Photos by Kaity
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley slate floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Grand Rapids with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white walls

This charming whole house remodel focuses on renovations to the home's basement, primary suite, main level, and upper level. 100+ year old reclaimed beams in the kitchen and dining room compliment the natural hues of the stone fireplace to create a rustic, French cottage inspired atmosphere. Brass accents pair with contrasting black and white design elements throughout the home for a balanced element of modernity and elegance in this cozy, inviting home. Darker elements such as sleek black detailing in the primary suite, black window frames, and jet mist granite countertops in the kitchen compliment the lighter elements of white cabinetry, bathroom subway tile, and simple trim, creating feel of continuity and unique design in each room.

Entryway - coastal beige floor entryway idea in Austin with blue walls and a white front door

Custom kitchen designed in early 2000's. We did a cosmetic overhaul replacing tile floor with wood, new backsplash, new lighting, new faucets, and wall color

Hoachlander Davis Photography
Mid-sized elegant formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in DC Metro with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

David Durbak
Mid-sized transitional enclosed dining room photo in Miami with white walls

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

When a client tells us they’re a mid-century collector and long for a kitchen design unlike any other we are only too happy to oblige. This kitchen is saturated in mid-century charm and its custom features make it difficult to pin-point our favorite aspect! Cabinetry We had the pleasure of partnering with one of our favorite Denver cabinet shops to make our walnut dreams come true! We were able to include a multitude of custom features in this kitchen including frosted glass doors in the island, open cubbies, a hidden cutting board, and great interior cabinet storage. But what really catapults these kitchen cabinets to the next level is the eye-popping angled wall cabinets with sliding doors, a true throwback to the magic of the mid-century kitchen. Streamline brushed brass cabinetry pulls provided the perfect lux accent against the handsome walnut finish of the slab cabinetry doors. Tile Amidst all the warm clean lines of this mid-century kitchen we wanted to add a splash of color and pattern, and a funky backsplash tile did the trick! We utilized a handmade yellow picket tile with a high variation to give us a bit of depth; and incorporated randomly placed white accent tiles for added interest and to compliment the white sliding doors of the angled cabinets, helping to bring all the materials together. Counter We utilized a quartz along the counter tops that merged lighter tones with the warm tones of the cabinetry. The custom integrated drain board (in a starburst pattern of course) means they won’t have to clutter their island with a large drying rack. As an added bonus, the cooktop is recessed into the counter, to create an installation flush with the counter surface. Stair Rail Not wanting to miss an opportunity to add a touch of geometric fun to this home, we designed a custom steel handrail. The zig-zag design plays well with the angles of the picket tiles and the black finish ties in beautifully with the black metal accents in the kitchen. Lighting We removed the original florescent light box from this kitchen and replaced it with clean recessed lights with accents of recessed undercabinet lighting and a terrifically vintage fixture over the island that pulls together the black and brushed brass metal finishes throughout the space. This kitchen has transformed into a strikingly unique space creating the perfect home for our client’s mid-century treasures.

A master bedroom with rich color, texture and personality! With a colorful master bathroom that blends the perfect matte finish, semi-primitive blast of pattern with rich, saturated jewel tones and a little calacatta gold tile – determining the best fabrics and finishes for the master bedroom felt like a HUGE challenge. How do you stand up to something so fabulously unique and still create a soft respite for someone to slumber?! This bedroom was a small space with existing Vetrazzo floors and an entire wall dedicated to floor-to-ceiling fixed glass pane windows. Between the cracks in the plaster ceiling and the lacquered pink dresser we knew we had our work cut out. Saturated colors create a fairy tale bedroom Fast forward to finding the perfect, sumptuously soft evergreen mohair for the headboard and furry tuffets for the foot of the bed. Texture became the name of the game and a certain level of color variation had to tie through from selection to selection. Cladding the walls with a gilt woven cloth wall covering that also pulled a sort of skin-tone clay from detail found in the Vetrazzo flooring (OMG! so pretty!) and grounding everything with a sort of deco-inspired one-of-a-kind wool rug. The layers of unexpected style helped develop a more collected – less stylized – feeling overall. Then it was bye-bye to the pink lacquer! A local artisan worked on a faux finish for the custom dresser that the client had already invested in and we just gave it a refresh with a deep bronze finish. Balancing this piece with the playful silk tassel pendant lights that frame a beautiful original painting of red headed queens by artist Nancy Rhodes Harper. Exquisite lighting for a sexy master bedroom Additionally, the swirl and swoop of the forged metal light fixture overhead play off the more structured spinal-column type pattern of the black out window treatments that truly act as their own piece of art. Each element has its place and plays with the visual and textural aesthetics that make our client (and our team) swoon. Want more colorful and moody interior spaces? Check out another one of our recent projects here! Then call us for more information on how we can help you! Read more about our full-service interior design here!

