Inspiration for a transitional family room remodel in Austin

This home in Napa off Silverado was rebuilt after burning down in the 2017 fires. Architect David Rulon, a former associate of Howard Backen, known for this Napa Valley industrial modern farmhouse style. Composed in mostly a neutral palette, the bones of this house are bathed in diffused natural light pouring in through the clerestory windows. Beautiful textures and the layering of pattern with a mix of materials add drama to a neutral backdrop. The homeowners are pleased with their open floor plan and fluid seating areas, which allow them to entertain large gatherings. The result is an engaging space, a personal sanctuary and a true reflection of it's owners' unique aesthetic. Inspirational features are metal fireplace surround and book cases as well as Beverage Bar shelving done by Wyatt Studio, painted inset style cabinets by Gamma, moroccan CLE tile backsplash and quartzite countertops.

Tuscan patio photo in Orange County

Kurt Johnson Photography
Trendy open concept concrete floor family room photo in Omaha with white walls

Inspiration for a tropical pool remodel in Miami

Bright and airy transitional kitchen featuring warm light wood cabinetry, a clean white waterfall island, and minimalist globe pendant lighting. Large black-framed windows bring in natural light, enhancing the organic textures and modern farmhouse feel of the space.

"Since my husband works in the residential home building industry, our standards were very high on the contractor we chose to engage. Through referrals and Angie's List, my husband and I got a total of 6 bids from 6 different reputable San Diego contractors. We ultimately selected Kerry at TaylorPro Services for the following reasons: 1. His responsiveness. He was quick to respond on email and text, which is the format of communication that works best for me given that I'm a busy mom of two little kids and talking on the phone is challenging. 2. His detailed bid. A bunch of the contractors that gave us bids didn't include line item details but Kerry did. I knew exactly what to expect and what I was paying for. Before we engaged him, we sent him follow up questions to his bid and he answered them quickly. Kerry was also flexible in removing certain items that we wanted to do ourselves. 3. Price. While all the contractors came in around $15K of each other, Kerry was the lowest of them all. Kerry appreciated that we were priced in a $850K home and not a $3M Rancho Santa Fe home. I felt that he took our budget into consideration. Kerry's crew came on time daily to our house. Since we were living in the house during construction, I felt that they were very considerate to cleaning up and being there on time. Additionally, since I personally didn't have experience with remodels, Kerry and his crew were courteous and polite to me and answered all of my questions no matter how mundane or redundant they were. Going into the project, everyone (and their mother) kept telling me how (a) messy it was going to be and (b) how I would wind up hating my contractor in the end and feeling like I got screwed out of money. I can say that yes, it was messy because we pulled up 1200 sq feet of tile! and no, I did not hate Kerry at the end. In fact, I would highly recommend Kerry. His personality is suited well for this kind of stressful project and his honesty and attention to detail was extraordinary." ~ Carrie H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

"Since my husband works in the residential home building industry, our standards were very high on the contractor we chose to engage. Through referrals and Angie's List, my husband and I got a total of 6 bids from 6 different reputable San Diego contractors. We ultimately selected Kerry at TaylorPro Services for the following reasons: 1. His responsiveness. He was quick to respond on email and text, which is the format of communication that works best for me given that I'm a busy mom of two little kids and talking on the phone is challenging. 2. His detailed bid. A bunch of the contractors that gave us bids didn't include line item details but Kerry did. I knew exactly what to expect and what I was paying for. Before we engaged him, we sent him follow up questions to his bid and he answered them quickly. Kerry was also flexible in removing certain items that we wanted to do ourselves. 3. Price. While all the contractors came in around $15K of each other, Kerry was the lowest of them all. Kerry appreciated that we were priced in a $850K home and not a $3M Rancho Santa Fe home. I felt that he took our budget into consideration. Kerry's crew came on time daily to our house. Since we were living in the house during construction, I felt that they were very considerate to cleaning up and being there on time. Additionally, since I personally didn't have experience with remodels, Kerry and his crew were courteous and polite to me and answered all of my questions no matter how mundane or redundant they were. Going into the project, everyone (and their mother) kept telling me how (a) messy it was going to be and (b) how I would wind up hating my contractor in the end and feeling like I got screwed out of money. I can say that yes, it was messy because we pulled up 1200 sq feet of tile! and no, I did not hate Kerry at the end. In fact, I would highly recommend Kerry. His personality is suited well for this kind of stressful project and his honesty and attention to detail was extraordinary." ~ Carrie H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

