Patio - small transitional courtyard brick patio idea in Houston

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Close up view of the front entry where the stepped up porch formed a key role in the design.
Inspiration for a large transitional brick front porch remodel in Houston with a roof extension

Donna Griffith for House and Home Magazine
Example of a small transitional enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Toronto with black walls

"First Cast" ~ Fly Fishing, 12" x 30", Original Painting, by Katy Karnes The river is so peaceful and still, as the sun starts to burn through the morning mist. A painting for the Miramichi Salmon Association, New Brunswick, Canada. Katy is well known for her uplifting, highly textured, nature inspired art. Katy sells her art in numerous galleries and retail stores in the Maritime provinces of Canada, and the United States. She has also shown her art in New York City. She paints for organizations such as The Atlantic Salmon Federation, The Miramichi Salmon Association. Katy works closely with interior designers, to create art for both home and corporate environments. Custom orders are available, any size. For more information, please visit Katy's website: http://www.artbykaty.ca Like on Facebook: Art by Katy Karnes http://www.facebook.com/artbykatykarnes

"First Cast" ~ Fly Fishing, 12" x 30", Original Painting, by Katy Karnes The river is so peaceful and still, as the sun starts to burn through the morning mist. A painting for the Miramichi Salmon Association, New Brunswick, Canada. Katy is well known for her uplifting, highly textured, nature inspired art. Katy sells her art in numerous galleries and retail stores in the Maritime provinces of Canada, and the United States. She has also shown her art in New York City. She paints for organizations such as The Atlantic Salmon Federation, The Miramichi Salmon Association. Katy works closely with interior designers, to create art for both home and corporate environments. Custom orders are available, any size. For more information, please visit Katy's website: http://www.artbykaty.ca Like on Facebook: Art by Katy Karnes http://www.facebook.com/artbykatykarnes

Living room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed gray floor and porcelain tile living room library idea in San Diego with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

Master suite remodel by Kaufman Construction, Inc. "Scott and Teri envisioned a luxurious spa style master suite. Working with Kaufman Construction they were able to realize their vision....."

Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash and an island

This 1950’s mid century ranch had good bones, but was not all that it could be - especially for a family of four. The entrance, bathrooms and mudroom lacked storage space and felt dark and dingy. The main bathroom was transformed back to its original charm with modern updates by moving the tub underneath the window, adding in a double vanity and a built-in laundry hamper and shelves. Casework used satin nickel hardware, handmade tile, and a custom oak vanity with finger pulls instead of hardware to create a neutral, clean bathroom that is still inviting and relaxing. The entry reflects this natural warmth with a custom built-in bench and subtle marbled wallpaper. The combined laundry, mudroom and boy's bath feature an extremely durable watery blue cement tile and more custom oak built-in pieces. Overall, this renovation created a more functional space with a neutral but warm palette and minimalistic details. Interior Design: Casework General Contractor: Raven Builders Photography: George Barberis Press: Rebecca Atwood, Rue Magazine On the Blog: SW Ranch Master Bath Before & After

Diablo Flooring, Inc - US Floors - Castle Combe Originals Retailer In Danville, CA – San Ramon, CA – Pleasanton, CA & Walnut Creek CA Castle Combe provides the look and feel of an ancient, reclaimed floor and combines it with the modern performance features of a 21st century engineered floor. These inspiring, beautifully aged, handcrafted FSC® 100% floors may be the most interesting, unique, head-turning floor covering AND wall panelling you’ve seen in many years. State of the art aging techniques accentuate the natural character of the wood and the ancient appearance of each plank. Castle Combe has three distinctive series: Market Cross: combination of hand-carved fissures, brushing, hand-scraping, and a number of stains; a rich and rustic appearance. Manor House: smooth, raised knots sculpted and sanded by hand; a rustic look and tailored modern finish Relics: split planks and hand carved fissures with random insertions of wooden peg inlays, and diagonal cuts; the essence of a floor reclaimed from a 19th century storehouse or a historic colonial estate. FSCDj3eX4 Castle_Combe_Originals_inline Plank Dimensions: 7.5″ x 75″ x 5/8″ Sq. Ft./Carton: 31.11 Construction: Engineered Species: Oak Finish: Natural-E Natural Oil Finish Installation Method: Glue, Nail, Float Installation Level: Below, On, or Above Grade Level Residential Warranty: Limited Lifetime Structure Warranty: Limited Lifetime Commercial Warranty: 5 Year Limited Light/Medium Commercial

Colorful art comes in different sizes and formats such as fine prints, and canvas prints. Option to additionally frame the canvas. Prices varies with sizes. Visit Etsy.com/shop/nyoriginalpaintings to see more beautiful artwork by Elena Feliciano.

Colorful art comes in different sizes and formats such as fine prints, and canvas prints. Option to additionally frame the canvas. Prices varies with sizes. Visit Etsy.com/shop/nyoriginalpaintings to see more beautiful artwork by Elena Feliciano.

Colorful art comes in different sizes and formats such as fine prints, and canvas prints. Option to additionally frame the canvas. Prices varies with sizes. Visit Etsy.com/shop/nyoriginalpaintings to see more beautiful artwork by Elena Feliciano.

The two brick walls originally framed an alleyway parking spot. Everything else was added to create a flourishing garden in the city. Photograph: Jeff Totaro

"First Cast" ~ Fly Fishing, 12" x 30", Original Painting, by Katy Karnes The river is so peaceful and still, as the sun starts to burn through the morning mist. A painting for the Miramichi Salmon Association, New Brunswick, Canada. Katy is well known for her uplifting, highly textured, nature inspired art. Katy sells her art in numerous galleries and retail stores in the Maritime provinces of Canada, and the United States. She has also shown her art in New York City. She paints for organizations such as The Atlantic Salmon Federation, The Miramichi Salmon Association. Katy works closely with interior designers, to create art for both home and corporate environments. Custom orders are available, any size. For more information, please visit Katy's website: http://www.artbykaty.ca Like on Facebook: Art by Katy Karnes http://www.facebook.com/artbykatykarnes

Jen Chu
Inspiration for an industrial living room remodel in Portland with red walls

The use of colors and textures provided the client with a unique breathtaking kitchen space that feels like home. Patricia Bean Expressive Architectural Photography

Inspiration for a farmhouse l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island