Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!

The elegant curve of the free standing tub with the mounted faucet strategically placed promises a luxury bathing experience. Towel bars on the back walls serve a dual purpose by providing easy access to towels while contributing to the overall visual allure.

The Science of Light and Learning To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings. LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education. Durability and Longevity LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment. Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers. Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present. Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

Daltile promises the 4T’s of tile: Tough, Timeless, Trouble-Free, and Trustworthy. With Daltile, you will be guaranteed a durable and low-maintenance flooring surface that seamlessly flows throughout your entire home. As the original carpet store on Orange County’s famed tile mile, Sterling has been servicing the flooring needs of Southern California for generations. Sterling is one the largest and oldest flooring stores in Orange County. We look forward to helping you with all your flooring needs.

Vianney home decor promises you a cozy winter. Comfort is reached with the softness of the perfect blanket and the right combinaton of color that will provide to the ambiance a sensation of relaxation and rest.

This well-loved 1960’s split-level home was in need of a makeover both in terms of design and function! OPEN CONCEPT Our clients wanted an open-concept layout for their Lower-Level and Main Floor spaces. This was no easy feat, given that the split-level construction of this home isolated the Kitchen and Family Room from the rest of the house. But we rose to the challenge! How did we do it?! To bring more harmony to this 1960’s closed off split-level construction, we enlarged the entryways of the Kitchen and the Dining Room across the Hallway to brighten up the two rooms and allow for better traffic flow between them. The worn out mixed flooring materials were replaced with new porcelain tiles in the Foyer and new beautiful engineered hardwood floors unified all three levels. The 3 sets of staircases were updated for safety by raising the railing to Building Code Standards. Then they were redressed with new black metal pickets, Oak treads, posts and handrails. KITCHEN The tight kitchen with a dysfunctional layout was brought back to life with the creation of new dining and working zones and plenty of counter space and concealed storage. How did we do it?! A peninsula serving as the Breakfast table was installed along shallow-depth cabinetry as you enter the Kitchen. The fridge, stove and sink were relocated to the end of the Kitchen with big windows and more counter space. A row of tall pantries and an appliance garage were installed along one side of the room to offer plenty of storage and hide frequently used small appliances. FAMILY ROOM Our Clients spent a lot of time in their Family Room but felt isolated from the rest of the house when they were in it. The room was dim and the stone-clad wood burning fireplace, which they rarely used, took up a lot of space. Here’s how we gave this Family Room a makeover Removing dated wainscoting and wallpaper and replacing it with freshly painted walls in neutral tones with an accent colour catapulted this Family Room out of the stone ages! The stone-clad fireplace in the middle of the room was removed and replaced with a slim electric fireplace at one end of the room. Add on the beautiful built-out clad with porcelain tiles and you’ve got a cozy and stylish reading nook. When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

This warm modern kitchen by Performance Kitchens & Home features rich walnut cabinetry paired with bright white quartz countertops for a clean, timeless, and inviting aesthetic. The open shelving around the windows adds an airy, contemporary touch while showcasing the homeowners’ favorite pieces. A professional-style range, stainless steel appliances, and a streamlined vent hood complete the sleek look. The oversized peninsula with integrated seating creates the perfect gathering space for cooking, conversation, and entertaining. Blending natural wood textures with minimalistic lines, this kitchen delivers both luxury and comfort — a hallmark of our Gold Standard design approach. This combination, along with a superior lighting plan, provides a welcoming glow to family and friends alike and promises a wonderful experience for everyone who enters this very special kitchen. Text us at (484) 278-1764 or Call us (215) 482-0700 to get more info about Design, Design-Build and other ways we can help you make your dream a reality!

Perched in the rolling landscape of Alta, Wyoming, this legacy home was thoughtfully designed to belong to the land, not dominate it. Nestled into the hillside with sweeping views of the elk migration path and the Teton Range, every decision was made with future generations in mind. Led by Julie Cavanaugh, this project reflects her passion for designing legacy homes...places that honor family history, respect the land, and are built to be passed down for generations. With roots on this property dating back to the late 1800s, the homeowners envisioned a home that would tell their family’s story well into the future. As featured in the latest edition of Mountain Living Magazine, this home is more than a retreat, it’s a promise to the past and a gift to generations to come. With 70 acres of land, this timber framed home totals 5,752 sf. - 4 bed, 4.5 bath

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, one name stands out for its timeless creativity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of beauty - Memories of a Butterfly. With their new 2023 Ready-Made Collection, this avant-garde brand once again takes center stage, offering a stunning array of Beaded Curtains, Room Dividers, and Screens that promise to elevate home decor, ignite interior design inspiration, and transform restaurant interiors into captivating spaces.

Ritz-Carlton PH Miami Beach Our Britto Charette interior design team is thrilled to be designing a penthouse at the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach, Florida. In collaboration with the Miami architecture firm, Stantec, architect Piero Lissoni has designed an exciting new level of luxury living in Miami. The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach boasts 111 condominium residences and 15 single-family villas and promises residents breathtaking views, Italian craftsmanship, and absolutely decadent amenities, including deeded boat slips. Our clients’ penthouse is comprised of nearly 6,000 sqft of luxury living space and a terrace that provides captivating views. We have created a design for them that is simultaneously modern and elegant, honoring Lissoni’s architectural vision for the adaptive reuse building the penthouse sits atop.

Transform your Seattle home with a stunning full house remodel that embraces the timeless elegance of Craftsman style. The kitchen will be a chef's dream, featuring pristine white quartz countertops, a sleek gas stove, and a full wall tile backsplash that adds a touch of sophistication. Shaker cabinets offer ample storage, while floating shelves and a barn door enhance the farmhouse craftsman vibe. The living room becomes a cozy retreat with a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for those chilly Seattle evenings. Shiplap accents and arched doorways throughout the home create a seamless blend of classic and contemporary design elements. The master bedroom boasts a built-in coffee bar, adding a luxurious touch to your morning routine. This remodel promises a harmonious balance of functionality and charm, making your Craftsman-style home both beautiful and inviting.

Introducing our elegant pergola addition, the perfect blend of shade and style for your outdoor space. Crafted with precision and artistry, this feature enhances your landscape while providing a serene spot for relaxation or social gatherings. Whether it's sun-dappled afternoons or starlit evenings, our pergola promises a touch of sophistication to any setting.

It began with a huge hole in our backyard that was quickly surrounded by cement block and a promise of good things to come. It was worth it. We moved into our first-floor great room and kitchen over the Holidays. It’s a warm, bright, open space that makes entertaining friends and family easy. And it’s big enough to comfortably make breakfast on busy mornings. We even have our very own coffee and tea stations! I’ve also decided to remodel the first-floor bath. And to demonstrate my commitment I’ve taken everything out – walls, ceiling, flooring – right down to the studs. The old bath will be transformed into a warm, comfortable ¾ bath, perfectly located in the center of the first floor for easy traffic flow. I’ve decided to do the tiling myself – a daunting task that I don’t take lightly. But I find it quite relaxing. We’ll keep you posted on that!

The sleek, modern chaise lounge in powder-coated aluminum frame and textilene sling fabric in black promises years of low-maintenance enjoyment. The Chaise Lounge is available in pairs (2) or quad set of four (4) for $2,295.00.

Inspired by the iconic American farmhouse, this transitional home blends a modern sense of space and living with traditional form and materials. Details are streamlined and modernized, while the overall form echoes American nastolgia. Past the expansive and welcoming front patio, one enters through the element of glass tying together the two main brick masses. The airiness of the entry glass wall is carried throughout the home with vaulted ceilings, generous views to the outside and an open tread stair with a metal rail system. The modern openness is balanced by the traditional warmth of interior details, including fireplaces, wood ceiling beams and transitional light fixtures, and the restrained proportion of windows. The home takes advantage of the Colorado sun by maximizing the southern light into the family spaces and Master Bedroom, orienting the Kitchen, Great Room and informal dining around the outdoor living space through views and multi-slide doors, the formal Dining Room spills out to the front patio through a wall of French doors, and the 2nd floor is dominated by a glass wall to the front and a balcony to the rear. As a home for the modern family, it seeks to balance expansive gathering spaces throughout all three levels, both indoors and out, while also providing quiet respites such as the 5-piece Master Suite flooded with southern light, the 2nd floor Reading Nook overlooking the street, nestled between the Master and secondary bedrooms, and the Home Office projecting out into the private rear yard. This home promises to flex with the family looking to entertain or stay in for a quiet evening.

The moment you swing open the blue front door, you are welcomed into a world of elegance and style. The entryway of this home has been transformed into a space that effortlessly blends sophistication with comfort, making a memorable first impression. One of the standout features is the custom wall paneling that adorns the entryway. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these panels add a layer of texture and depth and set the tone for what lies ahead. The entryway also boasts a charming touch of blue with the entry seating. The rich, serene hue of the seating adds a pop of color to the space, complementing the custom wall paneling perfectly. It's a spot where you can sit and pause, offering a moment of respite as you enter the home. The combination of custom wall paneling and the inviting blue seating creates a sense of anticipation, hinting at the comfort and style that permeates the entire home. This is not just an entryway; it's a promise of what's to come.

Daltile promises the 4T’s of tile: Tough, Timeless, Trouble-Free, and Trustworthy. With Daltile, you will be guaranteed a durable and low-maintenance flooring surface that seamlessly flows throughout your entire home. As the original carpet store on Orange County’s famed tile mile, Sterling has been servicing the flooring needs of Southern California for generations. Sterling is one the largest and oldest flooring stores in Orange County. We look forward to helping you with all your flooring needs.

Vintage White - ADM Flooring Design European Oak, Engineered Hardwood We provide high quality flooring for all forms of applications. Our flooring is produced eco-friendly and with bio materials. Our products are factory direct, this gives us the competitive edge in pricing. We promise you the best service, anytime. Our support team is available for all types of requests. Request your flooring samples today!

Updated Spec Home: Basement Living Area I promised you there would be a Season 2 of our series Updated Spec Home and here it is – Basement Family Room. My mom and sister found themselves spending more and more time in this room because it was a great open space to watch television and hang out with my sister’s two border collies. Color Scheme We pulled our color scheme from a floral fabric that they saw on a chair at my store, and we used it to reupholster their existing wood accent chairs. We used pops of turquoise and green throughout the space including the long back wall which was perfect to make a feature with this vibrant wallpaper in a geometric design. Defining the Space The room was so large that we needed to define different areas. The large rug in the oversized pattern was perfect for the seating area. Lighting Since there is only one small window bringing natural light into the space, we painted the remaining walls a light warm gray (Sherwin Williams’ City Loft SW7631) and added several table lamps and a floor lamp for task lighting. Reusing Existing Furniture Fortunately the space was large enough so my sister could keep her fabulous worn leather chair and ottoman and my mom could have an upholstered chair and ottoman in a subtle blue and green tweed. The large hallway leading to the storage area was the perfect place for these small bookcases which house family photos in various silver frames. The bookcases have a special place in our hearts – they belonged to my grandparents. We accessorized with a long painted box which was the perfect scale for the bookcases and a grouping of vibrant botanical prints. In lieu of a conventional media cabinet, my mom and sister found this one with a built-in fireplace. It brings a lot of warmth into the space – literally! Painted Furniture We had Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations paint their existing glass front cabinet this awesome apple green. Accessories include turquoise floral vases, a metallic circular vase, and a beautiful floral print. Reading Nook We positioned this original oil painting in the landing so it would be visible from the seating area. The landing was the perfect spot to display my sister’s collection of art glass. I love the small reading nook created with this rattan wooden accent chair and lantern floor lamp. We were able to make good use of the ledge in the stairwell by leaning these vibrant watercolors. The dogs even have their own space. Meet my two “nephews” – Dill and Atticus (the one with his back to us pouting). We used this colorful oversized canvas to define their space and break up the long wall. As you know, one good thing leads to another. Be sure to tune in next week for a surprise addition to this Updated Spec Home. In the meantime, check out this Basement Family Room designed by Robin’s Nest Interiors. Enjoy!