Eric Roth Photography
Entryway - small craftsman medium tone wood floor entryway idea in Boston with beige walls and a white front door

Our client had been living in her beautiful lakeside retreat for about 3 years. All around were stunning views of the lake and mountains, but the view from inside was minimal. It felt dark and closed off from the gorgeous waterfront mere feet away. She desired a bigger kitchen, natural light, and a contemporary look. Referred to JRP by a subcontractor our client walked into the showroom one day, took one look at the modern kitchen in our design center, and was inspired! After talking about the frustrations of dark spaces and limitations when entertaining groups of friends, the homeowner and the JRP design team emerged with a new vision. Two walls between the living room and kitchen would be eliminated and structural revisions were needed for a common wall shared a wall with a neighbor. With the wall removals and the addition of multiple slider doors, the main level now has an open layout. Everything in the home went from dark to luminous as sunlight could now bounce off white walls to illuminate both spaces. Our aim was to create a beautiful modern kitchen which fused the necessities of a functional space with the elegant form of the contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen playfully mixes frameless white upper with horizontal grain oak lower cabinets and a fun diagonal white tile backsplash. Gorgeous grey Cambria quartz with white veining meets them both in the middle. The large island with integrated barstool area makes it functional and a great entertaining space. The master bedroom received a mini facelift as well. White never fails to give your bedroom a timeless look. The beautiful, bright marble shower shows what's possible when mixing tile shape, size, and color. The marble mosaic tiles in the shower pan are especially bold paired with black matte plumbing fixtures and gives the shower a striking visual. Layers, light, consistent intention, and fun! - paired with beautiful, unique designs and a personal touch created this beautiful home that does not go unnoticed.   PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: Neutrals • Countertops: Cambria Quartz, Luxury Series, Queen Anne • Kitchen Cabinets: Slab, Overlay Frameless Uppers: Blanco Base: Horizontal Grain Oak • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Kitchen – Stainless Steel • Lighting Fixtures: • Flooring: Hardwood: Siberian Oak with Fossil Stone finish • Tile/Backsplash: Kitchen Backsplash: White/Clear Glass Master Bath Floor: Ann Sacks Benton Mosaics Marble Master Bath Surround: Ann Sacks White Thassos Marble Photographer: Andrew – Open House VC

THE PLANNED BATHROOM. | The modular Symetrics system opens up new perspectives in interior design for architects and planners. Symetrics comprises numerous individual modules for the entire bathroom area, which are tailored to a defined grid size. The modules can be arranged and combined freely within this grid. Because the spouts and controls are clearly separate, the overall appearance of the bathroom is redefined by the arrangement of the modules. Planning is based on a grid of vertical and horizontal reference lines. This grid also specifies the dimensions for the individual Symetrics modules, on the basis of a 60 x 60 mm base unit. | Available at www.shopstudio41.com

board and batten siding from local forests
Transitional exterior home idea in Albuquerque

Our client had been living in her beautiful lakeside retreat for about 3 years. All around were stunning views of the lake and mountains, but the view from inside was minimal. It felt dark and closed off from the gorgeous waterfront mere feet away. She desired a bigger kitchen, natural light, and a contemporary look. Referred to JRP by a subcontractor our client walked into the showroom one day, took one look at the modern kitchen in our design center, and was inspired! After talking about the frustrations of dark spaces and limitations when entertaining groups of friends, the homeowner and the JRP design team emerged with a new vision. Two walls between the living room and kitchen would be eliminated and structural revisions were needed for a common wall shared a wall with a neighbor. With the wall removals and the addition of multiple slider doors, the main level now has an open layout. Everything in the home went from dark to luminous as sunlight could now bounce off white walls to illuminate both spaces. Our aim was to create a beautiful modern kitchen which fused the necessities of a functional space with the elegant form of the contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen playfully mixes frameless white upper with horizontal grain oak lower cabinets and a fun diagonal white tile backsplash. Gorgeous grey Cambria quartz with white veining meets them both in the middle. The large island with integrated barstool area makes it functional and a great entertaining space. The master bedroom received a mini facelift as well. White never fails to give your bedroom a timeless look. The beautiful, bright marble shower shows what's possible when mixing tile shape, size, and color. The marble mosaic tiles in the shower pan are especially bold paired with black matte plumbing fixtures and gives the shower a striking visual. Layers, light, consistent intention, and fun! - paired with beautiful, unique designs and a personal touch created this beautiful home that does not go unnoticed.   PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: Neutrals • Countertops: Cambria Quartz, Luxury Series, Queen Anne • Kitchen Cabinets: Slab, Overlay Frameless Uppers: Blanco Base: Horizontal Grain Oak • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Kitchen – Stainless Steel • Lighting Fixtures: • Flooring: Hardwood: Siberian Oak with Fossil Stone finish • Tile/Backsplash: Kitchen Backsplash: White/Clear Glass Master Bath Floor: Ann Sacks Benton Mosaics Marble Master Bath Surround: Ann Sacks White Thassos Marble Photographer: Andrew – Open House VC

