A family of four with two young girls and cats needed a brand new master bath to accommodate a family member with MS. They tasked us with creating a luxurious master bath in a modern rustic style that was ADA-accessible and could accommodate the client's walker and wheelchair in the future. Their key issues were that the shower was relatively small, with a curb the client had to step over. They also had a large jacuzzi tub with a tub deck built around it, but the couple never used it. The main bathroom only had one vanity with minimal counter space available, and the dated finishes and materials looked tired - so they were more than ready for a beautiful transformation. To create an ADA-accessible main bath, we relocated the shower to an interior corner, allowing for the addition of a larger ADA-accessible shower with zero entry and a bench the client could easily transfer onto for bathing. The arrangement of this space would also allow for a walker and wheelchair to easily move through the walkways for access to the shower. We moved the toilet to where the shower had been located originally with ADA accessibility features and installed luxurious double vanities along the entire vanity wall, with a modern linen tower cabinet for added storage. Since the client loved the modern rustic aesthetic, we incorporated their chosen style with elements like the Calacatta porcelain tile, cabinet hardware, mason jar lights, and wood-framed mirrors.

Photo by Christopher Daniels with Pretty Smart
Inspiration for a small transitional galley medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, beige walls and a stacked washer/dryer

This stunning master bathroom features a walk-in shower with mosaic wall tile and a built-in shower bench, custom brass bathroom hardware and marble floors, which we can't get enough of!

Example of a trendy seated home bar design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and brown countertops

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography Eric Roth Photo

AV Architects + Builders Location: Falls Church, VA, USA Our clients were a newly-wed couple looking to start a new life together. With a love for the outdoors and theirs dogs and cats, we wanted to create a design that wouldn’t make them sacrifice any of their hobbies or interests. We designed a floor plan to allow for comfortability relaxation, any day of the year. We added a mudroom complete with a dog bath at the entrance of the home to help take care of their pets and track all the mess from outside. We added multiple access points to outdoor covered porches and decks so they can always enjoy the outdoors, not matter the time of year. The second floor comes complete with the master suite, two bedrooms for the kids with a shared bath, and a guest room for when they have family over. The lower level offers all the entertainment whether it’s a large family room for movie nights or an exercise room. Additionally, the home has 4 garages for cars – 3 are attached to the home and one is detached and serves as a workshop for him. The look and feel of the home is informal, casual and earthy as the clients wanted to feel relaxed at home. The materials used are stone, wood, iron and glass and the home has ample natural light. Clean lines, natural materials and simple details for relaxed casual living. Stacy Zarin Photography

Hot tub - modern backyard hot tub idea in Toronto with decking

Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, a two-piece toilet and white walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic guest carpeted and beige floor bedroom remodel with white walls and a standard fireplace

Patrick Wong Photography
Home office - contemporary built-in desk medium tone wood floor home office idea in Austin with white walls

McManus Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic master dark wood floor bedroom design in Charleston with beige walls

This stunning master bath remodel is a place of peace and solitude from the soft muted hues of white, gray and blue to the luxurious deep soaking tub and shower area with a combination of multiple shower heads and body jets. The frameless glass shower enclosure furthers the open feel of the room, and showcases the shower’s glittering mosaic marble and polished nickel fixtures. The separate custom vanities, elegant fixtures and dramatic crystal chandelier give the room plenty of sparkle.

Inspiration for a farmhouse beige floor bathroom remodel in Santa Barbara with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, beige walls and a console sink

Nick Bayless Photography Custom Home Design by Joe Carrick Design Built By Highland Custom Homes Interior Design by Chelsea Kasch - Striped Peony
Japanese bathtub - mid-sized contemporary master white tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor japanese bathtub idea in Salt Lake City with white walls

Inspiration for a contemporary closet remodel in New York

Inspiration for a timeless light wood floor closet remodel in Atlanta with gray walls and white cabinets

Photography: Dan Piassick
Transitional dark wood floor hallway photo in Dallas with white walls

Robert Hawkins, Be A Deer
Mid-sized transitional master white tile and marble tile mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor drop-in bathtub photo with zinc countertops, white walls, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and a hinged shower door

This project was a primary suite remodel that we began pre-pandemic. The primary bedroom was an addition to this waterfront home and we added character with bold board-and-batten statement wall, rich natural textures, and brushed metals. The primary bathroom received a custom white oak vanity that spanned over nine feet long, brass and matte black finishes, and an oversized steam shower in Zellige-inspired tile.