This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of five stories which had been duplexed to create a two story rental unit and a 3 story home for the owners. The owner hired us to do a modern renovation of their home and rear garden. The garden was under utilized, barely visible from the interior and could only be accessed via a small steel stair at the rear of the second floor. We enlarged the owner’s home to include the rear third of the floor below which had walk out access to the garden. The additional square footage became a new family room connected to the living room and kitchen on the floor above via a double height space and a new sculptural stair. The rear facade was completely restructured to allow us to install a wall to wall two story window and door system within the new double height space creating a connection not only between the two floors but with the outside. The garden itself was terraced into two levels, the bottom level of which is directly accessed from the new family room space, the upper level accessed via a few stone clad steps. The upper level of the garden features a playful interplay of stone pavers with wood decking adjacent to a large seating area and a new planting bed. Wet bar cabinetry at the family room level is mirrored by an outside cabinetry/grill configuration as another way to visually tie inside to out. The second floor features the dining room, kitchen and living room in a large open space. Wall to wall builtins from the front to the rear transition from storage to dining display to kitchen; ending at an open shelf display with a fireplace feature in the base. The third floor serves as the children’s floor with two bedrooms and two ensuite baths. The fourth floor is a master suite with a large bedroom and a large bathroom bridged by a walnut clad hall that conceals a closet system and features a built in desk. The master bath consists of a tiled partition wall dividing the space to create a large walkthrough shower for two on one side and showcasing a free standing tub on the other. The house is full of custom modern details such as the recessed, lit handrail at the house’s main stair, floor to ceiling glass partitions separating the halls from the stairs and a whimsical builtin bench in the entry.

Master bathroom featuring Noa-L Vancouver porcelain wall tiles and porcelain floor tiles, both from Spazio LA Tile Gallery.
Example of a mid-sized transitional kids' gray tile and porcelain tile corner bathtub design in Los Angeles with white walls

This is a beautiful contemporary and organic design. An outdoor private shower with pebble stone inspired by a feeling of nature. Design by Luz Marina Selles. Photos by Mike Small Photography.

Traditional tiled bathroom with 12x12 tan porcelain tile, straight-lay, on bathroom floor. Also, 12x24 ivory porcelain stone-look tile on shower walls, offset pattern, with a decorative liner using a pattern glass/stone blend mosaic and 6x6 tan porcelain tile, diagonal pattern, on shower floor. - Galt, CA

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Falling Water is a glazed porcelain collection imported from Italy displaying an unusual shade formation of grey, beige, and white tones to resemble petrified wood and rushing water. Falling Water is designed using digital ink jet technology allowing for a wider variation and enhanced precision of each porcelain tile. Available in four captivating colors and two contemporary formats. Images show Falling Water tile in the color Niagara in the size 6x36. Rated for both floor and wall use in all residential and light commercial spaces. Photo Credit: Lindsey DiFlorio for Best Tile

Peter Rymwid
Mid-sized transitional slate floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and granite countertops

Bello Agata is a stunning new line of luxurious large-format polished porcelain tiles. These tiles have beautiful wave-like movement that creates a depth that rivals many natural marbles and stones. This tile is available in 2 colours; Nacre (light) and Noir (dark).

Photography by Mike Kelly The tile company is EURO WEST.
Bathroom - large transitional stone tile and white tile bathroom idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, white cabinets, gray walls and recessed-panel cabinets

A painted board ceiling combines with beige porcelain tile, large windows and modern plumbing fixtures to create a clean well-lit master bathroom.
Mid-sized beach style master beige tile and porcelain tile beige floor, porcelain tile, single-sink and vaulted ceiling bathroom photo in Other with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an integrated sink, white countertops, solid surface countertops, a one-piece toilet and a floating vanity

Bello Travertino Navona Bianco Porcelain Tile is a beautiful, soft looking travertine imitation. The colours in the vein pattern of this tile range from white to beige, with hints of light grey. This tile is available in Polished 24x48, and Matte 24x24 and 24x48.

Falling Water is a glazed porcelain collection imported from Italy displaying an unusual shade formation of grey, beige, and white tones to resemble petrified wood and rushing water. Falling Water is designed using digital ink jet technology allowing for a wider variation and enhanced precision of each porcelain tile. Available in four captivating colors and two contemporary formats. Images show Falling Water tile in the color Niagara in the size 6x36. Rated for both floor and wall use in all residential and light commercial spaces. Photo Credit: Lindsey DiFlorio for Best Tile

As Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. commenced work in other areas of the client’s house, the homeowner began to see the transitions and grow more aware of design trends, and decided to add his master bathroom to the scope of the project. In the master shower, 4 “x 18” tiles are used vertically, and a niche was fabricated using marble tile with chrome accents. The entrance to the shower has a zero clearance entry for easy access, while the Euro glass enclosure give the bathroom a high end edge. Design Connection Inc. provided for this project: space plans, elevations, tile, lighting, material selections, wallpaper, liaison with the contractor, and project management.

This traditional white bathroom beautifully incorporates white subway tile and marble accents. The black and white marble floor compliments the black tiles used to frame the decorative marble shower accent tiles and mirror. Completed with chrome fixtures, this black and white bathroom is undoubtedly elegant. Learn more about Chris Ebert, the Normandy Remodeling Designer who created this space, and other projects that Chris has created: https://www.normandyremodeling.com/team/christopher-ebert Photo Credit: Normandy Remodeling

Photo Credit Novelli PhotoDesign
Inspiration for a transitional master gray tile and stone slab porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops and beige walls

The kitchen is finished with high-gloss, white lacquered Bader cabinets and Quartz Silestone counters with a suede finish. Floor tiles are Evoque Grigio Porcelain Floor Tile – 12 x 24 in. Photos: Reel Tour Media

For an early 20th century home, this master bathroom is a generous size. The shower features modern style with frameless glass and both fixed and handheld shower heads. The original leaded glass windows were saved and implement into the new design. Photo Credit: Marc Golub

The clients shared with us an inspiration picture of a white marble bathroom with clean lines and elegant feel. Their current master bathroom was far from elegant. With a somewhat limited budget, the goal was to create a walk-in shower, additional storage and elegant feel without having to change much of the footprint. To have the look of a marble bath without the high price tag we used on the floor and walls a durable porcelain tile with a realistic Carrara marble look makes this upscale bathroom a breeze to maintain. It also compliments the real Carrara marble countertop perfectly. A vanity with dual sinks was installed. On each side of the vanity is ample cabinet and drawer storage. This bathroom utilized all the storage space possible, while still having an open feel and flow. This master bath now has clean lines, delicate fixtures and the look of high end materials without the high end price-tag. The result is an elegant bathroom that they enjoy spending time and relaxing in.

Pool - transitional pool idea in Orange County