Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in New York

The Elivia 2HS (two horizontal stripes) model, a fully integrated member of this interior door collection, was inspired by a sign in musical notation called longa, which consisted of two parallel horizontal lines framed by two vertical stems. It was widely used in the Middle Ages as a symbol for a quadruple whole note (which is a pretty long note, you might say): a note so perfectly placed and of such celestial sound one didn't want it ever to end. What does this have to do with interior doors? Simple: as a timely longa summarized and harmonized the entire music piece for the listener, so will the interior door model you see before you give impart a perfect overall harmony to your decor. It will invite you to enjoy the moment for as long as possible. It is amiable and soothing. As all interior door models in the Elivia collection, this one is highly elegant and easy on the eyes. It comes in a great variety of finishes and in all standard configurations. Custom sizes are also available: just say the word.

With designer Carolina George http://www.carolinageorge.com Photo: Michael Stavaridis

girl's middle school bedroom
Kids' room - mid-sized modern girl dark wood floor and brown floor kids' room idea in San Francisco with white walls

girl's middle school bedroom
Teen room - modern girl dark wood floor and brown floor teen room idea in San Francisco with white walls

Cooking headquarters for a young lady! Joe Kwon Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional home design design in Chicago

Ann Kenkel Interiors. Gwin Hunt Photography Complete gut of Watergate Penthouse and renovation. Ann Kenkel gutted a very contemporary Penthouse which had no molding and concrete floors. Installed Walnut flooring redesigned space,designed all built ins,and decorated PH. Space was for a middle aged bachelor who wanted the spaces to have multi function. He wanted the Living Room to function as a library as well as a formal living room. I designed very elegant walnut bookcases with built in sound speakers. The furniture is comfortable yet upholstered in elegant fabrics. The coffee table was a high end custom Minton Spidell coffee table which elevates the space to a more formal look. The entry hall showcases a very fine antique mirror over a console with fine inlaid banding. The living room has rich chenille fabrics,ultra suede pillows with trim and a tapestry chenille on the chairs. Kenkel designed a white wood mantle deep enough that weighty accessories. There needed to be greater division between the living room and dining. AK designed an open etagere to contain large crystal pieces with beautiful lighting. It created enough of a screen to provide some privacy between the rooms in addition to making both rooms appear longer. The dining room needed to serve as a home office with a computer station and two comfortable chairs for the client to hold a business meeting. I also needed to function as a dining room. AK designed a built in unit which housed glass shelf cabinets on either side of an open space. The open space had a counter which was appropriate height for a computer as well as a a serving service at dinner time. Office equipment,printer fax,router was all housed in a lower cabinet. The pendant chandelier is a very fine antique french piece. AK designed a built in unit for clothes,a flat screen tv and speakers. There was a large roof top patio which had beautiful views of the Washington Monument. AK created a thorough design for extensive entertaining ,in her 3d drafting program. The client moved before the patio could be built out. Draperies are made out of Jim Thompson raw silk. Antique bronze dore candelsticks bronze urn on fireplace, telescope to see city in etagere. home office, dining room, table settings, home staging, hydrangeas and roses, built in, Ann Kenkel Interiors. Gwin Hunt Photography Complete gut of, built in,designed all built ins, library, media cabinet,redesigned space,top design,Top Design firm top designer,transitional wing chairs,lumbar tapestry pillows,antique bronze lamp, william and mary side table , tweed wing chair, brown chenille wing chairs, alabaster pendant chandelier, dining room home office , french console, marble lamps, narrow entry hall, leopard pillows, tapestry bench,

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Emily Johnston Anderson
Example of a trendy bedroom design in New York with gray walls

For an 11-year-old moving across the country and starting middle school, a great new room can mean a haven and hideout. She said she dug green, and we went with that and arrived here: a funky mix of old and new, lots of space for books, and a cozy place to read. She loves it, and we designed it to grow up with her.

Ann Kenkel Interiors. Gwin Hunt Photography Complete gut of Watergate Penthouse and renovation. Ann Kenkel gutted a very contemporary Penthouse which had no molding and concrete floors. Installed Walnut flooring, redesigned space, designed all built ins, and decorated PH. Space was for a middle aged bachelor who wanted the spaces to have multi function. He wanted the Living Room to function as a library as well as a formal living room. I designed very elegant walnut bookcases with built in sound speakers. The furniture is comfortable yet upholstered in elegant fabrics. The coffee table was a high end custom Minton Spidell coffee table which elevates the space to a more formal look. The entry hall showcases a very fine antique mirror over a console with fine inlaid banding. The living room has rich chenille fabrics, ultra suede pillows with trim and a tapestry chenille on the chairs. Kenkel designed a white wood mantle deep enough that weighty accessories. There needed to be greater division between the living room and dining. AK designed an open etagere to contain large crystal pieces with beautiful lighting. It created enough of a screen to provide some privacy between the rooms in addition to making both rooms appear longer. The dining room needed to serve as a home office with a computer station and two comfortable chairs for the client to hold a business meeting. I also needed to function as a dining room. AK designed a built in unit which housed glass shelf cabinets on either side of an open space. The open space had a counter which was appropriate height for a computer as well as a a serving service at dinner time. Office equipment, printer, fax, router was all housed in a lower cabinet. The pendant chandelier is a very fine antique french piece. AK designed a built in unit for clothes, a flat screen tv and speakers. There was a large roof top patio which had beautiful views of the Washington Monument. AK created a thorough design for extensive entertaining, in her 3d drafting program. The client moved before the patio could be built out. Draperies are made out of Jim Thompson raw silk. Antique bronze dore candelsticks, bronze urn on fireplace, telescope to see city in etagere.

