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.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Austin

Living Room in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes. Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects. Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs. Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables | Loloi: Custom performance rug collection | Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication | Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams | Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group | Budget ($ Range): $300K | Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

A San Francisco resident for over 30 years, Boitano purchased his home in the mid 1990’s, after falling in love with its peerless views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. While he did an initial facelift when he first moved in, Boitano is now completing a major renovation of the entire home, with the kitchen being one of the most exciting new spaces. “The kitchen is the nucleus of the house. So when we started the overall house redesign, we focused our attention on the kitchen first. Everything was centered on entertaining—from small and unplugged, to large and elegant, “said Boitano. The kitchen design was inspired by the Italian countryside and has the air of an ageless, rustic Tuscan village; it is highlighted by the range hood wall that is covered in handmade lacquered Fireclay wall tiles. “I wanted an open floor plan with the option to close off the space for charity functions and events. I eventually found huge pocket doors to separate the dining room from the kitchen,” said Boitano. Boitano sought out appliances that would replicate the power and performance of restaurant equipment so he could entertain like a pro at home and, at the same time, fit his personal design aesthetic. His new kitchen is outfitted with BlueStar® appliances, including a range, salamander broiler, ventilation hood and a refrigerator that he custom designed to suit his performance and design needs. The BlueStar® honey yellow 48” Platinum range offers unsurpassed power and performance featuring industry-leading 25,000 BTU open burners, an innovative interchangeable griddle/charbroiler and a true European Convection PowR Oven™. Boitano loves the powerful cooktop with even, open burners, and, he said, “I really love the industrial lines, the black grates and the contrasting beautiful yellow color. It’s like a piece of art.”

Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Cincinnati

Situated on the north shore of Birch Point this high-performance beach home enjoys a view across Boundary Bay to White Rock, BC and the BC Coastal Range beyond. Designed for indoor, outdoor living the many decks, patios, porches, outdoor fireplace, and firepit welcome friends and family to gather outside regardless of the weather. From a high-performance perspective this home was built to and certified by the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home program and the EnergyStar program. In fact, an independent testing/rating agency was able to show that the home will only use 53% of the energy of a typical new home, all while being more comfortable and healthier. As with all high-performance homes we find a sweet spot that returns an excellent, comfortable, healthy home to the owners, while also producing a building that minimizes its environmental footprint. Design by JWR Design Photography by Radley Muller Photography Interior Design by Markie Nelson Interior Design

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Cincinnati

Nestled in a wooded area in the Pacific Northwest, the 1800 sf Passive Cedar Haus was built as a retirement home. The Artisans Group designed the layout of the home, mindful of aging in place, and working to ensure that the home blended in with the surrounding natural beauty. The project meets a complex program, with an unheated sleeping porch for a master bedroom, a screened porch, a 600 sf caretakers apartment/mother in law unit, large wood shop, plus a two car carport. The home seamlessly integrates a floating cedar tongue and groove roof with large sheltering overhangs, clerestory windows, and language of cedar slats for privacy screens and doors inside and out. The warm, natural materials of wood and cork for the interior palette are punctuated by lively accents and stunning fixtures. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the main living area, gives an expansive view of the surrounding Northwest forest. The tops of these windows reveal the interior cedar clad and the up-swept soffits on the home’s exterior, creating a floating ceiling effect. Slatted spruce wood fly-overs break up the vertical areas of the great room and define separate areas that would otherwise feel like an overwhelmingly expansive space. Photography by: Cheryl Ramsay of Ramsay Photography

