The ever increasing screen size of today’s modern sleek TV’s offer very exciting visual opportunities. When choosing an entertainment system for it, functionality should be a key ingredient. Functionality becomes the issue as soon as you start to connect the TV to the cable box, DVD player, amplifier, surround sound speakers and subwoofers…and any of the other numerous components, including computers and gaming devices. Beyond the initial hook up, there will likely be future needs for components to be upgraded or replaced. A properly designed media entertainment center can make this not only easier but also make a statement as an artful furniture addition to the living room, man Cave or bedroom.

The classics never go out of style, as is the case with this custom new build that was interior designed from the blueprint stages with enduring longevity in mind. An eye for scale is key with these expansive spaces calling for proper proportions, intentional details, liveable luxe materials and a melding of functional design with timeless aesthetics. The result is cozy, welcoming and balanced grandeur. | Photography Joshua Caldwell

This staging shows us exactly why furniture makes a room look bigger. During the original walkthrough of this space this living/dining room combo was considered too small to house both functions. However with staging magic (a proper 3D floor plan, expert design and custom furniture orders) we made this space big enough to house both lounge and dining.

In the previous design, even though this island was similar to the new design, it lacked proper functionality. Now, you can pull up a stool and keep the chef company or have the kids do homework in the kitchen. Reduced depth cabinets flank 3 sides of the island.

We transformed the kitchen into a visually stunning and highly functional space. Enhancing the layout for improved efficiency, we added proper storage solutions and modernized the finishes to elevate the overall look. Rich blue cabinetry paired with elegant brass hardware brings a bold, sophisticated touch to the space.

Dramatic and boldly contemporary, the high polish of the Phillipe dining table takes center stage with the all black Louis Chairs taking proper position for an all-out design punch. The black on black on black color scheme begs for attention and the Baroque details and sensuously delightful velvet covered chairs adds that touch of heaven that brings dining to a whole new level. Paired with the Donatella Buffet, that boasts neo-baroque touches, the set is complete, offering style that follows the most basic of great modern design, form and function fitting together perfectly

The client had requested a quiet place in their vacation home to relax, read and recharge. She wanted it to serve as a personal little 'getaway' space but allow her to still feel connected with family and guests. A small loft area that was the 'gateway' between the client's main living area on the second floor and the bedrooms on the third floor was the perfect solution. With an overall footprint of 6' 6" x 7' this tiny space required pieces with just the right scale and proper function. Anice Hoachlander Photography

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Chicago

Removed the existing backsplash and prepared the wall for the new installation by repairing, skim coating, and sanding the surface to create a smooth, even substrate. Installed new ceramic backsplash tile with precision, ensuring proper alignment, spacing, and clean cuts around outlets, cabinets, and countertops. Grouted all tile joints, applied color-matched silicone caulk where required, and thoroughly cleaned the finished surface. The completed backsplash provides a clean, modern appearance while enhancing the overall look and functionality of the kitchen.

Removed the existing backsplash and prepared the wall for the new installation by repairing, skim coating, and sanding the surface to create a smooth, even substrate. Installed new ceramic backsplash tile with precision, ensuring proper alignment, spacing, and clean cuts around outlets, cabinets, and countertops. Grouted all tile joints, applied color-matched silicone caulk where required, and thoroughly cleaned the finished surface. The completed backsplash provides a clean, modern appearance while enhancing the overall look and functionality of the kitchen.

This backyard renovation project in Coquitlam focused on creating a clean, durable, and functional outdoor living space through a new concrete patio installation. The existing outdoor area was regraded and prepared with proper base compaction before the new concrete surface was poured and finished to provide a long-lasting, low-maintenance patio. The upgraded patio now connects the house to the pergola seating area and the upper landscaped yard, creating a seamless transition between different outdoor zones. Careful planning ensured proper drainage, alignment with the existing structure, and a clean finish that complements the home’s exterior. This outdoor improvement is part of a larger residential renovation project that enhanced both the functionality and appearance of the property while providing a comfortable space for outdoor gatherings and everyday use.

