This room was an interior redesign meaning all the elements were here but pretty much thrown in by the movers. Overwhelmed by the move itself, the client called me to arrange several rooms in the house. I took the photo from the upstairs balcony outside the master bedroom. Notice the piano in the lower part of the photo? Well it wasn't there when I started. One thing I frequently say is, "I never have met a piano that doesn't need to be moved". Remember to play to your audience, not with your back to the audience. Big mistake, common mistake.

In this master bathroom renovation project, modern Scandinavian design elements meet rustic minimalism to create a serene retreat. White subway tiles add a timeless touch while enhancing the brightness of the space. A free standing tub invites relaxation, complemented by terrazzo ceramic floor tiles that add subtle visual interest. The open shower promotes a sense of airiness and flow. The double floating vanity combines functionality with a sleek aesthetic, providing storage without overwhelming the space. Together, these elements harmonize to create a master bathroom that is both inviting and effortlessly stylish.

This sophisticated kitchen embraces the beauty of restraint, where thoughtful details, natural materials, and carefully balanced proportions create a space that feels both elevated and inviting. A generous central island anchors the room, providing ample workspace, storage, and a comfortable gathering place for everyday living and entertaining. Custom cabinetry gives the kitchen a tailored, furniture-like presence, while warm wood tones and expressive natural stone introduce texture and movement. Layered lighting and refined architectural details add depth without overwhelming the clean, cohesive design. Function was considered just as carefully as aesthetics. Efficient work zones, abundant storage, generous preparation surfaces, and open sightlines allow the kitchen to perform beautifully while remaining connected to the surrounding living spaces. Rather than relying on a single statement feature, the design draws its character from the relationship between materials, craftsmanship, proportion, and subtle detailing. The result is a warm, timeless kitchen with a sense of quiet luxury—sophisticated enough for entertaining, yet comfortable enough for everyday life.

This boy's bedroom is fun and graphic without being too juvenile, allowing it to grow from kid to teen with ease. Dark teal walls are offset by white and black printed linen shades and a graphic rug. Mustard yellow bedding brings in even more color without overwhelming the space. Fun artwork hints at the personality of it's owner.

This modern Scandinavian kitchen remodel in Los Angeles is a perfect balance of warmth, simplicity, and timeless design. Natural white oak cabinetry creates a clean architectural backdrop, while the soft sage green island introduces a subtle layer of color that feels both fresh and sophisticated. A waterfall-edge natural stone countertop and full-height stone backsplash add texture and understated luxury, elevating the space without overwhelming its minimalist aesthetic.

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

Example of a transitional kids' vinyl floor and double-sink bathroom design in Portland with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

The Ralph Showroom is a sophisticated retail environment that blends classic style with a tailored, masculine edge. Rich wood finishes, timeless detailing, and refined lighting create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Designed to highlight product displays without overwhelming them, the space feels both elevated and inviting—evoking the spirit of a high-end boutique with a grounded, approachable charm.

Choose Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints Winter often means more time spent indoors, so you want to ensure that the air quality is as good as possible. Opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, which produce fewer fumes and are safer for indoor use. These paints dry quickly and don’t release strong odors, keeping your home smelling fresh. Ensure Proper Ventilation Even with low-VOC paints, it's essential to keep the air moving while you paint. Open windows slightly (if it’s not too cold) and use fans to circulate the air. This helps with both drying times and reducing paint fumes, making your home more comfortable while the paint is curing. Prep Your Walls for Success Before you start painting, take the time to prep your walls properly. Clean the surfaces, patch up any cracks or holes, and sand them smooth. Prepping the walls ensures a flawless finish and will help your paint last longer, making your investment go further. Use the Right Paint for the Job Pick the right type of paint for each room. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are great for kitchens and bathrooms, as they are easier to clean. For living rooms and bedrooms, consider matte or eggshell finishes for a soft, warm look. If you have kids or pets, opt for paints that are more durable and washable. Layer Up for Comfort While You Paint Winter temperatures can be chilly, but that shouldn’t stop you from tackling your painting project. Layer up with comfortable clothing to stay warm while you work. A well-insulated room will also help the paint dry faster, so keep your home at a comfortable temperature for both you and your paint! Consider Hiring a Professional Painter If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply want the best results, consider hiring a professional painting service. Experienced contractors can ensure a high-quality, long-lasting finish, saving you time and effort. Plus, they know all the tricks to get the job done quickly and efficiently—just in time for your winter gatherings!

Our client desired an outdoor sanctuary usable in warmer months. We provided landscape audio that immerses without overwhelming the host's experience. Moreover, our solution enabled the client to enjoy the game while relaxing in the hot tub or engaging around the fire pit.

With two small children and a third on the way, the owners of an original eighteenth century Cape were quickly out-growing it, but they had no desire to move away from the Cape Cod home and location they loved. They simply needed a reconfigured layout and more space. Their goals included repurposing some existing rooms, adding a new kitchen/family area plus screen porch on the first level, and creating a master suite and roof deck with an outdoor shower on the second level, connected by a new stair. Our challenge was to improve the flow between existing spaces, and design the two-story addition without overwhelming the pint-sized original Cape. We took advantage of the lower grade at the rear of the property to step the first floor of the addition down two steps from the existing main level. This allowed us to align the second floor in the addition with the existing second floor, while gaining ceiling height in the new first-floor kitchen/family area. We composed a cross-gabled form for the addition to improve the second floor headroom, while maintaining the existing eave line. We then extended some existing shed dormers to gain headroom and enhance function. We also expanded the outdoor living area with privacy walls along the roof deck. New, larger, double–hung windows that match the lite configuration of the existing windows, along with new side-wall shingles and trim which resemble the existing exterior treatment help to tie the new addition to the old Cape. Though there’s no mistaking the new for the old, the two are simpatico. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the Yarmouth Port Antique Cape Renovation and Addition. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

These clients bought a Mid-century house with a vintage landscape that left something to be desired. Both the clients as well as myself have a great appreciation for midcentury design and its clean lines but the majority of the landscapes found in Mid-century housing developments across America miss the mark when it comes to more current sensibilities. The midcentury American philosophy was that man should exert dominance over the land and that hedge trimmers and lawn mowers are mans best friends. Today more enlighten landscape designers strive to create landscapes that work with nature and not dominate it. In this project we did just that. These home owners loved the view of the mountains from their back yard in Santa Barbara, the way the warm colored sand stone boulders peak through muted greens of the Chaparral. We designed this landscape to be of its place. Sourcing local sandstone boulders like to ones found in the mountains behind the house we used then to build a low retaining wall. By breaking the sloping land into two flatter sections we are able to slow down the speed at which water evacuates the property giving it a chance to soak into the soil. This allows the landscape to work like a natural mini water shed, keeping the storm drains and then the oceans overwhelmed with polluted water and providing more water to the plants with less irrigation. When it came to the plants, the clients wanted low water color and texture. To celebrate the fact that the house is located in Santa Barbara county we wanted to incorporate the muted green tones, with pops of colorful foliage. Using a mix of course lots of California native plants and Mediterranean adapted plants we created a plant plate that is beautiful, low maintenance and flutters with native fauna such as bird, and butterflies and bees.

A textured wallpaper wraps the soffit above the bed, subtly defining the sleeping area while adding warmth and dimension without overwhelming the room. Layered furnishings, upholstered pieces, and tailored lighting create a calm, comfortable retreat that complements the home's cohesive color palette.

Transforming your kitchen into a modern and inviting space can be an exciting journey, especially with the stunning choices you've made. The rich, dark brown stain on the cabinetry sets a sophisticated tone, grounding the room with warmth and elegance. Complementing this, the white and gray granite countertops offer a striking contrast, adding depth and a touch of luxury while providing a durable and functional workspace. The satin nickel hardware seamlessly blends with the overall design, adding a subtle sheen that enhances the contemporary feel without overwhelming the space. This choice reflects a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every element works harmoniously together. The gray wood-look tile flooring not only adds texture and visual interest but also ties the entire color palette together, creating a cohesive and stylish foundation for your kitchen. Adding pops of yellow through furnishings is a brilliant move, infusing the space with energy and a cheerful vibe. This customer introduced this burst of color through bar stools and kitchen towels which instantly lifts the ambiance and adding a personalized touch. Your new kitchen is not just a place to cook but a delightful haven where style meets functionality, making it a true centerpiece of your home.

