This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

Example of a minimalist exterior home design in Denver

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

Transitional freestanding bathtub photo in Austin with beige walls

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

Wow! What a “Great Room!” This phrase, taken in both its literal & literary meanings is one of the best ways to describe this amazing project. “Great room” def: a large room in a house that combines features of a living room with those of a dining room or family room. Check! We designed this project to extend the livable space of the house. With its wide A Frame porch, it allows for ample space to gather around the fireplace, relax in the mid-day heat or simply sit & marvel at the craftsmanship. We held nothing back on the detail, using reclaimed barn wood to create gorgeous beams, crown molding that wraps around the room, and custom curved detailing in the open gable. Reaching out to the side, we enter an intimate dining space featuring a built-in kitchen, a vinyl pergola & continued the stonework over, tying everything together! Lighting throughout the job was picked out by the homeowner & installed by our tech’s Plus, we built it with low maintenance products; Timbertech decking & Keylink aluminum railing – meaning, there is no sanding or staining!

THIRTY PARK PLACE - WHERE VIEWS KISS THE SKY 82 FLOORS, 157 LUXURY RESIDENCES FEATURING BILOTTA COLLECTION KITCHENS & PANTRIES SWEEPING VIEWS OF NEW YORK CITY & BEYOND ALL PERCHED ABOVE AND SERVICED BY FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, NEW YORK, DOWNTOWN In a collaboration with Silverstein Properties, Tishman Construction, Robert A. M. Stern and SLCE Architects, Bilotta supplied 157 kitchens and pantries over 82 floors in the legendary Four Seasons’ downtown New York location. Custom “Bilotta Collection” cabinetry in richly-grained quarter-sawn white oak with a custom pearlescent top coat was chosen for these luxurious light-filled residences with sweeping views of the city. Perched atop the Four Seasons, homeowners enjoy an opulent five-star lifestyle, with access to all the hotel’s conveniences and services, as well as its dining and entertainment options, literally at their doorstep.

Composed of Ward + Blake Architect’s patented EarthWall post-tensioned steel rammed earth wall construction, the earthen walls literally rise from the soil that was used in their construction. Photo Credit: Roger Wade

Entryway of Modern French Country home renovation with view of home office.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern dark wood floor and brown floor front door remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls

Taylor Abeel
Mid-sized beach style enclosed light wood floor and brown floor family room photo in San Diego with beige walls and no fireplace

We gutted the entire master bath and basically started from scratch. This space was literally brought to life. The open shower and free-standing tub lightens and balances the floor to ceiling grey stone.

The lounge bar is easily the high point of this room. The Patagonia granite atop the curved bar largely consists of natural quartz and effortlessly reflects light from the fixture above, which is a piece of art –– literally. Created specifically for this home, this stunning element resembles a long rustic branch with icicle-like lighting. Mirrors behind the bar and LED lighting lend brilliance to this cosmopolitan setting. Photo by James Maidhof

Roland & Melissa's Kitchen rose from the ashes to become something amazing. Literally, there was a fire and they were forced to rebuild their home. Despite the unfortunate events, they came out with one gorgeous rustic kitchen.

Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Custom wood fins lend strength (literally and visually) and conceal a structural column where a wall was removed. A variety in wood finishes add interest, soft leather seating and burnished brass elevate the look. Bocci pendant lighting is playful and creates balance to the space.

Inspiration for a farmhouse kitchen remodel in Houston

Huge transitional exterior home photo in Houston