Transitional laundry room photo in Other

A master bedroom with rich color, texture and personality! With a colorful master bathroom that blends the perfect matte finish, semi-primitive blast of pattern with rich, saturated jewel tones and a little calacatta gold tile – determining the best fabrics and finishes for the master bedroom felt like a HUGE challenge. How do you stand up to something so fabulously unique and still create a soft respite for someone to slumber?! This bedroom was a small space with existing Vetrazzo floors and an entire wall dedicated to floor-to-ceiling fixed glass pane windows. Between the cracks in the plaster ceiling and the lacquered pink dresser we knew we had our work cut out. Saturated colors create a fairy tale bedroom Fast forward to finding the perfect, sumptuously soft evergreen mohair for the headboard and furry tuffets for the foot of the bed. Texture became the name of the game and a certain level of color variation had to tie through from selection to selection. Cladding the walls with a gilt woven cloth wall covering that also pulled a sort of skin-tone clay from detail found in the Vetrazzo flooring (OMG! so pretty!) and grounding everything with a sort of deco-inspired one-of-a-kind wool rug. The layers of unexpected style helped develop a more collected – less stylized – feeling overall. Then it was bye-bye to the pink lacquer! A local artisan worked on a faux finish for the custom dresser that the client had already invested in and we just gave it a refresh with a deep bronze finish. Balancing this piece with the playful silk tassel pendant lights that frame a beautiful original painting of red headed queens by artist Nancy Rhodes Harper. Exquisite lighting for a sexy master bedroom Additionally, the swirl and swoop of the forged metal light fixture overhead play off the more structured spinal-column type pattern of the black out window treatments that truly act as their own piece of art. Each element has its place and plays with the visual and textural aesthetics that make our client (and our team) swoon. Want more colorful and moody interior spaces? Check out another one of our recent projects here! Then call us for more information on how we can help you! Read more about our full-service interior design here!

When a client tells us they’re a mid-century collector and long for a kitchen design unlike any other we are only too happy to oblige. This kitchen is saturated in mid-century charm and its custom features make it difficult to pin-point our favorite aspect! Cabinetry We had the pleasure of partnering with one of our favorite Denver cabinet shops to make our walnut dreams come true! We were able to include a multitude of custom features in this kitchen including frosted glass doors in the island, open cubbies, a hidden cutting board, and great interior cabinet storage. But what really catapults these kitchen cabinets to the next level is the eye-popping angled wall cabinets with sliding doors, a true throwback to the magic of the mid-century kitchen. Streamline brushed brass cabinetry pulls provided the perfect lux accent against the handsome walnut finish of the slab cabinetry doors. Tile Amidst all the warm clean lines of this mid-century kitchen we wanted to add a splash of color and pattern, and a funky backsplash tile did the trick! We utilized a handmade yellow picket tile with a high variation to give us a bit of depth; and incorporated randomly placed white accent tiles for added interest and to compliment the white sliding doors of the angled cabinets, helping to bring all the materials together. Counter We utilized a quartz along the counter tops that merged lighter tones with the warm tones of the cabinetry. The custom integrated drain board (in a starburst pattern of course) means they won’t have to clutter their island with a large drying rack. As an added bonus, the cooktop is recessed into the counter, to create an installation flush with the counter surface. Stair Rail Not wanting to miss an opportunity to add a touch of geometric fun to this home, we designed a custom steel handrail. The zig-zag design plays well with the angles of the picket tiles and the black finish ties in beautifully with the black metal accents in the kitchen. Lighting We removed the original florescent light box from this kitchen and replaced it with clean recessed lights with accents of recessed undercabinet lighting and a terrifically vintage fixture over the island that pulls together the black and brushed brass metal finishes throughout the space. This kitchen has transformed into a strikingly unique space creating the perfect home for our client’s mid-century treasures.