Example of a large classic backyard stone and rectangular lap hot tub design in Philadelphia

Our clients approached us nearly two years ago seeking professional guidance amid the overwhelming selection process and challenges in visualizing the final outcome of their Kokomo, IN, new build construction. The final result is a warm, sophisticated sanctuary that effortlessly embodies comfort and elegance. This bathroom harmonizes a soothing, neutral palette with a luxurious freestanding tub, a designated shower area, and a spacious dual-sink vanity, making it a serene retreat for daily rejuvenation. ... Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/kokomo-luxury-home-interior-design/

This small space home office is part of a larger renovation project we were hired to design which included a kitchen, family room, butler’s pantry, mudroom, laundry room, and powder room. These additional spaces, including the new home office, did not exist previously and were created from the home’s existing square footage. This office was designed for the very busy mother of the household. Her wishlist included as much storage as possible, generous countertop space, and lots of natural light. The location was paramount as it needed to be easily accessible from the kitchen, yet tucked away. We selected a textured glass door that would hide the mess when closed and still permit light and shadows to permeate helping to indicate her presence to her family. The color scheme is mostly monochromic in a peaceful warm grey to help visually enlarge the space, and accented with a large section of countertop in a natural wood finish. A wall of floor-to-ceiling storage is an organizing dream and is complimented by a full wall of windows on the other side. Open shelves show off her extensive cookbook collection and keep the space from getting overwhelmed with cabinet doors. The far wall is void of cabinetry keeping the room breathable, and features a large handy corkboard providing a much-needed area for notes, invites, school schedules, etc. Small pops of aqua in the table lamp, office chair and file storage make the space cheery and inviting. Photo: Peter Krupenye

This sleek contemporary staircase features robust natural wood newels supporting jet-black horizontal metal rods that create clean, unobstructed sightlines. A continuous modern handrail flows seamlessly across multiple levels, while stained treads are custom-matched to the home's hardwood flooring for visual continuity throughout the space. The dark treads complement the metal rods, while the white risers create defining contrast. The combination of railing and steps creates an appealing balance between strength and openness, transforming the staircase into a focal point that anchors the entry without overwhelming it. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

James Latta of Rancho Images - MOVIE COLONY When we met these wonderful Palm Springs clients, they were overwhelmed with the task of downsizing their vast collection of fine art, antiques, and sculptures. The problem was it was an amazing collection so the task was not easy. What do we keep? What do we let go? Design Vision Studio to the rescue! We realized that to really showcase these beautiful pieces, we needed to pick and choose the right ones and ensure they were showcased properly. Lighting was improved throughout the home. We installed and updated recessed lights and cabinet lighting. Outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers were replaced. The walls were painted with a warm, soft ivory color and the moldings, door and windows also were given a complimentary fresh coat of paint. The overall impact was a clean bright room. We replaced the outdated oak front doors with modern glass doors. The fireplace received a facelift with new tile, a custom mantle and crushed glass to replace the old fake logs. Custom draperies frame the views. The dining room was brought to life with recycled magazine grass cloth wallpaper on the ceiling, new red leather upholstery on the chairs, and a custom red paint treatment on the new chandelier to tie it all together. (The chandelier was actually powder-coated at an auto paint shop!) Once crammed with too much, too little and no style, the Asian Modern Bedroom Suite is now a DREAM COME TRUE. We even incorporated their much loved (yet horribly out-of-date) small sofa by recovering it with teal velvet to give it new life. Underutilized hall coat closets were removed and transformed with custom cabinetry to create art niches. We also designed a custom built-in media cabinet with "breathing room" to display more of their treasures. The new furniture was intentionally selected with modern lines to give the rooms layers and texture. When we suggested a crystal ship chandelier to our clients, they wanted US to walk the plank. Luckily, after months of consideration, the tides turned and they gained the confidence to follow our suggestion. Now their powder room is one of their favorite spaces in their home. Our clients (and all of their friends) are amazed at the total transformation of this home and with how well it "fits" them. We love the results too. This home now tells a story through their beautiful life-long collections. The design may have a gallery look but the feeling is all comfort and style.