LOCATION: MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS The renovation of this midcentury home centers on a complete transformation of the kitchen, which reshaped how the house functions and connects to its surroundings. The original layout relied on low cabinetry that failed to take advantage of the room’s generous volume. Mandarina Studio reworked the plan to improve circulation and take full advantage of the home’s soaring height and natural light. The redesigned kitchen replaces a dated peninsula with a generously scaled island that supports both everyday use and entertaining. Cabinetry was reimagined vertically as well as horizontally, allowing storage and display to extend upward and reinforce the room’s proportions. A custom china cabinet with tall glass doors framed in blackened iron and finished in white oak adds presence and refinement. At one end of the kitchen, a dedicated bar introduces a more intimate moment. Art, layered lighting, and wall-mounted sconces give this area its own identity, offering contrast to the openness of the main kitchen while supporting entertaining. Clerestory windows introduce shifting daylight throughout the day, bringing depth and movement to the quartzite focal wall at the range. Pendant lights reference midcentury forms in a refined, contemporary way. The completed kitchen was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors. The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to include a new primary bath, a refreshed guest bath, and updated furnishings throughout the living and dining rooms. In the primary bath, marble with expressive veining is paired with a custom floating white oak vanity, balancing warmth and restraint. In the living room, a new picture window frames wooded views, while the furniture plan grounds the space. A turquoise Murano glass chandelier introduces color and artistry, adding a distinctive, personal note to the interior.

Chesapeake Energy’s 74,000 sqft. Green Roof a Natural Turf Rooftop Sports Field Chesapeake Energy is the second-largest producer of natural gas in North America, a Top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids and the most active driller of new wells in the country. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company’s operations are focused on discovering and developing unconventional natural gas and onshore oil fields in the U.S. Chesapeake is in the midst of creating a central hub, “Chesapeake Campus” as CEO Aubrey McCLendon refers to it, on the NW corner of Oklahoma City. Centered in the middle of Chesapeake Campus is a 75,000 square foot natural grass rooftop athletic field built on top of Chesapeake’s new 3 level parking garage. Sporting events, social gatherings, concerts and much more is what this new wonder of Oklahoma City offers. Chesapeake’s rooftop athletic field, designed by Elliott + Associates Architects, constructed by Smith & Pickel, and installed by Total Environment, not only brings aesthetic appeal to the streets of Oklahoma City, green roofing is a fantastic way to reduce the heat island effect of urban areas and capture storm water while creating enjoyable space for residents and employees. The environmental impact of a green roof is undeniable, adding significantly to the LEED Point system designed by the USGBC in all five major areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Green roofing replaces the green space displaced by a building, prevents excess storm water drainage, reduces the temperature of a building and the urban heat island effect, protects and extends the useful life of a roof, and reduces energy demands. Utilizing the AirField System as the drainage layer in a green roof design allows a complete inch of water storage space beneath the entire surface plus it is incredibly strong and light weight. The AirField AirDrain geocell is also easy to work with, install and fashion in unique layouts. What’s more, a green roof incorporating AirDrain means your design includes renewable, recycled, and locally obtained materials. We know you have a choice in designing a green roof, and we hope you consider the many benefits of AirDrain. Build a better green roof with AirField. Some Benefits of AirField in a green roofing system include: 100% vertical drainage under entire surface, 100% post manufactured recycled material, rapid water movement, minimal site disturbance, fast installation, light weight, incredible load bearing strength test at an empty 233 PSI/ 33,552 PSF. The list of major sustainable projects for AirField Systems of Oklahoma keeps growing and includes Chesapeake’s Central Park, Chesapeake’s Building # 14 rooftop, Whittier Middle School’s natural grass fire lane and Oklahoma State Cowboys T. Boone Picken’s Stadium’s game field along with hundreds of sustainable projects nationally. Total Environment Inc. is a Design-Build-Maintain company specializing in comprehensive landscape services for discriminating clients in the residential and commercial arena. The all-inclusive array of services and products that Total Environment provides is unequaled in the industry, in addition they also provide the ultimate in customer service. Highly skilled Account Managers from Universities in Oklahoma and across the country, oversee the properties daily, insuring impeccable success rates for installations and maintenance that is second to none. Projects span a broad range – from the installation of state of the art athletic fields to period landscapes, Total Environment is on top of the industry game. Seasonal displays of color, professionally designed and installed, enhance their properties and are always the ‘talk of the town’ every spring, summer, fall and winter. Christmas season, thanks to Total Environment ace lighting crews and its very generous clients, create a Winter Wonderland … always an incredible gift to Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities at large. Ty T. Hartwig, President of Total Environment, shares a favorite motto with his beloved Oklahoma City, “Labor omnia vincit” – which translates to “Labor Conquers All Things!” – a personal philosophy that molded the company into what it is today. Call today to find out how the AirField Systems can save you time, money and energy on your next green roof, sports field or porous paving project, 405-359-3775. http://www.airfieldsystems.com/chesapeake-energy-green-roof-natural-turf-rooftop-sports-field/

