Brentwood modernized this master bathroom using marble wall tile and a new marble shower with bench seat. The black custom cabinets were a great contrast to the predominantly white room. We also modernized their kitchen with custom cabinets, central island, tile flooring, and stainless steel appliances. Greg Clark Photography

This dark, dated, and dull powder room underwent a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a basic pedestal sink to a customized vanity with ample storage. By incorporating wainscoting along the perimeter, the bathroom acquired a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it an inviting and personalized space for guests. Departing from its previous predominantly white color scheme, the room embraced a bold aesthetic with a warm green wall paint and a star-patterned, personality-filled tile floor. Warmth and character were infused into the space through the addition of rich wood accents and luxurious gold fixtures. To evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility, a serene green hue was introduced, further enhancing the room's ambiance and creating a welcoming retreat for guests to enjoy.

In this kitchen renovation, the aim was to revamp the space, making it not just functional, but stylish and inviting too. The decision to paint the walls predominantly white instantly promoted brightness and airiness into the room, setting the stage for a modern makeover. Knocking down the wall separating the kitchen from the family room added a touch of spaciousness and promoted seamless interaction between the two areas. Introducing a sleek floating island became the centerpiece, offering both practicality and a contemporary aesthetic. Upgrading to all new appliances ensured efficiency without sacrificing style. The end result? A chic, welcoming kitchen that's as perfect for cooking up a storm as it is for gathering with loved ones. In this extensive bathroom remodel, a once cluttered and cramped primary bathroom has been meticulously transformed into a spacious and bright oasis. By prioritizing additional storage and leveraging the existing skylight, the space underwent a remarkable renovation without the need for significant structural changes. The skylight was maximized to its full potential by surrounding it with pristine white walls, creating an airy and luminous atmosphere. The introduction of a luxurious marble shower not only adds a touch of sophistication but also contributes to the overall cleanliness and sophistication of the space. Soft gray cabinets and warm wood accents were strategically incorporated to create a bathroom with a serene and welcoming ambiance, evoking a sense of tranquility and comfort. Every detail was meticulously considered, from the placement of storage solutions to the selection of materials, ensuring that the remodeled bathroom exudes both functionality and elegance. The result is a blend of style and practicality, where every aspect of the design works in harmony to create a serene sanctuary where relaxation and rejuvenation are effortlessly embraced.

Starting Each Day Clean and Refreshed In This Classically-Modern, Marble Masterpiece In 1985, the previous owner of the house had added an addition of which part included a 17 feet by 13 feet space off the master bedroom for both a master bath and walk-in closet. Irrespective of the dated red carpet that blanketed the entire bathroom of this 1964 colonial in Annandale, VA, the combination bathroom/closet space had its other oddities, primarily in that there was no shower. The current homeowners -- a family of five, who has been in the home for 7 years, was tired of going down the hall to use the kids’ bathroom to take a shower before work. The renovation that they have created now is a bright and luxurious space that one could bask in all day. They used this bathroom renovation opportunity to total remake the layout and function of this essential room that sets the tone for the day ahead. Prior to the renovation, the existing bathroom oddly had two entrances, a typical one off of the master bedroom, but another straight off the upstairs hallway. As the toilet was out in the open in the previous design, ensuring that this second door was closed when company was in town was essential and a nuisance. As you entered the room, situated below the arc window, a large soaking tub that was covered on three sides with wooden steps dominated the room from the corner it projected. A relatively small 42” single bowl sink did not leave much space for his and hers toiletries, and there was no other linen closet or cabinetry for storage in the bathroom. The 8 foot by 5 foot closet with accordion doors had poorly laid out rungs not letting the storage space to be fully utilized. At over 220 square feet, the room did offer considerable space to work with, yet the existing layout, which even included a partition wall behind the vanity, felt cramped and dysfunctional. The homeowners wished to create a classic yet modern, private, deluxe bathroom that would better integrate into their master suite and enable them to start and end each day in a luxurious way. They wanted to maintain having a soaking tub, add in a large shower, have an enclosed commode, expand to include double sinks, and add more storage for toiletries and linens. We worked with the customer to develop a creative design with extensive plumbing rework that accomplished all these needs and more. The first order of business was to gut out all the carpet, tub, cabinetry, and non-load bearing partition walls. The new tub would be generally in the same location, but as the previous walk-in closet would be repurposed for the commode and the walk-in shower additional water lines, plumbing, and draining needed to be added; fortunately the room below is the garage, which enabled the team to frame out some bulkheads to accomplish this complex plumbing. Following the framing, including walling up the second entrance to the bathroom, adding in a pocket door for the commode, and creating the shape of the new shower, the team also laid down the wiring for one of the luxuries of this room – heated flooring. A glossy percaline boarder, and two-inch hexagon shape percaline tiles cover the entire floor, making it much easier and cleaner than the previous carpet. Marble look tile is predominant throughout the bathroom as despite the angled frameless glass door, the entire shower is covered in 18 inch polished marble look tiles. The shower coats the user in water from either the overhead rain head, large main showerhead and/or the hand held sprayer. Over 7 feet of white Italian Statuetto marble countertop, enable the couple to have two sink bowls and plenty of room on each side. The bowls are exposed in this stainless steel console sink design which required the team to ensure that the exposed plumbing looked pristine, and painting the bottom of the porcelain bowl to match the coloring. The white cast-iron 72-inch Cecilia claw-foot soaking tub and its chrome lion’s paws complement that other chrome and white used throughout the room. A tall, almost floor-to-ceiling linen closet finished in arctic white is nestled in the corner near the tub, enabling ample storage of towels, etc. Other cabinetry includes an 18 inch-wide vanity with decorative footing is centered between the two sinks, and a 27 inch wall mounted cabinet with shelf is above the Kohler Devonshire elongated toilet. Billowing cloud colored grey blue paint was a great choice for this room to pick up on the veining in the marble. Mirrored medicine chests, a chandelier, wall sconces, and overhead recessed lighting also were incorporated into the design and function of the new room. The artful combination of classic design from material choices, such as free-standing Victorian claw-foot tub along with the modern design as seen in the angled shower, frameless medicine cabinet mirrors, and frosted glass pocket door on the commode, make this bathroom quite a masterpiece. The clients are enjoying having their private space and not having the use the kids’ bathroom anymore.

We are Dexign Matter, an award-winning studio sought after for crafting multi-layered interiors that we expertly curated to fulfill individual design needs. Design Director Zoe Lee’s passion for customization is evident in this city residence where she melds the elevated experience of luxury hotels with a soft and inviting atmosphere that feels welcoming. Lee’s panache for artful contrasts pairs the richness of strong materials, such as oak and porcelain, with the sophistication of contemporary silhouettes. “The goal was to create a sense of indulgence and comfort, making every moment spent in the homea truly memorable one,” says Lee. By enlivening a once-predominantly white colour scheme with muted hues and tactile textures, Lee was able to impart a characterful countenance that still feels comfortable. She relied on subtle details to ensure this is a residence infused with softness. “The carefully placed and concealed LED light strips throughout create a gentle and ambient illumination,” says Lee. “They conjure a warm ambiance, while adding a touch of modernity.” Further finishes include a Shaker feature wall in the living room. It extends seamlessly to the room’s double-height ceiling, adding an element of continuity and establishing a connection with the primary ensuite’s wood panelling. “This integration of design elements creates a cohesive and visually appealing atmosphere,” Lee says. The ensuite’s dramatically veined marble-look is carried from the walls to the countertop and even the cabinet doors. “This consistent finish serves as another unifying element, transforming the individual components into a captivating feature wall. It adds an elegant touch to the overall aesthetic of the space.” Pops of black hardware throughout channel that elegance and feel welcoming. Lee says, “The furnishings’ unique characteristics and visual appeal contribute to a sense of continuous luxury – it is now a home that is both bespoke and wonderfully beckoning.”

Michael Kroger
Example of a mid-sized transitional 3/4 beige tile and matchstick tile travertine floor walk-in shower design in Other with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite countertops, an undermount tub, beige walls and white cabinets

The great room incorporates a living and dining and is open to the kitchen as well as a luxurious back patio. It is the perfect place for entertaining. In this space we used rich wood furniture, including a custom exotic wood scroll bench. Cream and white leather upholstery is predominant with hammered silver nail head trim as accents. An antiqued silver leafed custom bar cabinet in an alcove in the back of the space was custom made just for the client. A floor lamp with crystal accents highlights the gorgeous crystal lamp that rests on the sofa table. A large contemporary art piece on the wall brings in some color and interest. We refinished the walnut strip wood flooring in a darker color for more contrast and placed a custom pony hair area rug to the living room floor for added dimension and luxury. Lots of metal and glass furniture accents are seen throughout. A metallic drapery rod and custom horizontally striped drapery panels over motorized roman shades add a glamorous feel to the space. For an upscale look we used grass cloth and mica wall coverings on the dining room wall. An inlaid walnut sunburst table is surrounded by custom upholstered dining chairs and the focal point is the custom chandelier made with quartz crystal clusters in varied lengths over the dining room table. A player piano in the corner of the room adds to the entertainment ambiance of this new condo. Photography by Erika Bierman

Architects: SoNo Arhitekti www.sono.si www.facebook.com/SonoArhitekti Location: Slovenia Architects in Charge: Edvard Blažko, Marko Volk, Nina Tešanović, Samo Radinja Area: 230 sqm Year: 2015 Photographs: Aljoša Videtič This family home is an example of a modern design filled with natural light and building blocks comprised of sustainable material – in this case wood, one of the if not the most strategic material of Slovenia . It's definitely not a typical prefabricated house out of catalogue as we tried to develop a residence that meets the needs of modern users while having functional floor plans and contemporary elegant exterior all appropriately settled into its landscape. Main concept presents three volumes that are placed in a triangular composition partially overlayed with a rectangular form of the upper floor. While the dynamic shape of the groundfloor is covered with a flat roof, the 1st floor is completed with a gable –like roof, echoing the traditional architecture of the house's surroundings. While we enter into an open spacious and dynamically shaped groundfloor we discover a pleasant intimate ambience. The living room and dining area offer a lot of natural light through the large glazed window surfaces. A prominent staircase leads us to the upper sleeping area that consists of the main bedroom with its own dressing room and a bathroom and children's rooms with a smaller bathroom. Despite groundfloor's dynamic shape, its façade is monochrome - predominately a clean white surface in combination with bigger windows. On the contrary the simple form of the upper floor has a boldly designed façade - a combination of dark colour shades and natural larch wood’s textures. Wood is the basic structural element and at the same time complements the facades, window frames, while also dominating the interiors.

Classic diamond checkered tile floors underlay this breathtaking walnut kitchen. Intricate details of this space correspond to craft a profoundly elegant style - warm bronze hardware highlights the richness of the dark walnut cabinetry, custom island leg posts, matching marbled countertops and backsplash, and base molding details. A walk-in pantry is connected via a lovely arch and open shelving and an accent wall of full-height white cabinets creates a gentle contrast to the kitchen's lovely browns and predominantly base cabinets.

Our vision for this new-build condo was to create a captivating space that celebrates our client’s individuality, bringing together a diverse mix of styles, textures, and elements while maintaining a cohesive and contemporary feel. It combines the fresh, clean look of white as the predominant color with eclectic accents that add our client’s personality and character to the space. There are several “areas'' within this multi-functional space. A large sectional in a greige velvet serves as the centerpiece of the seating area, grounded by pops of blue and pink in the custom Morrocan rug. The cobalt blue theme is carried throughout, seen in the accents, art and even the ombre glass console table of the entry. A set of two blue swivel chairs by the windows, are the perfect setting for a glass of wine in the early evening as the light glistens in through the custom white sheers. The airy dining table is made of glass and carved marble and surrounded by chrome sculptural dining chairs. Above, the multi-faceted antique mirror multi-pendant chandelier drips down from the high ceiling. Our client’s antique carved wood chairs, reupholstered in a linen zebra, flank the selenite and brass bar cabinet. In the corner by the fireplace, a lucite and cowhide desk is paired with a brightly colored vintage chair. On the right of the fireplace, a leather swing, perfectly suited for reading. Lastly, the white kitchen with shimmering blue quartzite countertops brings the design in full circle.

The stunning natural tones and off-whites of Whittier natural thin stone veneer from the Quarry Mill make this stone the perfect option for classic and modern home exteriors. Whitter is a natural quartzite veneer in the dimensional ledgestone style. The pieces of stone are all 3” in height with lengths varying from 6”-18”. Whittier is predominantly white with some cream and light grey tones. The stone will also have some soft brown natural veining within the pieces and softly sparkle in the light. The pieces have been sawn on five sides including the top, bottom, ends, and back. The front shows the split face of the stone with a sandpaper like texture. Installation can be done with or without a mortar joint between the pieces. Whittier is a premium quality imported stone that we have in stock and ready to ship.

Inspired by the classic structure and timeless appeal of natural limestone, Dune has a predominantly beige tone throughout. Swirling, sandy-colored patterns are a feature of this tile and create a floor that is sophisticated, yet understated. Add our new Davyne border to frame the floor around the perimeter of your room and add grout strips between tiles for that authentic stone look. The wide, shallow bevels of our Da Vinci tiles make for an elegant floor that is easy to clean and highly durable.

The great room incorporates a living and dining and is open to the kitchen as well as a luxurious back patio. It is the perfect place for entertaining. In this space we used rich wood furniture, including a custom exotic wood scroll bench. Cream and white leather upholstery is predominant with hammered silver nail head trim as accents. An antiqued silver leafed custom bar cabinet in an alcove in the back of the space was custom made just for the client. A floor lamp with crystal accents highlights the gorgeous crystal lamp that rests on the sofa table. A large contemporary art piece on the wall brings in some color and interest. We refinished the walnut strip wood flooring in a darker color for more contrast and placed a custom pony hair area rug to the living room floor for added dimension and luxury. Lots of metal and glass furniture accents are seen throughout. A metallic drapery rod and custom horizontally striped drapery panels over motorized roman shades add a glamorous feel to the space. For an upscale look we used grass cloth and mica wall coverings on the dining room wall. An inlaid walnut sunburst table is surrounded by custom upholstered dining chairs and the focal point is the custom chandelier made with quartz crystal clusters in varied lengths over the dining room table. A player piano in the corner of the room adds to the entertainment ambiance of this new condo. Photography by Erika Bierman

The master bedroom is a private escape in the rear of the home. Painted shiplap siding accents the walls, which are predominantly American Clay plaster throughout the home. Trent Bona Photography

Large, historic home from the 1930's overlooking downtown Santa Cruz. My clients are self-described "plantaholics" and tend to buy many plants, only to have them die. They have an extensive gardening area and low water budget. Our main goal was to make the overall design cohesive between various areas of the garden while utilizing interesting and unusual plant selections - a very fun project for me! We removed over 3,000 square feet of traditional grass and replaced it with several lawn alternatives. The first is a walkable groundcover that uses a fraction of the water of regular grass (and can be seen here in several seasons, one of which has tiny flowers); The second is a California native grass that grows long (or can be kept short) and can tolerate some shade. Both of these are excellent choices for clients with children or dogs who want a green patch without using excessive water. My clients love plants from Australia and South Africa so plants from the Proteacea and other Southern Hemisphere beauties are used predominantly throughout the project. Clean, flowing water is so important for wildlife and the beautiful stone fountain is a constant gathering spot for birds and other animals. My clients are beyond thrilled with their gorgeous, nature-filled garden and ever-expanding plant knowledge.

With the accent wall being so predominant in the space and extending from one end of the apartment to the other, it was only natural to stage this multi-functional space with decorative items that complimented the shade of green such as the fruit, flowers and blue decorative pillows.

Using predominantly native plant species and bluestone, this mid-century modern landscape becomes intrinsically woven into its surroundings.
Example of a large 1960s backyard patio design in Boston

The great room incorporates a living and dining and is open to the kitchen as well as a luxurious back patio. It is the perfect place for entertaining. In this space we used rich wood furniture, including a custom exotic wood scroll bench. Cream and white leather upholstery is predominant with hammered silver nail head trim as accents. An antiqued silver leafed custom bar cabinet in an alcove in the back of the space was custom made just for the client. A floor lamp with crystal accents highlights the gorgeous crystal lamp that rests on the sofa table. A large contemporary art piece on the wall brings in some color and interest. We refinished the walnut strip wood flooring in a darker color for more contrast and placed a custom pony hair area rug to the living room floor for added dimension and luxury. Lots of metal and glass furniture accents are seen throughout. A metallic drapery rod and custom horizontally striped drapery panels over motorized roman shades add a glamorous feel to the space. For an upscale look we used grass cloth and mica wall coverings on the dining room wall. An inlaid walnut sunburst table is surrounded by custom upholstered dining chairs and the focal point is the custom chandelier made with quartz crystal clusters in varied lengths over the dining room table. A player piano in the corner of the room adds to the entertainment ambiance of this new condo. Photography by Erika Bierman

We are Dexign Matter, an award-winning studio sought after for crafting multi-layered interiors that we expertly curated to fulfill individual design needs. Design Director Zoe Lee’s passion for customization is evident in this city residence where she melds the elevated experience of luxury hotels with a soft and inviting atmosphere that feels welcoming. Lee’s panache for artful contrasts pairs the richness of strong materials, such as oak and porcelain, with the sophistication of contemporary silhouettes. “The goal was to create a sense of indulgence and comfort, making every moment spent in the homea truly memorable one,” says Lee. By enlivening a once-predominantly white colour scheme with muted hues and tactile textures, Lee was able to impart a characterful countenance that still feels comfortable. She relied on subtle details to ensure this is a residence infused with softness. “The carefully placed and concealed LED light strips throughout create a gentle and ambient illumination,” says Lee. “They conjure a warm ambiance, while adding a touch of modernity.” Further finishes include a Shaker feature wall in the living room. It extends seamlessly to the room’s double-height ceiling, adding an element of continuity and establishing a connection with the primary ensuite’s wood panelling. “This integration of design elements creates a cohesive and visually appealing atmosphere,” Lee says. The ensuite’s dramatically veined marble-look is carried from the walls to the countertop and even the cabinet doors. “This consistent finish serves as another unifying element, transforming the individual components into a captivating feature wall. It adds an elegant touch to the overall aesthetic of the space.” Pops of black hardware throughout channel that elegance and feel welcoming. Lee says, “The furnishings’ unique characteristics and visual appeal contribute to a sense of continuous luxury – it is now a home that is both bespoke and wonderfully beckoning.”