Designed By: Sarah Buehlman Marc and Mandy Maister were clients and fans of Cantoni before they purchased this harbor home on Balboa Island. The South African natives originally met designer Sarah Buehlman and Cantoni’s Founder and CEO Michael Wilkov at a storewide sale, and quickly established a relationship as they bought furnishings for their primary residence in Newport Beach. So, when the couple decided to invest in this gorgeous second home, in one of the ritziest enclaves in North America, they sought Sarah’s help in transforming the outdated 1960’s residence into a modern marvel. “It’s now the ultimate beach house,” says Sarah, “and finished in Cantoni from top to bottom—including new custom cabinetry installed throughout.” But let’s back up. This project began when Mandy contacted Sarah in the midst of the remodel process (in December 2010), asking if she could come take a look and help with the overall design. “The plans were being drawn up with an architect, and they opted not to move anything major. Instead, they updated everything—as in the small carpeted staircase that became a gorgeous glass and metal sculpture,” Sarah explains. She took photographs and measurements, and then set to work creating the scaled renderings. “Marc and Mandy were drawn to the One and Only Collection. It features a high-gloss brown and white color scheme which served as inspiration for the project,” says Sarah. Primary pieces in the expansive living area include the Mondrian leather sectional, the Involution sculpture, and a pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew swivel chairs. The Maisters needed a place to house all their electronics but didn’t want a typical entertainment center. The One and Only buffet was actually modified by our skilled shop technicians, in our distribution center, so it could accommodate all the couple’s media equipment. “These artisans are another one of our hidden strengths—in addition to the design tools, inventory and extensive resources we have to get a job done,” adds Sarah. Marc and Mandy also fell in love with the exotic Makassar ebony wood in the Ritz Collection, which Sarah combined in the master bedroom with the Ravenna double chaise to provide an extra place to sit and enjoy the beautiful harbor views. Beyond new furnishings, the Maisters also decided to completely redo their kitchen. And though Marc and Mandy did not have a chance to actually see our kitchen displays, having worked with Sarah over the years, they had immense trust in our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. In fact, they opted for new cabinetry in four bathrooms as well as the laundry room based on our 3D renderings and lacquer samples alone—without ever opening a drawer. “Their trust in my expertise and Cantoni’s reputation were a major deciding factor,” says Sarah. This plush second home, complete with a private boat dock right out back, counts as one of Sarah’s proudest accomplishments. “These long-time clients are great. They love Cantoni and appreciate high quality Italian furnishings in particular. The home is so gorgeous that once you are inside and open the Nano doors, you simply don’t want to leave.” The job took almost two years to complete, but everyone seems quite happy with the results, proving that large or small—and in cases necessitating a quick turnaround or execution of a long-term vision—Cantoni has the resources to come through for all clients.

Renovated furnished condo on the Las Vegas Strip.
Trendy entryway photo in Las Vegas

Outdoor furniture from Restoration Hardware really made this Houston outdoor living space design project shine. “It really went well,” says Wayne Franks, owner of Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “It's not a huge space, but moving the existing two columns about four feet and bringing the roof out only three feet made all the difference in the world.” “This particular client wanted a larger space to entertain,” says senior designer Lisha Maxey, who served as an outdoor furniture consultant while managing construction for the project. The original space, Lisha explains, had two oddly placed columns blocking a clear view of the beautiful pool area from inside the home. “We removed those columns and gave her three more feet of roof, which extended her living area while also giving her the view she wanted.” Since the client - a woman in her mid-50s with grown children who visit frequently - only wanted a small outdoor kitchen island with a 30-inch RCS grill Outdoor Homescapes closed up a French door that led from the master bedroom (which she never used) and created a new stucco wall for the kitchen. “I would definitely call the style of this space ‘transitional,” says Lisha. The client is a very eclectic world traveler and a collector of art, yet wanted her outdoor living space to feel like a warm, homey living room once we placed the furniture and décor. In the end, her finishes centered around rustic stone, detailed columns and furniture leaning towards the contemporary.” Much of the warmth in the space, she says, comes from the colors of the dry-stacked Sunset Canyon ledgestone. “It looks just like it sounds – like the sun setting in a deep canyon!” “The columns are unique – decorative and fluted,” adds Wayne. The client, who’d received five free hours of outdoor furniture consultation as part of an ongoing promotion, also wanted Lisha to help her select, buy and help place furnishings. “I believe that now - more than ever - consumers are looking for turn-key operations in any type of service industry - a ‘one-stop-shop,’ so to speak,” says Lisha. “It gives us a more personal touch with the client, as well as an edge in the industry in terms of selling our designs, as the client is reassured that we’ll work with them in every aspect to give them the outdoor living space of their dreams.” The client ended up choosing the Biscayne collection – including a chair that rocks and swivels - from Restoration Hardware. They also went with a lower, unique teak coffee table from the Belvedere collection. “We mixed wicker with teak for an equally soft and hard look and added pops of color to bring out the beautiful art collection inside,” says Lisha. “The neutral gray wicker, by the way, was the perfect match for the distressed teak coffee table and credenza. The grays of the Key West granite countertop also echoed this color palette.” For the fabric, Lisha helped keep it neutral with a Mocha linen and popped the color with royal blue throw pillows matching the area rug: “To make the space truly her own, we added some unique copper pots from her collection and a few items she's collected abroad.” Ready to let outdoor furniture transform your living space? Contact us, and we'll get your outdoor design project started!