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an 12th century English manor. • This home has a very personal meaning for the designer as the clients are friends they have worked with for over twenty years. The home design comes from a classic English country manor style with a few updates to accommodate the homeowner’s preferences. • The years they have known each other gave the designer the opportunity to understand their taste and needs. This home is truly a reflection of the owner’s lives. • The interior design was influenced by respecting the homeowner’s collection of furnishings and adding new art plus lots of color. The stair railings are a reference to classic English design and custom made. • The most outstanding special feature was created in the entry, a small door for children to enter under the stairs was trompe-l'oeil. The small door now appears as a large antique door with small windows featuring the owner’s dogs. • A dog friendly home with a large welcome mat to friends and family is perfect for entertaining and relaxing in the warm and enchanting house. • The cabinets, floors and lighting were selected for durable use and worked to integrate the home’s history. Special lighting was added to illustrate the many pieces of art. • More than a house; this is a place to call home. For complete tour: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

Passion, character, nostalgia Think of a style that resembles you. Of a meeting with elegance as an expression of personality Chose your dimension in each detail. Key-words for Grand Elegance and main issues leading our philosophy from the very early steps. Our basic idea consists of shifting to ceramics all the living passions so that ceramics itself rises as metaphorical reference for life styles and little daily fads. So the sea and sailing, flowers, gardens, animals, classic sport, country-side and leisure time become all bricks of our imagination. Just like a classic novel, Grand Elegance collection describes our tradition that emphasizes individual attitudes and choices.

LOCATION: MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS The renovation of this midcentury home centers on a complete transformation of the kitchen, which reshaped how the house functions and connects to its surroundings. The original layout relied on low cabinetry that failed to take advantage of the room’s generous volume. Mandarina Studio reworked the plan to improve circulation and take full advantage of the home’s soaring height and natural light. The redesigned kitchen replaces a dated peninsula with a generously scaled island that supports both everyday use and entertaining. Cabinetry was reimagined vertically as well as horizontally, allowing storage and display to extend upward and reinforce the room’s proportions. A custom china cabinet with tall glass doors framed in blackened iron and finished in white oak adds presence and refinement. At one end of the kitchen, a dedicated bar introduces a more intimate moment. Art, layered lighting, and wall-mounted sconces give this area its own identity, offering contrast to the openness of the main kitchen while supporting entertaining. Clerestory windows introduce shifting daylight throughout the day, bringing depth and movement to the quartzite focal wall at the range. Pendant lights reference midcentury forms in a refined, contemporary way. The completed kitchen was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interiors. The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to include a new primary bath, a refreshed guest bath, and updated furnishings throughout the living and dining rooms. In the primary bath, marble with expressive veining is paired with a custom floating white oak vanity, balancing warmth and restraint. In the living room, a new picture window frames wooded views, while the furniture plan grounds the space. A turquoise Murano glass chandelier introduces color and artistry, adding a distinctive, personal note to the interior.