Removed the existing backsplash and prepared the wall for the new installation by repairing, skim coating, and sanding the surface to create a smooth, even substrate. Installed new ceramic backsplash tile with precision, ensuring proper alignment, spacing, and clean cuts around outlets, cabinets, and countertops. Grouted all tile joints, applied color-matched silicone caulk where required, and thoroughly cleaned the finished surface. The completed backsplash provides a clean, modern appearance while enhancing the overall look and functionality of the kitchen.

Before: Previously, the kitchen's compact 128-square-foot layout had no space for a proper island. The confined area, bordered by walls and an adjacent dining room, made the kitchen feel closed off and disjointed from the rest of the home. Without an island, the kitchen lacked a central hub for meal prep, dining, and social interaction, limiting its functionality and appeal. The absence of this feature left the homeowners with limited counter space and nowhere to gather or entertain comfortably.

Example of a mid-sized classic guest dark wood floor bedroom design in Orange County with gray walls and no fireplace

Under Stair Closet – Finish Details ?✨ Custom MDF finish doors paired with a clean white interior for a seamless, modern look. • Push-to-open flat doors with heavy-duty slide system • Multiple storage sections designed for smooth and easy access • Left-side filler panel installed for a clean, built-in appearance • Additional filler panels installed between sections to properly support the slide system Designed for a sleek finish with both functionality and durability in mind.

Drainage Solutions & Curb Appeal Transformation This project focused on solving a persistent drainage issue that was impacting both the usability and appearance of the property. Standing water and poor grading were creating functional problems while diminishing the home’s overall curb appeal—an issue many homeowners face when water isn’t properly directed away from the home. Fowler Outdoor Co. approached the project with a design-build mindset, addressing the root cause of the drainage problem through proper grading, water management, and structural solutions. By integrating effective drainage systems with thoughtfully designed hardscape elements, the team was able to redirect water flow, protect the property, and create a more stable foundation for the landscape. Beyond functionality, the transformation elevated the front yard’s appearance with clean lines, intentional materials, and a cohesive layout that complements the home. The result is a space that not only performs better during heavy rain but also delivers a polished, welcoming first impression. This project is a great example of how solving underlying issues like drainage can completely transform both the look and long-term performance of an outdoor space.

Drainage Solutions & Curb Appeal Transformation This project focused on solving a persistent drainage issue that was impacting both the usability and appearance of the property. Standing water and poor grading were creating functional problems while diminishing the home’s overall curb appeal—an issue many homeowners face when water isn’t properly directed away from the home. Fowler Outdoor Co. approached the project with a design-build mindset, addressing the root cause of the drainage problem through proper grading, water management, and structural solutions. By integrating effective drainage systems with thoughtfully designed hardscape elements, the team was able to redirect water flow, protect the property, and create a more stable foundation for the landscape. Beyond functionality, the transformation elevated the front yard’s appearance with clean lines, intentional materials, and a cohesive layout that complements the home. The result is a space that not only performs better during heavy rain but also delivers a polished, welcoming first impression. This project is a great example of how solving underlying issues like drainage can completely transform both the look and long-term performance of an outdoor space.

Monument Hickory in Grand Central by Shaw Floors.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed light wood floor and beige floor family room remodel in Orange County with white walls, a wood stove, a metal fireplace and no tv