"Since my husband works in the residential home building industry, our standards were very high on the contractor we chose to engage. Through referrals and Angie's List, my husband and I got a total of 6 bids from 6 different reputable San Diego contractors. We ultimately selected Kerry at TaylorPro Services for the following reasons: 1. His responsiveness. He was quick to respond on email and text, which is the format of communication that works best for me given that I'm a busy mom of two little kids and talking on the phone is challenging. 2. His detailed bid. A bunch of the contractors that gave us bids didn't include line item details but Kerry did. I knew exactly what to expect and what I was paying for. Before we engaged him, we sent him follow up questions to his bid and he answered them quickly. Kerry was also flexible in removing certain items that we wanted to do ourselves. 3. Price. While all the contractors came in around $15K of each other, Kerry was the lowest of them all. Kerry appreciated that we were priced in a $850K home and not a $3M Rancho Santa Fe home. I felt that he took our budget into consideration. Kerry's crew came on time daily to our house. Since we were living in the house during construction, I felt that they were very considerate to cleaning up and being there on time. Additionally, since I personally didn't have experience with remodels, Kerry and his crew were courteous and polite to me and answered all of my questions no matter how mundane or redundant they were. Going into the project, everyone (and their mother) kept telling me how (a) messy it was going to be and (b) how I would wind up hating my contractor in the end and feeling like I got screwed out of money. I can say that yes, it was messy because we pulled up 1200 sq feet of tile! and no, I did not hate Kerry at the end. In fact, I would highly recommend Kerry. His personality is suited well for this kind of stressful project and his honesty and attention to detail was extraordinary." ~ Carrie H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

"Since my husband works in the residential home building industry, our standards were very high on the contractor we chose to engage. Through referrals and Angie's List, my husband and I got a total of 6 bids from 6 different reputable San Diego contractors. We ultimately selected Kerry at TaylorPro Services for the following reasons: 1. His responsiveness. He was quick to respond on email and text, which is the format of communication that works best for me given that I'm a busy mom of two little kids and talking on the phone is challenging. 2. His detailed bid. A bunch of the contractors that gave us bids didn't include line item details but Kerry did. I knew exactly what to expect and what I was paying for. Before we engaged him, we sent him follow up questions to his bid and he answered them quickly. Kerry was also flexible in removing certain items that we wanted to do ourselves. 3. Price. While all the contractors came in around $15K of each other, Kerry was the lowest of them all. Kerry appreciated that we were priced in a $850K home and not a $3M Rancho Santa Fe home. I felt that he took our budget into consideration. Kerry's crew came on time daily to our house. Since we were living in the house during construction, I felt that they were very considerate to cleaning up and being there on time. Additionally, since I personally didn't have experience with remodels, Kerry and his crew were courteous and polite to me and answered all of my questions no matter how mundane or redundant they were. Going into the project, everyone (and their mother) kept telling me how (a) messy it was going to be and (b) how I would wind up hating my contractor in the end and feeling like I got screwed out of money. I can say that yes, it was messy because we pulled up 1200 sq feet of tile! and no, I did not hate Kerry at the end. In fact, I would highly recommend Kerry. His personality is suited well for this kind of stressful project and his honesty and attention to detail was extraordinary." ~ Carrie H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

