Personal Touches - This thin pull-out cabinet from Dura Supreme Cabinetry next to the sink holds a towel rod so dish towels can dry after use along with a tray for sponges and sink accessories. Reminisce about your favorite beachfront destination and your mind’s eye evokes a serene, comfortable cottage with windows thrown open to catch the air, and the relaxing sound of waves nearby. In the shade of the porch, a hammock sways invitingly in the breeze. The color palette is simple and clean, with hues of white, like sunlight reflecting off sand, and blue-grays, the color of sky and water. Wood surfaces have soft painted finishes or a scrubbed-clean, natural wood look. “Cottage” styling is carefree living, where every element conspires to create a casual environment for comfort and relaxation. This cottage kitchen features Antique White paint with a Personal Paint Match kitchen island cabinets. These selected soft hues bring in the clean and simplicity of Cottage Style. As for hardware, bin pulls are a popular choice and make working in the kitchen much easier. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

The built-in bookcases in this living room help provide much needed storage in a small home while helping to bounce light into the room from the windows. At night the books are illuminated by the monopoint track fixtures. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Enclosed kitchen - country enclosed kitchen idea in Austin with stainless steel appliances, open cabinets and green cabinets

Modern - Contemporary Interior Designs By J Design Group in Miami, Florida. Aventura Magazine selected one of our contemporary interior design projects and they said: Shortly after Jennifer Corredor’s interior design clients bought a four-bedroom, three bath home last year, the couple suffered through a period of buyer’s remorse. While they loved the Bay Harbor Islands location and the 4,000-square-foot, one-story home’s potential for beauty and ample entertaining space, they felt the living and dining areas were too restricted and looked very small. They feared they had bought the wrong house. “My clients thought the brown wall separating these spaces from the kitchen created a somber mood and darkness, and they were unhappy after they had bought the house,” says Corredor of the J. Design Group in Coral Gables. “So we decided to renovate and tear down the wall to make a galley kitchen.” Mathy Garcia Chesnick, a sales director with Cervera Real Estate, and husband Andrew Chesnick, an executive for the new Porsche Design Tower residential project in Sunny Isles, liked the idea of incorporating the kitchen area into the living and dining spaces. Since they have two young children, the couple felt those areas were too narrow for easy, open living. At first, Corredor was afraid a structural beam could get in the way and impede the restoration process. But after doing research, she learned that problem did not exist, and there was nothing to hinder the project from moving forward. So she collapsed the wall to create one large kitchen, living and dining space. Then she changed the flooring, using 36x36-inch light slabs of gold Bianco marble, replacing the wood that had been there before. This process also enlarged the look of the space, giving it lightness, brightness and zoom. “By eliminating the wall and adding the marble we amplified the new and expanded public area,” says Corredor, who is known for optimizing space in creative ways. “And I used sheer white window treatments which further opened things up creating an airy, balmy space. The transformation is astonishing! It looks like a different place.” Part of that transformation included stripping the “awful” brown kitchen cabinets and replacing them with clean-lined, white ones from Italy. She also added a functional island and mint chocolate granite countertops. At one end of the kitchen space, Corredor designed dark wood shelving where Mathy displays her collection of cookbooks. “Mathy cooks a great deal, and they entertain on a regular basis,” says Corredor. “The island we created is where she likes to serve the kids breakfast and have family members gather. And when they have a dinner party, everyone can mill in and out of the kitchen-galley, dining and living areas while able to see everything going on around them. It looks and functions so much better.” Corredor extended the Bianco marble flooring to other open areas of the house, nearly everywhere except for the bedrooms. She also changed the powder room, which is annexed to the kitchen. She applied white linear glass on the walls and added a new white square sink by Hastings. Clean and fresh, the room is reminiscent of a little jewel box. I n the living room, Corredor designed a showpiece wall unit of exotic cherry wood with an aqua center to bring back some warmth that modernizing naturally strips away. The designer also changed the room’s lighting, introducing a new system that eschews a switch. Instead, it works by remote and also dims to create various moods for different social engagements. “The lighting is wonderful and enhances everything else we have done in these open spaces,” says Corredor. T he dining room overlooks the pool and yard, with large, floorto- ceiling window brings the outdoors inside. A chandelier above the dining table is another expression of openness, like the lens of a person’s eyeglasses. “We wanted this unusual piece because its sort of translucence takes you outside without ever moving from the room,” explains Corredor. “The family members love seeing the yard and pool from the living and dining space. It’s also great for entertaining friends and business associates. They can get a real feel for the subtropical elegance of Miami.” N earby, the front door was originally brown so she repainted it a sleek lacquered white. This bright consistency helps maintain a constant eye flow from one section of the open areas to another. Everything is visible in the new extended space and creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. “It was important to modernize and update the house without totally changing the character,” says Corredor. “We organized everything well and it turned out beautifully, just as we envisioned it.” While nothing on the home’s exterior was changed, Corredor worked her magic in the master bedroom by adding panels with a wavelike motif to again bring elements of the outside in. The room is austere and clean lined, elegant, peaceful and not cluttered with unnecessary furnishings. In the master bath, Corredor removed the existing cabinets and made another large cherry wood cabinet, this time with double sinks for husband and wife. She also added frosted green glass to give a spa-like aura to the spacious room. T hroughout the house are splashy canvases from Mathy’s personal art collection. She likes to add color to the decor through the art while the backdrops remain a soothing white. The end result is a divine, refined interior, light, bright and open. “The owners are thrilled, and we were able to complete the renovation in a few months,” says Corredor. “Everything turned out how it should be.” J Design Group Call us. 305-444-4611 Miami modern, Contemporary Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designers, Coco Plum Interior Designers, Sunny Isles Interior Designers, Pinecrest Interior Designers, J Design Group interiors, South Florida designers, Best Miami Designers, Miami interiors, Miami décor, Miami Beach Designers, Best Miami Interior Designers, Miami Beach Interiors, Luxurious Design in Miami, Top designers, Deco Miami, Luxury interiors, Miami Beach Luxury Interiors, Miami Interior Design, Miami Interior Design Firms, Beach front, Top Interior Designers, top décor, Top Miami Decorators, Miami luxury condos, modern interiors, Modern, Pent house design, white interiors, Top Miami Interior Decorators, Top Miami Interior Designers, Modern Designers in Miami, J Design Group Call us. 305-444-4611 www.JDesignGroup.com