Passion, character, nostalgia Think of a style that resembles you. Of a meeting with elegance as an expression of personality Chose your dimension in each detail. Key-words for Grand Elegance and main issues leading our philosophy from the very early steps. Our basic idea consists of shifting to ceramics all the living passions so that ceramics itself rises as metaphorical reference for life styles and little daily fads. So the sea and sailing, flowers, gardens, animals, classic sport, country-side and leisure time become all bricks of our imagination. Just like a classic novel, Grand Elegance collection describes our tradition that emphasizes individual attitudes and choices.

Main Line Kitchen Design has a different business model than other kitchen showrooms, designers, and cabinetry dealers. The difference helps us to do five important things better than our competitors. The kitchens we sell are better designed and our designers are more experienced. This is because we insist on showing customers designs we recommend, BEFORE, we do a design they request. This way, final designs tend to be more collaborative and professional. Our designers are more experienced because they are better paid and design with more cabinet brands than at other dealers. Our pricing for cabinets is less than other cabinet dealers. This is because we do not have a showroom open to the public, and we require a small deposit and a screening before we accept customers. This helps our designers spend their time more effectively. And, it eliminates 80% of the overhead kitchen showrooms spend on staffing, larger displays, and on a curbside location. We carry more brands of cabinetry than other dealers. This is possible because we display one cabinet for each brand we sell. Through glass countertops clients can examine a brands construction quality, and we display the door styles and finishes of our brands. Instead of the larger displays customers see in traditional showrooms, our customers can view 5 million kitchens on Houzz.com, or the hundreds of our kitchen renovations we show on Houzz, our web site, and in framed photos on the walls of our office building. Kitchen construction is often better organized and generally costs less. This is because we recommend general contractors free of charge. They supervise construction from scheduling to completion. This eliminates a middleman, reduces delays, and eliminates the fees that almost all showrooms and home centers charge their customers. We are also happy to work with any contractor a customer finds on their own. If we haven’t worked with that contractor before they may need more of our direction, but both companies can benefit from working together and possibly referring each other in the future. Less problems arise, and if they do, they are handled more quickly. This is because every kitchen we sell is reviewed by at least 3 kitchen designers during the ordering process. Our Operations Manager Ed Sossich checks orders and schedules all warehouse and home deliveries. Our delivery manager Mark Mitten supervises every delivery and checks in each cabinet and part. And our CRM system, Monday, prompts each person responsible for each phase of a customer’s kitchen with automated alerts. This keeps things moving, even during supply chain disruptions, and ensures no step is overlooked. Main Line Kitchen Design’s company slogan is “The world of kitchen design is changing . . . “. We pride ourselves on being innovative in everything we do. From our web site and how we advertise, to the gift we send each customer upon the completion of their kitchen. Our business model helps us receive 100’s of 5-star reviews, and makes our kitchen projects more enjoyable for everyone. We look forward to working with you.

Sebastian Bach
Trendy staircase photo in New York

Our client had been living in her beautiful lakeside retreat for about 3 years. All around were stunning views of the lake and mountains, but the view from inside was minimal. It felt dark and closed off from the gorgeous waterfront mere feet away. She desired a bigger kitchen, natural light, and a contemporary look. Referred to JRP by a subcontractor our client walked into the showroom one day, took one look at the modern kitchen in our design center, and was inspired! After talking about the frustrations of dark spaces and limitations when entertaining groups of friends, the homeowner and the JRP design team emerged with a new vision. Two walls between the living room and kitchen would be eliminated and structural revisions were needed for a common wall shared a wall with a neighbor. With the wall removals and the addition of multiple slider doors, the main level now has an open layout. Everything in the home went from dark to luminous as sunlight could now bounce off white walls to illuminate both spaces. Our aim was to create a beautiful modern kitchen which fused the necessities of a functional space with the elegant form of the contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen playfully mixes frameless white upper with horizontal grain oak lower cabinets and a fun diagonal white tile backsplash. Gorgeous grey Cambria quartz with white veining meets them both in the middle. The large island with integrated barstool area makes it functional and a great entertaining space. The master bedroom received a mini facelift as well. White never fails to give your bedroom a timeless look. The beautiful, bright marble shower shows what's possible when mixing tile shape, size, and color. The marble mosaic tiles in the shower pan are especially bold paired with black matte plumbing fixtures and gives the shower a striking visual. Layers, light, consistent intention, and fun! - paired with beautiful, unique designs and a personal touch created this beautiful home that does not go unnoticed.   PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: Neutrals • Countertops: Cambria Quartz, Luxury Series, Queen Anne • Kitchen Cabinets: Slab, Overlay Frameless Uppers: Blanco Base: Horizontal Grain Oak • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Kitchen – Stainless Steel • Lighting Fixtures: • Flooring: Hardwood: Siberian Oak with Fossil Stone finish • Tile/Backsplash: Kitchen Backsplash: White/Clear Glass Master Bath Floor: Ann Sacks Benton Mosaics Marble Master Bath Surround: Ann Sacks White Thassos Marble Photographer: Andrew – Open House VC