"Since my husband works in the residential home building industry, our standards were very high on the contractor we chose to engage. Through referrals and Angie's List, my husband and I got a total of 6 bids from 6 different reputable San Diego contractors. We ultimately selected Kerry at TaylorPro Services for the following reasons: 1. His responsiveness. He was quick to respond on email and text, which is the format of communication that works best for me given that I'm a busy mom of two little kids and talking on the phone is challenging. 2. His detailed bid. A bunch of the contractors that gave us bids didn't include line item details but Kerry did. I knew exactly what to expect and what I was paying for. Before we engaged him, we sent him follow up questions to his bid and he answered them quickly. Kerry was also flexible in removing certain items that we wanted to do ourselves. 3. Price. While all the contractors came in around $15K of each other, Kerry was the lowest of them all. Kerry appreciated that we were priced in a $850K home and not a $3M Rancho Santa Fe home. I felt that he took our budget into consideration. Kerry's crew came on time daily to our house. Since we were living in the house during construction, I felt that they were very considerate to cleaning up and being there on time. Additionally, since I personally didn't have experience with remodels, Kerry and his crew were courteous and polite to me and answered all of my questions no matter how mundane or redundant they were. Going into the project, everyone (and their mother) kept telling me how (a) messy it was going to be and (b) how I would wind up hating my contractor in the end and feeling like I got screwed out of money. I can say that yes, it was messy because we pulled up 1200 sq feet of tile! and no, I did not hate Kerry at the end. In fact, I would highly recommend Kerry. His personality is suited well for this kind of stressful project and his honesty and attention to detail was extraordinary." ~ Carrie H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

Travel is more than just the act of going from one place to another; it’s an exploration of new perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, the journey holds the power to change you in unexpected ways. Exoticca Helps a lot to Travel. 1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination Too often, we focus on reaching the destination, ticking off items on our travel bucket list. But some of the most memorable moments in travel happen when we slow down and engage with the world around us. Take time to walk through a bustling market, share a meal with a local family, or simply sit on a beach at sunset. These moments allow us to experience the true essence of a place beyond its landmarks. 2. Travel with Purpose In today’s fast-paced world, many travelers are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences. Whether it’s volunteering in a foreign country, participating in eco-tourism, or learning a new skill, travel can be a gateway to personal growth. Traveling with purpose adds value to your journey and ensures that it impacts not only you but the places you visit. Volunteering in a community, helping preserve nature, or supporting local artisans can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and connection to the world. 3. The Magic of Cultural Immersion One of the best ways to travel is to truly immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting. Skip the tourist traps and spend time in local neighborhoods. Try the street food, learn a few words in the local language, and embrace local traditions. The more you engage with the culture, the richer your experience will be. This immersion leads to a greater understanding and respect for different ways of life, fostering deeper connections between people across the globe. 4. Sustainable Travel: A Responsibility for the Future As travelers, we must recognize the impact our journeys can have on the environment. Sustainable travel practices are becoming more essential than ever before. From reducing plastic usage to supporting eco-friendly accommodations, there are many ways to ensure that our travels leave a positive legacy. Before your trip, research sustainable activities, respect wildlife, and consider how your visit affects local ecosystems. This mindset not only protects the planet but enhances your overall travel experience by aligning it with a purpose. 5. Travel Challenges: Growth Through Adversity It’s not always smooth sailing. Missed flights, language barriers, unexpected weather, or cultural misunderstandings can make travel seem daunting. However, these challenges can also offer some of the most rewarding experiences. Overcoming adversity while traveling encourages adaptability, patience, and resilience. These moments allow you to connect more deeply with yourself and the world, turning what could be a frustrating experience into an unforgettable lesson in growth. 6. Rediscovering Yourself Through Travel The act of leaving behind your daily routine and exploring new places often leads to self-reflection. Away from the distractions of everyday life, you have space to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s finding peace in nature, discovering a new passion, or challenging your comfort zone, travel is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Many travelers report feeling more energized, inspired, and aware of their true desires after a meaningful journey. 7. Tips for a Seamless Travel Experience To make the most of your travels, planning is key. Here are a few tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey: Research your destination: Learn about the local culture, customs, and etiquette to show respect and avoid misunderstandings. Pack smart: Pack light and include only essentials to keep your travels stress-free. A good travel bag and comfortable shoes are a must! Stay flexible: Sometimes, plans go awry. Stay adaptable and be open to spontaneous adventures. Engage with locals: The best recommendations often come from those who live in the area. Don't be afraid to ask for tips or hidden gems. Capture memories: While it’s important to live in the moment, capturing photos or journaling your experiences can help you relive your journey long after it ends. 8. The Future of Travel: Trends to Watch As we look to the future, the way we travel is evolving. Virtual reality and AI are changing the way we plan and experience destinations, allowing for more personalized and immersive adventures. Moreover, the rise of wellness travel is focusing on mental and physical health, with more travelers seeking destinations that offer relaxation and rejuvenation. Regardless of how travel continues to evolve, the spirit of discovery and connection will always remain at the heart of every journey. Conclusion: Traveling for a Better World Travel is a transformative experience that connects us to the world, broadens our understanding, and enriches our lives. By approaching travel with an open mind, a sense of responsibility, and a desire for authentic experiences, we not only enhance our journeys but contribute to the global community. As you pack your bags for your next adventure, remember that every step you take is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a more interconnected world.