Since 2010, our studio has been designing interiors for investors, developers, and commercial property owners, focused on elevating market appeal, asset valuation, and competitive edge. Inspired by their global travels, the clients envisioned constructing four short-term luxury rental villas within their private estate in Greenville, South Carolina. The interiors were meant to capture a distinct regional flavor without relying on literal historicism, defining four directional concepts: Japan, Persia, the Nordic, and the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean-styled project, presented for your consideration, was born under severe structural constraints—much like the other villas in this complex whose interiors our studio designed as part of this commission. To work on the indoor spaces, the clients provided a traditional residential architectural template typical of South Carolina, featuring multiple pitched roofs alongside a rigid, unalterable floor plan that was identical for all four planned villas on the estate. While this approach ensured overall exterior cohesion across the property, in this particular instance, it least conflicted with the interior design goals, as both the architecture and the Mediterranean interior organically synchronize into a singular Southern narrative. As a designer, I wanted to capture the aesthetic of a sun-drenched coastline, raw textures, and absolute Southern comfort, creating a sensory oasis carved from limestone, wrapped in vines, and kissed by the sun. Although the home's architectural form dictates the rules of South Carolina, our studio boldly breaks them—masterfully weaving in the distinct moods of Ibiza and Sicily to once again rewire the connection between the architectural envelope and the interior soul.

room2improve worked with the clients in this Birmingham Michigan home for about a year. The client went room by room. The rugs and the armoire were existing, and the client wanted to incorporate them into a more eclectic and contemporary look. Through our consultation services, they achieved what they wanted without the long term commitments and service fees of some interior design firms. They wanted floor plans, art and accessory ideas, some new furnitures, wall colors, wallpaper ideas, and built-in ideas. We also suggested wallpaper in the built-ins for another layer of texture.

This primary bathroom remodel marks the first transformation in a home our clients purchased ten years ago. With plans to renovate every level over time, this space sets the tone for the style and functionality they envision throughout the rest of their home. The original layout included a tub that was never used, so we removed it to better utilize the square footage. By relocating the shower and reworking the overall layout, we created a more open, efficient design tailored to their daily routines. Updated finishes and a refreshed color palette establish a cohesive look that finally feels personal and reflective of their taste. This bathroom renovation is just the beginning, and we are excited to help bring their long term vision to life, one space at a time.

This primary bathroom remodel marks the first transformation in a home our clients purchased ten years ago. With plans to renovate every level over time, this space sets the tone for the style and functionality they envision throughout the rest of their home. The original layout included a tub that was never used, so we removed it to better utilize the square footage. By relocating the shower and reworking the overall layout, we created a more open, efficient design tailored to their daily routines. Updated finishes and a refreshed color palette establish a cohesive look that finally feels personal and reflective of their taste. This bathroom renovation is just the beginning, and we are excited to help bring their long term vision to life, one space at a time.

We specialize in creating custom designed and functional kitchens. Cabinets and built-in furniture require precise engineering, space planning, and an aesthetic eye for balance and symmetry. We have mastered these skills and invite you to examine our work. Many families spend more waking hours in the kitchen than any other room in the home, so it needs to be both attractive and functional. The challenge of designing a kitchen is identifying what each homeowner wants in terms of functionality, placing appliances and prep areas where they can be intuitively found, and keeping the space neat and attractive. All of these things can be achieved with good design. As our client, you will be guided through the world of interior options, floor and counter materials, hood designs and many other important details that will define your new kitchen. Working with design professionals who have specialized in this field, we can assure you that your kitchen will be an ideal expression of your needs and lifestyle.

