We want more breathing room inside our homes—an escape from the increasingly overwhelming and connected world that engulfs us. That’s why we’re opening up our door plans and brightening views to the outdoors. Naturally, exterior doors with wider views are the perfect complement to this desire.

Designing and building a new home can be very overwhelming but with the right contractor and sub-contractors the process can be very simple. These clients came into Ancient Elements Stoneworks with several ideas but knew they wanted a material that would create a dramatic feel. The clients ended up picking out a material that was in the process of being ship to Laramie. The minute they saw it in person they fell in love with it all over again. Please check out the images below to see how the process of designing, fabricating and completing this kitchen looked like.

A single Weathered Antique Beam in warm brown tones with original checking and aged surface texture runs diagonally across the ceiling of this all white contemporary kitchen, adding warmth and material contrast against the white cabinetry, marble island, and stainless appliances. It is a minimal application with maximum impact. This wider angle shows how a single well placed reclaimed wood beam can define the character of an entire kitchen without overwhelming the clean, refined palette. At Manomin Resawn Timbers, every piece goes through a detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling so that antique character is preserved while performing beautifully in a modern home. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add a single reclaimed wood accent beam to a contemporary kitchen or modern interior, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We serve homebuilders, contractors, and designers across the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started. Mark D. Williams Custom Home

A fireplace provides an eye-catching focal point and is a good way to anchor a room. Surrounding it with thoughtful design will establish balance and enhance, rather than overwhelm, the space plan of the room. Shelves spanning the shallow wall niche provide the perfect backdrop for collections of treasures and decorative, cohesive elements. Kara Lashuay

This after photo shows new paint on the cabinets, walls and ceiling; new counters, backsplash and window treatments. We also added a chair rail with wainscoating and pendant lighting by moving some of the recessed pots to align better with the existing island.

This one-acre property now features a trio of homes on three lots where previously there was only a single home on one lot. Surrounded by other single family homes in a neighborhood where vacant parcels are virtually unheard of, this project created the rare opportunity of constructing not one, but two new homes. The owners purchased the property as a retirement investment with the goal of relocating from the East Coast to live in one of the new homes and sell the other two. The original home - designed by the distinguished architectural firm of Edwards & Plunkett in the 1930's - underwent a complete remodel both inside and out. While respecting the original architecture, this 2,089 sq. ft., two bedroom, two bath home features new interior and exterior finishes, reclaimed wood ceilings, custom light fixtures, stained glass windows, and a new three-car garage. The two new homes on the lot reflect the style of the original home, only grander. Neighborhood design standards required Spanish Colonial details – classic red tile roofs and stucco exteriors. Both new three-bedroom homes with additional study were designed with aging in place in mind and equipped with elevator systems, fireplaces, balconies, and other custom amenities including open beam ceilings, hand-painted tiles, and dark hardwood floors. Photographer: Santa Barbara Real Estate Photography

Bringing Luxe Comfort to Everyday Living At Home to Haven Renovations, we specialize in transforming outdated kitchens and bathrooms into stunning, functional retreats. Whether you're dreaming of a modern chef’s kitchen, a spa-inspired primary bath, or a full home refresh, we design spaces that reflect your unique style, comfort, and lifestyle needs. From concept to completion, we guide homeowners through the renovation process with ease — helping turn what often feels overwhelming into a seamless and exciting experience. Our signature approach blends affordable luxury, high-end design, and personalized touches that make your home truly feel like a haven.

Metal and wood are often treated as opposites, but this staircase makes the case for partnership. White oak treads, chamfer-top newels, and a coordinating handrail bring the warmth and texture that only natural wood can offer. Against that, a satin black horizontal bar balustrade introduces rigid geometric precision, its clean lines and matte finish defining the oak rather than competing with it. The result is a staircase that feels both welcoming and sophisticated. Neither material overwhelms the other. Each one makes the other more defined. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This previously dark living room is now bright, airy and inviting. The crisp light walls with the cozy wood floors and beams create a calming contrast. The shiplap on the ceilings provides an extra layer of detail and texture without overwhelming the space, keeping it simple and clean. The small black metal accents are repeated through the new space and continue outside in the new deck railings, providing cohesion from inside to outside.

Maple and stainless steel don't often share the same sentence, but here they find common ground. The rich, warm treads bring depth and texture, while horizontal stainless steel bars keep the design grounded in the present. Neither material overwhelms the other. The result sits comfortably between classic and contemporary. Transitional design done without compromise. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

