Kenny Fenton, Sweetlake Interior Design,
Eat-in kitchen - contemporary l-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen idea in Houston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, metallic backsplash, glass sheet backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The design of this master bathroom is set to compliment the natural stone slab floor that sets the tone for this room. Because the entire second floor of the house was renovated into a master suite, the client requested an open concept plan for the entire suite. This allowed Equilibrium to increase the floor area of the bathroom and design an incredible statement piece which is the floor. Honey onyx slabs were cut into oversized tiles to make them more manageable and installed in a diamond pattern preserving continuity of lines from tile to tile, and slab to slab. Furthermore, what otherwise would be waste cut material, it was chiseled, flamed, and fabricated into custom mosaic installed on the back wall of the bathroom and on shower floor. To ensure Client’s safety, slabs were treated with anti slippage treatment and shower floor was finished with matching mosaic. Client requested that the shower is oversized and feels like showering under a waterfall. This was accomplished by running four separate water lines to feed the shower plumbing. When the two oversized rain heads, two shower heads, and six water jets are all on, you get the feeling of being under a natural waterfall in the Amazon. Non of this would be possible in today’s water starved world if it wasn’t for harvesting and special filtration system installed on this property that allows recirculation of water. Variation of lighting types allows for various theme settings, and energy efficient LED lighting further enhance the beauty of this bathroom with minimum energy consumption. Even edges of slabs were polished to ensure maximum light refraction with beveled seams that create purposeful patterns instead of hiding seams. Shower doors were etched with a pattern that adds dimension and provides privacy while complimenting the mosaic pattern on the back wall. The double sink vanity was floated off the floor allowing for maximum visibility of this artistic installation. It was made of rosewood and designed with three sections for drawers and storage. The three levels create a scalloping effect allowing each to be illuminated by LED lights which reflect elegantly in the onyx slab floor. Complimented by honey onyx top, and placed against a 42” high onyx wainscot, it is a functional and beautiful millwork. This master bathroom is a testament to engineering, originality, and beauty seen in every detail. Interior Design, Decorating & Project Management by Equilibrium Interior Design Inc Photography by Craig Denis

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened. A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

At Green Home Systems, we are passionate about providing our customers with the very best in solar solutions. We strive to offer unparalleled service and competitive pricing - that’s why we were chosen for a new solar project in Winnetka, California. The client's family was looking to reduce their carbon footprint while taking advantage of government and utility incentives in the process. We installed a 9 kW system that is sure to provide many benefits to them over the long run. When it came time to install the system, we had everything up and running within just a couple of weeks. Our ability to finish projects on time is one of the main reasons why we’re so highly recommended by our customers. With this particular project, we opted for using Panasonic solar panels - one of the leading brands for residential installations. The client's family can now enjoy all the benefits that come with having a solar energy system installed on their property. Not only will they save money on their energy bill each month, but they'll also increase their home value - all while reducing their carbon footprint! Additionally, they now have access to backup power when needed - an important feature during times of emergency or natural disaster. At Green Home Systems, we are committed to providing our customers in Winnetka and beyond with top-notch customer service and quality workmanship. We understand that going solar is an important decision - one that will have long-lasting implications on your finances and your environment - and we take pride in offering solutions that can help you meet those goals while saving you money in the process. If you’re looking for solar installation services in Winnetka or any other city in California, look no further than Green Home Systems! Our experienced team of professionals can get your project done quickly and efficiently so you can start enjoying all the benefits of going green right away. Contact us today for more information!

When the homeowner bought this Townhome, she knew that a new kitchen was a priority. The outdated kitchen was dark and not efficient. Create a more useful space and bring the light in was the main request for this design. Removing a built-in large pantry allowed for more countertop and to relocate the refrigerator. A smaller but more efficient pantry was installed by the kitchen entrance what helps with the organization of the grocery shopping. The glass backsplash brought color to the white cabinet kitchen, creating a fun and excited space! Photos: Pathway Media, LLC

Make your home a smart home with the Google Nest products. Save money with a Nest Learning Thermostat, keep an eye on your home with a Nest Cam, and control it all from the Google Home Hub.

Sustainable Home Design & Technology Welcome to LEED Platinum Certified efficiency combined with luxury living. Built around the historic 1815 studio of architectural photographer Balthazar Korab, this unique home marries unparalleled aesthetics with the latest in green technology, all of which is fully integrated to provide a seamless user experience. Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting control and Lutron QS Wireless motorized shades work in harmony with solar panels and light harvesting techniques to create a sustainable, efficient lifestyle. A Savant control system not only choreographs all this, but monitors all energy both used and generated by the home. Photo Credit: McKee Creations

Pondless waterfalls, or cascading falls, are simply a matter of constructing a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond. You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the pond maintenance as well as add visual interest to any landscape, whether in the front or back of your property. These compact water features can be built on a small scale in a tight landscape setting. They also offer the benefit of being energy efficient since the system doesn’t need to run continually. In addition, they can be affordable and maintenance free.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Stunning....is how this project turned out. We removed the desk area, wet bar behind it, and the powder room to the left of these areas. This allowed for them to not see in the powder room when you walk in the front door and open up the space so the table was not so cramped with the island. The custom made wood distressed shelves, marble back splash that runs up and around the windows connecting this space together. With a hidden chalk board behind a false door to hide all the HVAC pipes running to the second level. Lots of extra efficient storage, with some to spare. The soft brushed gold hardware and the brushed gold faucet mixed with the black metal and wood tones pairs perfectly with the space. The gas oven has 2 ovens but with a squeeze of the door it becomes one big oven ! The crown molding wraps around the entire space creating a bond between the eating space and the kitchen area. Installed 4" can lights, cabinet lighting, decorative lights over the sink and the table. These clients were amazing to work with I enjoyed every second from start to finish.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Example of a minimalist home design design in Los Angeles

MULTI-SPEED FAN | The indoor fan can run at up to four different speeds (Low, Medium, High or Turbo) for either COOLING or HEATING mode for maximum comfort and quiet operation.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

New beadboard pine tongue and groove ceiling, stained, with high gloss polyurethane! Minka-Aire ceiling fan, LED recess lights, and perimeter high output tape LED lighting!

Exiting the foyer to the east, you walk into an open floor plan which includes the kitchen, dining room, and living room. You immediately have stunning views of the Big Belt Mountains to the east and the Crimson Bluffs to the south. Views of the Missouri River can be seen just down the hill to the east and northeast. The open living and dining room with the railing of the open staircase in the foreground that leads downstairs. The upper and lower operable awning windows were specially designed to promote passive cooling in the home. Cool air enters the home from the north and warm air exits to the south. The homeowners report the home is staying at a very comfortable interior temperature during the hot summer months without running any electric fans or venting devices. The Crimson Bluffs Home is a sustainable smaller home with 360 degree views of the Missouri River various mountain ranges. Energy-efficiency strategies include long-lasting building materials, passive cooling, ample natural day lighting, high insulation values, advanced framing, and a combined heating approach of passive solar heat gain and radiant hydronic floor heating, a strategy we call “Sun Smart Radiant Heating.” Greenovision Home Design

The goal set by the owners, a couple with farm family backgrounds, for a vacation and ultimately retirement home on 30 acres in the Mount Washington Valley was a high performance, low maintenance, Greek Revival inspired farmstead. The program included an open plan living/dining/kitchen area, first floor master suite, open and screen porches, mudroom, second floor guest bedrooms, and a barn to house farm equipment, recreational vehicles and a bocce court. The building envelope includes continuously insulated R-32 walls, R-60 roof, R-18 foundation walls, and R-20 under the basement slab. Dense packed cellulose in wall and roof assemblies minimized the use of spray foam. A blower door test of 0.76 ACH50 confirmed a tightly constructed envelope. Traditional details, using non-traditional synthetic and composite products, were developed to clad the exterior and a 23 kW PV array was added to the south facing barn roof. Energy efficient heating and cooling systems, along with balanced ventilation using an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), were integrated with the interiors. The second floor hallway is partitioned off from the stair to reduce heating and cooling loads when the guest rooms aren’t occupied. All LED lighting, including a cove light tucked into custom ceiling moldings, and Energy Star appliances reduced the electrical load. Two 30-yard containers of wood, plastic and cardboard were recycled during construction. The home achieved a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating of -30 (negative 30!), an order of magnitude below the 52 HERS average for New Hampshire and climate zone 6A in 2020. The electric meter has been running backward since the project was completed. The result is a home that is healthy, comfortable, durable, and efficient, with electricity produced on site that more than offsets its use of fossil fuels.