The front of this townhouse was boring and obscured by overgrown bushes. We replaced the siding and shutters, installed a new front door, etched and stained the boring concrete step, added a curving brick walkway, built a lattice shield to hide the trash can, redesigned the landscaping and added a river birch.

Front entry replaced an old curvy sidewalk, but kept close to the original in order to minimize root damage to existing trees.
Photo of an eclectic backyard landscaping in Houston.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Kitchen design by TZS Design Freejack Mini Echo pendant features a transparent cylinder shade over a white case glass cylinder. Transparent glass shade is available in amber, aquamarine, clear, havana brown, smoke and steel blue. Available in a freejack mini pendant, pendant and wall sconce version. Includes six feet of field-cuttable suspension cable. One 50 watt, 12 voolt, JC Type GY6.35 base halogen lamp included. Also available in LED with a 6 watt replaceable LED module. General light distribution. ETL listed. 4 inch diameter x 7 inch height.

In this Kitchen Update in Wausau, Wisconsin we replaced old counter tops with White Ice Polished Granite Counter tops with an undermount Agranite Gun Smoke Colored Sink.

This Houston kitchen remodel turned an outdated bachelor pad into a contemporary dream fit for newlyweds. The client wanted a contemporary, somewhat commercial look, but also something homey with a comfy, family feel. And they couldn't go too contemporary, since the style of the home is so traditional. The clean, contemporary, white-black-and-grey color scheme is just the beginning of this transformation from the previous kitchen, The revamped 20-by-15-foot kitchen and adjoining dining area also features new stainless steel appliances by Maytag, lighting and furnishings by Restoration Hardware and countertops in white Carrara marble and Absolute Black honed granite. The paneled oak cabinets are now painted a crisp, bright white and finished off with polished nickel pulls. The center island is now a cool grey a few shades darker than the warm grey on the walls. On top of the grey on the new sheetrock, previously covered in a camel-colored textured paint, is Sherwin Williams' Faux Impressions sparkly "Striae Quartz Stone." Ho-hum 12-inch ceramic floor tiles with a western motif border have been replaced with grey tile "planks" resembling distressed wood. An oak-paneled flush-mount light fixture has given way to recessed lights and barn pendant lamps in oil rubbed bronze from Restoration Hardware. And the section housing clunky upper and lower banks of cabinets between the kitchen an dining area now has a sleek counter-turned-table with custom-milled legs. At first, the client wanted to open up that section altogether, but then realized they needed more counter space. The table - a continuation of the granite countertop - was the perfect solution. Plus, it offered space for extra seating. The black, high-back and low-back bar stools are also from Restoration Hardware - as is the new round chandelier and the dining table over which it hangs. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston also took out a wall between the kitchen and living room and remodeled the adjoining living room as well. A decorative cedar beam stained Minwax Jacobean now spans the ceiling where the wall once stood. The oak paneling and stairway railings in the living room, meanwhile, also got a coat of white paint and new window treatments and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware. Staining the top handrailing with the same Jacobean dark stain, however, boosted the new contemporary look even more. The outdoor living space also got a revamp, with a new patio ceiling also stained Jacobean and new outdoor furniture and outdoor area rug from Restoration Hardware. The furniture is from the Klismos collection, in weathered zinc, with Sunbrella fabric in the color "Smoke."

This 1926 California bungalow had a dated, water consuming lawn and little visual interest. Exquisitely textured drought tolerant plants replace the lawn, bringing a more contemporary feel. A sculptural, low stone wall at the front of the garden creates more dimension and sense of boundary. A low branching Arbutus-Strawberry tree with its beautiful rust colored bark will grow to provide shade from the hot Western sun. When backlit, the Smoke Bush is a stunning orange-red flame. The new Basalt birdbath attracts birds (and the neighboring cat) into the garden. (Installed by Andrew Packer, Acorn Landscaping acorn-landscaping.com)

The unique existing layout and beautiful wooden beams were something the client wanted to enhance and not diminish. By removing the eye-sore planter boxes, dated railings, and bulky tiled staircase, and replacing it with a gorgeous walnut railing and black metal cable system we allowed this space to be more open, modern, and cohesive.

Lets open the space up! We remodeled this West Chester PA kitchen removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. The new kitchen design brings the two spaces together. A garden window was installed over the sink area. Now the client can enjoy all their house plants and herb garden. Echelon Cabinetry was used in the Belleview door style in Maple wood with Café finish. The classic color of the cabinetry pairs well with the new Uptown Chic Posh Beige floating vinyl flooring that were installed throughout the new kitchen and 1st floor. White Delacatus granite and Sonoma Stellar smoke tile backsplash complete the look. All lighting was replaced with LED recessed lighting as well as adding LED under cabinetry task lighting. A small breakfront in matching cabinetry was installed in the new semi-formal eating area with custom wood top.

