I am a stickler for perfection and when I design I look at every little detail to the last millimetre in each space. None of this just happens - it takes many hours of planning, drawing, choosing just the right finishes, fabrics and wall paper, and then designing the furniture to fit the space perfectly and in the correct materials and fabrics. I designed this rug and chose the colours of the wool which was hand knotted in Tibet and took 3 months to make and ship to Cape Town. It is always such a delight when we roll out a rug we haven’t seen the end result of and we are so pleased with the way this one turned out. I chose a lovely patterned fabric for the backs of the dining chairs and had the end table chairs made in a double size so that two people can sit at the head if need be. The table is made of solid Oak which is sandblasted to show off the grain and has a light grey wash. The wall paper on the fireplace is very textured and adds depth to the room. The wall paper on the ceiling inside the bulkhead is iridescent and gives the ceiling a lovely glow. Our curtains are beautifully made and adds luxury and warmth. Never skimp on curtaining as badly made curtains can instantly cheapen a room. The light fitting is discreet when switched off so as not to detract from the stunning ocean views when the curtains are open.

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

As a rebuild from the ground floor, this house was converted from a 1980's bungalow to a stunning two-storey modern farmhouse. A growing family of five was looking for more living space with a clean and simple design that captured a better view of the outdoors. The renovation included the entire main floor plus a second floor with 4 bedrooms, a kids bathroom and master ensuite. The home's style offers a traditional farmhouse feel from the exterior architectural details and material to the bedroom shiplap ceiling. Modern influences can be seen in the large, black windows that reveal a more contemporary interior. An open-concept main floor connects a large double height foyer flanked with windows showcasing the baby grand piano, open riser stairs, living room, and the dining area which focuses onto the back landscape, pool, and cabana. By being able to bring the outdoors aesthetic indoors, the family was amazed by the transformation and how the dark shell exterior contrasted the bright interior spaces.

The Courtyard House, designed in 1964 by Sarasota School of Architecture's Jack West, is a Homes for Better Living Award winner, published in Architectural Record Houses of 1965. Known for it's simple materiality, open plan, and sweeping curving roof shape, the home had seen several renovations before the current owners came to us with a challenge: let us celebrate the spirit of the Courtyard House with a serene reflecting pool at the entry of the home. The design strategy was to introduce several wall planes, perforated and screened with wood-look aluminum battens, that gradually reveal the home and provide a neutral base for the strong, sweeping curved form of the existing roof. The introduction of the wall planes allowed for a subtle reorganization of the entry sequence, and a unique opportunity to experience the reflecting pool with a sense of privacy. A new pool and terrace with integrated fire feature look over the beautiful Dolphin Waterway, and provide for a relaxing evening for the family, or a backdrop for a large gathering. Winner of 2020 SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum aware for Best Remodel/Renovation and Gold award for Band Best Landscape Design.

DESIGN BUILD REMODEL | Family Room Transformation | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC | Part Seven This completely transformed 3,500+ sf family dream home sits atop the gorgeous hills of Calabasas, CA and celebrates the strategic and eclectic merging of contemporary and mid-century modern styles with the earthy touches of a world traveler! AS SEEN IN Better Homes and Gardens | BEFORE & AFTER | 10 page feature and COVER | Spring 2016 To see more of this fantastic transformation, watch for the launch of our NEW website and blog THE FOUR POINT REPORT, where we celebrate this and other incredible design build journey! Launching September 2016. Photography by Riley Jamison #familyroom #remodel #LAinteriordesigner #builder #dreamproject #oneinamillion

See what our client say about working with us: I started my search for a contractor about a year before I hired Paul to do a kitchen and bathroom renovation. This was my first time at the bat, and I really had no idea what to expect. I had many contractor proposals that swung wildly in price but for some reason I never felt inclined to hire any of the guys I met with. I happened to be looking at Houzz one day and came across Paul’s company and he had very good reviews. I gave him a call and he came to my apartment quickly. I liked him immediately when we met. I thought it was strange that he asked me for my budget and how much I wanted to spend but in hindsight, providing that information allowed Paul to come back to me with a very detailed proposal based on my budget. I soon realized that the lower proposals I had did not include many of the budget items that would be necessary to complete the job. Paul laid out the pricing and provided a very reasonable “allowance” based on your measurements for tile, toilet, sinks, etc. It is up to you to stay within that allowance. Another reason I hired Paul was because of his design skills. Paul met me in the at tile stores several times and helped guide me in choosing tile and a style for the bathroom that really looks beautiful. I fought him a little but in the end, was glad I went with his recommendations. He also uses a kitchen cabinet maker so all the cabinets are custom to what you want. Paul also has a great customer website that allows you to see all the expenses, make choices, and easily communicate with him. If you are planning to do a renovation, I think it helps to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I live in a co-op and we had a couple of little glitches and Paul was always quick to resolve issues as they arose. He was extremely responsive and really cared about the work and doing a good job. I would definitely hire Paul again if I needed a contractor.

DESIGN BUILD REMODEL | Bathroom Remodel | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC | Part Four This completely transformed 3500+ sf family dream home sits atop the gorgeous hills of Calabasas CA and celebrates the strategic and eclectic merging of contemporary and classic forms, with mid-century modern accents earthy touches of a world traveler. Home to a very active family, when considering the needs our client's beautiful young daughter, our focus was on function, longevity, openness, daylight, privacy, and the future; As we planned ahead to a time when this bathroom might serve as another master suite! AS SEEN IN Better Homes and Gardens | BEFORE & AFTER | 10 page feature and COVER | Spring 2016 To see more of this fantastic transformation, watch for the launch of our NEW website and blog THE FOUR POINT REPORT, where we celebrate this and other incredible design build journey! Launching September 2016. Photography by Riley Jamison #bathroom #remodel #LAinteriordesigner #builder #dreamproject #oneinamillion

September 21st is the first day of Fall. I know we don’t want to think about it yet, but it is good to prepare and get the chimney swept early. Why? According to the Farmer’s Almanac, they are predicting a colder and snowier Winter. But you say, “eh, I got a gas fireplace.” Better yet, “I don’t use my fireplace, so why should I sweep it, and clean it early?” Let’s discuss why all types of chimneys and fireplaces need to be swept. Why Do All Types of Chimney’s and Fireplaces Need to Be Swept? When we think of the fireplace, we picture the real wood burning fireplace with the sounds of crackling wood. With regular use of the wood-burning fireplaces, a byproduct called creosote forms and over time, lines the side of the chimney flue. This needs to be swept at least once per year as creosote is flammable. However, all chimney’s, regardless of whether it burns wood or utilizes gas, needs to be professionally inspected and swept annually. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a gas or unused chimney is immune to problems since it doesn't produce a byproduct. However, these chimney systems face their own unique dangers. Gas fireplaces, especially those that are high-efficiency, can lead to the buildup of corrosive deposits. Over time, these deposits can degrade your chimney liner. Getting it inspected by a certified chimney technician will control this issue so it doesn’t turn into a problem. 4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Your Annual Chimney Inspection The annual chimney inspection is more than just a sweep; it’s a comprehensive health check for your entire chimney system. We call it the 14 Point Inspection. A certified chimney technician will look for: 1. Fire Hazards: Again, for wood-burning chimneys, the removal of creosote is important to prevent a chimney fire. Gas fireplaces release corrosive deposits. If you don’t use the fireplace, you never know what debris may have settled in. If you want to use the fireplace, please be sure to have it professionally inspected and swept before use. 2. Obstructions: There’s a whole world outside of your home, and especially in the Fall, our little friends are searching for a warm place to stay. Your chimney looks pretty good. And, let’s not forget how the wind in the Chicagoland are does a great job of moving debris around that can get up and under the chimney cap or directly into the chimney if you don’t have a cap. These blockages need to be cleared for you and your home’s protection. 3. Structural Damage: A chimney technician will be able to spot cracks, water damage, or deterioration of the chimney and chimney liner that could compromise the system's safety. 4. Ventilation Issues: Ventilation is key for your home to breathe. The certified chimney technician will ensure proper draft and airflow, which is the best way to get rid of toxic gases. NFPA Remember, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends an annual inspection for all chimney types. This simple, proactive maintenance can save you from costly repairs. Don't wait for a problem to become obvious. Contact Superior Chimney today at 877-244-6349 to schedule a 14-Point Chimney inspection to ensure your home and family are protected.

The only new construction direct Intracoastal home for sale in the entire Palm Beach Estate Section. Never lived in before, the only modern waterfront home currently for sale on all of Palm Beach Island. One of only two on all of Palm Beach Island with direct Intracoastal frontage and two docks on both the front and back yards.17,190 square feet of total indoor-outdoor living space on .89 acres. Includes $2,000,000 worth of personal property, furnishings, art, sculptures in the listing price.

