Eclectic home design photo in San Diego

Photo of a transitional landscaping in San Diego.

This 2022 project for Sovereign Grace Music was a full-scale, purpose-built recording and production facility designed to support songwriting, live tracking, mixing, and video content creation. Working alongside the extraordinary Sovereign Grace team—and in collaboration with Authentic Carpentry—NILES handled sound reduction, audio integration, and all acoustic treatment design and installation. The facility features a full Control Room, a spacious Live Room, and a large Isolation Booth engineered for dry drum capture or vocal tracking during full-band sessions. Each space was crafted for accuracy, clarity, and intuitive workflow, ensuring that engineers and artists can move seamlessly between rooms without breaking creative momentum. Clear sightlines, generous lighting, and intentional layout choices make the studio equally suited for recording and video production. Every room is wired for a plug-and-play workflow, supporting multi-camera shoots, ensemble tracking, and efficient session flow. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic infrastructure is highly robust. The Control Room, Live Room, and ISO Booth sit on independent floor systems with tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies and strategic treatments throughout. No suite is mechanically bonded, allowing simultaneous use of all rooms with minimal sound transmission. Monitoring in the Control Room centers around PMC 6-2 loudspeakers, precisely tuned to ensure accurate translation from mix position to the final master. The result is a balanced, inviting, and technically exact environment—built to serve the diverse creative needs of Sovereign Grace Music for years to come.

Western Red Cedar, Bahama Shutters on a Patio for Privacy and Heat Reduction
This is an example of a traditional porch design in Other.

Formal Backyard Garden Showcases the Beauty of Natural Gray Concrete This Pacific Northwest project called for a total backyard transformation that required a significant reduction in lawn space, most of which was saturated and mossy. Emily of Emily Russell Landscape Architecture designed this formal backyard garden which was installed by Northwest Construction & Landscape, LLC. Previously unused space was organized through the creation of a courtyard patio which functions as an extension of the house that the homeowner can use for family gatherings, entertaining, or reflection. Budgetary concerns led her to opt for concrete rather than a mortared flagstone patio. “I always let homeowners know that we can do either for them, but to me, going with concrete is an easy choice to make because of the cost savings,” says Colby Brand, President of Northwest of Construction & Landscape, LLC. Ashlar slate stamped concrete was suggested by Colby to mimic the pattern used in Emily’s conceptual design. The final plan featured natural gray, ashlar slate stamped concrete with antique coloring for texture. Colby and his team poured the steps first. Substantial in size – the rise is 4’ with a run of 5,’ and includes a 4’ landing on top – the steps allow an easy and fluid transition from inside to outside. After the steps were completed, the curved walkway on the side of the house was poured, connecting the backyard to the front yard. Instead of a conventional, rectangular shape for the 647 sf courtyard patio area, the formality of the plan called for sections of the concrete to bump out into the garden beds against the back side of the house, tying the contrasting elements together. Granite urns and curved, concrete benches purchased by the homeowner rest atop the rounded portion of the concrete and provide a space for sitting and an inviting view from the house. Regarding the final product, Emily Russell states, “My client and I are extremely happy with the finished patio. It's such an inviting space that is well loved and used on a regular basis.”

Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in San Diego

Classically styled wood blinds bring enduring value to your home. They're always in fashion and offer superior noise reduction and excellent light control - all without any raising or lowering. Our 1 3/8" slats are perfectly proportioned for compact spaces, such as entryway windows and french doors. Crafted of American Basswood and African Abachi for gorgeous grain detail and insulation Motorized, cordless and cord-loop control options for premium safety Custom-fit wood valance and wands are hand-stained to match the slats More slats per blind than most on the market, plus sealed bottom rail designed to fit tightly to the sill, ensure better light control Personalize your blinds with rounded corners, routeless slats, ladder tapes and valances On-trend finish selection, including Smith & Noble exclusives

This private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow. The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere. The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment. Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in New York

Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in San Diego

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

Minimalist staircase photo in Chicago

This 2022 project was a fully custom mix and writing suite designed for multi-Grammy and Dove Award–winning producer and songwriter Kyle Lee. The goal was to create an environment that mirrors his creative workflow—quiet, natural, highly accurate, and intentionally crafted for long sessions of collaboration and focused work. The layout is compact but feels open thanks to high ceilings, soft daylight from the surrounding windows, and a palette of warm textures and natural materials. The room maintains a clean, grounded aesthetic without sacrificing technical performance, balancing style and acoustical precision in a way that supports both creativity and accuracy. Acoustic isolation was a core priority. The suite is fully separated from the rest of the home using sound-reducing wall assemblies, custom bass management including a full soft-ceiling trap and a false rear wall trap, and full-lite doors designed for controlled leakage. The result is a private, self-contained environment that integrates seamlessly with the home’s flow yet transforms into a focused creative space the moment the doors close. Monitoring was built around Kyle’s preferred ATC SCM45A loudspeakers, paired with Dynaudio subwoofers and calibrated specifically to the room’s frequency response. Every treatment, material, and speaker position was selected to ensure what Kyle hears while mixing precisely translates to the final master. The finished suite delivers an effortless feel with professional-grade performance—an inspiring, accurate, and dependable space built to support Kyle’s work at the highest level.

Set includes: Pre-drilled door slab. Metal invisible frame (3 pcs) made of cold-rolled galvanized steel, with connectors and screws. 3D-adjustable concealed hinges. American style or European style handle and lock (per your choice). Door model – 8831 Coating – eco-veneer Door thickness – 1 1/2" Door core – solid wood. Modern frameless design makes this door a perfect solution for stylish interiors. Thanks to the minimalist look and absence of visible trims, it visually expands the space and blends seamlessly into any room. The eco-veneer coating is durable, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and designed for long-lasting performance. The engineered solid wood core provides strength, stability, sound reduction, and helps preserve heat inside the room. Door can be chosen with inswing or outswing direction. Flush design is available from one side only to achieve a clean invisible frame look. The invisible frame is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion. Extensions are available to cover a wall up to 7". Frame should be spackled and painted after installation to achieve a seamless invisible frame finish that integrates perfectly with the wall surface.

Prioritizing a good night’s sleep is easy in the primary bedroom. Motorized blackout drapes keep the sparkling city lights out when it’s time to sleep. The beautiful king bed is wrapped in a leather and graphite woven fabric headboard. The bed wall is covered in a beautifully intricate striated wallpaper, offering cozy texture and movement repeated in mink wool rug, ensuring softness underfoot every morning. A statement chandelier over the bed amps up the interest and drama. The reading chair in the corner carries in the softness of the living room, pairing beautifully with the matching built-ins. Additional closed storage here provides ample space for linens, clothes, and more.

SET INCLUDES: 2 Pre-finished Slabs Casings (width 2.95") Jambs (for wall thickness up to 5 1/2") Butterfly hinges Passage modern levers in Satin Nickel Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware and not pre-attached to the frame. Assembly of frames and trims required. Door works with all swing directions. Minimal rough opening can be calculated: door width + 2"; door height + 1.25". . Flat slabs, thickness 1 9/16 ". Finish - eco-veneer RENOLIT (Germany). It is not recommended to paint. Please let us know if you need the extensions for the jamb. Introducing the Modern French Doors from the Lucia Collection, a stunning and practical addition to any modern interior. Made from premium quality wood with a solid core, these doors feature a sophisticated White Silk finish that will elevate the look and feel of any room. The doors come with a 3-panel design, adding a touch of elegance to any space. Their versatile design makes them perfect for use in both residential and commercial spaces. The Modern French Doors from the Lucia Collection are designed to accommodate various hinge options, making it easy to install them in any standard door frame. Their solid construction ensures that they will provide long-lasting durability and functionality. Part of the Lucia Collection, known for its timeless designs and superior quality materials, the Modern French Doors are a smart investment for any homeowner or business owner. Their elegant and sophisticated design makes them a perfect addition to any interior design. Upgrade your interior design with the Modern French Doors from the Lucia Collection and experience the perfect combination of style and functionality. Whether you are looking to update your home or office, these doors are sure to impress. Don't wait any longer, order yours today and transform your space with this stunning addition. SOLID CORE Solid wood core made by laminated wood using Ciplex technology. CIPLEX by SARTO High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood Made in Italy. NO FORMALDEHYDE Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers. SEALING GUM GERMAN COMPANY DEVENTER It has a special profile that allows to protect your home from dust, makes a cozy and quiet atmosphere around every day. On another side it allows you to save 35 % more heat and save up to 20% to the bill. SOUND ATTENUATION Door's 40mm thick solid wood construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors. CONSTRUCTION Door is manufactured from a single piece of wood and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Overhead shot of family room and French doors leading to a patio
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Chicago with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