Office Workstations and Cubicles: The Unsung Heroes of Efficient Team Environments In today's fast-paced business world, the hum of productivity is the sweetest sound an office can produce. But what fuels this symphony of efficiency? While leadership and strategy are crucial, the physical environment in which a team operates plays a role that is just as vital. The debate between open-plan offices and traditional cubicles has raged for years, yet the truth is that a well-designed space incorporating both office workstations cubicles can be the key to unlocking a team's full potential. This isn't just about furniture; it's about creating a habitat for success. The Evolution of the Workspace: Beyond the Beige Box Gone are the days of monotonous rows of identical, soul-crushing cubicles. Modern office design has embraced a more nuanced understanding of worker needs. The contemporary workstation is a far cry from its predecessors, offering flexibility, ergonomic support, and a nod to aesthetic appeal. This evolution recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach stifles creativity and productivity. Fostering Focus in a Sea of Collaboration While collaboration is a cornerstone of modern business, the need for individual, focused work remains paramount. This is where the modern cubicle shines. It provides a sanctuary from the constant distractions of a completely open office, allowing employees to delve deep into tasks that require concentration. This dedicated space minimizes interruptions, leading to higher quality work and reduced stress levels. The Power of Personalization and Ownership Giving employees a degree of control over their immediate environment can have a profound impact on morale and engagement. Modern workstations and cubicles that allow for personalization be it through adjustable shelving, pinboards for personal items, or even the choice of chair foster a sense of ownership. This small act of empowerment can translate into a greater sense of belonging and commitment to the organization. Ergonomics: The Foundation of Employee Well-being and Productivity A comfortable employee is a productive employee. Ergonomics is not a luxury; it's a fundamental necessity in any office environment. Poorly designed workstations can lead to a host of musculoskeletal issues, from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting in increased absenteeism and decreased efficiency. Investing in ergonomic chairs, adjustable-height desks, and properly positioned monitors is an investment in the long-term health and performance of your team. Designing for Synergy: The Strategic office layout design The arrangement of workstations and cubicles is as important as the furniture itself. A strategic office layout design can facilitate seamless communication and collaboration while still providing pockets of privacy for focused work. This involves creating "neighborhoods" for different teams, placing collaborative zones in central, easily accessible areas, and ensuring that high-traffic pathways don't cut through quiet work zones. Breaking Down Barriers with Hybrid Designs The most effective office environments often feature a hybrid approach. This might involve clusters of cubicles for focused work, interspersed with open, collaborative "huddle spaces" equipped with whiteboards and comfortable seating. This variety allows employees to choose the environment that best suits the task at hand, offering the best of both worlds. The Role of Acoustics in a Thriving Workplace Noise is one of the biggest complaints in open-plan offices. Well-designed cubicles with sound-dampening panels can significantly mitigate this issue. Furthermore, incorporating acoustic solutions throughout the office, such as sound-absorbing materials on walls and ceilings, can create a more pleasant and productive auditory environment for everyone. Integrating Technology for a Seamless Workflow In the digital age, technology is the lifeblood of any business. Modern office workstations are designed with this in mind, featuring integrated power and data ports, cable management systems, and ample space for multiple monitors. This seamless integration of technology ensures that employees have the tools they need to work efficiently and without frustration. Choosing the Right Partner for Your Office Environment The task of outfitting an office can be daunting. Partnering with a knowledgeable and reputable Meet&Co commercial furniture supplier is crucial to creating an environment that is both functional and inspiring. A good supplier will not only offer a wide range of high-quality products but will also provide expert advice on space planning and ergonomic best practices, ensuring that your investment yields the best possible return. The Future of the Office: Flexibility and Adaptability The world of work is constantly evolving, and office design must evolve with it. The future lies in creating flexible and adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet the changing needs of a business. Modular furniture and movable partitions are key components of this future-proof approach, allowing organizations to scale and adapt without the need for costly and disruptive renovations. Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Your Greatest Asset Ultimately, the design of your office is a direct reflection of your company's culture and values. By investing in high-quality, ergonomic, and well-designed office workstations and cubicles, you are sending a clear message to your employees: their well-being and productivity matter. This strategic investment in your physical workspace is, in fact, an investment in your most valuable asset your people. The result is a more engaged, efficient, and innovative team, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