Graced with an abundance of windows, Alexandria’s modern meets traditional exterior boasts stylish stone accents, interesting rooflines and a pillared and welcoming porch. You’ll never lack for style or sunshine in this inspired transitional design perfect for a growing family. The timeless design merges a variety of classic architectural influences and fits perfectly into any neighborhood. A farmhouse feel can be seen in the exterior’s peaked roof, while the shingled accents reference the ever-popular Craftsman style. Inside, an abundance of windows flood the open-plan interior with light. Beyond the custom front door with its eye-catching sidelights is 2,350 square feet of living space on the first level, with a central foyer leading to a large kitchen and walk-in pantry, adjacent 14 by 16-foot hearth room and spacious living room with a natural fireplace. Also featured is a dining area and convenient home management center perfect for keeping your family life organized on the floor plan’s right side and a private study on the left, which lead to two patios, one covered and one open-air. Private spaces are concentrated on the 1,800-square-foot second level, where a large master suite invites relaxation and rest and includes built-ins, a master bath with double vanity and two walk-in closets. Also upstairs is a loft, laundry and two additional family bedrooms as well as 400 square foot of attic storage. The approximately 1,500-square-foot lower level features a 15 by 24-foot family room, a guest bedroom, billiards and refreshment area, and a 15 by 26-foot home theater perfect for movie nights. Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

A dramatic improvement with this lovely new bathroom. Twin mirrors over each vanity with a detailed wood frame add sophistication at the vanity. The fully tiled wall creates a sense of spa with the new granite and wide spread lavatory faucets. Commercial grade vinyl planking replaced the tile flooring. The richness of the flooring fools the untrained eye into thinking it is real wood. Our client was absolutely thrilled with the results. Please leave a comment for information on any items seen in our photographs.

This outdoor kitchen in Lexington is built around 3cm unfilled travertine, and that's a material choice that says a lot about what this space is meant to do. Unfilled travertine keeps its natural pits and texture instead of having them smoothed over with resin, which means the surface reads as raw and organic rather than polished. Out here, under open sky and full sun, that texture works in the stone's favor. It doesn't glare back at you at midday and it doesn't get slick when a hose or a rain shower hits it. The layout is an L-shaped countertop set over a stacked stone veneer base, with stainless steel drawers and cabinets tucked underneath and a built-in grill anchoring one leg of the L. There's a cutout in the counter for a sink or a cooler, which is the kind of detail that takes real planning at the template stage. You can't cut that opening freehand on site and expect clean lines. We measure twice, dry-fit the appliance or basin, and cut the stone to match before it ever leaves the shop. Travertine outdoors is a practical call as much as a good-looking one. It handles heat well, which matters right next to a grill, and it won't crack or discolor the way some engineered materials can when they take direct sun for years. Unfilled travertine in particular breathes a little more than the filled version, so it doesn't trap moisture the way a sealed slab might. We finished the edges eased, which keeps the whole thing feeling soft and unfussy, no sharp lines to bang a hip on when you're moving between the grill and the prep space. Outdoor kitchens take a beating that indoor ones never see: pollen, humidity, the occasional hard freeze here in the Midlands, direct sun for months at a stretch. Travertine's been used outdoors for centuries for exactly that reason, it ages instead of failing. Sealing it now and then keeps water from sitting in the pits, but even bare it holds up. This one in Lexington is set up to be used hard, grilled on, gathered around, and to look better for the wear rather than worse.

Never ending pergola's were developed to extenuate the elongated eye movement. These go and hit the mirror surfaces and drop creating a sense of multiplicity, along with which a play of shadow is generated where also mass's act as beam covers. It has a definitive window that can be seen from the living room with the help of transparent wall created. Design Team - Ar. Manish Shah, Schoen D'Lyma. Photography - Tejas Shah

We purchased this home that hadn't had much of an opportunity to have been revitalized throughout the years, therefore, had grown old and tired. We were excited at the vision of what it could be! Through a 5 month process we renovated and refurbished this home with updated bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, ceilings, and exterior work, and fully new windows and french door to create the indoor/outdoor living. Added on a new guest bathroom and laundry room, skylights, and elegant chandeliers and further updated the electrical, plumbing and A/C and heating units. The end product was magnificently elegant with a breathtaking kitchen, modern bathrooms, with a distinct contrast in flooring materials used that left an impressive impression for everyone that toured the property. The before and after pictures of the facade of the property were so contrasting that people who had previously seen pictures of the property or the property itself had a hard time recognizing it when driving by. This project was a huge success for our company and created the elevated energy for all that were involved, including the upliftment of the neighborhood.

