Elegant Entryway designs by Fratantoni Luxury Estates for your inspirational boards! Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more inspirational photos!

This 1,500 sq. ft. rambler in Palo Alto needed some modern functional updates to accommodate the family’s changing needs. A smart homework station was added to one corner of the kitchen, which included built-in shelves, plugs-a-plenty, a desk area with ample workspace and new windows to let in much needed natural light. The same color and style of cabinetry were used to ensure a seamless flow from the kitchen to the study station. A bedroom was added using gorgeous floor to ceiling built-ins for clothes, linens and other personal items. Standout features in this home include a stunning 18 x 18 Travertine and Marble tile floor laid out in a checkerboard pattern and a beautiful metal rod and ball stair case finished in a dark antique color. To accommodate space for the homeowners’ piano, we took advantage of a 20’ foot ceiling in the entryway. We built a new second floor platform that created additional square footage within the existing footprint and carved out a special niche for the family’s prized musical instrument. This properly designed space was given the right setting to sound and appear sensational—the melodies heard throughout the home. By modifying the footprint on the second floor, we were suddenly faced with the challenge of how to repurpose the existing rod and ball stair railing. To accommodate the additional square footage, we needed more railing than was there; and the material was no longer available to order. As a creative solution, we designed a railing system that reused all but twelve inches of the old railing and installed wide posts to make up for the shortfall in railing materials. The result was spectacular!

The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a 17’ long bookcase. It was the first thing you saw upon entering and it hid much of the light and views to the backyard making the space feel claustrophobic. The laundry room was part of the kitchen space without any attempt to conceal the washer and dryer. Removing the long bookcase opened the opportunity to add counter stools in the kitchen and decided to align a target wall opposite the front door to help maintain some division within the main space while creating a space for the refrigerator. This also allowed us to create an open laundry room concept that would be hidden from view from all other areas. We kept the industrial feel of the exposed building materials, which we complimented with textured melamine slab doors for the new kitchen cabinets. We maintained the galley set up but defined the kitchen from the utility area by changing both thickness and color of the countertop materials. Because the back of the house is mainly windows, there was very little wall space for upper cabinets and everyday dish storage. We designed a custom ceiling hung shelf system that floats in front of the windows, and is mostly out of view from the sitting area. Tall cabinets are installed along the only available wall to support both kitchen and laundry room functions. We used cable lighting threaded through the beams which really punctuates the industrial aesthetic.

Phantom Screens, the leading manufacturer of retractable screens in North America, selects Bob Michels Construction of North Oaks, Minnesota as their 2016 Impact Winner. The Phantom Screens Impact Award recognizes residential design and building professionals for using innovative products to deliver cutting edge designs that set them above the rest. Impact Award winners have proven that they are committed to enhancing lifestyles and living spaces by integrating Phantom’s retractable screen products into designs that deliver added value and comfort to today’s homeowner. Bob Michels Construction’s submission is a unique space featuring a car carousel which operates both as a space to highlight the owner’s car collection and the functional purpose to turn cars around and drive out of the showroom. Phantom’s retractable screens turned the open-air ramada into a large entertaining and gathering screened porch area with one touch of a button. “Phantom’s retractable screens were used to achieve a desired mix of modern and traditional finishes,” said Andrew Michels, Vice President of Bob Michels Construction. “Phantom Screens is the only company that allowed the customization of this unique space with a long-lasting and sustainable product.” The winner was selected by a panel of Phantom Screen judges and evaluated primarily on design and creativity, market appeal and livability, and product integration. The winning project received recognition on booth signage at the NAHB International Builders Show, a one-page advertorial feature in Builder magazine, an in depth case study and more! Photography: LandMark Photography

Trendy dining room photo in Melbourne

When it comes to finding inspiration for your house or apartment design, there are a variety of routes you can take. For some, it is important to dive into the latest trends in fashion and art, using only the most popular decor pieces and embracing the color palettes seen on runways or in home and garden magazines. But for others, it’s simply about discovering what feels most like “home.” Ashley Steele, the creator of A Styled Affair, was part of the latter group. “Since my husband and I were moving into a space that was previously owned, I needed a way to make it feel like it was truly ours, and unique to us,” she told our team. A Styled Affair sprang from Ashley’s passion for fashion, and need for a creative outlet. But it soon became more than that. She developed a following, and it quickly became a place where she could share her personal style, travel adventures, and lifestyle tips. “While the blogging industry has become overwhelmed with people sharing their favorite home decor or make-up tips, I think what sets A Styled Affair apart is my commitment to stay true to my unique taste. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum – and that carries through in the clothes I wear, the decor I select for our home, and the travels I plan.” Paintzen connected with Ashley as she was settling into her new home in Boston’s Seaport District. Although she and her husband have lived in Boston for almost 8 years, they were used to smaller, more traditional spaces. Their new home is much bigger, and more modern, than any place they lived before. “I wanted to select colors of comfort, simplicity, and sophistication so we could elevate the space and make it feel more like a home.” Ashley also accurately pointed out that new construction can sometimes feel a little cold and sterile, almost industrial. “I wanted our home to feel like a peaceful oasis after coming in from the bustling city.” Ashley chose soft white paint for her walls to bring a sense of comfort and zen. With lots of wall decor, art work and carefully selected furniture, the walls serve as a clean and comfortable palette, and allowed her more freedom when making her other design decisions throughout the space. Ashley kept the overall palette fairly neutral, and incorporated “modern bohemian” inspired decor throughout the home; the final product was clean and simple, and catered to her style. We asked Ashley what she was most excited for now. “I’m most excited to continue to find new decor pieces to compliment the paint colors and decor we’ve already found for the space. We have been really patient with decorating and selected each piece really careful to make sure it is cohesive and flows from room to room. I’m looking forward to enjoying the space with my husband and dog, and entertaining friends and family in the spring and summer!” A few final questions for Ashley on her experience with Paintzen: “I would highly recommend Paintzen to anyone, especially those that live in the city. There are so many different paint companies and contractors to choose from but going through Paintzen simplified the process and made me feel comfortable that we had the right team working on our space. Their platform for booking services and choosing paint colors made the process seamless and was a great way to keep track of what we booked and chose for colors. Most importantly, the customer service team was outstanding whenever we had a question or needed to make an adjustment.” And advice she would give someone repainting their home: “Patience. I would recommend taking your time and doing your research before selecting paint colors. Lighting changes every color so make sure to bring paint swatches and samples into the space and look at it throughout the day to see the different tones that the light will pick up. I would also recommend researching color trends and recommendations for colors in the family you are looking for. We found our living room color through a blog post listing top-used colors by interior designers and it looks amazing.”