Project: Pelton Avenue - Coquitlam Builder: Furtado Contracting About this Project We partnered up with Furtado Contracting to transform the main floor and foyer of this Greater Vancouver classic home. Also referred to as the “Vancouver Special” this style of home was popular in the 60’s-80’s and has been re-decorated and renovated ever since. Layout Details: By eliminating the wall between the dining room and kitchen, and reducing the length of the hallway wall, we were able to create a large open concept space. The previous u-shape kitchen turned into a large galley kitchen, which allowed us to incorporate an island with seating for four. With the major appliances being housed on the window wall, we designed a large pantry space spanning from wall-to-wall to store all the necessities from food to cleaning supplies. Its niche not only breaks up the cabinets to add some personality but can be used as a wine/coffee area. On the far end of the kitchen, the pantry wall extends to a narrow cabinet that has been designed to act as a mudroom; a place for shoes and jackets near the back door. At the back of the kitchen you will also find a working space, that has been tied into the fridge area with some careful space planning. Material Details: The living room and foyer received an upgrade with new flooring, light fixtures, paint, and a converted fireplace to A/V wall with a rustic wooden mantle. In the kitchen, woodgrain cabinets made from durable laminate are paired with painted materials. A 1” shaker door painted in our favourite Benjamin Moore “Silver Satin” is seen on the upper cabinets only. This special detail is complimented with bronze knobs by Marathon Hardware. The same colour is seen on the pantry wall in a slab door, making it sleeker. The island is painted in Benjamin Moore “Black Pepper”, is paired with bronze hardware by Marathon Hardware and is clad in quartz, Silestone’s “Calcatta Gold” to be specific. Quartz is a go-to material if maintenance is not your thing! Special Mentions: There are so many amazing things about this project. All the light fixtures were supplied by Robinson Lighting, and include Canadian company Kuzco Lighting, as seen in the kitchen, entry and foyer. The black accents on the sink by Blanco and faucet by Grohe added some contrast against the backsplash by Julian Tile.

Project: Pelton Avenue - Coquitlam Builder: Furtado Contracting About this Project We partnered up with Furtado Contracting to transform the main floor and foyer of this Greater Vancouver classic home. Also referred to as the “Vancouver Special” this style of home was popular in the 60’s-80’s and has been re-decorated and renovated ever since. Layout Details: By eliminating the wall between the dining room and kitchen, and reducing the length of the hallway wall, we were able to create a large open concept space. The previous u-shape kitchen turned into a large galley kitchen, which allowed us to incorporate an island with seating for four. With the major appliances being housed on the window wall, we designed a large pantry space spanning from wall-to-wall to store all the necessities from food to cleaning supplies. Its niche not only breaks up the cabinets to add some personality but can be used as a wine/coffee area. On the far end of the kitchen, the pantry wall extends to a narrow cabinet that has been designed to act as a mudroom; a place for shoes and jackets near the back door. At the back of the kitchen you will also find a working space, that has been tied into the fridge area with some careful space planning. Material Details: The living room and foyer received an upgrade with new flooring, light fixtures, paint, and a converted fireplace to A/V wall with a rustic wooden mantle. In the kitchen, woodgrain cabinets made from durable laminate are paired with painted materials. A 1” shaker door painted in our favourite Benjamin Moore “Silver Satin” is seen on the upper cabinets only. This special detail is complimented with bronze knobs by Marathon Hardware. The same colour is seen on the pantry wall in a slab door, making it sleeker. The island is painted in Benjamin Moore “Black Pepper”, is paired with bronze hardware by Marathon Hardware and is clad in quartz, Silestone’s “Calcatta Gold” to be specific. Quartz is a go-to material if maintenance is not your thing! Special Mentions: There are so many amazing things about this project. All the light fixtures were supplied by Robinson Lighting, and include Canadian company Kuzco Lighting, as seen in the kitchen, entry and foyer. The black accents on the sink by Blanco and faucet by Grohe added some contrast against the backsplash by Julian Tile.

