Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in Boston

Example of a mid-sized ornate blue two-story vinyl exterior home design in San Luis Obispo

This clean and inviting staircase is the perfect accent to this mountain home in Park City. We worked with Magleby Construction, an amazing home builder, to create an open stair design that brought balance and warmth to the home. This staircase consists of 3” thick Walnut Block Treads and landings supported on two ½” thin blades of steel. These steel blades are laser cut to knife up into the bottom of each stair tread providing support without any visible attachments. The clean cut style of the guardrail emphasizes the staircase without competing against the distinctiveness of the stone walls. An interesting point to note is that the two top newel posts seen here are actually 20+ foot tall solid alder columns that we dropped down to the basement floor. These serve primarily as an architectural feature as the stairs are not supported by them but are suspended, the steel blades tying into the surrounding walls for support prior to the stone work. A beautiful testament to the fact that even "boring straight stairs" can be made to look and feel incredible!

One. That's the number of visible light fixtures in this wine cellar. With such a beautiful space, who needs to add decorative fixtures? With the help of the amazing team at Prairie Woodworks, I hid light in crown molding, bottle racks, display shelves, and of course under cabinets. The result is a wine cellar that glows. Next time I hope I can hide the one spotlight on the decorative platter! Visit LightCanHelpYou.com for more of my stories, articles, blog posts, and services.

This fire feature is a custom four sided fireplace designed and fabricated with no visible corner posts. Fireplace is a welcoming center feature of the house and can be viewed from kitchen, dining and living room areas.

This isn’t just a covered patio. This is engineered luxury, perfectly sculpted to elevate your poolside lifestyle. The Azenco R-CAR™ is a freestanding, cantilevered roof system that creates the ideal blend of modern aesthetics, weather protection, and everyday functionality. Its bold overhang design offers unobstructed views and breezy openness without bulky support posts in the way. Precision-engineered aluminum frames with powder-coated finishes ensure long-lasting durability, even in the most demanding environments. With an insulated solid roof panel, this structure provides 100% waterproof protection and temperature control, making it perfect for all-day enjoyment whether you're grilling, entertaining, or simply lounging with family. Integrated lighting, fans, and heating systems bring indoor comfort to your favorite outdoor space. Unlike flimsy retractable awnings or low-grade pergolas, the R-CAR™ delivers sleek sophistication and engineered strength. It is made in the USA, built to code, and designed to last. With zero visible fasteners and clean architectural lines, it turns any backyard into a five-star retreat. This is the roof that doesn’t just protect your space, it defines it. Let’s bring this level of craftsmanship and comfort to your home. Schedule your outdoor design consultation today: 516-522-8249

This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.

This owner had recently purchased a home with good bones but the layout didn't suit their lifestyle. The goal was to develop more open and connected spaces with lots of lights and good visibility to outdoor entertaining. A stair was relocated and a small addition was added in order to tie all the living spaces together with the new kitchen. Photos by Lana Eklund

The stepping-down of the wall is visible here. Twelve-foot-long fence posts are running just behind the wall.
Inspiration for a large traditional full sun backyard landscaping in Charlotte.

Easy access to all your spices while cooking the families meals. The induction cook-top lets all your meals be cooked to perfection.
Transitional kitchen photo in Miami

An over-the-air (OTA) HDTV antenna. A HD television antenna was mounted (and grounded) in the second-floor attic to eliminate the unsightliness of exterior mounting. Free HDTV signals are received with crystal clarity. Also visible in the upper right of the photo is new phone, network, and video cable run as part of the structuring wiring project, connecting the structured wiring panel to a set of second floor wall jacks, carefully tacked to a roof truss to keep it off of the lower joists and eliminate the trip hazard. Project background: A whole-home re-wire. DemNET Technologies was brought in to remove and recycle old, outdated wiring, and re-wire this home with modern, high speed cable. DemNET also installed a structured wiring center and telecom rack, ran new wires to the outdoor service boxes, installed a HDTV antenna in the attic, and installed 7.1 surround sound in the family room, with a Zone 2 setup in the basement. Photo: DemNET Technologies

This living room was opened up to bring in a lot of natural light and a clear view to the front door which wasn't visible before. the built in beverage center offers convenience & lots of counter space for large gatherings, the stone fireplace is balanced by wood shelves & wall sconces which add visual interest to this stunning fireplace & room

This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.

