. The muted color palette is indicative of natural limestone. Get a Sample of Oyster: http://www.eldoradostone.com/products/cut-coarse-stone/oyster/

A 65" television is situated in a box made of Ipe to match the ceiling. When not in use, it is retracted into the box where it is kept safe from the elements. To the left of the TV area is a linear gas firepit. Michael Hunter photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley cement tile floor and multicolored floor open concept kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This bathroom is part of a new Master suite construction for a traditional house in the city of Burbank. The space of this lovely bath is only 7.5' by 7.5' Going for the minimalistic look and a linear pattern for the concept. The floor tiles are 8"x8" concrete tiles with repetitive pattern imbedded in the, this pattern allows you to play with the placement of the tile and thus creating your own "Labyrinth" pattern. The two main bathroom walls are covered with 2"x8" white subway tile layout in a Traditional herringbone pattern. The toilet is wall mounted and has a hidden tank, the hidden tank required a small frame work that created a nice shelve to place decorative items above the toilet. You can see a nice dark strip of quartz material running on top of the shelve and the pony wall then it continues to run down all the way to the floor, this is the same quartz material as the counter top that is sitting on top of the vanity thus connecting the two elements together. For the final touch for this style we have used brushed brass plumbing fixtures and accessories.

Architect: Mark Sultana Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Photographer: Ryan Gamma
Staircase - large modern wooden open staircase idea in Tampa

The floor tile pattern is another key element to the design. As the dark grey ,linear tile help to anchor the walls, the mix of grey and white tiles on the floor help to anchor the whole concept, creating a design that is completely intentional.

HOME FEATURES Contexual modern design with contemporary Santa Fe–style elements Luxuriously open floor plan Stunning chef’s kitchen perfect for entertaining Gracious indoor/outdoor living with views of the Sangres

This design scheme blends femininity, sophistication, and the bling of Art Deco with earthy, natural accents. An amoeba-shaped rug breaks the linearity in the living room that’s furnished with a lady bug-red sleeper sofa with gold piping and another curvy sofa. These are juxtaposed with chairs that have a modern Danish flavor, and the side tables add an earthy touch. The dining area can be used as a work station as well and features an elliptical-shaped table with gold velvet upholstered chairs and bubble chandeliers. A velvet, aubergine headboard graces the bed in the master bedroom that’s painted in a subtle shade of silver. Abstract murals and vibrant photography complete the look. Photography by: Sean Litchfield --- Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/leather-district-loft

This new 6400 s.f. two-story split-level home lifts upward and orients toward unobstructed views of Windy Hill. The deep overhanging flat roof design with a stepped fascia preserves the classic modern lines of the building while incorporating a Zero-Net Energy photovoltaic panel system. From start to finish, the construction is uniformly energy efficient and follows California Build It Green guidelines. Many sustainable finish materials are used on both the interior and exterior, including recycled old growth cedar and pre-fabricated concrete panel siding. Photo by: www.bernardandre.com

Bob Fortner Photography
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized country master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and brown floor freestanding bathtub idea in Raleigh with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops