Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

Carlos Domenech
Hallway - large transitional dark wood floor hallway idea in Miami with white walls

Client downsizing into an 80's hi-rise condo hired designer to convert the small sitting room between the master bedroom & bathroom to her Home Office. Although the client, a female executive, was retiring, her many obligations & interests required an efficient space for her active future. Interior Design by Dona Rosene Interiors Photos by Michael Hunter

Aubrie Pick
Inspiration for a small transitional built-in desk study room remodel in San Francisco

With enormous rectangular beams and round log posts, the Spanish Peaks House is a spectacular study in contrasts. Even the exterior—with horizontal log slab siding and vertical wood paneling—mixes textures and styles beautifully. An outdoor rock fireplace, built-in stone grill and ample seating enable the owners to make the most of the mountain-top setting. Inside, the owners relied on Blue Ribbon Builders to capture the natural feel of the home’s surroundings. A massive boulder makes up the hearth in the great room, and provides ideal fireside seating. A custom-made stone replica of Lone Peak is the backsplash in a distinctive powder room; and a giant slab of granite adds the finishing touch to the home’s enviable wood, tile and granite kitchen. In the daylight basement, brushed concrete flooring adds both texture and durability. Roger Wade

This beautiful contemporary home office was designed for multiple activities. First we needed to provide all of the required office functions from computer and the associated hardware to a beautiful as well as functional desk and credenza. The unusual shape of the ceilings was a design inspiration for the cabinetry. Functional storage installed below open display centers brought together practical and aesthetic components. The furnishings were designed to allow work and relaxation in one space. comfortable sofa and chairs combined in a relaxed conversation area, or a spot for a quick afternoon nap. A built in bar and large screen TV are available for entertaining or lounging by the fire. cleverly concealed storage keeps firewood at hand for this wood-burning fireplace. A beautiful burnished brass light fixture completes the touches of metallic accents. Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography

For her third birthday, her mom wanted to gift her a bright, colorful big girl’s room to mark the milestone from crib to bed. We opted for budget-friendly furniture and stayed within our clean and bright aesthetic while still aiming to please our very pink-loving three-year-old. Photos by Christy Q Photography

Eric Piasecki
Study room - transitional built-in desk dark wood floor study room idea in New York with gray walls

Mid-sized transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor, brown floor, vaulted ceiling and wall paneling study room photo in Dallas with green walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Jack Michaud Photography
Example of a transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home studio design in Portland Maine with gray walls

David Cannon Photography
Example of a transitional u-shaped beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Atlanta with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Transitional bathroom photo in New York

Trendy bathroom photo in New York

Study room - cottage built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor study room idea in Minneapolis with white walls

CONTACT These home owners initially contacted their Designer to identify the reason that the floor in their upstairs bedroom suffered from a noticeable slant. The floor problem actually impacted a small bathroom and adjoining study also. Early on, the decision was made to re-design the footprint for the 3 rooms in conjunction with repairing the uneven floor. The approach was to gut all three spaces of walls and floors and start from scratch. The new spaces were designed with the clients needs for accessibility in mind. DESIGN The design effort included identifying the products to be used throughout the spaces. This included everything from the flooring to the wall paint. Kohler plumbing fixtures and Adelphi cabinetry were decided on first. A radiant heat grid was included for the bathroom floor. Lighting, paint and tile soon followed. Wood flooring was installed throughout the adjoining spaces. The master bedroom was redesigned to allow for entry from the study or the master bath via pocket doors. The study was given an access to the master bath also. The hardwood flooring ties the bedroom and study together and gives each room a very spacious feel. The original master bedroom was changed to incorporate a large walk-in closet that features custom storage throughout. The study that also doubles as the IT center for the home was updated with custom book cases and cabinetry from Adelphi Cabinets. When discussing the reapportioning of the entire space for the individual rooms the bathroom was given priority. The previous small bathroom did not include a window for natural light. The new design corrected that in a big way by incorporating an existing bedroom window into the new space. The decision was made early on to allow for the inclusion of a large shower with full granite walls and custom plate glass surround. The shower system includes both fixed and hand held shower heads. A thermostatic control system was included to eliminate scalding. A large bench seat of matching granite allows for relaxing while getting squeaky clean. A separate air massage tub from Kohler centered under the new windows allows for a relaxed moment while being caressed by all those tiny bubbles. His and her side by side vanity sinks allows for efficient use of the space. The Caxton sinks and coordinated toilet were selected to match the color of the tub and do so beautifully! CONSTRUCTION We started the project not knowing what we were going to find. The slanting floor upstairs was not evident in the ceiling of the first floor Once the demolition had been completed it was evident that the floor joists were at the heart of the problem. The home had been framed with floor joists that had been strung together to increase their length. Over time and with the house settling, the strung together joists started to droop from their connection point. This was concealed on the first floor by a large HVAC duct running through the garage. This was corrected by the addition of two laminated beams in the ceiling of the first floor (luckily in the garage) that re-supported the offending joists. THE END The project was a huge success in terms of problem solving and designing with budget and time frame in mind. The overall impact of the new space is impressive both visually and from a practicality point of view. The new master suite with upscale bathroom and study adds significant value to the home and the home owners quality of life!

Combining relaxed new finishes and natural materials for a look that is both elegant and livable. Practical L-shaped desk is loaded with function and sized for smaller spaces.

Elegant kitchen photo in New York

Transitional laundry room photo in Miami

Photo: Marni Epstein-Mervis © 2018 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls