Showroom kitchen featuring hidden automated storage. Utilize hard to reach areas or dead-corners without sacrificing entire cabinets so you still have usable shelving space for regular necessary items. Our hidden storage lift systems offer a clean and innovative way to hide something at a touch of a button, creating endless attractive hidden storage solutions. Common applications include easy-access platforms for kitchen appliances, hidden bars or storage for espresso machines and large mixers.

We tailored this major kitchen update to meet the needs of our client for whom regularly gathering her adult children and their families for home cooked meals is a tradition hailing from her southern heritage. The Wolf range, Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer, commercial grade range hood and strategically placed prep sink were designed to support her love of cooking and large scale meal preparation. By replacing a smaller island and peninsula with an expansive sixteen foot island we greatly increased both the storage and the seating capacity, providing plenty of space for family and friends to comfortably gather in this true heart of the home. Other must haves like the built in coffee maker, dedicated wine refrigerators and bar area, and a built in buffet niche for storing several dish collections make this a modern kitchen with traditional roots that is ideal for entertaining and relaxing.

"We have had our Premium Walnut Edge-Grain island top for three months now, and we simply love it! It is a large kitchen island (7x3.5) and has become the highlight of our new addition. The construction quality is superlative, and the wood has just the right feel for us. We elected for the salad bowl finish, which is a nice gentle matte - we keep it regularly oiled to help it look its best. Cleaning is a breeze. We have received so many compliments on it from the few who have seen it - we look forward to sharing it more widely in the future! Order to delivery was about 7 weeks, which was exactly as we expected. We will absolutely order from Hardwood Lumber again!" Liz

This gorgeous, walkable grass alternative is literally watered ONCE A MONTH folks!!! In the summertime! This is true water conservation! 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.

Troy Hester
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Austin with no island, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Water in regular humidifiers is typically replaced at least 1x a week. For this client's small wine cellar though, we assembled a self-refilling humidifier system that doesn't need much attention. We hid the system inside a semi-closing drawer so it does not distract the clean design of the cellar and humidor. Read more about this project here: https://www.customwinecellarssanfrancisco.com/adding-a-humidor-to-beautiful-small-wine-cellars/ Custom Wine Cellars San Francisco 610 Leavenworth St San Francisco, CA 94109 +1 (415) 508-8419 https://www.customwinecellarssanfrancisco.com/

This 1950's kitchen hindered our client's cooking and bi-weekly entertaining and was inconsistent with the home's mid-century architecture. Additional key goals were to improve function for cooking and entertaining 6 to 12 people on a regular basis. Originally with only two entry points to the kitchen (from the entry/foyer and from the dining room) the kitchen wasn’t very open to the remainder of the home, or the living room at all. The door to the carport was never used and created a conflict with seating in the breakfast area. The new plans created larger openings to both rooms, and a third entry point directly into the living room. The “peninsula” manages the sight line between the kitchen and a large, brick fireplace while still creating an “island” effect in the kitchen and allowing seating on both sides. The television was also a “must have” utilizing it to watch cooking shows while prepping food, for news while getting ready for the day, and for background when entertaining. Meticulously designed cabinets provide ample storage and ergonomically friendly appliance placement. Cabinets were previously laid out into two L-shaped spaces. On the “top” was the cooking area with a narrow pantry (read: scarce storage) and a water heater in the corner. On the “bottom” was a single 36” refrigerator/freezer, and sink. A peninsula separated the kitchen and breakfast room, truncating the entire space. We have now a clearly defined cool storage space spanning 60” width (over 150% more storage) and have separated the ovens and cooking surface to spread out prep/clean zones. True pantry storage was added, and a massive “peninsula” keeps seating for up to 6 comfortably, while still expanding the kitchen and gaining storage. The newly designed, oversized peninsula provides plentiful space for prepping and entertaining. Walnut paneling wraps the room making the kitchen a stunning showpiece.

