This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine – zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! “The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings,” says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. “We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore.” The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. In the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. “The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today,” says Lisha. “The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!” In addition to the kitchen, the home’s first-floor half bath, living room and den also got an update. Outdoor Homescapes also built storage into the space under the stairs and warmed up the entry with custom blue and beige wallpaper. “In the half bath, we used the client’s favorite color, orange,” says Lisha. “We added a vessel bowl that was also found at a fair and an antique chandelier to top it off.” The paint in that room was textured by running a dry brush vertically while the paint was still wet. “It appears to be wallpaper, but not!” explains Lisha. Outdoor Homescapes also used black/white custom tiles in the bath and laundry room to tie it all in. Lisha used antique pieces in the laundry room with a custom black/white porcelain floor. To open up the wall between the old kitchen and living room, we had to install a 26’ steel I-beam to support the second floor. It was an engineering feat! Took six men to get it into place! “The client – an empty nester couple – had already done their upstairs remodel and they knew the first floor would be a gut-out,” continues Lisha. “The home was in very poor condition prior to the remodel, and everything needed to go. Basically, wife told husband, we either do this remodel or we sell the house. And Mr. inherited it from his Mom, so it has sentimental value to him.” Lisha loves how original it turned out, noting the refreshing department from the usual all-white kitchen with black/white flooring, Carrera marble or granite countertops and subway tile. “The clients were open to mixing up styles and working with me to make it come together,” she says. “I think there’s a new excitement in mixing the decades and finding a way to allow clients to hold on to treasured antiques or special pieces while incorporating them in a more modern space. Her favorite area is the large island. “I love that they will spend holidays and regular days around that space,” she says. “It’s just so welcoming!”

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine – zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! “The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings,” says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. “We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore.” The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. In the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. “The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today,” says Lisha. “The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!” In addition to the kitchen, the home’s first-floor half bath, living room and den also got an update. Outdoor Homescapes also built storage into the space under the stairs and warmed up the entry with custom blue and beige wallpaper. “In the half bath, we used the client’s favorite color, orange,” says Lisha. “We added a vessel bowl that was also found at a fair and an antique chandelier to top it off.” The paint in that room was textured by running a dry brush vertically while the paint was still wet. “It appears to be wallpaper, but not!” explains Lisha. Outdoor Homescapes also used black/white custom tiles in the bath and laundry room to tie it all in. Lisha used antique pieces in the laundry room with a custom black/white porcelain floor. To open up the wall between the old kitchen and living room, we had to install a 26’ steel I-beam to support the second floor. It was an engineering feat! Took six men to get it into place! “The client – an empty nester couple – had already done their upstairs remodel and they knew the first floor would be a gut-out,” continues Lisha. “The home was in very poor condition prior to the remodel, and everything needed to go. Basically, wife told husband, we either do this remodel or we sell the house. And Mr. inherited it from his Mom, so it has sentimental value to him.” Lisha loves how original it turned out, noting the refreshing department from the usual all-white kitchen with black/white flooring, Carrera marble or granite countertops and subway tile. “The clients were open to mixing up styles and working with me to make it come together,” she says. “I think there’s a new excitement in mixing the decades and finding a way to allow clients to hold on to treasured antiques or special pieces while incorporating them in a more modern space. Her favorite area is the large island. “I love that they will spend holidays and regular days around that space,” she says. “It’s just so welcoming!”

Lindsay saw the potential in a vintage rattan settee that was in poor condition. She cleaned and stained the frame, and topped it off with a custom Patio Lane cushion using Silver State Sunbrella fabric. Now it is a real beauty at home in her colorful and busy clay studio! Photo credit: Lindsay Emery, Suite One Studio https://www.suiteonestudio.com/blogs/news/setting-up-shop-refinishing-a-vintage-rattan-settee-for-the-studio-in-partnership-with-patio-lane-sunbrella-and-silverstate-fabrics

This charming historic home on Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga, TN was quite neglected and very out of date. The last renovation had taken place in the late 1970s with the installation of large ceiling fans, tan flat wall color and the original plaster walls were in poor condition. The lighting has been replaced with a period piece black & gold chandelier with crystal droplets. All of the walls and the ceiling have been carefully restored and painted in a trending Benjamin Moore Simply White (satin finish) and for a simple and clean look with just a splash of color, a custom painted small round antique table finished in hot pink (high gloss) and a silk pink orchid add just the right touch! Design by Dawn D Totty Designs

Sometimes the cost of painting an existing vanity vs. a new vanity isn't only the cost of the labor, fixing the old doors, the inside shelves were in poor condition, and the overall space the vanity provided was sub par...so we did replace the vanity and they have so much more functioning space. We did however paint the linen cabinet and the adjoining wall, and it really makes it look built it. I think this transformation is a home run!!!

The library shared a terrace with the living room of this home. The home owner can relax in style while enjoying views of the East River. The bookcase were original to the room but were in poor condition. They were removed and taken to the workroom to be french polished restoring the original patina. Books being a personal favorite posession they can finally showcase their extensive collection along with vintage camera's, antique boxes and an original old Dow Jones stock market tally. Comfortable upholstery, swivel chairs and expansive coffee table make entertaining a breeze. The black and white "Pony" art is hung between the two french doors. Photography by Tom Grimes

Existing Layout - with decorative metal fence, stone veneer columns and steps, driveway in poor condition, retaining walls covered in planting.
Inspiration for a small contemporary partial sun front yard concrete paver and metal fence landscaping in San Diego.

The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm.

