Guillermo Garcia
Inspiration for a timeless balcony remodel in Santa Barbara

This brownstone renovation was a full gut project in every sense of the word. On top of installing new floors, a kitchen and bath renovation, and all the typical restoration and refinishing involved in a brownstone built in 1899, we also completely updated the exterior, constructed a balcony that was not originally there, and converted the space from a single-family home into an an owner’s triplex. A newly separated studio rental on the garden level offers the opportunity for supplemental income, an uncommon and welcome addition to a New York brownstone. A TRANSITIONAL GEM The result is a two-family brownstone that perfectly combines classic townhouse living with today’s modern needs, including SmartHome technology that we installed to control Bluetooth speakers, Nest thermostats, and the security system. The overall aesthetic goal was to pay homage to the historical periods the brownstone has lived through in a cohesive way that is the hallmark of modern transitional style. In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and marble rather than quartz countertops bring a classically upscale sensibility. To modernize the space further, we opened up the back wall to create floor-to-ceiling windows that are also doors, opening up into the newly built balcony. TIMELY TOUCHES This brownstone renovation included many quintessential elements, such as millwork like the ceiling medallions. We restored some and custom built others, perfectly recreating their original appearance. The heated master bathroom is now serene, with a walk-in shower featuring a subtly modern linear drain. A herringbone Carrera marble tiled floor and marble slab sink complete the scene. In the powder room, we embraced a contemporary look by pairing dark hexagonal floors with light chevron tiles, accented with dramatic navy blue wallpaper. With its clear-cut 1920s-style, we selected the wall sconce to reference one of the brownstone’s earlier eras. DESIGN DETAILS Natural oak herringbone floors we installed throughout the entire home bring a modern yet warm touch. We restored the wood-burning marble fireplace, which is fully functioning. An elegant staircase with a custom-crafted black wooden banister and white balusters winds up and down alongside a real brick interior wall that we restored and refinished. In this brownstone renovation, we were also able to create ceiling height, an unexpected yet aesthetically pleasing side benefit. When working on the joists and beams to level out the floors (a common issue in pre-war renovations) we added ceiling height in the main parlor floor by taking the second floor and raising the ceiling an entire foot. The end result is a main floor with stunning 9-foot ceilings. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Solid natural oak herringbone floors throughout - A fully restored, refinished, and functioning wood burning fireplace with a marble mantle - Complete exterior renovation of the facade, cornices, windows, mouldings, and even the ironwork, including the railings leading up to the stoop and those facing the street - A brand new central air and heating system with uniquely modern vents – look above the couch in the living room with the fuzzy rug and large painting Considering a brownstone renovation? Contact us today! We specialize in brownstone renovations in New York as well as all pre-war apartments. When you work with a design-and-build firm like Gallery to renovate your brownstone, you get the full range of our expertise in working with all the finest details and pre-war architectural elements of these classic New York spaces. We also handle every step of the process, from filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and building entirely new rooms (or even balconies). Call us for a free initial consultation when you’re ready.

The owners of this Edwardian property in Finchley had purchased it a couple of years prior and since then had slowly been renovating it to restore its original character. The project was almost complete and now attention had turned to the tiled floor. The tiles were in quite a state and I was asked to work our Tile Doctor magic and bring it back to its original condition. When they moved in the hallway had been covered with carpet which gave the tiles underneath some protection. Unfortunately, however the carpet has been secured with carpet grippers that had been glued to the tiles around the edges. There were also paint splashes on the surface that would need dealing with. On top of that the floor had a few missing tiles that had been back filled by cement to provide a level base for the carpet, the client wanted like them replaced if possible. After surveying the floor, I explained what could be done and ever completed a small test clean to demonstrate how the tiles would look once deep cleaned. I was confident on being able to source very similar reclaimed tiles so replacing the missing should not be a problem. The client was very happy with the initial test result and my quotation so booked me in to restore the floor. On my return I started by applying Tile Doctor Remove and Go to soften up the glue which allowed it to be carefully peeled off the tiles with scrappers. Once all the carpet adhesive was gone, I worked a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go into the tiles using a black pad to work the cleaning solution deeper into the tiles. A wet vacuum was used to remove the slurry created, and I followed this by giving the tiles an extra clean using a 200-grit diamond burnishing pad lubricated with water. The last step in the cleaning process was to give the floor an acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up, I did this for several reasons, first it removes old grout smears from the surface of the tile and second it neutralised any efflorescent salts lying dormant in the floor. This can be quite a problem for old floors which don’t have the benefit of a protective damp proof membrane under the floor. The floor was given a final rinse with water which was again extracted with a wet vacuum. I then set about lifting all the loose tiles (approximately ten) and carefully removing the concrete infills. I had previously managed to source replacements for these holes from original features. Unfortunately, they didn’t sell the correct sized octagon tiles, so I had bought 150mm square tiles and then needed to cut them on site to get the right size. After cutting and fixing the tiles I fixed them in place and regrouted the rest of the floor. I then left the floor to dry out overnight and returned in the morning. Before applying a sealer, I took several moisture readings with the damp meter to make sure the tiles were dry enough to take the sealer. I was able to confirm the floor was dry, so went ahead and applied three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealant. Colour Grow is an impregnating sealer that is fully breathable sealer which is important when it comes to old floors like these that don’t have a damp proof membrane installed. My client was very happy with the renovated floor and for aftercare I left them with a bottle of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner and gave advice on how best to clean the floor going forward. Andrew Newstead North London Tile Doctor

