This expansive Victorian had tremendous historic charm but hadn’t seen a kitchen renovation since the 1950s. The homeowners wanted to take advantage of their views of the backyard and raised the roof and pushed the kitchen into the back of the house, where expansive windows could allow southern light into the kitchen all day. A warm historic gray/beige was chosen for the cabinetry, which was contrasted with character oak cabinetry on the appliance wall and bar in a modern chevron detail. Kitchen Design: Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn Architect: Ned Stoll, Interior finishes Tami Wassong Interiors

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photographer: Sam Angel Photography Design Challenge: This 8 year-old boy and girl were outgrowing their existing setup and needed to update their rooms with a plan that would carry them forward into middle school and beyond. In addition to gaining storage and study areas, could these twins show off their big personalities? Absolutely, we said! MOTIV Interiors tackled the rooms of these youngsters living in Nashville's 12th South Neighborhood and created an environment where the dynamic duo can learn, create, and grow together for years to come. Design Solution: In her room, we wanted to create a fun-filled space that supports softball, sleepovers, science, and anything else a girl might want to get into. The star of the show is a beautiful hand-printed wallpaper by Brooklyn designer Aimee Wilder, whose FSC-certified papers contain no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). That means that in addition to packing a powerful visual punch, they meet our standard for excellent indoor air quality. We also love this wallpaper because it is composed of so many different neutral colors - this room can organically evolve over time without necessarily replacing the paper (which was installed with a no-VOC adhesive). We refreshed the remaining walls with a scrubbable no-VOC paint from Sherwin Williams (7008 Alabaster) and gave the carpets in both of the twins’ rooms a good cleaning and simple stretch as opposed to replacing them. In order to provide more functional light in her room, we incorporated a corner floor lamp for reading, a telescoping desk lamp for studying, and an eye-catching LED flower pendant on a dimmer switch sourced from Lightology. Custom window treatments in a linen/cotton blend emphasize the height of the room and bring in a little “bling” with antiqued gold hardware. Before we even thought about aesthetics, however, MOTIV Interiors got to work right away on increasing functionality. We added a spacious storage unit with plenty of baskets for all of our young client’s animal friends, and we made sure to include ample shelf space for books and hobbies as she finds new passions to explore down the road. We always prefer eco-friendly furnishings that are manufactured responsibly, made with sustainably harvested wood (FSC Certified), and use no glue or non-toxic glues and paints. The bedding in this project is 100% cotton and contains no synthetic fibers. When purchasing bedding, check for the GOTS Certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). The introduction of a desk and drawer unit created a calming space to study and reflect, or write a letter to a friend. Gold accents add a bit of warmth to the workspace, where she can display her memories, goals, and game plans for a bright future. We hope you enjoyed this project as much as we did! Each design challenge is an opportunity to push the envelope, by creating a new and exciting aesthetic or finding creative ways to incorporate sustainable design principles.

Wing Wong, Memories TTL
Bathroom - small craftsman green tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in New York with a console sink, a two-piece toilet and green walls

A farmhouse coastal styled home located in the charming neighborhood of Pflugerville. We merged our client's love of the beach with rustic elements which represent their Texas lifestyle. The result is a laid-back interior adorned with distressed woods, light sea blues, and beach-themed decor. We kept the furnishings tailored and contemporary with some heavier case goods- showcasing a touch of traditional. Our design even includes a separate hangout space for the teenagers and a cozy media for everyone to enjoy! The overall design is chic yet welcoming, perfect for this energetic young family. Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/moving-water/

Walt, Terri and I are the authors of four books which provide wisdom and insight on building extraordinary custom homes, additions and renovations. Collectively our books provide “must know” information which could save you headaches, heartaches and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars when building a custom home, addition or renovation. * "50 Steps to a Building a Custom Home - Learn The Sequential Process Before You Begin", Second Edtion,100+ pages, (2015) * "Building An Extraordinary Custom Home - What You Need to Know", First Edition, 150+ pages, (2018) * "What to Expect When Building A Custom Home - Questions Smart Homebuyers Ask Their Builder", Tenth Edition, 160+ pages, (2013) * "IN HOUSE - Creating Your Dream Home, Room By Room.", First Edition, 160+ pages (Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 anticipated publishing date) Marv Ritter, Rite-Way Custom Homes, LLC (630) 790-8144

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Large french country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, limestone countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, an island, dark wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Our clients need a complete update to their master bathroom. Storage and comfort were the main focus with this remodel. Design elements included built in medicine cabinets, cabinet pullouts and a beautiful teak wood shower floor. Textured tile in the shower gives an added dimension to this luxurious new space.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master porcelain tile and single-sink bathroom remodel in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and a built-in vanity

It's the details that make all the difference in this master bedroom. The floor to ceiling bookcase adds height, storage, and convenience for him and her. The overhead lighting also adds ease to the room with an inner light switch located on each side of the open shelving. Learn more about Chris Ebert, the Normandy Remodeling Designer who created this space, and other projects that Chris has created: https://www.normandyremodeling.com/team/christopher-ebert Photo Credit: Normandy Remodeling

EARTHSCAPES PLATINUM SHEET VINYL is uniquely constructed to provide a comfortable and long-lasting choice for carefree everyday living with style. With beautiful designs and textures that so closely mimic hardwood and ceramic you will want to reach out and touch them.

Cozy relaxed guest suite.
Bedroom - large modern guest carpeted, beige floor and wood wall bedroom idea in Dallas with white walls

The Marvin Bi-Fold Door is a simple, elegant solution for indoor/outdoor living because it opens wide to invite fresh air in. Configured from two to eight panels, Bi-Fold Doors use a unique operating system that allows the door to fold smoothly to one side, stylishly and effortlessly connecting your space to the outdoors or to another room. Marvin Bi-Fold Doors are ideal for making a dramatic connection with verandas, gardens and more, or expanding a room into adjoining interior areas.

The picture perfect home
Example of a large transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Previously, a window of frosted glass block punctuated the hallway. Unfortunately, it overlooked a perpetually dark courtyard and illuminated nothing. I changed this into an art installation of light. With its multiple settings, one can rotate through a selection of colors to wash the space in colored light, instantly changing the mood and feel of the space. The portal is seen here in lime green. Photo by Brad Dickson

Family room - rustic family room idea in Denver

We created this large garden almost entirely w/ coniferous plants. We call this our "Vermont All-Season Color Garden"©. There is interest in this space every month of the year. Looks great in a bare winter or when there is snow. It is also low maintenance and care free. It is also unique.

This is an example of a small contemporary partial sun backyard gravel landscaping in Other with a pergola.

Design: KBG Design / Build: Silva Custom Construction / Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz
Laundry room - transitional laundry room idea in San Francisco

Transitional bathroom photo in Sacramento