A small work zone, complete with overhead lighting, draws focus with a turquoise task chair. Photo Credit: Falls City Photography Designed by Merrick McGraw

On our new series for ellentube, we are focused on creating affordable spaces in a short time ($1,000 budget & 24 hrs). This small Master bedroom needed stage for the owners plants and a feature wall that put them on display. We custom built this headboard to the ceiling for only $50! You can see the full episode at: www.ellentube.com/GrandDesign

"Built in 1920 as a summer cottage-by-the-sea, this classic, north Laguna cottage long outlived its original owners. Now, refreshed and restored, the home echos with the soul of the early 20th century, while giving its surf-focused family the essence of 21st century modern living. Timeless textures of cedar shingles and wood windows frame the modern interior, itself accented with steel, stone, and sunlight. The best of yesterday and the sensibility of today brought together thoughtfully in a good marriage." Photo by Chad Mellon

The Setup For this primary bath, our clients—empty nesters who recently updated their entire first floor—wanted a fresh, sophisticated look that would harmonize with the rest of their home’s new design. The original space included a large corner tub and a layout that, while functional, felt outdated and oversized for their needs. The goal was to update the bathroom with a layout that suited them perfectly without moving walls or major fixtures. Design objectives: Remove the large, outdated corner tub and replace it with a freestanding tub Expand and modernize the shower while keeping privacy in mind Update cabinetry for more organized, efficient storage Improve lighting with stylish yet understated fixtures to brighten the room Create a cozy, timeless atmosphere in the large space, maintaining functionality The Remodel Design challenges to be solved: Striking Balance with Lighting – The clients wanted a statement fixture that could enhance the overall design without feeling overwhelming or taking away from the open, airy atmosphere. Maximizing Existing Footprint – The clients wanted to avoid altering the floor plan, meaning the layout remained mostly the same. The focus was on enhancing the room’s functionality within the existing footprint. Retaining Coziness – With the removal of the oversized tub deck, there was a need to keep the space from feeling too vast and empty, ensuring it felt cozy and inviting despite the open layout. Adding Hidden Storage – The master closet was not attached to the bathroom, and the clients wanted a discreet way to store a hamper within the bath area without cluttering the room. The Renewed Space Design solutions: Freestanding Tub on an Angle – Replacing the old corner tub with a sleek, freestanding tub allowed the space to feel open and modern. Positioned at an angle, the tub brings balance to the layout and provides an inviting focal point while still preserving walk-around space for added functionality. Expanded Shower with Privacy Enhancements – The original, smaller shower was transformed with a larger footprint, half-wall for privacy, and contemporary brushed nickel fixtures, adding both style and function. A herringbone marble accent tile halfway up the shower walls adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space. Custom Vanity with Built-in Hamper – A small pull-out hamper was added to the corner of the vanity, providing discreet storage and eliminating the need for a standalone basket. The cabinetry was reconfigured to be more functional and organized for the couple’s daily routines. Lighting that Complements the Room – The lighting selection was central to the redesign, with the client gravitating toward a bubble chandelier she had admired. After exploring several options, they chose a smaller size to provide a soft accent without dominating the space, tying in with the bathroom’s overall light and airy feel. The newly remodeled primary bath exudes a classic, calm atmosphere with a carefully chosen mix of textures and materials. The large porcelain floor tiles mimic the look of wood, lending a warm, traditional touch. Lightly textured cream tiles and brushed nickel fixtures create a soft and cohesive look, while the subtle herringbone marble accent in the shower adds just the right amount of elegance. Round mirrors above the vanities complement the curves of the freestanding tub, softening the room’s overall look and adding a touch of femininity. The result is a bright, timeless space tailored perfectly for the homeowners’ lifestyle.

Hammer & Hand collaborated with Celeste Lewis Architecture on the remodel of this gem of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Originally built for the owner of the View-Master toy factory, the house had been cut up by a series of remodels in the mid-1990s. Our remodel focused on restoring the home’s mid-century elegance, improving circulation and views, and adding space for guests and home office. Photography by Sally Painter Photography.

As our client's are planning to stay in their home, we focused in features that serve their needs as they get older, as well as updating the aesthetic. All new features updated the bathroom's look, while grab bars make the bathroom more accessible.