Photo by Alexandra DeFurio. Aidan is a 12-year-old girl who lives with her father half of the time. Her parents are divorced and her father wanted his daughter to be at home in his new bachelor house. He wanted her to feel “understood” and validated as a girl entering into her teen years. The room therefore is sophisticated, yet still young and innocent. It may have “grown up” attributes such as chic English paisley wallpaper by Osborne and Little and a sassy “Like Forever” poster, but it is still comfortable enough to hang out on the flokati rug or on the vintage revamped chair. Aidan was very involved in providing the design inspiration for the room. She had asked for a “beachy” feel and as design professionals know, what takes over in the creative process is the ideas evolve and many either are weeded out or enhanced. It was our job as designers to introduce to Aidan a world beyond Pottery Barn Kids. We incorporated her love of the ocean with a custom, mixed Benjamin Moore paint color in a beautiful turquoise blue. The turquoise color is echoed in the tufted buttons on the custom headboard and trim around the linen roman shades on the window. Aidan wanted a hangout room for her friends. We provided extra seating by adding a vintage revamped chair accessorized with a Jonathan Adler needle point “Love” pillow and a Moroccan pouf from Shabby chic. The desk from West Elm from their Parson’s collection expresses a grown up feel accompanied with the Saarinen Tulip chair. It’s easier for Aidan to do her homework when she feels organized and clutter free. Organization was a big factor is redesigning the room. We had to work around mementos that soon-to-be teenagers collect by the truckloads. A custom bulletin board above the desk is a great place to tack party invitations and notes from friends. Also, the small Moda dresser from Room and Board stores books, magazines and makeup stored in baskets from the Container Store. Aidan loves her room. It is bright and cheerful, yet cheeky and fun. It has a touch of sass and a “beachy” feel. This room will grow with her until she leaves for college and then comes back as a guest. Thanks to her father who wanted her to feel special, she is able to spend half her time in a room that reflects who she is.

Design Credit: Mary Michael O'Hare (MMO Designs) Photo Credit: Emily O'Brien
Elegant bedroom photo in Boston with blue walls

Our client has been very fortunate to have acquired some amazing memorabilia over the years. This was our inspiration to create a space to display them and at the same time design a room where both he and his wife can enjoy family photos and work on shared interests. The custom builds were planned to create organization for personal office items and give an inviting atmosphere to come in, sit, read and reflect. Although many design elements are masculine we added a feminine touch with the blush colored chair fabric and custom pillows. A shared desk space is great for collaborating and planning. The fabric covered walls add sophistication and texture. The sofa was placed to invite and enjoy the rest of the family to come in and take part. Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design. All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639

Photography by: Werner Straube
Beach style dark wood floor bedroom photo in Chicago with white walls

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. 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

This single door entry is showcased with one French Quarter Yoke Hanger creating a striking focal point. The guiding gas lantern leads to the front door and a quaint sitting area, perfect for relaxing and watching the sunsets. Featured Lantern: French Quarter Yoke Hanger http://ow.ly/Ppp530nBxAx View the project by Willow Homes http://ow.ly/4amp30nBxte

A very inviting workspace and a great customer submission (we have the best customers!). This well organized work area features Wall Control’s Gray Metal Pegboard Panels, some Red Wall Control Pegboard Accessories, as well as conventional pegboard pegs and accessories showcasing the versatility of the Wall Control Pegboard Tool Storage System. Thanks for the great photo Darryl!

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

A once forgotten side yard turns into a charming gravel garden Martin Residence Cardiff by the Sea, Ca
Design ideas for a small mediterranean side yard formal garden in San Diego.

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

This home office was designed to be fun and inspiring. The room is filled with DIY projects including recycled white end tables, recycled art work and bulletin board using a frame from MOMA and grass cloth wallpaper. The wall pattern was based on a gigantic pizza box I cut into a circle. See how it was done on my blog under DIY Ideas- www.loveyourroom.blogspot.com. The coffee table is a mid century modern antique, and the sofa and desk are from IKEA.

Builder: Vital Habitats, Farrell Building Company Photography: Spacecrafting
Beach style painted wood floor and multicolored floor mudroom photo in Other with gray walls

Classic finishes and subtle details create a large walk in closet that is refined and luxurious but also warm and inviting. • Lago® Sorrento finish with Tesoro™ Corsican Weave accents • LED lighting illuminates the space with toe kick lights, wardrobe lights, shelf lights and cubby lights • Backpainted glass waterfall countertop in Bronze Gloss • 5-part Modern Miter doors with clear glass • Aluminum Frame doors with Oil-rubbed Bronze finish and Bronze Gloss backpainted glass • Modern Bronze hardware • Traditional crown molding, fascia and vertical trim add substance to the design • Angled shoe shelves with Oil-rubbed Bronze fences