"Since my husband works in the residential home building industry, our standards were very high on the contractor we chose to engage. Through referrals and Angie's List, my husband and I got a total of 6 bids from 6 different reputable San Diego contractors. We ultimately selected Kerry at TaylorPro Services for the following reasons: 1. His responsiveness. He was quick to respond on email and text, which is the format of communication that works best for me given that I'm a busy mom of two little kids and talking on the phone is challenging. 2. His detailed bid. A bunch of the contractors that gave us bids didn't include line item details but Kerry did. I knew exactly what to expect and what I was paying for. Before we engaged him, we sent him follow up questions to his bid and he answered them quickly. Kerry was also flexible in removing certain items that we wanted to do ourselves. 3. Price. While all the contractors came in around $15K of each other, Kerry was the lowest of them all. Kerry appreciated that we were priced in a $850K home and not a $3M Rancho Santa Fe home. I felt that he took our budget into consideration. Kerry's crew came on time daily to our house. Since we were living in the house during construction, I felt that they were very considerate to cleaning up and being there on time. Additionally, since I personally didn't have experience with remodels, Kerry and his crew were courteous and polite to me and answered all of my questions no matter how mundane or redundant they were. Going into the project, everyone (and their mother) kept telling me how (a) messy it was going to be and (b) how I would wind up hating my contractor in the end and feeling like I got screwed out of money. I can say that yes, it was messy because we pulled up 1200 sq feet of tile! and no, I did not hate Kerry at the end. In fact, I would highly recommend Kerry. His personality is suited well for this kind of stressful project and his honesty and attention to detail was extraordinary." ~ Carrie H, Client Photos by: Kerry W. Taylor

Set in the garden beside a traditional Dutch Colonial home in Wellesley, Flavin conceived this boldly modern retreat, built of steel, wood and concrete. The building is designed to engage the client’s passions for gardening, entertaining and restoring vintage Vespa scooters. The Vespa repair shop and garage are on the first floor. The second floor houses a home office and veranda. On top is a roof deck with space for lounging and outdoor dining, surrounded by a vegetable garden in raised planters. The structural steel frame of the building is left exposed; and the side facing the public side is draped with a mahogany screen that creates privacy in the building and diffuses the dappled light filtered through the trees. Photo by: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

Photo of a modern front yard concrete paver and metal fence landscaping in Santa Barbara.

Small eclectic vinyl floor dining room photo in Sydney with blue walls