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

Union Studio / Matthew Bear
Urban bedroom photo in San Francisco

Example of an urban staircase design in Salt Lake City

Building a new home is a momentous occasion. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the home of their dreams. However, selecting the perfect home design and floor plan can feel like a daunting task. After all, you want to ensure that your new home will meet your family's needs and desires for years. That's where trusted services come in. With the latest technology, you can design your entire home and even tour it in 3D. From building your 2D floor plan to furnishing it, you can watch as your dream home is brought to life. In this article, we will explore how you can beautifully decorate your home online. Select the Main Theme Embarking on a new home design project can be an exciting yet difficult task. One crucial step is to determine your style preference, as it will guide your decor choices throughout your home. Researching through various platforms and furniture websites can provide inspiration and help gauge pricing for your favorite pieces. One helpful strategy is to create a mood board where you gather your favorite interior design looks and examine any patterns that emerge. By taking the time to establish your preferred style, you can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your home that reflects your personal taste and style. If you want to create a design while traveling, you may need to use a USA VPN to access some online services with advanced home design tools. It will allow you to bypass geo-blocks. Create a Layout The global home design market reached $115 billion in 2022. When designing living spaces, several factors must be considered, including the arrangement of social and private areas and accommodating the changing needs of families over time. Parents with young children usually prefer bedrooms and bathrooms to be clustered together while families with teenagers often request more segregated spaces in two-story home designs. Home design is an intricate art form that involves creating an interior space that is both visually appealing and functional. Whether you are starting afresh with a new home or looking to revamp an existing one, home design offers ample opportunities to unleash your creativity. It does not matter if you lack professional architecture expertise, as anyone can undertake the planning and execution of a home design project. The initial steps involve analyzing your existing home layout and then conceptualizing your desired vision for the remodel. This is the cornerstone on which your entire project will be built, and it sets the tone for the aesthetic of your home's interior. Utilize online home design software to generate realistic images of your new home and easily gather feedback from others. This allows you to make necessary adjustments to perfect your design. With the help of professional software, realizing your ideal home design is now made easy and achievable without requiring any specialized training or knowledge. You can access online tools using VeePN for a secure connection. Start by creating a blueprint of your floor plan. Furnish Your Space If you need to decorate house, selecting the right flooring and paint or wallpaper for the walls is key. Using online services, you can speed up this process. With intuitive tools such as dragging and dropping items, you can create a truly unique and personalized home design that is sure to impress. When selecting a color scheme for your design, it is crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using neutral tones versus incorporating a pop of color. While a neutral palette can simplify the design process and provide a timeless look, it may lack individuality or a focal point. Whereas, a splash of color can introduce a dynamic quality, offer intrigue, and contribute to an energetic ambiance. Additionally, combining a range of price points and textures can add dimension to your design. Consider juxtaposing high-end decor with refurbished furniture and incorporating cozy textures like plush rugs and fluffy cushions, to achieve both sophistication and comfort in your space. Create a 3D Tour Home design is a craft that involves creating an attractive home interior, irrespective of whether you're starting from scratch or remodeling an existing home. While anyone can undertake a home design project, you don't necessarily need to be a professional architect. The first step to kick-starting your project entails creating an outline of your abode's current status, and then proceeding to blueprint your preferred design. As you piece everything together, you'll be able to turn your creative vision into a tangible reality. The satisfaction derived from transforming your space into the home of your dreams is truly priceless. As the market size of the interior design industry is projected to grow by over 4% in the next five years, it is clear that such services are in high demand. Home design involves creating an interior space that is both pleasing and functional. With the help of online tools, you can easily create realistic images of your dream home while gathering feedback from others to perfect your vision. As you piece everything together, be sure to consider neutral color palettes, mix price points, and textures, and add accent colors for depth and vibrancy. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can achieve your ideal design in no time!  

Photo: Joshua Mayer, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Katy Sheppard - New gate sets the tone.
Photo of a small transitional shade courtyard stone landscaping in Chicago for spring.

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. Photography by: http://www.coreenschmidt.com/

Runnels in the concrete function to drain water out of the patio area but also add a subtle inlay detail. Here the runnel is filled with both beach pebbles and dry-laid bluestone. Renn Kuhnen Photography

photography by Joslyn Amato
Example of a large minimalist backyard concrete patio kitchen design in San Luis Obispo with a pergola

Spanish meets modern in this Dallas spec home. A unique carved paneled front door sets the tone for this well blended home. Mixing the two architectural styles kept this home current but filled with character and charm.

Details - Hand polished corners in natural marble Photos by Blackstock Photography
Example of a large classic master gray tile and stone tile marble floor freestanding bathtub design in New York with an undermount sink, furniture-like cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, a two-piece toilet and white walls

Example of a country bathroom design in Calgary

This bedroom and full bathroom are part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. A partial double closet bar adds a little extra space while still leaving room for longer hanging clothes.