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

This luxury kitchen was designed to celebrate the art of cooking while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and timeless materials. The focal point of the space is the **Wolf GR484DG 48-inch Gas Range with Dual Infrared Griddle**, a professional-grade appliance that combines powerful performance with elegant design. Whether preparing everyday meals or entertaining guests, the Wolf range delivers precision, versatility, and the cooking experience expected in a luxury home. Framing the range is a handcrafted **custom white oak vent hood**, built to complement the surrounding cabinetry and create a warm architectural statement. Hidden within the hood is the **Zephyr Monsoon I AK9246BS 46-inch liner hood**, providing an impressive **1,200 CFM** of ventilation while remaining completely concealed. This combination preserves the clean aesthetic of the kitchen while ensuring exceptional air quality during high-performance cooking. Behind the cooking area, the backsplash becomes a true design feature. The **Anatolia Tile Soho Collection, 2" x 12" Retro Black Matte** tile was installed vertically from the countertop to the ceiling, creating height, texture, and visual drama. Its rich matte finish contrasts beautifully with the natural white oak cabinetry, while the elongated format introduces a contemporary rhythm that highlights the custom vent hood as the centerpiece of the room. Natural stone countertops, premium custom cabinetry, layered LED lighting, and carefully selected finishes complete a kitchen that feels both sophisticated and inviting. Every element was chosen to complement the professional cooking experience while maintaining a timeless aesthetic that will remain beautiful for years to come. Designed for homeowners who appreciate fine craftsmanship and culinary excellence, this kitchen seamlessly combines the performance of **Wolf**, the quiet power of **Zephyr**, and the beauty of handcrafted millwork and designer tile into a space that is equally impressive for everyday living and entertaining.

Eclectic bedroom photo in Austin

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in DC Metro

Bedroom in Bronco | Key Feature: A Scottsdale new-build rooted in sculptural modernism, Bronco Revival balances bold black-and-white contrast with organic textures, natural wood elements, and statement lighting. As a groundbreaking “Live Lab” designer residence, it’s a first-of-its-kind space where luxury furnishings are tested in real-world conditions before being introduced into high-profile client homes. Challenge: Because Bronco Revival was the designer’s personal residence, the project carried a unique level of pressure and intention. The challenge was creating a Scottsdale new-build that felt elevated and editorial while still functioning as a true family home. Every selection had to balance bold sculptural modernism (high contrast, statement lighting, architectural furnishings) with durability, comfort, and day-to-day livability. In addition, the home served as a “Live Lab,” meaning new vendors, materials, and luxury furnishings needed to be tested in real-life conditions before being trusted for future high-profile client projects. Solution: We approached the project with a highly curated, test-and-refine design strategy, treating each space as both a finished interior and a real-world evaluation environment. Key furnishings, textiles, and materials were selected to support the modern organic vision while also standing up to the demands of everyday family life. We worked through selections intentionally, layering in bold contrast, natural woods, and sculptural statement pieces, while prioritizing performance materials, pet-friendly durability, and timeless foundational elements. By using the home as a lived-in showroom, we were able to validate what truly performs beautifully, refine our vendor relationships, and confidently carry those proven selections into future client designs. Materials: MadeGoods: Sculptural Davion coffee tables | Loloi: Custom performance rug collection | Schumacher: Bespoke drapery fabrication | Aesthetic Wall Coverings: Pioneering wallpaper application on ceiling beams | Zac + Fox: Exclusive textile collaboration via Made Resource Group | Budget ($ Range): $300K | Timeline (Duration): 4 MONTHS

Thermally broken narrow profile aluminum windows and doors, welded sash and frame - looks like steel but it's lighter, more corrosion resistant and achieves a lower price point than steel windows.

Example of a classic living room design in DC Metro

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.

Essential, contemporary, and inviting defines this extremely energy efficient, Energy Star certified, Passive House design-inspired home in the Pacific Northwest. Designed for an active family of four, the one-story 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan offers tasteful aging in place features, a strong sense of privacy for both kids and parents, and a low profile that doesn’t impinge on the natural landscape. This house will heat itself in the dead of winter with less energy than it takes to run a hair dryer, and be sensual to live in while it does it. The forms throughout the home are simple and neutral, allowing for ample natural light, rich warm materials, and of course, room for the Guinea pigs makes this a great example of artful architecture applied to a genuine family lifestyle. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. Natural daylight enters both from the tilt & turn and fixed windows in the living and dining areas, and through the terrace door that leads seamlessly outside to the natural landscape. Designed and constructed by The Artisans Group out of Olympia, Washington - a small but mighty firm co-owned by Randy Foster and Tessa Smith. Fun, funky and innovative, The Artisans Group has designed and built more Passive Houses than any other firm on the West Coast. Known for their striking, award winning, and sensible work, they provide solutions for projects of any size and budget. Photography: Art Gray of Art Gray Photography

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.