The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

Home design - contemporary home design idea in London

Mathew and his team at Cummings Architects have a knack for being able to see the perfect vision for a property. They specialize in identifying a building’s missing elements and crafting designs that simultaneously encompass the large scale, master plan and the myriad details that make a home special. For this Winchester home, the vision included a variety of complementary projects that all came together into a single architectural composition. Starting with the exterior, the single-lane driveway was extended and a new carriage garage that was designed to blend with the overall context of the existing home. In addition to covered parking, this building also provides valuable new storage areas accessible via large, double doors that lead into a connected work area. For the interior of the house, new moldings on bay windows, window seats, and two paneled fireplaces with mantles dress up previously nondescript rooms. The family room was extended to the rear of the house and opened up with the addition of generously sized, wall-to-wall windows that served to brighten the space and blur the boundary between interior and exterior. The family room, with its intimate sitting area, cozy fireplace, and charming breakfast table (the best spot to enjoy a sunlit start to the day) has become one of the family’s favorite rooms, offering comfort and light throughout the day. In the kitchen, the layout was simplified and changes were made to allow more light into the rear of the home via a connected deck with elongated steps that lead to the yard and a blue-stone patio that’s perfect for entertaining smaller, more intimate groups. From driveway to family room and back out into the yard, each detail in this beautiful design complements all the other concepts and details so that the entire plan comes together into a unified vision for a spectacular home. Photos By: Eric Roth

A transitional townhouse for a family with a touch of modern design and blue accents. When I start a project, I always ask a client to describe three words that they want to describe their home. In this instance, the owner asked for a modern, clean, and functional aesthetic that would be family-friendly, while also allowing him to entertain. We worked around the owner's artwork by Ryan Fugate in order to choose a neutral but also sophisticated palette of blues, greys, and green for the entire home. Metallic accents create a more modern feel that plays off of the hardware already in the home. The result is a comfortable and bright home where everyone can relax at the end of a long day. Photography by Reagen Taylor Photography Collaboration with lead designer Travis Michael Interiors

Master Bathroom: • Material – Painted Maple • Finish – Black Horizon • Door Style – #7 Shaker 1/4" • Cabinet Construction – Inset
Transitional master bathroom photo in San Francisco with shaker cabinets and black cabinets

Million Dollar Listing’s celebrity broker Ryan Serhant reached out to Decor Aid to stage a luxurious Brooklyn condo development. The only caveat was that our interior designers had 48 hours to come up with the design, concept, and source all the furniture. Always up for a challenge, we partnered with Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams to create this contemporary gem. Staying true to their contemporary vision, our interior decorators sourced all pieces through MGBW. Starting in the living room, we placed the Gunner Sofa, a piece that offers clean-lined living. The thin arms and slanted profile emphasize the modern elegance of the home. Through the use of various contemporary patterns and textures we were able to avoid the one-dimensional ambiance, and instead, the apartment’s living room feels detailed and thought out, without making anyone who enters overcrowded with home decor. The Melrose cocktail table was sourced for its sleek, stainless steel and glass design that contrasts with more substantial pieces in the space, while also complementing the contemporary style. The glass design gives the illusion that this table takes up less space, giving the living room design a light and airy feel all around. The living space transformed into something out of a decor catalog with just the right amount of personality, creating a room that follows through with our starting design, yet functional for everyday use. After the living room area, we set our eyes on designing the master bedroom. Our interior decorators were immediately drawn to the Celina Floating Rail Bed, it’s opulent nailhead trim, and dramatic design brings fresh sophistication to the bedroom design, while also standing out as a timeless piece that can complement various trends or styles that might be added later on to the bedroom decoration. We sourced the Roland Table Lamp to add texture, with its elaborate ribbed design, that compliments the air of masculinity the Carmen Leather Ottoman add while contrasting with the light, sleeker pieces. This difference in weight left us with a bedroom decoration that lives up to the trending modern standards, yet a space that is timeless and stylish no matter the decor trends. Once we finished and the project was completed, our senior designers took a step back and took in all of their hard labor. Decor Aid was able to make this newly built blank space and design it into a modern wonder small brooklyn apartment. The MGBW furnishings were all hand-picked to keep an even balance of complementing and contrasting contemporary pieces, which was one of our more critical apartment decorating ideas. The apartment home decor brings to life this modern concept in a way that isn’t overbearing and shows off their style making the space in every sense an accurate reflection of a chic contemporary style.