Marble Mosaic Tile shower remodel is designed with elegance in mind. From the marble diamond shaped marble mosaic tiles intricately placed in shower niche as well as elaborately displayed behind the shower fixtures. In addition, to the 8×24 marble-look porcelain tiles running up the shower walls surround the porcelain hexagon shower floor tiles. Finalized with Granite pony wall top, granite niche, and threshold surrounding the glass door. This master bath remodel is luxurious and will be enjoyed for years to come. Marble Mosaic tile accents in addition to Marble-look tiles complete in Client Project Shower Remodel Project ~ Thank you for sharing! Planning and designing shower remodels with mosaic tiles adds striking features to any shower or tub remodel. Choosing to add a stylish mosaic tile to a shower niche or the addition of surrounding the shower fixtures as shown are two elements that are not only striking, but elegant in design. In addition, choose to run a mosaic accent tile down the full length of the shower wall for a waterfall effect drawing the eye. Choose to run a traditional horizontal line across the walls is a beautiful addition. Furthermore, choosing from a traditional threshold shower design shown to a curbless or zero-entry shower for aging in place and simpler cleaning. Purchasing Schluter Shower-systems makes designing a shower simple, easy, and waterproof. In addition, to shelves, grates and tile edge profiles available. Remember to add granite or quartz for shelves, niches, benches, and threshold or pony wall tops. With so many options stop in to ask an expert bathroom designer regarding your next bathroom remodel or renovation design options. Large selection of samples available in marble mosaics and accent tiles. In addition, to marble-look tiles located at our showroom. Stop in and check out samples today. Find your locally owned Home Improvement Store, French Creek Designs, on MeWe or Facebook, and follow us! Read more about our process and read regular updates on client projects and updated materials selections and choices at FCD News a reliable source of information and current trends.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

Vinyl architectural films are well suited for kitchens and bathrooms, not only they're mold resistant but also fire retardant. You can wash them as you would wash regular mica cabinets. In this case, the kitchen was very dark and outdated, after we're done with the installation the space feels a lot more open and clean, giving the apartment a more modern look.

This Houston outdoor kitchen and entertaining area offers a modern take on Mediterranean style. Designed and built by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, this fully loaded family and entertaining space echoes the stucco, travertine tile patio and Mediterranean style of the existing home while exuding a more modern, transitional style. “This was a high-profile client – both VPs of different oil and gas companies who entertain affluent guests on a regular basis – so they wanted to make sure they had high-end appliances and all the latest amenities they could order,” says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. “They also have two kids, ages 7 and 10, and wanted a family gathering space that better accompanied their new, luxurious pool.” What really sets apart this outside kitchen design idea, however, is the way the elements are used throughout the space. “Usually, outdoor kitchen designs for a backyard are grouped into one island or cabinet,” explains Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. “But here, the patio, roof and fireplace were all in place, separated by stucco columns, and the outdoor kitchen elements had to work around them.” A 14-foot-long cooking island houses a built-in Fire Magic grill with a Magic View Window (allows the chef to check on food without lifting the lid and losing valuable heat). The island, the countertop of which is "Carnaval" granite from Lackstone, also features a Fire Magic power burner, warming drawer and trash drawer. On one side of the fireplace, forming an “L” with the cooking island, sits a built-in Primo ceramic grill. On the other side of the fireplace is a 3-foot-long cabinet housing a bar with a wine cooler, ice maker and upper cabinet. And finally, just outside the patio door is a 7-foot-long cabinet with a modern Kohler sink with a high-arc Moen faucet (sink and faucet from Faucets Direct), a trash drawer and another upper cabinet. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, by the way, outfitted both cabinets with glass inserts, custom pulls and three-way sensor lighting. “At the beginning, this was basically a blank space with a fireplace in the middle,” says Maxey. So Outdoor Homescapes upgraded the fireplace with Austin Stack Stone in white (No. 401) from Colorstonescreenshot vickers mosaic tile rectangle. "The stone added that pop,” notes Maxey. The fireplace’s espresso-colored, distressed wood mantel (from Mantels.com) and upper wood cabinets were both stained with the Minwax color Jacobean. The ceiling fans were also updated with ones featuring similarly espresso-colored, wooden fan blades, to match. The table in the middle - a cast-iron, Mediterranean style gem with hand-forged scrollwork designs from Patio 1 in Houston – seats 10. “We wanted this kind of Mediterranean feel,” says Maxey. “We wanted rustic, but the appliance package was so new, with all its stainless steel, so we kept a the cabinets and the columns stucco instead of stone for a more clean, modern look and then did the custom tile backsplash and mosaic in more of a rustic, Mediterranean look." The backsplash is a 1-inch travertine tile background with 4-inch square metallic insets, both from Floor & Decor. The tile for the 18-by-24-inch rectangle mosaic came from Great Britain Tile Co. and included a Dianno Reale tumbled border and background. The bronze, diamond-shaped insets are tumbled Dark Emperdor tile and the scrolls are tumbled Noce tile. The client, who admits they have high standards, was more than pleased with the project – especially browsing through Outdoor Homescapes’ vast library of patio kitchen design ideas, the 3D virtual video tour that let them preview the project from every angle before construction. They also liked the personalized design consultation. "OH provides a very neat service where one of their designers will either shop/buy for you or shop with you for the more detailed pieces that will finish your home," reads the client's review on Houzz. "This was a very positive, personalized feature ... Lisha helped narrow down an enormous marketplace of materials and finishes to a few we could choose from."