This fire feature is a custom four sided fireplace designed and fabricated with no visible corner posts. Fireplace is a welcoming center feature of the house and can be viewed from kitchen, dining and living room areas.

This completed outdoor project at 321 Plati Ave, Peterborough, showcases a sleek and modern composite fence installation designed to elevate both privacy and curb appeal. Built around the homeowner’s backyard pool area, the fence creates a clean, contemporary backdrop while enhancing the overall outdoor living experience. The design features premium woodgrain composite fence boards in a rich natural brown tone, paired with durable black aluminum posts and framing for a striking modern contrast. Integrated architectural lighting was strategically installed throughout the fence line, adding warmth, ambiance, and improved visibility during evening use. The soft lighting beautifully highlights the texture of the composite panels while creating a luxurious resort-inspired atmosphere around the pool. Constructed with low-maintenance composite materials, this fence was designed to withstand Ontario’s changing weather conditions without the need for staining, painting, or frequent upkeep. The durable materials resist warping, rotting, fading, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment for the property. In addition to providing enhanced backyard privacy and security, the completed project adds a refined architectural element to the outdoor space. The combination of modern materials, clean lines, and functional lighting creates a sophisticated and welcoming environment perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the backyard day or night.

Set in a backyard with a beautiful pool but little shade, this Houston project was designed to solve two key problems. Problem number 1 was sun exposure and the second problem was a poorly laid-out outdoor kitchen. The homeowners reached out to our team looking for a modern, functional solution. At the heart of this transformation is a 16×32 cantilevered aluminum pergola, one of the longest we can build without front posts. This design creates uninterrupted open space beneath the structure, offering full visibility and maximum flexibility for layout and movement. The pergola features insulated roof panels (IRP) in a striking sandalwood finish that mimics tongue-and-groove wood. The structure’s frame and roof are all aircraft-grade aluminum, making it both stylish and durable—ideal for Houston’s heat and humidity. Six recessed can lights and dual ceiling fans were installed to ensure the area stays cool and usable day or night. All electrical runs were cleanly concealed within the IRP, keeping the minimalist design intact. Beneath the pergola, we installed 2×2 pearl white alpine smooth cast pavers in a diamond pattern. These pavers blend seamlessly with the existing turf, bringing brightness and texture to the space while maintaining a soft, luxurious feel underfoot. The old L-shaped kitchen was removed and replaced with a full-length custom build across the back of the patio. It’s outfitted with everything a backyard chef could want: a built-in grill, burners, sink, Big Green Egg, Traeger smoker, and a slide-out fridge. The kitchen was carefully designed to maximize the available space while meeting city code, with all components permitted and engineered. To complete the entertainment zone, we built a custom CMU TV wall, finished with Trex paneling for warmth and texture. It includes a wall-mounted flat-screen, Sonos speakers, and a discreetly hidden mini amplifier for seamless AV integration. All wiring is cleanly tucked away, keeping the look sleek and modern.

Bamboo stair trends and risers, as well as the custom-built railings and newel posts are clearly visible through the glass balusters.
Example of a large trendy wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase design in Other with painted risers

Choosing between American framed cabinets and European frameless renditions often boils down to personal preference.

While the American framed counterpart emerges as an immensely popular choice, classic white European kitchen cabinets exhibit a timeless charm that one can't ignore.

It's pretty easy to distinguish a framed and a frameless cabinet as one pays close attention.

The American framed cabinets typically have wide gaps around the doors showing the face of the wood.

