Laura Beeler: I recently took a call from a customer looking for a designer. The mission was to help him create a wonderful, new living space in his downtown Des Moines loft. Matt & I had an instant connection. Since he had been in by Design before, we quickly set up a house call. An additional challenge was time — he was hosting a big party in 4 weeks! We chose the Tristan sofa for it’s retro look. We love how it appears to “float” over the stainless sleigh base. (Light & airy pieces were important as we didn’t want to overpower the intimate space). We anchored the room with a deep pile, chunky shag rug and topped it with a large storage ottoman. The two George chairs can span the decades and certainly have a personality all their own. The repetition of the metal and tufting in all of the pieces gives continuity to the design – an important consideration when designing a space this eclectic. The open shelving offered more storage as well as giving a great silhouette against the original white brick wall. I think the end result suits him to a tee, whether he is relaxing or entertaining. The best part was that we had it all in place in the allotted time frame.

This doubled sided fireplace was fitted with custom millwork painted in classic White Dove, creating a cleaner, more timeless profile. The brighter trim bounces light through the space and ties seamlessly into the white accents throughout the kitchen and family room. The remaining gray/brown stacked stone base provides grounding texture without overpowering the room.

This thoughtfully designed kitchen blends the clean simplicity of Scandinavian style with the warmth of natural materials. Light oak shaker cabinetry pairs seamlessly with a soft blue quartzite island, creating a balanced palette that feels fresh yet timeless. Brass hardware, a farmhouse sink, and oversized pendant lights add refined character without overpowering the space.

Front Porch – Side View | Custom Aluminum & Metal Railing This side view showcases the newly built front porch, designed to complement the home’s second-floor addition while adding both function and architectural character. The porch is fully wrapped with sleek black aluminum and metal railings, creating a modern, durable, and low-maintenance solution that enhances curb appeal. The clean lines of the railing provide a subtle contrast against the home’s exterior finishes, framing the porch without visually overpowering the façade. Built with longevity in mind, the aluminum system offers weather resistance, safety, and code-compliant guarding, making it ideal for Toronto’s climate. This front porch upgrade not only improves everyday usability but also ties the entire exterior renovation together, reinforcing Cedarstone Group Inc.’s approach to thoughtful detailing, craftsmanship, and cohesive design in full-home transformations and second storey additions.

In addition to the view perks, these cable railings also keep the tiered decks from overpowering the backside of the house. They also add a touch of contemporary style to this otherwise more traditional home, giving it a fresher look.

This thoughtfully designed kitchen blends the clean simplicity of Scandinavian style with the warmth of natural materials. Light oak shaker cabinetry pairs seamlessly with a soft blue quartzite island, creating a balanced palette that feels fresh yet timeless. Brass hardware, a farmhouse sink, and oversized pendant lights add refined character without overpowering the space.

Scandi-crafted Home Interiors in Dynasty Court Tucked away atop of the Victoria Peak behind Hong Kong's unrelenting hustle and bustle, the residences found along Old Peak Road have been known to offer an oasis just within reach of the city. Set at the western point of Hong Kong Island, this panoramic neighbourhood boasts beautiful views over the town, hiking trails galore, and some of the city's priciest homes. Given its regarded status, it's of little surprise that those who live atop of The Peak chose to renovate rather than relocate as the years go by. Having worked with Clifton, ten years prior, the homeowner of the Dynasty Court Residence believed it to be time for his 1,794sq.ft three-bedroom apartment to be given a complete and total facelift. Built back in the '90s, the residence had been updated once before through Clifton's services, but with a new chapter of retirement drawing nearer, the desire for a modern touch presented itself once again – this time with inspiration from Scandinavian interiors. Given the instructions to keep the prior design of architectural and office feel but update everything, CLDW took on the role of refurbisher to their repeat client, this time however with a more curved and coloured approach than the boxey one before it. With the brief of out with the old, in with the new underway, Clifton and his team set out to deploy a modern feel to the apartment with updates to everything from the floors, walls, doors and even the appliances – prioritizing functionality and simplicity. As the kitchen had been left out of the past retouch, this time around with retirement underway in was more important to give the couple a contemporary space to explore their culinary skills. Rounded chairs and tables complement the more square-like feel of the room, with washed grey tiles and soft tan cabinets. Meanwhile, the living room and dining room were under the instructions to be void of paintings and wall decorations – with the exception of the past CD changer – as the focal point of the rooms was to remain the spectacular view which looks down upon Hong Kong's Central district all the way to the Kowloon harbourside. Again, curvey furniture can be seen among the interiors, with rounded sofas, chairs and even the coffee table. The furniture – much like the interiors – remains minimalist, as the homeowners require little to no storage space, a rare thing indeed for Hong Kong. Inside the master bedroom, the updated lighting remains concealed within the walls as another finely executed play on curves from Clifton, which ensures minimalism. Over to the guest bedroom/study, more brown tones can be seen for an Earthy feel for guests, and the Mrs of the house to do her exercises. With Scandinavian design and minimalism being one of the most popular trends of modern interior design, it takes a true professional to understand its principals of warm and natural palettes, while not too overpowering and bright. Ever present in the Dynasty Court home is the maximization of natural light, which gives it an airy environment a house at the Peak most certainly deserves.

