Example of a transitional home design design in New Orleans

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun side yard mulch landscaping in Portland for summer.

Erik Grammer Photography - I recently came across a post on Facebook with a photo of an elderly couple with a quote saying "We were born in a time when if something was broken we would fix it, not throw it away..." This quote resonated with me. I found myself thinking of it while working on the same house - for the fourth time. I affectionately call this beautiful Southern California beach house the Humpty Dumpty home. I started a wonderful business relationship with one of my favorite clients back in 2003. Initially, I was called in to "fix" and finish what another designer started. Once completed and with everything just so, the couple unfortunately divorced and amicably divided the art, rugs and furnishings. I was hired for a second time to recreate each room as close as possible to replace all items that were missing. The house was happily restored back to the original design and all was well for a few years. My client relocated to the East Coast for a temporary job assignment and the house was rented to a person (whose name I can't say) from a famous all-girl band. During this time there was a problem with the upstairs laundry room and water damage occurred. I was hired for the third time to help repair and update (ever so slightly) some areas in the house. My client requested to keep the design and feeling of the house intact because he loved it so much. A few years passed before a pipe broke in the master bathroom while the new renter was out of town on vacation. Unfortunately, things like this do happen - and if not attended to quickly, major damage can occur. In this case, nearly the entire house was flooded requiring it to be completely gutted and stripped down to the floorboards and studs. In January of this year, I was hired to help the client, the insurance company, and the contractor put the house back together again. But unlike the Humpty Dumpty story, this house has actually been put back together again - several times over. Although, this house and client have experienced some challenges, I say this is a perfect example of design success. My client has had many opportunities to change and create something new in his environment with every mis-adventure. Instead, he realizes his home is exactly the way he likes it. It has been such an honor to work with this man who is definitive, trusting, and confident enough to create (or re-create) the perfect home that "fits" his personality and lifestyle. Although this Humpty Dumpty home has been good for my business, I hope the next project with this client is to decorate another property - perhaps a New York City Apartment!

Large traditional white two-story wood gable roof idea in New York

Photo of a small modern courtyard landscaping in Orange County.

The concept for this space is a neutral palette accented with blues and grays, coastal touches and natural elements such as jute and driftwood.
Living room - mid-sized coastal formal and enclosed carpeted living room idea in Orange County with white walls, no fireplace and a tv stand

While the lighting of this bathroom is a bit aggressive in the photo, this Atlas Concorde Dune White 3D wave tiles gives a calming feeling while you enjoy your shower!

Inspiration for a huge modern full sun front yard river rock driveway in San Diego for summer.

Herringbone patterned clay pavers by FireRock
Example of a trendy patio design in Birmingham

a board formed concrete wall sets a backdrop behind a steel cut stringer carrying open wood treads with skylights above
Staircase - large modern wooden straight open staircase idea in Vancouver

Example of a minimalist single-wall open concept kitchen design with no island

Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Wilmington

Inspiration for a large contemporary master mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor home design remodel in Orlando with white walls and a hinged shower door

Example of a large classic carpeted and gray floor basement design in DC Metro with gray walls and no fireplace

Close up view of reclaimed oak used on office wall.
Mid-sized mountain style freestanding desk dark wood floor study room photo in San Francisco with brown walls and no fireplace

Smart Storage - Small Bathroom renovation done by North Country Design & Build Inc. - Jen Schwindt
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Toronto

Example of a minimalist staircase design in Atlanta

Inspiration for a tropical bathroom remodel in Portland Maine