The original garage was in poor condition to start and the homeowners wanted to provide a larger backyard play area for their grandchildren. The solution the Feinmann Design/Build team devised was to move the garage forward and build a room over the garage to accommodate a library/office. Then a beautiful, open, airy connection was designed and built to connect the new garage/library to the existing house. A view of the completed project from the street. Photo by Eric Roth

Sometimes the cost of painting an existing vanity vs. a new vanity isn't only the cost of the labor, fixing the old doors, the inside shelves were in poor condition, and the overall space the vanity provided was sub par...so we did replace the vanity and they have so much more functioning space. We did however paint the linen cabinet and the adjoining wall, and it really makes it look built it. I think this transformation is a home run!!!

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine – zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! “The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings,” says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. “We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore.” The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. In the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. “The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today,” says Lisha. “The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!” In addition to the kitchen, the home’s first-floor half bath, living room and den also got an update. Outdoor Homescapes also built storage into the space under the stairs and warmed up the entry with custom blue and beige wallpaper. “In the half bath, we used the client’s favorite color, orange,” says Lisha. “We added a vessel bowl that was also found at a fair and an antique chandelier to top it off.” The paint in that room was textured by running a dry brush vertically while the paint was still wet. “It appears to be wallpaper, but not!” explains Lisha. Outdoor Homescapes also used black/white custom tiles in the bath and laundry room to tie it all in. Lisha used antique pieces in the laundry room with a custom black/white porcelain floor. To open up the wall between the old kitchen and living room, we had to install a 26’ steel I-beam to support the second floor. It was an engineering feat! Took six men to get it into place! “The client – an empty nester couple – had already done their upstairs remodel and they knew the first floor would be a gut-out,” continues Lisha. “The home was in very poor condition prior to the remodel, and everything needed to go. Basically, wife told husband, we either do this remodel or we sell the house. And Mr. inherited it from his Mom, so it has sentimental value to him.” Lisha loves how original it turned out, noting the refreshing department from the usual all-white kitchen with black/white flooring, Carrera marble or granite countertops and subway tile. “The clients were open to mixing up styles and working with me to make it come together,” she says. “I think there’s a new excitement in mixing the decades and finding a way to allow clients to hold on to treasured antiques or special pieces while incorporating them in a more modern space. Her favorite area is the large island. “I love that they will spend holidays and regular days around that space,” she says. “It’s just so welcoming!”

The patio beam and posts were deemed to be in poor condition due to deterioration. Structural engineer generated an evaluation report determining that replacement posts, post supports and beam met code and area windstorm standards

In areas where real grass is difficult to grow or maintain–due to high traffic or poor conditions–we offer a superb alternative that is functional, durable, remarkably realistic and replicates a natural appearance of pristine landscape in any environment.

Sometimes the cost of painting an existing vanity vs. a new vanity isn't only the cost of the labor, fixing the old doors, the inside shelves were in poor condition, and the overall space the vanity provided was sub par...so we did replace the vanity and they have so much more functioning space. We did however paint the linen cabinet and the adjoining wall, and it really makes it look built it. I think this transformation is a home run!!!

Balcony was in poor condition. Rotted wood. Corroded and rusted out railing. New wood, stucco repairs to walls, new railing.
Balcony - modern metal railing balcony idea in Miami

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine – zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! “The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings,” says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. “We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore.” The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. In the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. “The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today,” says Lisha. “The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!” In addition to the kitchen, the home’s first-floor half bath, living room and den also got an update. Outdoor Homescapes also built storage into the space under the stairs and warmed up the entry with custom blue and beige wallpaper. “In the half bath, we used the client’s favorite color, orange,” says Lisha. “We added a vessel bowl that was also found at a fair and an antique chandelier to top it off.” The paint in that room was textured by running a dry brush vertically while the paint was still wet. “It appears to be wallpaper, but not!” explains Lisha. Outdoor Homescapes also used black/white custom tiles in the bath and laundry room to tie it all in. Lisha used antique pieces in the laundry room with a custom black/white porcelain floor. To open up the wall between the old kitchen and living room, we had to install a 26’ steel I-beam to support the second floor. It was an engineering feat! Took six men to get it into place! “The client – an empty nester couple – had already done their upstairs remodel and they knew the first floor would be a gut-out,” continues Lisha. “The home was in very poor condition prior to the remodel, and everything needed to go. Basically, wife told husband, we either do this remodel or we sell the house. And Mr. inherited it from his Mom, so it has sentimental value to him.” Lisha loves how original it turned out, noting the refreshing department from the usual all-white kitchen with black/white flooring, Carrera marble or granite countertops and subway tile. “The clients were open to mixing up styles and working with me to make it come together,” she says. “I think there’s a new excitement in mixing the decades and finding a way to allow clients to hold on to treasured antiques or special pieces while incorporating them in a more modern space. Her favorite area is the large island. “I love that they will spend holidays and regular days around that space,” she says. “It’s just so welcoming!”

The building was in poor condition and required a complete overhaul, as well as a new addition to house the commercial kitchen and dining room. The Looms’ design team of Liz Winship and Mary Beth Ferro were brought in early on in the process to work closely with the architects and contractors to collaborate in designing a space that would blend the historic integrity of the period building and the neighborhood with the practical, code-driven requirements of a multi-functional commercial space. The “look” was to be inspired by Nantucket’s unique land and seascape, while also feeling a little “on trend” and contemporary.

Bob Zaikowski
Example of an arts and crafts living room design in Portland

Before – Bedrooms, Closets & Common Areas: Damaged and Uninhabitable The bedrooms, closets, and common areas were in extremely poor condition. Flooring varied between worn carpet and outdated laminate, both affected by moisture, warping, and mold. The walls were stained and peeling, with broken lighting fixtures, damaged doors, and a strong pet odor throughout the house. We carried out a full renovation: new light-tone vinyl flooring, fresh paint, modern lighting, updated baseboards, doors, handles, and shelving. The result is a clean, bright, and modern home—completely transformed and ready for comfortable living.