Garage converted into an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Lovely redwood deck complementing the light navy blue ciders creating a very peaceful and vacation-like ambience and feel. Concrete stepping stones leading to the house from the garden.

After remodeling and living in a 1920s Colonial for years, creative consultant and editor Michelle Adams set out on a new project: the complete renovation of a new mid-century modern home. Though big on character and open space, the house needed work—especially in terms of functional storage in the master bedroom. Wanting a solution that neatly organized and hid everything from sight while staying true to the home’s aesthetic, Michelle called California Closets Michigan to create a custom design that achieved the style and functionality she desired. Michelle started the process by sharing an inspiration photo with design consultant Janice Fisher, which highlighted her vision for long, clean lines and feature lighting. Janice translated this desire into a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling custom unit that stored Michelle’s wardrobe to a T. Multiple hanging sections of varying heights corral dresses, skirts, shirts, and pants, while pull-out shoe shelves keep her collection protected and accessible. In the center, drawers provide concealed storage, and shelves above offer a chic display space. Custom lighting throughout spotlights her entire wardrobe. A streamlined storage solution that blends seamlessly with her home’s mid-century style. Plus, push-to-open doors remove the need for handles, resulting into a clean-lined solution from inside to out.

Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in Orlando

Epoxy flooring has emerged as a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces, offering durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. However, achieving the desired results with epoxy flooring requires careful planning, precise execution, and diligent maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the dos and don’ts of epoxy flooring to ensure a successful installation and long-term maintenance plan. Mastering the dos and don’ts of epoxy flooring installation and maintenance is essential for achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. By following these guidelines and best practices, you can ensure a successful epoxy flooring project that enhances the aesthetics, durability, and value of your space for years to come.

room2improve worked with the clients in this Birmingham Michigan home for about a year. The client went room by room. The rugs and the armoire were existing, and the client wanted to incorporate them into a more eclectic and contemporary look. Through our consultation services, they achieved what they wanted without the long term commitments and service fees of some interior design firms. They wanted floor plans, art and accessory ideas, some new furnitures, wall colors, wallpaper ideas, and built-in ideas.

Bolzan Letti was founded in the 90s by the family Bolzan and, despite maintaining its craft character and dimension, by the year 2000 the company had already developed into an industrial enterprise, integrating the craftsmanship know-how with a modern mechanization. The key word of Bolzan’s identity is “Made in Italy”. What sets Bolzan Letti apart in terms of production is the capability of combining tradition and technology. Our products are craft-finished up to the apparently insignificant details, using the technological solutions offered by industry, in order to guarantee the highest quality, strictly and genuinely made in Italy: that means good-looking, comfortable and long-lasting furniture.

Photography: Peter Rymwid This 14-bedroom mansion of two-term New York City mayor William Russell Grace--who was mayor when the Statue of Liberty was gifted to NYC by France--was built in Great Neck in 1890 by Italian artisans. The 120-year-old, the mansion underwent a gut renovation on the interior as well as a substantial exterior redevelopment. Despite the extensive changes, we were careful to preserve the charm of this historic Gold Coast estate.

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

Designed By: Sarah Buehlman Marc and Mandy Maister were clients and fans of Cantoni before they purchased this harbor home on Balboa Island. The South African natives originally met designer Sarah Buehlman and Cantoni’s Founder and CEO Michael Wilkov at a storewide sale, and quickly established a relationship as they bought furnishings for their primary residence in Newport Beach. So, when the couple decided to invest in this gorgeous second home, in one of the ritziest enclaves in North America, they sought Sarah’s help in transforming the outdated 1960’s residence into a modern marvel. “It’s now the ultimate beach house,” says Sarah, “and finished in Cantoni from top to bottom—including new custom cabinetry installed throughout.” But let’s back up. This project began when Mandy contacted Sarah in the midst of the remodel process (in December 2010), asking if she could come take a look and help with the overall design. “The plans were being drawn up with an architect, and they opted not to move anything major. Instead, they updated everything—as in the small carpeted staircase that became a gorgeous glass and metal sculpture,” Sarah explains. She took photographs and measurements, and then set to work creating the scaled renderings. “Marc and Mandy were drawn to the One and Only Collection. It features a high-gloss brown and white color scheme which served as inspiration for the project,” says Sarah. Primary pieces in the expansive living area include the Mondrian leather sectional, the Involution sculpture, and a pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew swivel chairs. The Maisters needed a place to house all their electronics but didn’t want a typical entertainment center. The One and Only buffet was actually modified by our skilled shop technicians, in our distribution center, so it could accommodate all the couple’s media equipment. “These artisans are another one of our hidden strengths—in addition to the design tools, inventory and extensive resources we have to get a job done,” adds Sarah. Marc and Mandy also fell in love with the exotic Makassar ebony wood in the Ritz Collection, which Sarah combined in the master bedroom with the Ravenna double chaise to provide an extra place to sit and enjoy the beautiful harbor views. Beyond new furnishings, the Maisters also decided to completely redo their kitchen. And though Marc and Mandy did not have a chance to actually see our kitchen displays, having worked with Sarah over the years, they had immense trust in our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. In fact, they opted for new cabinetry in four bathrooms as well as the laundry room based on our 3D renderings and lacquer samples alone—without ever opening a drawer. “Their trust in my expertise and Cantoni’s reputation were a major deciding factor,” says Sarah. This plush second home, complete with a private boat dock right out back, counts as one of Sarah’s proudest accomplishments. “These long-time clients are great. They love Cantoni and appreciate high quality Italian furnishings in particular. The home is so gorgeous that once you are inside and open the Nano doors, you simply don’t want to leave.” The job took almost two years to complete, but everyone seems quite happy with the results, proving that large or small—and in cases necessitating a quick turnaround or execution of a long-term vision—Cantoni has the resources to come through for all clients.

ADA master shower was a long term plan feature, letting the new owners get the most use out of their new home
Inspiration for a 1950s bathroom remodel in Albuquerque

Contemporary luxury villa design has reached new heights of sophistication, and Antonovich Group stands at the forefront of this architectural evolution. Their modern approach to villa exterior and landscape design creates harmonious living environments that seamlessly blend indoor comfort with outdoor elegance, establishing new benchmarks for luxury residential architecture. Architectural Excellence Through Modern Design Antonovich Group's modern villa exteriors showcase a masterful understanding of contemporary aesthetics while maintaining timeless appeal. Their designs feature bold, clean lines and expansive glazing that create striking visual statements against carefully curated landscapes. Each project demonstrates how modern architecture can enhance rather than compete with its natural surroundings. The key to their success lies in the thoughtful balance between dramatic architectural elements and refined details. Expansive terraces, geometric pools, and sculptural outdoor features create outdoor rooms that feel as luxurious and well-appointed as any interior space, establishing a new standard for modern luxury living. Innovative Exterior Cladding Solutions The sophistication of Antonovich Group's villa designs is particularly evident in their exterior cladding solutions, which combine premium materials with cutting-edge installation techniques. Their material palette includes natural stone, contemporary metals, and high-performance composites that not only create stunning visual impact but also ensure long-term durability in challenging climates. These exterior cladding solutions go beyond mere aesthetics, incorporating thermal performance, weather resistance, and maintenance considerations into every selection. The result is facades that maintain their beauty while providing superior protection and energy efficiency. From sleek metal panels that create dramatic shadow play to warm natural stone that grounds the structure in its environment, each material choice serves both form and function. Garden Landscape Design: Creating Outdoor Sanctuaries The garden landscape design component of Antonovich Group's projects transforms outdoor spaces into sophisticated extensions of the villa's interior. Their approach to landscaping embraces both the architectural language of the building and the natural characteristics of the site, creating gardens that feel both designed and organic. Strategic plantings create privacy screens and focal points while maintaining sight lines to key architectural features. Water elements, from reflecting pools to dynamic fountains, add movement and sound that enhance the sensory experience of the outdoor spaces. The garden landscape design incorporates both formal and naturalistic elements, creating varied experiences throughout the property while maintaining visual cohesion. Sustainable Modern Luxury Modern luxury doesn't mean abandoning environmental responsibility. Antonovich Group's designs incorporate sustainable practices throughout their exterior and landscape elements, from water-efficient irrigation systems to locally sourced materials that reduce environmental impact while supporting regional craftspeople and suppliers. Their plant selections prioritize native and adaptive species that thrive with minimal intervention, while hardscape materials are chosen for longevity and low maintenance requirements. This approach ensures that these stunning properties remain beautiful and functional for decades while minimizing their environmental footprint. The Complete Modern Lifestyle What distinguishes Antonovich Group's work is their understanding that modern luxury villa design must address the complete lifestyle of their clients. Their exteriors and landscapes aren't just beautiful backdrops—they're functional spaces designed for entertaining, relaxation, and daily living. From outdoor kitchens that rival their indoor counterparts to wellness areas that promote health and relaxation, every element is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. The integration of technology, sustainable systems, and artistic elements creates properties that are as smart as they are beautiful, representing the pinnacle of modern luxury villa design.