Dan Piassick
Mountain style family room photo in Dallas

Jeff Amram Photography
Kitchen - craftsman kitchen idea in Portland

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

KITCHEN RENOVATION  CURRENT CRAFTSMAN This client started off just being curious about our services - what we could do, and if we could even help her update her kitchen. She and her husband with their two teenage kids have lived in their home for several years without updating anything since the house was originally built. They didn’t quite have a budget in mind yet. They didn’t know their style, or even if they had one. Their timeline was simple, “as fast as you can so we’re not without a kitchen for very long” (usually what we hear for kitchen updates). After a very productive consultation: determining the scope of work and zeroing in on a budget, I was very excited to update this underwhelming space to something that is modern but timeless, something that is theirs. And, it was easy to see what type of design style they gravitated toward looking at the pieces they already own: Craftsman/Prairie Style. I left the meeting so excited to weave in yet another genre of design to my CDG portfolio! We circled in our contractor to discuss the changes they were looking to make and the scope of work that would be theirs. Then I was off to get designing: // Because the kitchen’s footprint and the defined breakfast space delineated by the bay, we kept the perimeter cabinetry as it was originally laid out. We updated these cabinets to a beautiful soft Alabaster White with a Barn Wood Glaze to highlight the simplicity of the shaker style doors. We added transom cabinets above the uppers, with only the back wall having seeded glass inserts to highlight some of their collectables. // The original shaped island was counter-productive (See what I did there?) in functionality and design. We squared this off to reduce some of the angles and gain more storage. We highlighted the new island with a contrasting oak cabinet in a dark finish, to pay our respects to the craftsman style, and topped with a concrete-like countertop as a nod to the Prairie Style, allowing the homeowners to gain two extra seats and a massive -uninterrupted- work surface. // The small section of cabinetry between the garage entry and fridge now is the perfect dump-station for mail, electronics, whatever is in their hands when they come into the house; and completely hidden by the refrigerator. // The disconnected cabinetry in the breakfast area makes for a great place to have a working office. Accessible from the kitchen or the adjacent great room, this is the perfect place for the kids to do their homework while mom and dad are putting together dinner. The base cabinets are built out for office-type storage: paper and pencil drawers, filing systems, and cord management. Additionally, the long counter provides a ton of worksurface to spread out. // The largest transformation was the pantry. We raised the height of the doorway and added huge custom designed bypass sliding barndoors. Finished with a dark stain to compliment the island and cut to inset 4 stained glass windows, typical of this style of design, and driving home the concept for the whole space. // They were desperate to replace their flooring with something extremely durable to flow throughout the kitchen and the whole main level. This beautiful new flooring is actually a textured LVT(!) Which allowed them to save on overall cost and extend the life of their new flooring purchase. // They loved their copper table, so we kept it and added new simple, mid-century modern chairs around it and a shiny new craftsman-style chandelier above. We added bright barstools in a burnt orange-red accent, and a bright woven rug to tie it all together. // Because the kitchen renovation was shaping up to be pretty spectacular, they decided they needed to now replace their ‘now-these-look-a-little-too-old’ upholstered seating in the neighboring great room with 2 new sofas. We found the perfect sage-y-grey fabric which we covered on sofa frames that have and exposed oak-wood base, which we finished in a warm weathered grey. // As every designer knows, a room isn’t finished until there’s something on the windows. Now that the new flooring was installed and every other room on the main level ‘seemed’ to be updated, we needed to update the window treatments in the dining, and great rooms to reflect their new design concept. I hope you find the ‘after’ photos refreshing (as refreshing as it was for me to work on something that’s not a “Farm House” style that’s saturating the industry right now!) This was such a fun project and a great collaboration with our contractor.

When a client tells us they’re a mid-century collector and long for a kitchen design unlike any other we are only too happy to oblige. This kitchen is saturated in mid-century charm and its custom features make it difficult to pin-point our favorite aspect! Cabinetry We had the pleasure of partnering with one of our favorite Denver cabinet shops to make our walnut dreams come true! We were able to include a multitude of custom features in this kitchen including frosted glass doors in the island, open cubbies, a hidden cutting board, and great interior cabinet storage. But what really catapults these kitchen cabinets to the next level is the eye-popping angled wall cabinets with sliding doors, a true throwback to the magic of the mid-century kitchen. Streamline brushed brass cabinetry pulls provided the perfect lux accent against the handsome walnut finish of the slab cabinetry doors. Tile Amidst all the warm clean lines of this mid-century kitchen we wanted to add a splash of color and pattern, and a funky backsplash tile did the trick! We utilized a handmade yellow picket tile with a high variation to give us a bit of depth; and incorporated randomly placed white accent tiles for added interest and to compliment the white sliding doors of the angled cabinets, helping to bring all the materials together. Counter We utilized a quartz along the counter tops that merged lighter tones with the warm tones of the cabinetry. The custom integrated drain board (in a starburst pattern of course) means they won’t have to clutter their island with a large drying rack. As an added bonus, the cooktop is recessed into the counter, to create an installation flush with the counter surface. Stair Rail Not wanting to miss an opportunity to add a touch of geometric fun to this home, we designed a custom steel handrail. The zig-zag design plays well with the angles of the picket tiles and the black finish ties in beautifully with the black metal accents in the kitchen. Lighting We removed the original florescent light box from this kitchen and replaced it with clean recessed lights with accents of recessed undercabinet lighting and a terrifically vintage fixture over the island that pulls together the black and brushed brass metal finishes throughout the space. This kitchen has transformed into a strikingly unique space creating the perfect home for our client’s mid-century treasures.