The project was a renovation of a 1974 two-story house designed by prominent San Francisco architect Albert Lanier (husband of Ruth Asawa). Each level is framed by exterior courtyards which provide both sheltered intimacy with nature and visual connection to the city beyond. The owners were interested in increasing the volume of the house while maintaining its original DNA as defined by angular geometries, redwood interiors and exterior courtyards. Our approach was to expand and surgically modify the house in an architecturally non-aggressive manner. Spaces were opened up and flow and views were maximized. Color, texture, light and vegetation were used to harmonize with the vintage redwood tonalities and the owners’ eclecticism. Dark-knotted douglas fir flooring, fabricated from locally reclaimed pier pilings, was used throughout the house to balance the dark redwood living level with the lighter-hued floors below. The sculptural blackened steel stair anchors the house, weaving together the floors and their diverse spatial character. Hard materials including terrazzo, concrete and mottled gray marble were used to counterbalance the warm softwoods. The house façades and cascading courtyards were reclad in irregular western red cedar planks. We collaborated with our friend and designer Beatrice Santiccioli to create a color language that expresses a natural interaction with the light and materials in the environment, transitioning from bold to atmospheric as you pass downward through the house. Italian landscape designer Monica Viarengo designed the outdoor areas including the intimate entry courtyard and the terraced back garden with expansive views of the city. Her work shifts from curated to wild as your move through the property.

Sean Dooley Photography
Inspiration for a small transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Philadelphia with gray walls and no fireplace

Living by the coast with two active kids means beach sand and wet bathing suits can pile up during the summer. An outdoor shower and pass-through laundry room help keep the mess out of the main living areas. Floating shelves and more cabinets offer extra storage and utility space.

Living by the coast with two active kids means beach sand and wet bathing suits can pile up during the summer. An outdoor shower and pass-through laundry room help keep the mess out of the main living areas. Floating shelves and more cabinets offer extra storage and utility space.

Sean Dooley Photography
Kitchen/dining room combo - small transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Philadelphia with gray walls and no fireplace

Sean Dooley Photography
Living room - small transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Philadelphia with beige walls, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

Sean Dooley Photography
Inspiration for a small transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Philadelphia with beige walls, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

Sean Dooley Photography
Kitchen/dining room combo - small transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Philadelphia with gray walls and no fireplace

Sean Dooley Photography
Inspiration for a small transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Philadelphia with beige walls, a corner fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

This stair hall treats vertical circulation as the architectural event of the space. A run of carpeted treads rises against a clean white stringer, its guardrail composed of evenly spaced square white-oak balusters that read as a rhythmic wood screen—open enough to pass light and sightlines through, dense enough to register as a defined plane separating stair from hall. A matching oak handrail follows the rake. At the landing, a tall, narrow vertical window is set into the wall like a light slot, framing a controlled glimpse of fence and foliage while washing the lower run with low-angle daylight that animates the treads and the balusters' shadows. The material logic is restrained and deliberate—warm oak against white wall planes, soft loop-pile carpet on the stair meeting large-format grey floor tile at the base—so the eye reads the geometry of the ascent and the single carefully placed aperture rather than ornament. A secondary glazed opening at right keeps the hall daylit from two directions. A quiet study in circulation, screening, and borrowed light.

When it comes to defining a space, few elements are as transformative as a rug. Particularly in larger rooms, 9x12 rugs play a pivotal role in anchoring furniture, unifying aesthetics, and providing comfort underfoot. As home design continues to evolve, so do the styles, materials, and motifs that define contemporary rug choices. Whether you're redesigning a single room or curating an entire home, choosing the right 9x12 rug can dramatically influence the tone and function of your space. This blog explores the transition from classic to contemporary rug styles, highlighting current trends in design, texture, and sustainability. Read on to discover how 9x12 rugs are being used to redefine modern living environments in 2025. Classic Rug Designs: Timeless Elegance and Historical Influence Classic rugs have always been synonymous with tradition, craftsmanship, and sophistication. These pieces often draw inspiration from centuries-old techniques and cultural aesthetics, primarily seen in Persian, Oriental, and Turkish designs. A 9x12 classic rug is not merely a floor covering but a narrative woven through intricate patterns and deep, rich colors. Traditional rug styles typically feature ornate borders, central medallions, and floral or geometric motifs. Colors like burgundy, deep navy, ivory, forest green, and gold dominate these designs, making them ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The materials used often high-quality wool or silk add a luxurious texture and long-lasting durability. Hand-knotted techniques passed down through generations lend these rugs their intricate detail and resilience. Today, classic rugs are being reimagined to fit modern sensibilities. Interior designers are pairing antique Persian rugs with contemporary furniture to create a unique, eclectic mix. For instance, a vintage 9x12 Rugs might lie beneath a minimalist glass coffee table and a sleek leather sectional, marrying old-world charm with modern clarity. In open-plan layouts, these rugs help delineate spaces and introduce visual interest. Their timeless beauty ensures that they remain relevant, even as design trends shift. Moreover, the reintroduction of classic designs in modern colorways has allowed traditional rugs to appeal to a new generation. Muted tones, distressed finishes, and faded patterns give these rugs a more relaxed, lived-in feel that blends well with both rustic and urban interiors. For those seeking to infuse character and heritage into their living spaces, a classic 9x12 rug offers a versatile and enduring option. Modern Minimalism: Embracing Simplicity and Subtlety in Large Rugs As modern design trends continue to favor simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance, the demand for minimalist rugs has surged. The 9x12 rug format, given its expansive coverage, is particularly suited to minimalistic interiors where clean lines, neutral tones, and open spaces dominate the aesthetic. Minimalist 9x12 rugs often utilize a restrained palette think beige, gray, ivory, taupe, and soft earth tones. These colors help maintain a calm, cohesive environment, especially in spaces where natural light plays a crucial role. Designs may be solid or include subtle patterns such as linear textures, tone-on-tone geometrics, or abstract gradients. The absence of elaborate ornamentation allows these rugs to blend seamlessly with contemporary furniture, making them a staple in Scandinavian, Japandi, and transitional interior styles. Materials also play a crucial role in defining the minimalist look. Natural wool, bamboo silk, and viscose provide a soft, luxurious feel while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Flatweaves and low-pile constructions are popular choices, offering practicality alongside elegance.

Let’s create more calm this holiday season. ✨ Between guests coming and going, winter gear piling up, and schedules filling fast, your entryway deserves to be more than just a pass-through. With custom storage designed to fit your family’s everyday routines, your mudroom or foyer can be a peaceful, organized space that sets the tone the moment you walk through the door. For an entryway that welcomes you home, visit our website to get started: https://www.inspiredclosets.com/loca.../burlington/entryway/

Step into the realm of elegance and sustainability with our handmade area rug, a masterpiece crafted with precision using traditional hand knotted sumak techniques. Made from natural and eco-friendly fiber jute, this area rug embodies a modern contemporary pattern in serene ivory hues, seamlessly blending into any space. Originating from the heart of India, each rug tells a story of skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. Versatile in function, it complements spaces ranging