A perfect example of a timeless, elegant white kitchen, the inspiration also had to aspire to be warm and lived in. It needed to incorporate architectural elements that made it feel as though pieces had been there through the life of the home. A Southampton concave hood in Alpine White sits above a Shou Sugi-inspired herringbone tile backsplash, flanked by two open arched doorways leading to the new Butler's Pantry. The Green Stone opaque finish on the Coronado Recessed cabinetry inspired the homeowners to color drench the Butler Pantry hallway and ceilings. In keeping with the grand theme, the cabinetry and crown was run to the full 12-foot ceiling height. The concave hood also gives an appearance of being built-in from floor to ceiling, using oversized corbels to connect it to the bases. Subtle architectural details abound throughout this project, such as toekick valances and turned legs on the large island featuring Burnished Cobblestone on Plain Saw White Oak peek out between seats. And a bar/TV area performs double duty as a wet bar and lounge space. Storage and organizational “extras” hide throughout the kitchen. Roll-out storage drawers with adjustable drawer partitions, Birch cutlery dividers for utensils, a double waste basket cabinet, and even the base cabinets by the range reveal a knife block insert within for easy reach during cooking. Under-cabinet integrated lighting and display glass lighting keep the space bright while brushed brass accents scattered throughout the kitchen catch the eye. Designed by Roy Finley Kitchen & Bath Showcase

Traditional black and gold colored carved exposed wood collage sofa and chair, with bench seat cushion, scatter back pillows and arm bolsters. Metal and glass cocktail table.

The "blue hour" is that magical time of day when sunlight scatters and the sky becomes a deep shade of blue. For this Mediterranean-style Sea Cliff home from the 1920s, we took our design inspiration from the twilight period that inspired artists and photographers. The living room features moody blues and neutral shades on the main floor. We selected contemporary furnishings and modern art for this active family of five. Upstairs are the bedrooms and a home office, while downstairs, a media room, and wine cellar provide a place for adults and young children to relax and play.

Minimalist living room photo in Auckland

The laneway leading up to this home is lined with lighting which offers a welcoming atmosphere to the property. The majestic oak trees scattered throughout the property will offer an impressive scale and feature for years to come on this country estate. The front entrance boasts a custom roman paver walkway that surrounds a unique water feature directly out the front door of the home. Expansive tree and shrub beds along with a centrally located water feature are enclosed with a custom concrete edger and frame the majestic views of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Photo Credit: Jamen Rhodes

Sunroom - sunroom idea in Brisbane

Encore Construction and Susan Gerlach designed this beautiful beach home. The color is welcoming and fun. The design is welcoming and fun! The octopi are scattered throughout the home....drawer pulls, pictures, towels, etc....a favorite creature of the homeowner and the jumping off them to this intricately designed home!

Transforming a landscape isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about bringing new life and energy to an outdoor space. This week’s project was a perfect example of what a thoughtful refresh can do for a home. Our client wanted to enhance curb appeal and create a low-maintenance garden that blends natural elements like stone, mulch, and native plants. As you can see in the before photos, the areas were previously overgrown with leaves, scattered rocks, and sparse groundcover that lacked structure and seasonal interest. We started by clearing out debris and reshaping the beds for better flow and visual balance. Smooth river rocks were added to create texture and natural drainage, while mulch helped define the planting areas and keep moisture in the soil. We introduced a selection of grasses and hardy perennials, adding both color and movement to the garden. The result? A Front Yard Makeover in Full Bloom. A clean, welcoming landscape that feels polished and peaceful. The new layout not only enhances the home’s natural charm, but also makes it easier to maintain throughout the seasons. We love how this transformation turned out—and more importantly, so does the homeowner!

Inspiration for a landscaping in Portland.

