Upper West Side full apartment remodel. Master bathroom with white marble and chandelier lighting. Frame-less glass shower door. KBR Design & Build

While open-concept kitchens seem to be all the rage, these days. This kitchen proves that you can have a U-shaped kitchen that is also modern, functional, and beautiful. This kitchen doesn’t have a large footprint, but the combination of material choice and use of space help make it a great place to cook and entertain in. The cabinets are a white painted shaker, classic and clean, and while the maple elements on the island and window frames and the blue tile add some interest without overwhelming the space. The white built-out range hood and maple open shelving also help to make the upper level of cabinets seem light and easy on the eyes. The large maple-wrapped beam separating the kitchen from the living room perfectly ties the kitchen into the rest of the living space. Some of the functional elements that help bring this space together are the cabinet accessories and the island with built-in storage. One of the issues with U-shaped kitchens is that the layout often creates two blind corner base cabinets which usually become black pits for kitchen items to get lost in. By installing a magic corner in one and a lazy susan in the other, we were able to maximize this kitchen’s functionality. Other features, like a built-in trash pullout and integrate LED lights throughout, help make this kitchen the perfect blend of form and function.

We carefully selected cabinetry and hardware which would coordinate well with the original style of the 1930s historic home. Still, we wanted to modernize the kitchen while still maintaining a classic look. We were able to do so by choosing cherry cabinets over pine and installing a modern glass tile backsplash which brings an element of excitement to the space without overwhelming it. Stainless steel appliances and brand new countertops also lend a touch of tasteful modernity to the room.

Enclosed dining room - mid-sized 1950s medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Round Gazebos will Make your Dreams of a Beautiful Backyard Come True... This is one of our largest round gazebos available and is large enough to host many of your backyard events at a budget-friendly cost. The 12 ft. Brighton gives you the space to host small weddings, graduation parties, family gatherings, and other events. Made from high-quality tight-knot cedar wood, the Brighton is also an aesthetically pleasing centerpiece to have in your backyard. Cedar -The Low Maintenance and Long Term Solution... After a short period of time, some gazebos can become overwhelmed by the strength of Mother Nature. Gazebos with standard wood construction can become an easy prey for insects and high winds. Harvested in Asia for more than 800 years, cedar adds extra strength and is not appealing to wood-boring bugs. It's no wonder why we choose cedar gazebos for a long-standing solution. Keep Pesky Bugs Out! This 10 ft. gazebo is the perfect backyard entertainment space. However, you don't want to invite pesky bugs inside for the party. Be sure to get a 12 ft. round screen kit to keep pesky bugs out of the gazebo.

How To Use Small Chandeliers According to Apartment Therapy: “You can add these to your "words to live by" list: never underestimate the power of good lighting. A beautifully decorated room can end up feeling like a cave and that chair you just had recovered in gorgeous flax colored linen can look sickly green if you lack adequate lighting. It's even more complicated in a small space. Creating the balance between too much and too little light, plus finding fixtures that won't overwhelm a petite space can take some trial and error.” Since the vast majority of condos and new and renovated homes are now open concept designs. Your lighting design for open concept floor plans should coordinate either in frame type, metal finish color and crystal style. The look should be cohesive but doesn’t have to be “matchy- matchy”... **Continue reading by clicking the link above!**

Example of a kitchen design in Seattle

At Gallery of Shades, we provide high quality and stylish window coverings for any room. Our philosophy is simple and that is to provide our clients with the best products and services at a fair price in order to enrich their home environment. We have been servicing Scottsdale and its surrounding areas for over 25 years. We have a large selection of window treatments including shutters, blinds, shades, screens, draperies and even tints. Regardless of the windows size or shape, you can rest assured Gallery of Shades has the perfect solution for them. Our design consultants will help you to select the right window covering for any room by bringing the showroom to you. This enables you to get the right look, feel and functionality in your window treatments, and beautify your space while protecting it from the harsh Arizona sun. Our products are guaranteed for a lifetime. At Gallery of Shades, our top priority is giving our customers more value than they expect. This is measured by price, performance, quality, features and services rendered. This goal is the core of our beliefs and guides us in everything we do. We know making decisions in your home can sometimes be overwhelming so we do our best to make your window covering experience a positive one that you won’t forget.

