Trendy black and white tile gray floor and single-sink bathroom photo in Phoenix with gray walls, an integrated sink and gray countertops

Rick Lee Photo
Inspiration for a rustic living room remodel in Charleston with a stone fireplace

Owner's spa-style bathroom with beautiful African Mahogany cabinets
Mid-sized mid-century modern master blue tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile, white floor and single-sink corner shower photo in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Home office - eclectic home office idea in Seattle

Built on Frank Sinatra’s estate, this custom home was designed to be a fun and relaxing weekend retreat for our clients who live full time in Orange County. As a second home and playing up the mid-century vibe ubiquitous in the desert, we departed from our clients’ more traditional style to create a modern and unique space with the feel of a boutique hotel. Classic mid-century materials were used for the architectural elements and hard surfaces of the home such as walnut flooring and cabinetry, terrazzo stone and straight set brick walls, while the furnishings are a more eclectic take on modern style. We paid homage to “Old Blue Eyes” by hanging a 6’ tall image of his mug shot in the entry.

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

Elegant living room photo in Seattle

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

The bin experiment gave rise to the mail box to match. Plow disks are really hard. Mark Clipsham
This is an example of an industrial front yard driveway in Other.

Staircase: Simple moments in architecture should create composition. Hard shapes and straight lines are balanced by the soft shape and form of the wall-mount light fixture. This is enhanced at night with the cast of light from the soft discs. Photos: Couture Architecture

Metal Porch Stairs Painting in Lakeview, Chicago | Windy City Painters Lakeview is one of Chicago's most architecturally diverse neighborhoods — vintage courtyard buildings, rooftop-deck condos, newly converted three-flats, and classic brick two-flats all line the same block. What they share is this: exposed metal. Back porch stairs, handrails, balconies, and exterior landings define the rear streetscape of nearly every building in the neighborhood. And in Chicago, exposed metal without proper protective coatings doesn't last. Windy City Painters recently completed a full metal porch stairs painting project in Lakeview that illustrates exactly what professional metal refinishing looks like — and why preparation is everything. The Problem: Years of Chicago Weather Had Done Their Damage The client's back porch stairs were structurally sound — the diamond-plate steel treads were solid underfoot and the handrails were stable. However, the original paint system had long since failed. Surface rust had spread across the treads and risers. The old coating was peeling at every seam, edge, and weld point. Meanwhile, the black handrails were chalky and beginning to show rust at the bases. Notably, this is a pattern Windy City Painters sees constantly in Lakeview. The neighborhood's diverse housing stock — ranging from pre-war courtyard buildings to 1990s condo conversions — often features original metal porch work that has never received a proper professional refinish. Homeowners and property managers patch-paint over rust for years, which ultimately accelerates the problem rather than solving it. The solution isn't more paint. It's a complete system: mechanical rust removal, chemical treatment, primer, and a durable topcoat engineered for exterior metal. The Windy City Painters Process for Metal Porch Stairs Painting Windy City Painters approaches every metal porch stairs painting project with the same disciplined sequence. Consequently, our finishes outlast the competition by years. Step 1 — Mechanical Preparation Our crew wire-brushes all loose rust, flaking paint, and surface contamination from every tread, riser, stringer, and handrail section. For heavier rust accumulation, we use grinding discs to cut down to clean, bare metal. This step is non-negotiable. Additionally, we pay particular attention to weld seams, bolt plates, and edge returns — the spots where moisture consistently hides and rust reliably starts. Step 2 — Chemical Rust Treatment After mechanical prep, we apply a rust-converting primer to any remaining rust residue. This chemically neutralizes active rust and converts it into a stable, paintable surface. Moreover, the converter bonds to the metal and creates an additional barrier against future oxidation. Step 3 — Rust-Inhibiting Primer Windy City Painters then applies a full coat of oil-based, rust-inhibiting primer to all prepared metal surfaces. This primer penetrates bare metal and creates the critical bond layer that everything else depends on. Skipping this step — or substituting a latex primer — is the single biggest reason DIY metal paint jobs fail within one season. Step 4 — Two Topcoats of Industrial Enamel We apply two full coats of oil-based industrial enamel in the client's chosen color. For this Lakeview project, the stairs received a deep red finish and the handrails received gloss black — a classic combination that reads beautifully against the surrounding brick. Each coat is allowed to cure fully before the next is applied. Furthermore, we back-roll every surface to eliminate lap marks and ensure consistent film build. Step 5 — Final Inspection and Cleanup Windy City Painters inspects every inch of the completed work before calling a project done. We remove all masking, clean up the work area completely, and walk the client through the finished result. In addition, we advise on a maintenance schedule to maximize the life of the coating system. Why Metal Porch Stairs Painting Matters for Lakeview Properties Metal porch stairs are among the most visible exterior features of Chicago residential buildings. Therefore, their condition directly affects curb appeal, property value, and — most importantly — structural safety. Rust that penetrates deeply enough will compromise the structural integrity of stairs and railings. Meanwhile, peeling paint signals to buyers, renters, and neighbors that a property is deferred. In contrast, freshly refinished metal porch stairs signal exactly the opposite. They say the property is maintained, the owner takes pride in the building, and the structure is safe. For Lakeview landlords and homeowners alike, metal porch stair refinishing delivers an exceptional return on investment. Professional Advice for Lakeview Homeowners Before starting a metal porch stairs painting project, Windy City Painters recommends the following: Don't paint over rust. Any rust left beneath a topcoat will continue to spread and will lift the new paint within months. Mechanical removal is essential. Choose oil-based products for exterior metal. Latex paints don't adhere to metal as reliably and lack the film hardness needed to withstand foot traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Time your project right. Ideal conditions for metal painting are 50°F–90°F with low humidity. Chicago's spring and early fall are perfect windows. Don't skip the primer. A properly applied rust-inhibiting primer is what separates a seven-year finish from a one-year failure. Budget for full prep. Preparation typically represents 60–70% of the labor on a metal refinishing project. That's where the money is well spent. Windy City Painters: Lakeview's Trusted Metal Refinishing Contractor Windy City Painters has refined the process of exterior metal painting and refinishing across Chicago's North Side and Near West Side. We work in Lakeview regularly — on courtyard buildings, two-flats, coach houses, and commercial properties — and we understand the unique demands that Chicago's climate places on exterior metal. As a result, our coating systems are selected and applied for maximum longevity in this specific environment. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Lakeview home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