A transformation of a modest raised ranch into a modern oasis. I was the interior designer and general contractor from mechanicals to finishing. It’s also my personal home. The interior design style is that of modern minimalist meets organic modern. I wanted a space that reduced distractions and let the eyes, head, and soul rest. Where everything inside the home has a specific use and purpose. The objects in our home are fewer but each hold a great personal value. You might expect to see this airy aesthetic, with its gallery white walls, in California or New York. Not nestled in a modest 50 year old neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Creating a minimal aesthetic is one of the trickiest design styles to pull off. It is more than just less stuff and lots of white. It means sticking to these design principals: -weaving in an abundance of textures -incorporating natural finishes -keenly curating art -giving extra attention to scale -limiting purely decorative items -maximizing natural light This style is not to be confused with the frugality of reductive design. I have incorporated many elevated basics that create an aesthetic of quiet luxury: -architectural bead for trim-less doors -first-of-its kind interior door hardware made of terrazzo -historical marble found in landmark interiors like the NY Public Library -premium flush air vents that disappear out of site -luxury appliances from GE Café and Signature -elegant and resilient terrazzo field tiles Ours was not a simple interior remodel and addition: -gutted and remodeled the existing 2,000 SF -added on approximately another 1,000 SF -moved and installed all new major mechanicals i.e. heating, plumbing and electrical. -knocked through foundation walls to extend the space back -dug down and built up

Formal Backyard Garden Showcases the Beauty of Natural Gray Concrete This Pacific Northwest project called for a total backyard transformation that required a significant reduction in lawn space, most of which was saturated and mossy. Emily of Emily Russell Landscape Architecture designed this formal backyard garden which was installed by Northwest Construction & Landscape, LLC. Previously unused space was organized through the creation of a courtyard patio which functions as an extension of the house that the homeowner can use for family gatherings, entertaining, or reflection. Budgetary concerns led her to opt for concrete rather than a mortared flagstone patio. “I always let homeowners know that we can do either for them, but to me, going with concrete is an easy choice to make because of the cost savings,” says Colby Brand, President of Northwest of Construction & Landscape, LLC. Ashlar slate stamped concrete was suggested by Colby to mimic the pattern used in Emily’s conceptual design. The final plan featured natural gray, ashlar slate stamped concrete with antique coloring for texture. Colby and his team poured the steps first. Substantial in size – the rise is 4’ with a run of 5,’ and includes a 4’ landing on top – the steps allow an easy and fluid transition from inside to outside. After the steps were completed, the curved walkway on the side of the house was poured, connecting the backyard to the front yard. Instead of a conventional, rectangular shape for the 647 sf courtyard patio area, the formality of the plan called for sections of the concrete to bump out into the garden beds against the back side of the house, tying the contrasting elements together. Granite urns and curved, concrete benches purchased by the homeowner rest atop the rounded portion of the concrete and provide a space for sitting and an inviting view from the house. Regarding the final product, Emily Russell states, “My client and I are extremely happy with the finished patio. It's such an inviting space that is well loved and used on a regular basis.”