DESIGNED BY TOC design CONSTRUCTION BY TOC design & Construction inc. PHOTOS BY : Tania Scardellato I was fortunate to have a young family approach me in desperate need to renovate there only 3 piece bathroom. This space was In dire need of a remodel, with old brown wall to wall tiles and a dated bulky yellow brown single sink vanity. Storage was a must, lighting a necessity, and proper accessibility to the shower bath area. We had a tight budget to respect, but a full gut of this bathroom was required. And a good thing too, once we started doing the demolition we noticed that mildew and rotting floors and walls had accumulated throughout the years. Doing it right the first time is no joke when dealing with water and electrical issues. We discarded all reminisce of old and built from scratch, new walls, new plumbing, new electrical ,new insulation and a new window, a new fan that actually exhausted outside ( I say this laughing as you would be amazed at how many fans are installed but don’t exhaust outside, and you the client would never know unless you go inside the attic space. Once all the hard stuff was done, the rest is just a matter of smart design. If you have a small bathroom here are some tips to guide you. 10 tips for making a small bathroom feel larger Is your tiny bathroom cramping your functionality and style, leaving you longing for the enormous bathrooms gracing the pages of design magazines? Even if your bathroom is a fraction of the size, all it takes is some design savvy to make the most of the space you have. Consider these 10 smart tips that will help your bathroom look, feel and function like those larger contenders. 1-Get creative with corners Space is at a premium in small bathrooms, so it's important to maximize every inch. Corners, for example, provide extra space for shelving, storage units and even hooks. Get creative and install unique design solutions that are not only functional, but also eye-catching. If you love the airiness of floating cabinets, add baskets or decorative boxes under for extra storage. If you are installing floating cabinets insure that they are installed securely to studs or plywood at wall. 2- Let solid colors shine Busy patterns have a shrinking effect and make small bathrooms seem even smaller. Conversely, light natural hues make a space feel more open. If you're itching to get creative with design, experiment with textures but keep overpowering patterns to a minimum. Tone on tone is the best to achieve this. 3 - Maximize your bathtub A bathtub takes up a significant portion of the room, but modern, compact options with curved basins, can make the tub feel larger when in use, all while conserving space. 4 - Select a smaller faucet A faucet is jewelry for the bathroom. And just as accessories can overpower an outfit, a big bulky faucet isn't flattering in a small bath. Single-handle designs conserve counter space, while a wall-mount installation frees it up all together and can create quite the wow-factor, if the budget can accommodate the required changes to plumbing behind the wall. 5 - Make vanity storage simple If you're in a storage war with your small bathroom, you're not alone in the battle. Toiletries and personal supplies without a place to call home only add clutter and chaos. Store smart with a space-saving vanity, the dual sink vanity shown here, looks quite simple, but in reality it has 4 sets of full extension drawers, and the vanity tower adds extra storage without overpowering the use of space. 6 - Show off the shower Shower curtains may be pretty, but they interrupt the visual flow of a bathing space and make it feel significantly smaller. In bathrooms with small footprints, opt for a clear glass sliding shower door that doesn't require the clearance of one with a hinged design. Or as shown in this design and for fraction less expensive a half hinged panel installed on a fixed tempered glass panel. If you're embarking on a big remodel, create the illusion of more space by using same tile in the shower that's used throughout; instead of seeing them as two separate zones, the eye will read them as one. 7 - Discover the treasure of hidden storage Work with a contractor, and you just might find some serious storage potential hidden behind your walls. Whether it's utilizing space between the studs for shallow shelving or a creating a small linen closet by annexing space from an adjacent room, even small additions can make a big difference. 8 - Focal Point Tile is a beautiful, durable addition to any bathroom. For dainty spaces, consider installing tile at a diagonal to accentuate the focal point or as in this bathroom I used an oversized textured pattern to bring depth to the space at the window wall. 9 - Choose the right lights Strategically install light to reflect and brighten a small bathroom to make it appear larger. Recessed lighting is an affordable solution for tiny rooms, offering ample light while taking up little space. Wall sconces alongside a mirror also reflect off the walls and make a room feel bright and airy. I always recommend going with LED lighting at 2800 to 3000K. 10 – Accessorize This is your time to shine in your decorating skills, have fun with your towels, you can change the color scheme daily just by adding pops of color in your accessories, make sure to get items that serve a dual purpose, like baskets, boxes they can always be used as hampers, storing of towels and even a nice display for your guest.