When a Historic District home was renovated in Fort Myers, a dream kitchen was created: open plan enough for gathering, with clearly delineated areas for cooking, reading and entertaining. Challenge Bill and Alison’s existing kitchen was small and dysfunctional. Each room seemed independent, and there was no flow through the house. The house felt small, with one entry and exit point. As a planning consultant, Bill was no stranger to construction. He was a general contractor himself and had built several custom homes in years past. As a gardening enthusiast and professional educator, Alison also had an eye for design. They started with design, layout and planning on their own, but soon realized they needed help. After interviewing several contractors who seemed overwhelmed and unenthused by their project, they reached out to Progressive Design Build. Solution Mike was not only enthused about the project, but he established trust with Bill and Alison. Within a few short weeks he was hired to begin the planning phase, conducting thorough research on the project, meeting key subcontractors and establishing a realistic budget. When the project began, internal walls were removed to open up the kitchen/dining areas and an island was built, giving the space an open and modern functionality. The eating area was enlarged, and a visual connection to the outside was established using Marvin insulated glass windows with Low E coatings—which rejects solar heat gain without reducing visible light passing through the glass. In order to allow for the open concept layout that Bill and Alison desired, we built new structural beams to transfer the live load. The sliding patio doors opened onto a small terrace with a wrought iron handrail creating access to the private courtyard and garden area. Finishing details included custom cherry cabinets and wood trimming, 16” x 32” natural stone flooring, granite countertops and historically correct plaster finishes. Result The project was completed within budget and two weeks ahead of schedule. “That planning phase was the best money we spent on the project,” exclaimed Bill. “It was incredibly gratifying being able to watch the subcontractors and suppliers come and go with shared leadership and attention to details.”

Rising through the heart of the main foyer, this curved staircase is striking. Dark-stained oak treads with square noses create a substantial foundation, anchored by bold, black-painted square newels. A modern metal balustrade completes the design, adding sleek contemporary edge to the elegant curve. The freestanding nature of stair allows the staircase to command attention without overwhelming the interiors. The result is a staircase that balances presence and refinement. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

What started as a kitchen design naturally flowed into the sitting area, dining room, and foyer, creating a warm and welcoming home. With the lower cabinets warm wood tone and creamy white upper cabinets, this kitchen is light and open without being overwhelming. Instead, it feels organic and balanced. This design is inviting with layered spaces that feel elevated but still livable.

Frank Caikoski
Inspiration for a large timeless living room remodel in Philadelphia with a wood stove and a stone fireplace

This interior embraces green in layered tones—creating a space that feels alive, grounded, and elegantly calm. The abundant use of green hues, balanced with natural materials and thoughtful lighting, gives the space a serene yet invigorating presence. Warm wooden surfaces, rich textiles, and greenery all harmonize within the design, inviting a tactile experience. Green tones across finishes and furnishings—from muted to bold—create depth and visual rhythm without overwhelming the senses. The layout flows naturally, with subtle material transitions and thoughtful sightlines. Zones feel connected yet distinct, encouraging movement while maintaining intimacy. The greenery completes the narrative with a living dimension—bridging indoors with organic texture. Soft, layered lighting—natural and ambient—paints the green palette with warmth and nuance. Shadows play across surfaces, revealing the richness of materials and enhancing the emotional clarity of the space. This design is about thoughtful immersion. It feels revitalizing yet restful—an interior that breathes serenity and leafy elegance. It’s green as a present sensory experience, not just a decorative afterthought.

This rail remodel brings fresh feel to this Virginia home through traditional materials and clean design. A white oak handrail paired with classic white balusters complements the home's bright, open layout while adding refined detail. Natural light from large windows highlights the craftsmanship of the new rail system. The remodel transforms what was once dated into a polished focal point that enhances the space without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

The space at the location for the pool was very limited and flat, so creating a design that was grandiose for our client without overwhelming the area required creativity. The all-tile pool utilizes elevations highlighted by multiple negative edges to draw the eye and create aesthetic impact and dimension to the property. The multiple fire bowls, LED laminar jets, and nicheless LED lights create a spectacle for evening entertaining throughout the year. This project won a 2016 GOLD International Design Award.

Lauren Hunt from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Charlotte, NC, worked with The Atta Group to design a transitional-inspired kitchen and bar using Masterpiece cabinetry. The kitchen features Masterpiece cabinets in the Martel Evercore doorstyle in a Frost finish on the perimeter. The kitchen island and bar area both features the same doorstyle with a combination of two different finishes, Riverbed and Shortbread. The countertops are Calacatta Macchia Vecchia Sapien Stone Porcelain. The client shared their experience, saying, “I love the range hood and the slatted island decor. Riverbed is a beautiful color in both sun and shade. Lauren’s advice to get samples and lay them out in different lighting was invaluable. She went above and beyond, even coming out in the parking lot on a hot summer day to help us. We truly couldn’t have done this without her. Lauren was always patient and supportive as we made decisions, and she never pressured us. Any future projects we have, we’ll 100% reach out to Lauren. She even welcomed our newborn to the showroom!” Lauren shared, “The clients came with a clear aesthetic vision and plenty of inspiration photos, but they gave me the freedom to recommend and create a space that worked for their growing family while still looking great. We added design details like two-toned dining room cabinets, dark accent shelves in glass towers, an arched valance to match the doorways, and a custom hood that pulls from the island finishes. My favorite element is the slatted accent on the island, which the installers executed perfectly. This renovation was a big project, starting with a blank slate, which can be overwhelming with so many options. But it was incredibly rewarding to work with these clients who had such a creative vision. We really worked together to create a space that met their needs while showcasing their style. It was a team effort, and I hope that comes through in the final design.” Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.

Elegant bedroom photo in Seattle