Ann Kenkel Interiors. Gwin Hunt Photography Complete gut of Watergate Penthouse and renovation. Ann Kenkel gutted a very contemporary Penthouse which had no molding and concrete floors. Installed Walnut flooring, redesigned space, designed all built ins, and decorated PH. Space was for a middle aged bachelor who wanted the spaces to have multi function. He wanted the Living Room to function as a library as well as a formal living room. I designed very elegant walnut bookcases with built in sound speakers. The furniture is comfortable yet upholstered in elegant fabrics. The coffee table was a high end custom Minton Spidell coffee table which elevates the space to a more formal look. The entry hall showcases a very fine antique mirror over a console with fine inlaid banding. The living room has rich chenille fabrics, ultra suede pillows with trim and a tapestry chenille on the chairs. Kenkel designed a white wood mantle deep enough that weighty accessories. There needed to be greater division between the living room and dining. AK designed an open etagere to contain large crystal pieces with beautiful lighting. It created enough of a screen to provide some privacy between the rooms in addition to making both rooms appear longer. The dining room needed to serve as a home office with a computer station and two comfortable chairs for the client to hold a business meeting. I also needed to function as a dining room. AK designed a built in unit which housed glass shelf cabinets on either side of an open space. The open space had a counter which was appropriate height for a computer as well as a a serving service at dinner time. Office equipment, printer, fax, router was all housed in a lower cabinet. The pendant chandelier is a very fine antique french piece. AK designed a built in unit for clothes, a flat screen tv and speakers. There was a large roof top patio which had beautiful views of the Washington Monument. AK created a thorough design for extensive entertaining, in her 3d drafting program. The client moved before the patio could be built out. Draperies are made out of Jim Thompson raw silk. Antique bronze dore candelsticks, bronze urn on fireplace, telescope to see city in etagere.

2011 National NARI CotY Southeast Regional Award Winner, Residential Universal Design Middle age family in Fairfax, Virginia faced obstacles in their 1980’s home. The home design was dysfunctional by client home’s narrow hall ways and small bathrooms with unusable tubs and tight spacing where two people could not use it at the same time. Clients desperately needed a more fully accessible laundry, bedroom, and spacious bathroom that could be accommodating their needs for today and as well as the future. We built a 10’ x 40’ first floor room and bath to the back of the home with a full new spacious bedroom with new high efficiency gas fireplace. In addition to the bedroom the space provided a new full bathroom. Also, built out new screened-in porch with railing and handles, trex decking and low maintenance synthetic trims and ceiling panels

Dimitri Ganas - PhotographybyDimitri.net
Transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove shower photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops and gray walls

The hand carved limestone capitals, as well as the columns and bases were left rough in places to replicate the natural effects of age.
Example of a mountain style exterior home design in DC Metro

2011 National NARI CotY Southeast Regional Award Winner, Residential Universal Design Middle age family in Fairfax, Virginia faced obstacles in their 1980’s home. The home design was dysfunctional by client home’s narrow hall ways and small bathrooms with unusable tubs and tight spacing where two people could not use it at the same time. Clients desperately needed a more fully accessible laundry, bedroom, and spacious bathroom that could be accommodating their needs for today and as well as the future. We built a 10’ x 40’ first floor room and bath to the back of the home with a full new spacious bedroom with new high efficiency gas fireplace. In addition to the bedroom the space provided a new full bathroom. Also, built out new screened-in porch with railing and handles, trex decking and low maintenance synthetic trims and ceiling panels

We had the pleasure of working with this customer on drapes for her home. I love the way she combines modern and transitional pieces. These drapes are from the Drapery Street Made-To-Measure collection. Photography by Tony Valainis

2011 National NARI CotY Southeast Regional Award Winner, Residential Universal Design Middle age family in Fairfax, Virginia faced obstacles in their 1980’s home. The home design was dysfunctional by client home’s narrow hall ways and small bathrooms with unusable tubs and tight spacing where two people could not use it at the same time. Clients desperately needed a more fully accessible laundry, bedroom, and spacious bathroom that could be accommodating their needs for today and as well as the future. We built a 10’ x 40’ first floor room and bath to the back of the home with a full new spacious bedroom with new high efficiency gas fireplace. In addition to the bedroom the space provided a new full bathroom. Also, built out new screened-in porch with railing and handles, trex decking and low maintenance synthetic trims and ceiling panels

Photos ©Kim Jeffries
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Toronto