Exiting the rear french doors of this historic Hinsdale home, the owners can now enjoy an evening overlooking their garden on this bluestone lounge patio. With a 5ft change in elevation, the renovated exterior space required a series of terraces to transition from the patio down to the driveway. The patio and walls were designed with a symmetrical balance and circulation in mind. Complex, multi-level concrete foundation walls ensure this raised patio will never settle. Newly configured masonry steps now provide a welcoming entry walk into their house from their garage. One key design feature was to minimize the view of hardscapes from the rear yard; this was achieved through layering dwarf shrubs and perennials within the masonry walls, and transitioning to fieldstone boulders on the eastern edge of the space. A key feature the owners requested was a place to garden. The eastern side of the space features a dedicated herb and vegetable raised planter, surrounded in perennials and crushed bluestone chip. Smooth faced brick veneer on the masonry walls was selected as a close match to the original house brick from the 1920’s. Low voltage lighting fixtures were incorporated throughout the planting beds and under the stair treads to allow the owners to use the patio after dark. Centered on the upper masonry wall rests a low bowl fiberglass planter for a stunning center piece of annual flowers. The planter is plumbed for drainage and irrigation. One existing crabapple was thoughtfully preserved and incorporated in the new wall construction. The transformation from before to after on this rear yard renovation is truly a custom home make-over, one for the owners to enjoy for a lifetime.

Most people never think about their sink until they hate it. Then they spend years working around it. This custom brass workstation sink was designed around the way this family actually cooks. The drain placement, the ledge depth, the bowl dimensions - every detail was determined in a conversation before a single piece of metal was cut. The brass develops a natural living patina over time. No coatings. No finishes that peel or dull. Just solid 14-gauge brass that grows more beautiful with every year of use. This is what a generational sink looks like. Handcrafted in Apopka, Florida by Rachiele® Custom Sinks. Every sink is signed by the artisans who built it.

These Spanish made porcelain tiles have a definite Moorish influence in both their shape and colour lending them a feel of the exotic east. In stunning shades and two sizes they can create rooms of subtle beauty or more drama; the red is one of the prettiest hues we've seen on tile in this colour palette before.

This newly renovated kitchen by Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodeling is located in Roswell GA and will truly inspire those of you looking to change up your kitchen. We love EVERYTHING about this kitchen! From the visual impact of the subway tile counter to ceiling back-splash , to the contrasting open shelves, and the storage solutions of the cabinetry, the goal was to open up the space and create an open concept layout that would be aesthetically pleasing, efficient and spacious. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining area has completely changed the ebb and flow of this living space. The kitchen is open and airy as the light is able to flow fluidly from the dining area to the window above the sink. Re-configuring the layout to allow the installation of a large kitchen island with range and ample seating has maximized the space and created a larger area for gathering. If you haven't seen the before and after pictures of this kitchen, please check them out, you'll be amazed! Demo: Existing Wall dividing the kitchen from the dinning area, taking away the raised bar countertop and installing a kitchen island with range Countertops: 3 CM White Galaxy Granite with 1/4 round edge Sink: Kohler White Haven Apron front Cast Iron 30" Faucet: Delta Cassidy Kohler Tile: 3"x6" Cobsa Granada Crackled White Subway Tile Floating Shelves: Custom Made

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs. I started my search for a contractor about a year before I hired Paul to do a kitchen and bathroom renovation. This was my first time at the bat, and I really had no idea what to expect. I had many contractor proposals that swung wildly in price but for some reason I never felt inclined to hire any of the guys I met with. I happened to be looking at Houzz one day and came across Paul’s company and he had very good reviews. I gave him a call and he came to my apartment quickly. I liked him immediately when we met. I thought it was strange that he asked me for my budget and how much I wanted to spend but in hindsight, providing that information allowed Paul to come back to me with a very detailed proposal based on my budget. I soon realized that the lower proposals I had did not include many of the budget items that would be necessary to complete the job. Paul laid out the pricing and provided a very reasonable “allowance” based on your measurements for tile, toilet, sinks, etc. It is up to you to stay within that allowance.