IQ2053 GEM SQUARE MULTI LIGHT PENDANT DESCRIPTION: The Gem Square Multi Light Pendant is jewelry for your home. Feature gems of LED lit hand blown glass that are meticulously crafted artisans. The fixture gives a nod to an organic aesthetic that exudes casual sophistication. While mounting the piece flush to the ceiling, its circular canopy serves as an elegant frame for its shades, especially when seen from directly below. Accentuated with metal lamp holders, gem-like forms suspend in the air, filled with a charming personality created by the breath of artisans. LEDs hidden in the lamp holder highlight the facets of the forms, creating a shimmering glow. Each shade takes the place of a traditional bulb and unfolds with striking illumination. The finished look is relaxed, soft and unique. Each glass shade is a one-of-a-kind artisan creation. Available with Clear, Bronze, Amber or Smoke hand blown glass and Gilded Brass, Flat Bronze, Metallic Beige Silver, Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Heritage Brass, Gunmetal, or Matte Black finish in 9 and 12 light options. Dimmable with a LED compatible dimmer. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Residential Size: 29" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (Custom sizes also available) Shape: Vertical Metal Finished: Flat Bronze (Different finish available at no additional cost) Materials: Metal, Glass Weight: 37 LBS. Extension: Adjustable cord customizable up to 12 ft. Bulbs: 3 x LED /5.2W/120V LED (Included) Assembly: Some assembly required. Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Shipping: Free Door-To-Door Shipping Worldwide! Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes replacement parts) SIZE OPTIONS: Square Shape Price: 22" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (7 Light) $2,890.00 29" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (9 Light) $3,204.00 (as shown) 35" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (11 Light) $4,955.00 41" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (12 Light) $5,970.00 47" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (15 Light) $7,640.00 Round Shape 20" Diameter x 11" Height (3 Light) $1,002.00 26" Diameter x 11" Height (5 Light) $2,106.00 30" Diameter x 11" Height (8 Light) $3,404.00 35" Diameter x 11" Height (11 Light) $4,828.00 40" Diameter x 11" Height (15 Light) $7,682.00 Custom sizes, finishes and colors available upon request.

IQ2053 GEM SQUARE MULTI LIGHT PENDANT DESCRIPTION: The Gem Square Multi Light Pendant is jewelry for your home. Feature gems of LED lit hand blown glass that are meticulously crafted artisans. The fixture gives a nod to an organic aesthetic that exudes casual sophistication. While mounting the piece flush to the ceiling, its circular canopy serves as an elegant frame for its shades, especially when seen from directly below. Accentuated with metal lamp holders, gem-like forms suspend in the air, filled with a charming personality created by the breath of artisans. LEDs hidden in the lamp holder highlight the facets of the forms, creating a shimmering glow. Each shade takes the place of a traditional bulb and unfolds with striking illumination. The finished look is relaxed, soft and unique. Each glass shade is a one-of-a-kind artisan creation. Available with Clear, Bronze, Amber or Smoke hand blown glass and Gilded Brass, Flat Bronze, Metallic Beige Silver, Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Heritage Brass, Gunmetal, or Matte Black finish in 9 and 12 light options. Dimmable with a LED compatible dimmer. SPECIFICATIONS: Collection: Residential Size: 29" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (Custom sizes also available) Shape: Vertical Metal Finished: Flat Bronze (Different finish available at no additional cost) Materials: Metal, Glass Weight: 37 LBS. Extension: Adjustable cord customizable up to 12 ft. Bulbs: 3 x LED /5.2W/120V LED (Included) Assembly: Some assembly required. Dimmer Switch Compatible: Optional Shipping: Free Door-To-Door Shipping Worldwide! Rush Order: 4-6 Weeks; 15% added to the total Regular Lead Time: 6-10 Weeks Warranty: 5 Years Full Coverage (includes replacement parts) SIZE OPTIONS: Square Shape Price: 22" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (7 Light) $2,890.00 29" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (9 Light) $3,204.00 (as shown) 35" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (11 Light) $4,955.00 41" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (12 Light) $5,970.00 47" Width x 14" to 132" Overall Height (15 Light) $7,640.00 Round Shape 20" Diameter x 11" Height (3 Light) $1,002.00 26" Diameter x 11" Height (5 Light) $2,106.00 30" Diameter x 11" Height (8 Light) $3,404.00 35" Diameter x 11" Height (11 Light) $4,828.00 40" Diameter x 11" Height (15 Light) $7,682.00 Custom sizes, finishes and colors available upon request.

FLA XT Master of Luxury, Amsterdam 2016 FLA XT is a fully automatic bio fireplace equipped with an external fuel tank and a control panel. It emits no smell and no smoke. The fireplace can be operated with a single remote control or mobile devices. Connected to any given Smart Home System installation, FLA XT allows the customers simple use and gives unlimited control. FLA XT in a stylish black colour fits both modern and classic interiors. Its external fuel tank is hidden in the tailored BOX XT and can be easily pulled-out for replacement or refuelling. This efficient solution reduces the frequency of refuelling and significantly elongates the burning time