Mid-sized transitional backyard tile patio kitchen photo in Los Angeles with no cover

From natural stone to tone-on-tone, this master bath is now a soothing space to start and end the day.
Inspiration for a large transitional master subway tile marble floor and beige floor bathroom remodel in Other with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and beige countertops

The master bathroom in this Bloomfield Hills home was in need of an overhaul. The room was previously cut up with an awkward layout featuring the heavily-mirrored, “Hollywood lights” look of the 1980s. Staying within the footprint of the room and moving walls to open the floor plan created a roomy uncluttered feel, which opened directly off of the master bedroom. Granting access to two separate his and hers closets, the entryway allows for a gracious amount of tall utility storage and an enclosed Asko stacked washer and dryer for everyday use. A gorgeous wall hung vanity with dual sinks and waterfall Caesarstone Mitered 2 1/4″ square edge countertop adds to the modern feel and drama that the homeowners were hoping for. As if that weren’t storage enough, the custom shallow wall cabinetry and mirrors above offer over ten feet of storage! A 90-degree turn and lowered seating area create an intimate space with a backlit mirror for personal styling. The room is finished with Honed Diana Royal Marble on all of the heated floors and matching polished marble on the walls. Satin finish Delta faucets and personal shower system fit the modern design perfectly. This serene new master bathroom is the perfect place to start or finish the day, enjoy the task of laundry or simply sit and meditate! Alicia Gbur Photography

The master bathroom in this Bloomfield Hills home was in need of an overhaul. The room was previously cut up with an awkward layout featuring the heavily-mirrored, “Hollywood lights” look of the 1980s. Staying within the footprint of the room and moving walls to open the floor plan created a roomy uncluttered feel, which opened directly off of the master bedroom. Granting access to two separate his and hers closets, the entryway allows for a gracious amount of tall utility storage and an enclosed Asko stacked washer and dryer for everyday use. A gorgeous wall hung vanity with dual sinks and waterfall Caesarstone Mitered 2 1/4″ square edge countertop adds to the modern feel and drama that the homeowners were hoping for. As if that weren’t storage enough, the custom shallow wall cabinetry and mirrors above offer over ten feet of storage! A 90-degree turn and lowered seating area create an intimate space with a backlit mirror for personal styling. The room is finished with Honed Diana Royal Marble on all of the heated floors and matching polished marble on the walls. Satin finish Delta faucets and personal shower system fit the modern design perfectly. This serene new master bathroom is the perfect place to start or finish the day, enjoy the task of laundry or simply sit and meditate! Alicia Gbur Photography

It all started with an unwelcome surprise for these homeowners: stray Lego down the shower drain. Without any other reasonable way to access second-story plumbing, the fiberglass shower had to be removed to make repairs. At that point, the owners figured they might as well take advantage of the opportunity to update their bathroom.

Carrera marble in all its glory is the big show stopper in this Bolton Hill rowhome master bath renovation. What started as a cramped, chopped up room was opened into a sparkling, luxurious space evocative of timeless Old World mansion baths. The result demonstrates what’s possible when mixing multiple marble tile shapes, colors and patterns. To visually frame the bathroom, we installed 6” x 12” honed Carrera marble tiles laid in a herringbone pattern for wainscotting, and carried the same marble pattern into the shower stall in order to create depth and dimension. The wainscotting is set off by beautifully-detailed Carrera marble chair rail and black tile pencil moulding. Carrera hex shower tiles, marble sills and bench, and intricate Carrera and black mosaic flooring complete the marble details. The crisp white double vanity and inconspicuous builtins tastefully compliment the marble, and the brass cabinet hardware, mirrors and plumbing and lighting fixtures add a burst of color to the room.

This design / build project in Los Angeles, CA. focused on a couple’s master bathroom. There were multiple reasons that the homeowners decided to start this project. The existing skylight had begun leaking and there were function and style concerns to be addressed. Previously this dated-spacious master bathroom had a large Jacuzzi tub, sauna, bidet (in a water closet) and a shower. Although the space was large and offered many amenities they were not what the homeowners valued and the space was very compartmentalized. The project also included closing off a door which previously allowed guests access to the master bathroom. The homeowners wanted to create a space that was not accessible to guests. Painted tiles featuring lilies and gold finishes were not the style the homeowners were looking for. Desiring something more elegant, a place where they could pamper themselves, we were tasked with recreating the space. Chief among the homeowners requests were a wet room with free standing tub, floor-mounted waterfall tub filler, and stacked stone. Specifically they wanted the stacked stone to create a central visual feature between the shower and tub. The stacked stone is Limestone in Honed Birch. The open shower contrasts the neighboring stacked stone with sleek smooth large format tiles. A double walnut vanity featuring crystal knobs and waterfall faucets set below a clearstory window allowed for adding a new makeup vanity with chandelier which the homeowners love. The walnut vanity was selected to contrast the light, white tile. The bathroom features Brizo and DXV.

Carrera marble in all its glory is the big show stopper in this Bolton Hill rowhome master bath renovation. What started as a cramped, chopped up room was opened into a sparkling, luxurious space evocative of timeless Old World mansion baths. The result demonstrates what’s possible when mixing multiple marble tile shapes, colors and patterns. To visually frame the bathroom, we installed 6” x 12” honed Carrera marble tiles laid in a herringbone pattern for wainscotting, and carried the same marble pattern into the shower stall in order to create depth and dimension. The wainscotting is set off by beautifully-detailed Carrera marble chair rail and black tile pencil moulding. Carrera hex shower tiles, marble sills and bench, and intricate Carrera and black mosaic flooring complete the marble details. The crisp white double vanity and inconspicuous builtins tastefully compliment the marble, and the brass cabinet hardware, mirrors and plumbing and lighting fixtures add a burst of color to the room.