These two adjoining girls' rooms — a show-stopping nursery and a dreamy toddler bedroom — are among the most enchanting children's spaces imaginable. Each room has its own distinct personality while sharing a thread of botanical wonder, soft femininity, and elevated design that refuses to talk down to its young inhabitants. These are spaces designed not just for children, but with genuine artistry — rooms that will inspire wonder for years to come. The Nursery Step into this nursery and feel immediately transported into a secret garden at dusk. The design decision that sets the entire room apart is breathtakingly bold: a large-scale dark floral wallpaper — blooming with oversized peonies, roses, and wildflowers in dusty pink, peach, sage, and cream against a deep slate blue ground — wraps every wall from chair rail to ceiling, creating an immersive, almost painterly environment that feels simultaneously dramatic and deeply soft. The ceiling is painted a warm, powdery pink that picks up the blush tones within the wallpaper perfectly — a "fifth wall" design moment that makes the room feel like a complete, considered installation rather than a decorated room. The transition from wallpapered walls to pink ceiling at the crown molding line is seamless and intentional, wrapping the baby in a floral garden overhead and all around. Anchoring the room with genuine design authority is a spectacular gold and crystal chandelier — its circular brass frame hung with vertical crystal rods that catch and scatter light like a garden in rain — elevating the nursery from charming to genuinely luxurious. Beneath it, a natural oak arched spindle crib sits against the wallpapered feature wall, its warm honey wood grain providing organic contrast to the moody floral backdrop. Pink velvet pillows and a soft crib mobile of plush clouds and moons complete the crib vignette with gentle whimsy. A boucle glider chair and matching stacked ottoman in cream provide the nursing corner, paired with a small brass side table for midnight essentials. A soft blush pink area rug anchors the seating area and echoes the ceiling color. Linen drapery panels in soft ivory frame the windows without competing with the wallpaper, their pinch-pleat heading adding a refined tailoring detail. The Toddler Bedroom The connecting bedroom takes the botanical theme in a softer, sunnier direction — all blush pink walls (matching ceiling and walls in the same warm rose tone for a cocooning effect), botanical print drapery in cream with red and green wildflowers, and brass curtain hardware that ties to the nursery's gold palette. A gold spindle crib — the metallic version of the nursery's wooden one — grounds the room with warmth, while a sage green upholstered glider provides a reading corner. A white dresser with brass hardware doubles as a changing table, topped with art prints and a Matisse-inspired framed poster in a gold frame that adds a touch of grown-up gallery sensibility. Floating acrylic shelves hold a curated collection of board books at child-height — a detail that communicates that this room was designed for a child who will love and use it, not just admire it. A whimsical wicker llama toy basket, an indoor olive tree, and a fluffy white boucle child's armchair complete a room that balances magic with livability.

THE SETUP When we first encountered this basement for a family with three boys, we saw a space with untapped potential. Though previously remodeled, it lacked a cohesive design strategy. The expansive area housed various entertainment pieces (a shuffleboard table, air hockey, foosball, etc.) scattered haphazardly throughout the space. While the basement included a workout room and a rudimentary kitchen area, it lacked a dedicated game room or proper bar. Excessive storage closets along the back wall consumed valuable real estate that could be repurposed for more engaging uses. In essence, the basement was spacious but disjointed—functional for family use but falling short as an entertainment hub. It didn’t align with the sophistication of the rest of the home. Our clients envisioned a transformation: a fresh, organized space that would not only serve their family’s needs but also shine as an inviting arena for entertaining friends and hosting gatherings – especially sports-focused gatherings! Design Objectives: Reimagine the basement layout, creating distinct zones for varied activities. Expand the workout area to accommodate new equipment, including a Smith machine. Implement a multi-screen setup inspired by high-end sports bars, allowing guests to follow multiple games while socializing. Enhance existing features while developing new areas: Optimize a workout space for all equipment needs Establish a dedicated children’s space with guest room capabilities Create an integrated bar and entertainment area Retain and incorporate the existing projector setup Design Challenges: Navigate layout constraints in the new workout room due to fixed utility areas. Carve out a distinct space for kids within the open plan. Revitalize an underutilized section of the basement. Elevate the existing big screen area with purposeful design elements. Develop a full-fledged bar area while maintaining kitchen functions applicable for hangout snacking. Work around immovable structural elements (soffits, load-bearing support columns) THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Install a stylish barn door for the utility area of the new workout space, improving aesthetics and accessibility. Repurpose the former workout room into a dedicated game room for kids, utilizing couches with pull-out beds so the area can double as overflow guest accommodations. Transform the unused area into a vibrant pub-style area for card and table games. Enhance the big screen area with elegant wainscoting and ambient theatre-style lighting. Design a multi-functional wet bar area featuring varied seating, prep areas, and a microwave. Base the bar sink area width off the soffit above it. In the big screen area, use the soffit to inform the width of a wainscoting section. For the immovable support columns, dress one up to match the wainscoting of the nearby big screen wall. Hide the other one in a new wall. Final Thoughts: The reimagined basement has exceeded our clients’ expectations, evolving into the ultimate entertainment hub. With seven strategically placed screens, it’s perfect for gatherings focused on major sporting events and casual gatherings, as well. The space strikes a balance between adult sophistication and family-friendly functionality, featuring distinct zones for various activities. The new design not only maximizes functionality for modern, multi-screen entertainment but also elevates the aesthetic appeal. It integrates flawlessly with the rest of the home’s transitional style while allowing each basement section to maintain its unique character. The result is a versatile space that caters to both intimate family time and large-scale entertaining.

These Condo Apartments are a Mediterranean-inspired style with modern details located in upscale neighborhood of Bugolobi, an upscale suburb of Kampala. This building remodel consists of 9 no. 3 bed units. This project perfectly caters to the residents lifestyle needs thanks to an expansive outdoor space with scattered play areas for the children to enjoy.