Project: Pelton Avenue - Coquitlam Builder: Furtado Contracting About this Project We partnered up with Furtado Contracting to transform the main floor and foyer of this Greater Vancouver classic home. Also referred to as the “Vancouver Special” this style of home was popular in the 60’s-80’s and has been re-decorated and renovated ever since. Layout Details: By eliminating the wall between the dining room and kitchen, and reducing the length of the hallway wall, we were able to create a large open concept space. The previous u-shape kitchen turned into a large galley kitchen, which allowed us to incorporate an island with seating for four. With the major appliances being housed on the window wall, we designed a large pantry space spanning from wall-to-wall to store all the necessities from food to cleaning supplies. Its niche not only breaks up the cabinets to add some personality but can be used as a wine/coffee area. On the far end of the kitchen, the pantry wall extends to a narrow cabinet that has been designed to act as a mudroom; a place for shoes and jackets near the back door. At the back of the kitchen you will also find a working space, that has been tied into the fridge area with some careful space planning. Material Details: The living room and foyer received an upgrade with new flooring, light fixtures, paint, and a converted fireplace to A/V wall with a rustic wooden mantle. In the kitchen, woodgrain cabinets made from durable laminate are paired with painted materials. A 1” shaker door painted in our favourite Benjamin Moore “Silver Satin” is seen on the upper cabinets only. This special detail is complimented with bronze knobs by Marathon Hardware. The same colour is seen on the pantry wall in a slab door, making it sleeker. The island is painted in Benjamin Moore “Black Pepper”, is paired with bronze hardware by Marathon Hardware and is clad in quartz, Silestone’s “Calcatta Gold” to be specific. Quartz is a go-to material if maintenance is not your thing! Special Mentions: There are so many amazing things about this project. All the light fixtures were supplied by Robinson Lighting, and include Canadian company Kuzco Lighting, as seen in the kitchen, entry and foyer. The black accents on the sink by Blanco and faucet by Grohe added some contrast against the backsplash by Julian Tile.

Passion, character, nostalgia Think of a style that resembles you. Of a meeting with elegance as an expression of personality Chose your dimension in each detail. Key-words for Grand Elegance and main issues leading our philosophy from the very early steps. Our basic idea consists of shifting to ceramics all the living passions so that ceramics itself rises as metaphorical reference for life styles and little daily fads. So the sea and sailing, flowers, gardens, animals, classic sport, country-side and leisure time become all bricks of our imagination. Just like a classic novel, Grand Elegance collection describes our tradition that emphasizes individual attitudes and choices.

In our work, we see lots of big homes with big spaces. We also see small homes. And we’ll be the first to tell you that size isn’t what matters. What’s important is scale. Through design, we can make a small space look big—or make a big space look small. But more important, we can use scale to make your home interiors meet your functional needs while reflecting your personality, values and style. The Eyes Have It. When you step into a room, where do you look? Directing the eye is one of the magic tricks that designers use to create a particular effect. Bright red apples in a simple glass bowl immediately draws the eye to a kitchen counter. The hefty wood trivet and rounded concrete planter containing succulents echo the shape of the apples and the bowl, while adding new materials. A wood and metal stand holds an iPad or book for easy recipe reference, all atop an elegant light granite counter. In a separate arrangement, ceramic artichokes create shape and shine but maintain the neutral color for continuity. In this context, the eye is drawn immediately to the bright red color. That’s why sparse seasonal decorations can be more effective than heavy ornamentation. We can actually take in more when there are fewer items to focus on.