Formal Dining in a relax setting by Tania Scardellato – TOC design Remodeling your home can be a lengthy and time consuming process, especially if you opt to renovate the entire house rather than just one room. However, even just by updating the decor in your home you can create a beautiful and fresh looking space. One space that is particularly easy to overhaul is the dining room. This is one of the smaller rooms in the home and contains a minimal amount of furniture, making the remodeling process quick and simple. An essential factor of dining room design is the color scheme of this space. When searching for the best paint colors for a dining room you should keep a few things in mind, including your design, the size of the room, and the décor of the rest of your house. Because it tends to be smaller than most rooms in the home you do not want to choose a really dark or overwhelming color like black or bright fuchsia. Rather save these hues as accents in dark wood furniture, curtains, pictures, and other wall art. In this dining room we kept the colors neutral and added more accents to hi-gloss moldings, highlighting the architecture of the space and creating space definition with a TOUCH OF CLASS - TOC When it comes to lighting for the dining room you have a lot of options such as chandeliers or wall sconces, however natural light is always best. If you already have windows in this space try to keep them uncovered or use sheer fabric curtains to allow optimum illumination in throughout the day. If your dining room does not have windows there are other options available that can help to brighten and open up this area Accessorizing your dining room with the right accents is very important to tie in all aspects of the design. For example, an elegant table centerpiece can make the dining space feel more homey and relaxed. You can accent a kitchen island or dining table with a stunning vase of festive flowers, ornamental fruits and vegetables, or a basket of decorative glass ornaments. However, try to keep the ornamentation to a minimum to prevent cluttering the countertops. Sometimes the table itself can be an accent piece. The dining room creates an elegant focal point that contains different colors, textures, and patterns. Similarly, leather chairs surrounding solid oak dining room furniture add the element of texture and color while creating a rustic, old world atmosphere. Regardless of the look you are trying to obtain, or the room in which you are redecorating, we can help create the style custom to suit your needs

Working in lots of detail without overwhelming this not so large space was the challenge in this kitchen renovation. Showplace Wood Products inset cabinetry and Silestone Lyra polished counter tops provided just the right touch of charm along with useful features. This small farmhouse kitchen design was achieved by utilizing ceramic tile backsplash, light hardwood flooring, engineered quartz and a farmhouse sink.

Farm Kid Studio
Kitchen - modern light wood floor kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Esther Hershcovich © 2016 Houzz Design: Sebastein Millette
Example of an urban dining room design in Montreal

Our client loved pattern and color, so we worked to create a balance between all of these colors and patterns by mixing in soft neutrals and simple solids. Although there's an abundance of pattern in this living room, the solid walls, minimal artwork, and beige sofa and chairs make it harmonious and not overwhelming. Home located in Tampa, Florida. Designed by Florida-based interior design firm Crespo Design Group, who also serves Malibu, Tampa, New York City, the Caribbean, and other areas throughout the United States.

Example of a transitional porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

A leaky tub and some cracked tiles convinced our returning clients that an update to their primary suite was long overdue. The old bathroom’s traditional travertine tiles, stained wood cabinets, and bulky tub deck made the space feel heavy and dated. Our goal was to create a sophisticated, light, and serene space that was more aligned with their evolving style. Replacing the sizeable tub deck with a freestanding bathtub opened up the room and allowed us to expand the walk-in shower. A slim niche was strategically tucked into the corner ensuring products are within easy reach. Separate his and hers vanities provide ample storage with an abundance of drawers.. The dramatic veining in the marble-look porcelain provides the perfect backdrop for the minimalist tub and modern plumbing fixtures while the natural marble in the shower plays off the warm golds and grays. With thoughtful design choices and striking finishes, we transformed a dark and drab bathroom into a refined and refreshing retreat.

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Julie Mikos
Enclosed kitchen - mid-century modern galley enclosed kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

"Should I put the TV in the bedroom or not?", is the magical question and surprisingly 71% do have them. If so, "where do I put it so it is not the center piece in my bedroom?" Here is a special designer TV lift furniture piece at the end of the bed with faux leather, Mahogany wood boarders and nail heads. Having a hand-made TV lift cabinet in your home is the ultimate in bespoke luxury – so why not take that indulgence a step further by placing a gorgeous, handmade TV stand at the foot of your bed? Cabinet Tronix is a leading US manufacturer of the finest pop-up TV stands, and their specialist team of craftsmen can create tailor-made units which sit perfectly at the end of any bed. With a range of models and designer finishes to choose from, Cabinet Tronix can help give any bedroom that touch of A-list luxury that takes it from drab to fab. A poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that an overwhelming 71% of Americans have a TV in their bedroom – but many of them are wall-mounted or positioned precariously on dressers or other stands. The end-of-bed TV lift units at Cabinet Tronix are specifically crafted to store flat-screen televisions safely and securely, while also complementing the existing interior beautifully. With so many people choosing to bring a TV into their bedroom, why not ensure it’s positioned perfectly, with a unit built to your specifications? Trace McCullough, Director of Cabinet Tronix, says, “So many of us bring televisions into our bedroom so that we can catch up on our favorite shows or have movie marathons from the comfort of our own bed. Here at Cabinet Tronix, we say: if you’re going to have a TV in the bedroom, why not give it the platform it demands? Our handcrafted end-of-bed TV lift cabinet position television screens perfectly, with optimal viewing angles for those reclining against their pillows. Our stunning designs can also complement any existing bedroom space, whether you prefer a traditional look or a more contemporary style.” The Toscana end-of-bed TV lift unit is one of the most sought-after designs at Cabinet Tronix, and a real favorite in bedrooms across the US. The chic studded design makes the unit a real focal point within the room, and the telescopic TV lift offers smooth and silent operation – so when you’re having a late-night Netflix marathon, you won’t wake the other half! These end-of-bed cabinets have been specifically designed to look great from any angle – there are no trailing wires or fake back panels; just a 100% high quality cabinet that is worthy of being the centerpiece of any bedroom.