Thinking outside the box Perched on a hilltop in the Catskills, this sleek 1960s A-frame is right at home among pointed firs and mountain peaks. An unfussy, but elegant design with modern shapes, furnishings, and material finishes both softens and enhances the home’s architecture and natural surroundings, bringing light and airiness to every room. A clever peekaboo aesthetic enlivens many of the home’s new design elements―invisible touches of lucite, accented brass surfaces, oversized mirrors, and windows and glass partitions in the spa bathrooms, which give you all the comfort of a high-end hotel, and the feeling that you’re showering in nature. Downstairs ample seating and a wet bar―a nod to your parents’ 70s basement―make a perfect space for entertaining. Step outside onto the spacious deck, fire up the grill, and enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. Stonework, scattered like breadcrumbs around the 5-acre property, leads you to several lounging nooks, where you can stretch out with a book or take a soak in the hot tub. Every thoughtful detail adds softness and magic to this forest home.

In this cozy corner of the master bedroom, a comfy fuschia chair and ottoman are scattered with pale gray dots like a galaxy of stars, blending cleanly with the custom rug. - Photo by Jeff Mateer

Example of a trendy living room design in Perth

This 10,000 sf townhouse sits on one of Manhattan’s most beautiful Upper East Side streets and so the goal of the project was to return the house to its original grandeur. Previously a Kips Bay designer showcase house, the rooms were each designed in a differing style and therefore the lack of cohesion and flow made the house seem choppy. In addition, much of the interior was superficial in the sense that plumbing fixtures were not all connected, walls were “false walls” built in front of existing and much of the construction had to be rebuilt. The scope included creating a large gourmet kitchen in the rear of the ground floor by closing off the winding corridor and creating a new door opening centered on the main entry hall with a paneled arched pocket door mimicking the original detailing of the parlor floor. The kitchen has a Calacatta Gold stone center island and dinning area flanked by counters that run the length of the east and west walls with glass front upper cabinets. A built-in buffet on the south wall anchors the space. A mud room, with access to the delivery entrance and additional storage space was added off the kitchen. A new slim profile steel and glass French door provides access to a new steel rear deck and stairs to the rear yard. On the second floor, a new tile floor was added throughout and RRA designed new stone mantle pieces fabricated from England in the living and dining rooms. On the 3rd floor, a new wall was constructed in the 11’ wide central hallway to allow a new 135 sf master closet with custom designed built-in storage units and accessories. This concept was carried through to the 4th floor on a smaller scale and 4 new storage closets were added in the hallway. The existing bathroom on the 4th Floor was gutted and redesigned including a new 5’x5’ extra deep soaking tub and new fixtures. Silver travertine tiles were used throughout to give the room a durable, waterproof finish while also providing a warm, luxurious feel. The 5th floor was converted into a playroom and TV room for the family’s two young children and was outfitted with chalkboard paint along the entire east wall in the play area and a bold color block wall treatment in the TV room. A new cork floor was installed for durability and resilience to lots of activity yet providing a soft and sustainable floor treatment for its intended user. A full laundry room was also created floor with new cabinetry, plumbing, and floor and wall tile. Additionally, 3 full baths and a powder room were refitted with tumbled travertine tiles on the top two floors. The exterior of the building was refurbished and new lighting and painted doors and frames were installed in accordance with Landmark designation. An additional challenge on the project was that a previously built extension on the PH level was illegally overbuilt and the property had received a violation. A 9 month process of filing drawings, completing zoning analyses and meetings with the DOB Commissioners ensued to get the extension approved allowing us to obtain a permit for the remainder of the work and complete the Certificate of Occupancy. In spite of the complex process and scattered program, the completed townhouse has a cohesive aesthetic throughout, with upgraded amenities befitting this grand representation of elite New York living.

A family room that flows onto the lower deck and pool area
Example of a family room design in Auckland

Thinking outside the box Perched on a hilltop in the Catskills, this sleek 1960s A-frame is right at home among pointed firs and mountain peaks. An unfussy, but elegant design with modern shapes, furnishings, and material finishes both softens and enhances the home’s architecture and natural surroundings, bringing light and airiness to every room. A clever peekaboo aesthetic enlivens many of the home’s new design elements―invisible touches of lucite, accented brass surfaces, oversized mirrors, and windows and glass partitions in the spa bathrooms, which give you all the comfort of a high-end hotel, and the feeling that you’re showering in nature. Downstairs ample seating and a wet bar―a nod to your parents’ 70s basement―make a perfect space for entertaining. Step outside onto the spacious deck, fire up the grill, and enjoy the gorgeous mountain views. Stonework, scattered like breadcrumbs around the 5-acre property, leads you to several lounging nooks, where you can stretch out with a book or take a soak in the hot tub. Every thoughtful detail adds softness and magic to this forest home.

Example of a mid-sized trendy beige floor entryway design in Ottawa with white walls and a glass front door