Photo by Erin Williamson
Bathroom - contemporary blue tile bathroom idea in Austin with flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Powder room - traditional dark wood floor powder room idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets and multicolored walls

Example of a trendy black brick flat roof design in London

We transformed a Georgian brick two-story built in 1998 into an elegant, yet comfortable home for an active family that includes children and dogs. Although this Dallas home’s traditional bones were intact, the interior dark stained molding, paint, and distressed cabinetry, along with dated bathrooms and kitchen were in desperate need of an overhaul. We honored the client’s European background by using time-tested marble mosaics, slabs and countertops, and vintage style plumbing fixtures throughout the kitchen and bathrooms. We balanced these traditional elements with metallic and unique patterned wallpapers, transitional light fixtures and clean-lined furniture frames to give the home excitement while maintaining a graceful and inviting presence. We used nickel lighting and plumbing finishes throughout the home to give regal punctuation to each room. The intentional, detailed styling in this home is evident in that each room boasts its own character while remaining cohesive overall.

Fippin Photography
Example of a classic kitchen design in Sacramento with white cabinets

Inspiration for a rustic open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Kansas City with beige walls

Lesley Unruh
Living room - transitional medium tone wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls and a standard fireplace

Elegant medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Cynthia Lynn Photography
Transitional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen photo in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Design ideas for a huge traditional driveway in Dallas.

Example of a tuscan medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Miami with an undermount sink, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

John Toniolo Architect Jeff Harting North Shore Architect Custom Home
Huge elegant gray two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Chicago with a shingle roof

Inspiration for a timeless garden shed remodel in Los Angeles

Doug Burke Photography
Example of a huge trendy light wood floor home gym design in Salt Lake City

Jason Schmidt
Inspiration for a contemporary master bedroom remodel in New York with white walls and a standard fireplace

Photo: Angela Flournoy © 2013 Houzz
Example of a classic garage workshop design in Dallas

Example of a mid-sized mountain style family room design in Salt Lake City with black walls

This client wanted to have their kitchen as their centerpiece for their house. As such, I designed this kitchen to have a dark walnut natural wood finish with timeless white kitchen island combined with metal appliances. The entire home boasts an open, minimalistic, elegant, classy, and functional design, with the living room showcasing a unique vein cut silver travertine stone showcased on the fireplace. Warm colors were used throughout in order to make the home inviting in a family-friendly setting. Project designed by Denver, Colorado interior designer Margarita Bravo. She serves Denver as well as surrounding areas such as Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and Bow Mar. For more about MARGARITA BRAVO, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.margaritabravo.com/portfolio/observatory-park/