Enclosed kitchen - traditional u-shaped enclosed kitchen idea in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

The beauty of marble takes on a fresh personality in this hexagon tile accent. Each piece is carefully cut and placed, allowing the natural veining to form subtle, organic patterns that catch the eye without overpowering the space. The smaller format of the hex tiles adds a tactile quality, bringing texture and depth to the shower enclosure. Set against larger-format marble wall tiles, the hexagon mosaic creates a visual contrast that is both modern and timeless. As with all materials in this remodel, durability was just as important as aesthetics. The tiles are sealed to resist moisture and staining, ensuring they remain as striking years from now as they are today. This detail showcases how thoughtful material choices elevate the entire bathroom experience.

This lamp is one of several that will preserve the beauty of the nighttime sky without overpowering it. Photo by: Jimmy Chiarella
1960s exterior home photo in Other

This modern kitchen remodel features classic white shaker cabinetry paired with a contrasting navy blue island, creating a balanced and timeless design. The perimeter cabinets provide a clean, bright backdrop, while the deep navy island anchors the space and introduces subtle contrast. A waterfall quartz countertop extends down both sides of the island, highlighting the natural veining and adding architectural presence. The full-height quartz backsplash enhances visual continuity and simplifies maintenance. Stainless steel appliances and matte black hardware complete the contemporary aesthetic without overpowering the neutral palette. Designed using ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinetry, this project demonstrates how thoughtfully engineered cabinet construction can achieve a custom look with streamlined ordering and efficient installation. The layout maximizes storage while maintaining clear circulation, making it well-suited for modern open-concept living. Cabinetry designed and supplied by The Cabination.

This custom kitchen remodel in Vienna, VA was designed to feel timeless, functional, and welcoming. The homeowners wanted a space that balanced clean lines with natural materials, while improving lighting, workflow, and overall comfort. A key design decision was using Taj Mahal quartzite for both the countertops and the full-height backsplash. Carrying the same stone throughout the kitchen creates a seamless look and allows the soft veining and warm tones of the natural stone to become the focal point of the space. The cabinetry was selected to complement the stone without overpowering it, offering ample storage and a classic profile that will age well over time. Updated lighting, including under-cabinet and recessed ceiling fixtures, enhances both task functionality and ambiance, while behind-the-scenes upgrades to electrical, ventilation, and HVAC ensure the kitchen performs as beautifully as it looks. The result is a refined yet livable kitchen designed for everyday use and long-term enjoyment.

Spectacularly designed home in Langley, BC is customized in every way. Considerations were taken to personalization of every space to the owners' aesthetic taste and their lifestyle. The home features beautiful barrel vault ceilings and a vast open concept floor plan for entertaining. Oversized applications of scale throughout ensure that the special features get the presence they deserve without overpowering the spaces. Photos: Paul Grdina Photography

Photographer: Dan Farmer, Designer: Shannon Boyle, Installer: Ron Mandel
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, brown backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A beautiful design project, there is an abode of luxury brands and yet perfectly coexists without overpowering each other. A feat hard to achieve, this project has furniture designs from top designer brands such as Boca do Lobo, Koket, Baxter, Lladro, Edra, Moooi, Baccarat, Tom Dixon, Fornasetti, Kelly Hoppen, among many others. Every corner of this reflective residence and every art piece in it, tells a story. Greatly inspired by top interior designers Phillipe Starck and Marcel Wanders, the client wanted to create white decor, with reflective surfaces to give the rooms a bigger feel. Exquisite material and unique touches in the furniture design bring a sense of glam into the luxury house. Photo Credits: @fabiencharuau

Like unworked limestone, this carpet brings a raw element into your room without overpowering an existing aesthetic. Loop knots interspersed across a light grey abrash field add texture to this foundational design.

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Houston with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Anthony Crisafulli
Example of a classic dining room design in Providence

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.