Custom design by Cynthia Soda of Soda Pop Design Inc. in Toronto, Canada. Photography by Stephani Buchman Photography. Construction by: Master Edge Homes Markham

Inspiration for a rustic exterior home remodel in New Orleans

Photography by Colin Grey Voigt
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Charleston

Inspiration for a large transitional master mosaic tile dark wood floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and white walls

Powder room floor tile with custom tile vent
Inspiration for a small contemporary bathroom remodel in Toronto

Lightstreams Renaissance Intense Blue & Royal Blue Lightstreams Jewel Accent Tile Aegean Sea Builder: Garden Lights Landscaping Mural Design: Lightstreams Photos by: Macduff Everton

Inspiration for a small eclectic bathroom remodel in Jacksonville

The purpose of this room is for adult lounging, relaxing and enjoying music and beverages. Our client wanted a unique abstract style canvas to be the focal point of this room. We were happy to complete this stunning abstract wall finish. Copyright © 2016 The Artists Hands

For many, professional interior design is a luxury. Whether your home’s design project is large or small, having the ability to transform your house, apartment or condo into a beautiful, unique space is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. Even if it is a just simple accent wall painted in a color that speaks to you, or a complete renovation of your cabinets to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, interior design allows you to create an environment that is both personal and comfortable. That is exactly how interior designer and founder of Design Exchange Sean Carlson Perry feels about what he does for a living. “The reason that I love designing spaces, and value the impact of space design on people, is the way the spaces make us feel, the visceral appeal of good design. Good design should stimulate the senses and generate an emotionally engaging experience. As a designer, I get to massage and sculpt people’s experience of space!” Perry shared with us. In late 2017, the Paintzen team connected with Perry regarding a very special design project he was working on. Design Exchange was renovating, redesigning and re-furnishing The Ali Forney Center. The Ali Forney Center, based in New York City, is the largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to housing homeless LGBTQ youth. Nearly 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ. Homeless LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and suicide. AFC houses 124 youths each night and provides services to over 1,400 homeless young people per year. Although the organization does an incredible job to provide safety and shelter to homeless youth, Perry and his team felt the space itself could use some updating and could feel more welcoming. Rooms were dark, cold, and lacked proper storage. Furniture was in poor shape and didn’t work. The rooms were being under-utilized; overall, there was so much more that could be done within the walls of the AFC that could be improved using interior design & paint! We at Paintzen were excited to partner with Design Exchange to do our part in this transformation. The dark, paneled walls were re-painted white. This entirely opened up the space, making it brighter, warmer and more welcoming. The white walls also served as a much better backdrop for smart lighting, as well as for the furniture, wall decor, and new flooring. Beyond painting, Perry and his team used FLOR carpet tiles for durability in a bright Fuchsia shade for a pop of color. They created a more functional layout to maximize the space and make better use of its architectural details and added new furniture including lamps, tables, throws, a sofa, a TV and a Roku to make the space beautiful, and even fun. “Design increases connection and community,” Perry told us. “When we revamp a shelter space, history tells us that the residents spend more time in the space, more time with their peers, building connections and community; a greater sense of home.” Perry’s goal was to create an environment that set its residents up for success by improving their quality of life, outlook and self-esteem. “This isn’t extreme home makeover (although I wish I had that budget!). It’s about improving the aesthetics of the space to create a better environment and experience for people who are going through challenging times. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amount of work that allows me to donate a portion of profits to Design Exchange Projects.” Sean Carlson Perry founded Design Exchange as a way to use his talent, passion, and skills to help those who are struggling, or in a place of immediate need. He was searching to bring deeper meaning and a humanitarian component to his work. Perry has worked with clients in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. “Good design—functionally, aesthetically and ergonomically—promotes a better quality of life.” This is a mantra that describes why Perry does what he does through Design Exchange, working to help the underserved of New York City and other cities across the country. “I grew up gay in Nebraska, and have gone through some hard times when I was younger, but I can’t imagine going through what these kids go through – rejection from family, being kicked out of the house for being who they are, homeless and having nowhere else to turn,” said Perry. “Luckily, there is The Ali Forney Center. Doing these projects for AFC strikes close to home for me, so they are extra special and close to my heart.”

Blue Urban Abstract Wall Art has an undeniably modern hip flow. A futuristic digital painting, created with the technique of long exposure photography captures the motion of light as brushstrokes. A blend of blue green colors provides a soothing and calm expression. The lines are curvy and rhythmic adding to the smooth style. The overall style is reminiscent of graffiti, pushing the boundaries of new media art to the future. The work is mounted under a stunning plexiglass which provides a sleek finish and ultra modern feel.

Photo of a small modern courtyard landscaping in Orange County.

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Seattle

Ornamental Iron Handrail System
Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Atlanta

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen pantry remodel in Orange County with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and solid surface countertops

Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Portland with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

After. We kept the modern finishes in the Powder Room with this “Infinity” oblong mirror from CB2 and these “Deep Ball” vanity lights from MODCREATIONSStudio on Etsy.