Carrera marble in all its glory is the big show stopper in this Bolton Hill rowhome master bath renovation. What started as a cramped, chopped up room was opened into a sparkling, luxurious space evocative of timeless Old World mansion baths. The result demonstrates what’s possible when mixing multiple marble tile shapes, colors and patterns. To visually frame the bathroom, we installed 6” x 12” honed Carrera marble tiles laid in a herringbone pattern for wainscotting, and carried the same marble pattern into the shower stall in order to create depth and dimension. The wainscotting is set off by beautifully-detailed Carrera marble chair rail and black tile pencil moulding. Carrera hex shower tiles, marble sills and bench, and intricate Carrera and black mosaic flooring complete the marble details. The crisp white double vanity and inconspicuous builtins tastefully compliment the marble, and the brass cabinet hardware, mirrors and plumbing and lighting fixtures add a burst of color to the room.

Our clients came to us wanting to update their Heather Ridge Estates 2006 Frisco home. They had lived in the home for over 10 years and were ready for a change but didn’t want to move. They lived directly across from Cottonwood Park, so they definitely weren’t going to find that view anywhere else! They wanted to lighten up the kitchen without removing or painting the beautiful dark wood cabinets and they wanted to update two bathrooms. In the master bathroom, they wanted to keep the cabinets but paint them but wanted to gut and replace everything else. They wanted to do the same in the guest bath, which was very traditional. They wanted something more modern with clean lines. In the kitchen, we installed sleek Silestone Calacatta Gold Quartz- polished countertops with a timeless Emser Motif in Lace White 4x12 backsplash. Class stainless Moen Arbor MotionSense Wave High Arc Kitchen Faucet was installed above their Blanco Silgranit double bowl undermount sink. The existing floors remained as is and they kept their existing pendant lights that hung over the kitchen peninsula but it all looks different now. Before, this kitchen was much darker, but now, it is classic and timeless. In the master bathroom, the cabinets were painted Sherwin Williams Elephant Ear and topped them with polished Silestone Calacatta Gold Quartz. Greyson vanity lights in polished chrome were installed above each his and hers sinks. Two Kohler Caxton Oval 17x14 under-mount bathroom sinks were installed with polished chrome Kohler Archer sink faucet. The shower was completely gutted and redone. The shower floor is a cool Bedrosians Hemisphere Floor & Wall Mosaic in Balboa tile. Shower sidewalls, as well as the main floor tile, is Purestone 12x24 tile in Bianco Matte Finish. Kohler Artifacts Showerhead with Katalyst Spray in Polished Chrome was installed, as well as a shower arm. Kohler Archer Deck-mount bath faucet in polished chrome was installed. The tub deck was changed to the Purestone 12x24 tile in Bianco with a Matte Finish. Purestone 12x24 tile in Bianco Muretto Textured Finish was used for the Tub/Shower Accent Back Wall. In their guest bath, everything except the bathtub was replaced. We started with a Shaker style Chiffon painted finish single vanity by Quality Cabinets, topped with polished Silestone Calacatta Gold Quartz. Our clients chose a Kohler Caxton Oval 17x14 under-mount bathroom sink and Kohler Archer Sink Faucet keeping consistency throughout their house. Kohler Archer hardware was also used in the bathtub/shower combo. An Ashton 3 Light 23" wide vanity light with clear glass shades in polished chrome was installed above the 25.6” Travis Round Wood Accent Mirror to finish it off. This bathroom is completely renewed and classic, as is the master bathroom and their kitchen!

Tristan Cairnes
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage master yellow tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and multicolored floor bathroom remodel in Atlanta with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

Ecosystem Ponds are the crown jewel of the Water Feature world. They soon become the centerpiece of your landscape. These low-maintenance, natural-looking water gardens work with Mother Nature, not against her, to stay clean and clear without using chemicals or UV sterilizers or anything artificial. The key is the symbiotic relationship between the Pond Fish, the beneficial bacteria, and the Aquatic Plants. There is no sound in nature quite as relaxing as moving, falling water. It soothes away your stress at the end of a long day and you instantly start to feel more relaxed. Watching the Koi and other Pond Fish gracefully swimming around and nibbling from the underwater rocks and gravel can be almost hypnotizing. A variety of birds come to drink and bathe in the stream and colorful dragonflies flit here and there on mosquito patrol. Water lilies bloom in almost every color you can imagine and you'll soon see that frogs really DO sit on lily pads! Having one of these Ponds in your landscape is like coming home every day to a private vacation retreat right in your own backyard! Texas Ponds and Water Features creates some of the most beautiful and natural looking Ecosystem Ponds and Water Gardens in the Austin and Central Texas area. We also work in the Houston, Southeast Texas area and almost anywhere in between. Working with only natural stone, our specialists craft waterfalls and ponds that look as if they had been carved by the hand of nature. Our two main pond guys have over 27 years of experience between them. We are at the Master level of Certified Aquascape Contractors--among the best in the world at what we do. Contact us today to get started on your own backyard paradise.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)