A blend of classic farmhouse charm and clean contemporary lines, this exterior features crisp white board-and-batten siding paired with sleek horizontal lap siding for subtle texture contrast. Black-framed windows and matte black standing seam metal roof elements add bold definition, while natural wood doors bring warmth and character. A covered front porch with seating invites guests in, and the dormer detail adds height and dimension to the roofline. Framed by symmetrical landscaping and a stone walkway, the home delivers timeless curb appeal with modern edge.

We love the naturals used in this stunning Sandgate home. This refined kitchen exudes modern sophistication with its clean lines and glossy white cabinetry. Open shelving allow for additional lighting and lets the client regularly switch out decor elements for a consistently fresh look.⁠ Built-in storage to the island benches increases functionality and keeps clutter away in drawers. ⁠ The high functional laundry space was part of the renovation. While the kitchen was light and bright, this room of the home opts for more earthy neutrals. ⁠

A common theme throughout this home is the blended indoor/outdoor spaces and the outdoor kitchen is no different! Aside from the multi-panel slider that fully opens up, the dining table is the only thing that stands between the expansive main indoor kitchen and this beautiful outdoor kitchen, designed specifically for the clients who regularly host events. This outdoor space is spread out along the side of the house allowing for one side’s main function to be for cooking, complete with a professional outdoor grill and pizza oven, while the other side acts as a bar for entertaining with prep station and central island seating. The homeowners are able to enjoy this incredible space year round with the help up retractable screens and outdoor heaters to keep it cozy during those cooler months.

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.

Party Palace - Custom Ranch on Acreage in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. This family is very involved with their church and hosts community events weekly; so the need to access the kitchen, seating areas, dining and entryways with 100+ guests present was imperative. This prompted us and the homeowner to create extra square footage around these amenities. The kitchen also received the double island treatment. Allowing guests to be hosted at one of the larger islands (capable of seating 5-6) while hors d'oeuvres and refreshments can be prepared on the smaller more centrally located island, helped these happy hosts to staff and plan events accordingly. Placement of these rooms relative to each other in the floor plan was also key to keeping all of the excitement happening in one place, making regular events easy to monitor, easy to maintain and relatively easy to clean-up. Some other important features that made this house a party-palace were a hidden butler's pantry, multiple wetbars and prep spaces, sectional seating inside and out, and double dining nooks (formal and informal). Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Regular maintenance and fall cleanups keep our clients' properties looking great year round.
Inspiration for a large landscaping in Boston for fall.

A transitional backyard in Beaconsfield now blends modern clean lines with timeless warmth. Center-stage, a custom concrete pool features an oversized beach entry that invites relaxed lounging and easy access for children. A gentle spill-over waterfall and paired water feature add soothing movement, while frameless glass railings keep the view open to the surrounding gardens. Herringbone pavers, laid in warm neutral tones, ground the space with classic character and provide a slip-resistant surface from pool edge to dining terrace. At dusk, a bespoke concrete fire feature anchors an intimate seating area, turning the patio into a four-season gathering spot. Layered plantings and accent lighting soften the hardscape and tie the traditional brick façade of the home to its modern architectural accents. Craftsmanship of this caliber is a signature of The Northstone Group. The firm is ranked #1 for landscaping on bestinMTL.com and recognized as the leading pool design and building company on bestmontrealservices.com. Its projects are regularly featured in Dwell, House & Home, and the Montreal Gazette, underscoring Northstone’s position as Montreal’s premier landscape and pool design-build specialist.