Claremont Dream Home A Single Family New Construction Chicago, Illinois ​ Type: New Construction Location: Ravenswood Neighborhood, Chicago, IL ​ We had the pleasure of collaborating with a young family to shape their vision of a welcoming, laid-back home in this new construction home. AHD was hired at the early stages of construction to create a cohesive environment from the architectural finishes, lighting design to the furnishings and decor. ​ This project is a testament to the couple's diverse cultural influences, blending their English heritage with the rich tapestry of their travels through India. Through thoughtful design choices, we've sought to create an environment that not only reflects their personal style but also accommodates their evolving family needs. ​ Our focus has been on crafting a contemporary interior that prioritizes both comfort and durability, ensuring that every aspect of the space is not only inviting but also functional for their growing family. We selected bespoke furnishings, where craftsmanship takes center stage. Each piece was carefully curated to embody an organic biophilic aesthetic, creating a refreshing haven using earthy colors and genuine materials. ​ Our ultimate design intent was to create a space that is healthy, practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of our clients.

This is a modern master bathroom with a double vanity that has two sinks. The faucet on the left sink is turned on and there is a white cup next to it. A brown and white patterned bathmat sits on the floor in front of the sinks. To the right of the sinks is a toilet. A white shower enclosure with a glass door is located on the far-right wall of the bathroom. This modern bathroom embodies a cool minimalism vibe. Light walls, geometric fixtures, and a focus on functionality create a sleek and uncluttered space. The spacious design and natural light invite a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot for both efficiency and a refreshing start or end to the day.

Oatmeals, sages, and soft turquoises in the rug and bedding repeat tones from the painting. Tre Dunham with Fine Focus Photography
Example of a large classic master dark wood floor bedroom design in Austin with beige walls and no fireplace

Hammer & Hand collaborated with Celeste Lewis Architecture on the remodel of this gem of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Originally built for the owner of the View-Master toy factory, the house had been cut up by a series of remodels in the mid-1990s. Our remodel focused on restoring the home’s mid-century elegance, improving circulation and views, and adding space for guests and home office. Photography by Sally Painter Photography.

This coastal Malibu bathroom was designed to capture natural light, clean lines, and effortless luxury. Featuring a custom stone vanity with integrated sinks, this space highlights precision fabrication and a seamless, modern aesthetic. Large-format porcelain tiles and a frameless glass shower enclosure create an open, spa-like environment, while warm wood cabinetry adds balance and texture. The neutral palette reflects the surrounding Malibu landscape, bringing a calm, coastal feel indoors. Every detail—from slab selection to fabrication and installation—was executed by Milano Granite with a focus on durability, function, and elevated design. Serving Malibu, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Los Angeles, Milano Granite specializes in high-end custom countertops, bathroom vanities, and full-scale stone installations for luxury homes. Looking to transform your bathroom? Contact Milano Granite to bring your vision to life.

Large elegant open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room photo in Chicago with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

A rich wood double vanity anchors this master bathroom, offering both warmth and modern functionality. Quartz countertops and streamlined fixtures create a polished, inviting atmosphere that complements the adjoining shower.

This kitchen kept its existing cherry cabinetry and layout, with the renovation focused on updating the countertops, backsplash, and island surface throughout the space. The original counters featured a dark speckled granite with a stone mosaic backsplash behind the range, giving the kitchen a heavier, more dated feel despite the quality of the existing cabinetry.

Large craftsman white two-story stone house exterior idea in Chicago with a hip roof and a shingle roof

This primary Bedroom is surrounded by a deep blue ink colored wallpaper paired with a neutral bed + bedding to give a moment for the striped rug to focus the room.

Virtual Curb Appeal Real Estate Photography Home Staging+Styling-For Selling or Dwelling! Specializing in York Region +the GTA. When selling, we work together with HomeOwners and Realtors to ensure your property is presented at its very best - to secure the maximum selling price, in the shortest time on the market. When Dwelling, the focus is on YOU, what you love, how you want your home to feel, and how you intend to enjoy your living space to the fullest!

This stunning primary (master) bathroom remodel has a fresh and spa like feel.
Inspiration for a modern master double-sink bathroom remodel in Kansas City with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and a built-in vanity

Our focus on this project in Black Mountain North Carolina was to create a warm, comfortable mountain retreat that had ample room for our clients and their guests. 4 Large decks off all the bedroom suites were essential to capture the spectacular views in this private mountain setting. Elevator, Golf Room and an Outdoor Kitchen are only a few of the special amenities that were incorporated in this custom craftsman home. Foothills Photography