I recently made a trip down to South Molton, a small town which sits on the River Mole. The river, actually a tributary of the River Taw, gets its name from the two small towns it runs by, North Molton and South Molton. Anyway I digress, my client asked me to take a look at a Chinese Slate floor in her house, as it was in dire need of a good clean due to the original sealer having worn off over time allowing the dirt to become ingrained in the tile. As this particular type of floor is naturally quite rough, I advised my client to have the Slate milled flat. This would not only make the floor easier to clean on a regular basis, but also it would reduce the hazard of people tripping over the exposed edges. However, the milling procedure is expensive due to the need to use a special grinding disc formed of diamond segments, which is then attached to a rotary machine and used on the stone. My client decided against this, instead opting for a thorough clean and seal. This would be the first time the floor had ever received a proper clean – it had not even been cleaned when the tilers first fitted it! My choice of product for the cleaning was Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, a high alkaline cleaner which, along with Slate, is suitable for use on other natural stone floors such as Limestone, Granite and Travertine. The product, diluted with clean water, was applied evenly to the floor using a Polybrush, as well as a rotary machine fitted with a buffing pad. This also helped to remove any remaining old sealer although, as aforementioned, the vast majority of the old sealer had already worn away. Following this, I cleaned the grout using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up and a long-handled stiff grout brush. Grout Clean-Up penetrates below the surface of the grout to lift out grout haze and general dirt. After completing the cleaning I rinsed the floor several times with clean water to remove any trace of cleaning product. The floor was then left to dry completely before sealing, as any moisture left over on the floor could have impacted on the sealer. When I returned to seal the floor I opted to use Tile Doctor High Shine Sealer, which is suitable for use on textured natural stone floors, as well as textured ceramic, textured porcelain, and a range of others. Five coats of High Shine Sealer were applied, providing the floor with durable surface protection and a nice high-sheen finish. This dramatically improved the appearance of the floor to the point that it is hard to believe this is the first time it has been treated to a proper clean and seal! Both myself and my client were very pleased with the results. Chinese Slate is one of the most beautiful and characterful types of stone for tiled floors, so it was very rewarding to be able to make such a difference here.

Photo Credit: Scott Norsworthy Architect: Wanda Ely Architect Inc
Inspiration for a small contemporary 3/4 white tile gray floor alcove shower remodel in Toronto with gray walls, a hinged shower door, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and a console sink