In comparison, the European frameless cabinets have much smaller gaps (less than a quarter-inch or more). Moreover, they also carry a matching edge band which is visible on the cabinet box, when its doors are left open.

Well, that's there with the basics and many more subtle differences that distinguish one kind from another.

In this post, we take a closer look at both frameless and framed cabinet styles, their merits and demerits, and help you make an informed decision to buy one.

The American Style Face Frames

As the name suggests, face frame cabinets dominate the structure of a cabinet and use comparatively thinner materials for the cabinet box.

One can find additional frame pieces (mullions) that rest right between the door and the face of the drawer.

One of the standout features of American framed cabinets is the doors that remain attached to the face frame and carry hinges concealed within. In such structures, the shelves are generally of half depth and can be hung side up or down according to one’s need.

Face frame cabinets are known to sport doors that are not classic or pure square in shape. Also, they use a trim mold for their finish which measures just about an inch, but wide enough to press on the wall contours. Thus, they are nailed right on the face of the cabinet as well as to the sides to even out the gaps following the installation.

In essence, this particular style of cabinetry is geared towards keeping things under budget and allows the makers to work persistently and create a specific line of products.

The European Frameless Style

Taking a different stance from American face frame cabinets, we have the European Frameless style that views the cabinet box as the main structure.

It goes to work with a thin edge connected to the cabinet box matching the exteriors. The material used for the cabinet box is also thicker and carries quite a bit of weight.

Also, instead of the face frame, the glides for the door and the drawers stay attached to the cabinet box itself. The white European kitchen cabinets also use concealed hinges, which is again chunkier compared to its American counterpart.

While such frameless cabinets can be easily ordered by referring to a catalog, most buyers opt for a custom made product.

Another glaring difference between the two cabinetry styles is how the European frameless renditions work with cabinet doors that are perfect squares, and all lines between the drawers and doors are straight, imparting consistency throughout.

Furthermore, the finishing detail instead of using trim molds are scribed and further cut to fit within the walls.

Delightful enough, one can have a European frameless cabinets customized to their liking, mood, and style. White European kitchen cabinets, unlike framed ones, can be made to look rustic, transitional, modern, or traditional, and could be even a blend of any two styles.

How Do You Know Which Is The Right Style For You?

As mentioned earlier, choosing a particular style of cabinetry is all dependent on your personal preference. However, there are a few merits and demerits to each style.

For instance, the white European kitchen cabinets are extremely high in demand and can offer a rich look and elegant feel to any space.

Even if you go for any other color other than the classic ones, it is the flexibility, the visually stunning appearance, and precise carpentry that goes in its favor.

Come-of-age cabinet makers have a wide range of white kitchen cabinets for sale to choose from. Cabinet DIY is one such professional and passionate cabinet maker that has helped many homeowners pick the right piece for their place. One can order from their website and get it shipped to their doorstep.

It's only evident why this carefully cut and sculpted cabinetry finds its place across leading home decor magazines and websites around the world.

The American face frame cabinets can seldom claim to match the elegance and timeless beauty of white European kitchen cabinets. Also, given the choice, European frameless cabinets have multiple doors and wide drawer banks offering adequate room for storage.

Most importantly, the hardware that goes into the making of a frameless cabinet has everything attached to the cabinet box which promises more longevity, compared to face frame renditions. While the former is more likely to stay the same over several years, the latter is prone to cracks appearing in places now and then, with slides and hinges fitted with screws.

Nevertheless, one of the standout reasons that might give American face frame cabinets an upper hand over European frameless cabinetry is budget.

American framed cabinets using much thinner finish material attributes to lower pricing. Also, given the fact that there isn't much room for exquisite designs, the budget is often an overpowering factor for many buyers.

Wrap up

For anyone who would like to order a cabinet that is aesthetically pleasing and promises endless customization and longevity will side with European frameless cabinets.

In doing so, it is quite probable that pricing won't be a hindrance as one wages the investment for the value the furniture adds to a living space. Something that American face framed cabinets can't seem to match up.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Minneapolis