✨The wooden handrails on a set of steps were replaced with a custom brickwork design. ☎ Contact Mike Boyd at 757-412-5630 to discuss your next masonry project. ?? Boyd's Custom Masonry LLC aims to elevate the aesthetic value of homes one brick at a time. ?? Brick: Glen-Gery Lawrenceville 931 Cape Charles Mortar: Workrite 280 N Glacier/Light Grey York Building Products Cap Detail: Old World Flagstone Artisan Stone Cap in Appalachian Grey Materials from Riverside Brick & Supply Chesapeake #boydscustommasonry #brick #masonry #entryway #entrywaygoals #curbappeal #custom #homeimprovement #porch #skilledtrades #skills

We focus on furnishing and styling homes and empty spaces. We focus on furniture, textiles, lighting, art, scent, bedding, bathing and any decorative items. Villas, Townhouses, Apartments, offices, or any temporary space used for events or shootings - any space which needs to be filled with life, is our expertise. If you are moving into a property, selling a property or in charge of creating fascinating set ups, we are here to help.

For Whitney Leigh Morris, creative director and owner of the Tiny Canal Cottage, our mosaic tiles were the perfect solution for her space-saving style.

For Whitney Leigh Morris, creative director and owner of the Tiny Canal Cottage, our mosaic tiles were the perfect solution for her space-saving style.

This water feature and vertical gardens do much more that add charm, sets the mood and allows enjoyment of nature - its also a creative privacy screen. Photography - David Bartolomi

This beautifully curated dining room blends vintage charm with artistic sophistication. Rich wood floors set the foundation for a timeless aesthetic, complemented by a stunning vintage dining table and chairs. A statement vintage lamp adds warmth and character, while a romantic lover’s screen subtly divides the dining and living areas. In the background, a striking snake-shaped sofa enhances the eclectic charm. Vaulted ceilings create an airy, open ambiance, allowing the space to breathe. As an art collector’s home, the room is elevated by two breathtaking art pieces that serve as focal points, celebrating creativity and individuality.

Serene covered patio addition with painted brick piers, concrete pavers, ceiling fan, outdoor seating and potted topiary creates the perfect setting to rest, relax and enjoy the view. The tall, open, airy outdoor living space with traditional details and classic style blends seamlessly with the charm and character of the existing home. Designed and photographed by Kimberly Kerl, Kustom Home Design

Perfect option for a "built-in" desk! Calm, cool, & coastal creates a great area to focus!
Example of a small beach style staircase design in Miami

Phantom Screens, the leading manufacturer of retractable screens in North America, selects Bob Michels Construction of North Oaks, Minnesota as their 2016 Impact Winner. The Phantom Screens Impact Award recognizes residential design and building professionals for using innovative products to deliver cutting edge designs that set them above the rest. Impact Award winners have proven that they are committed to enhancing lifestyles and living spaces by integrating Phantom’s retractable screen products into designs that deliver added value and comfort to today’s homeowner. Bob Michels Construction’s submission is a unique space featuring a car carousel which operates both as a space to highlight the owner’s car collection and the functional purpose to turn cars around and drive out of the showroom. Phantom’s retractable screens turned the open-air ramada into a large entertaining and gathering screened porch area with one touch of a button. “Phantom’s retractable screens were used to achieve a desired mix of modern and traditional finishes,” said Andrew Michels, Vice President of Bob Michels Construction. “Phantom Screens is the only company that allowed the customization of this unique space with a long-lasting and sustainable product.” The winner was selected by a panel of Phantom Screen judges and evaluated primarily on design and creativity, market appeal and livability, and product integration. The winning project received recognition on booth signage at the NAHB International Builders Show, a one-page advertorial feature in Builder magazine, an in depth case study and more! Photography: LandMark Photography

This fireplace is sure to be a conversation starter on cool East Bay evenings. Stacked from the hardwood floors to the curling coved ceiling, Glazed Thin Brick in charcoal-green Absoraka creates a striking centerpiece in this Berkeley bungalow dining room. DESIGN Decorotation PHOTOS Sen Creative TILE SHOWN Absaroka in Brick

Brookfield ranch home we just finished for a customer. Wonderful features including custom modern cabinets, unique acrylic counters, creative use of color, great outdoor living with a fireplace on deck and so much more. What can we build together? Call to set up a meeting today! 402.672.5550 #buildalandmark #ranchhome #floorplan #customhome #omahabuilder

A grey-washed vintage bamboo dining set creates a roomy dining space (and ties in nicely with the Sellers' eclectic art collection). Photography by eCreative

The private quart yard entry is a special feature of this home and creates additional living space that is very private and relaxing. This custom home home was built by Silverton Custom Homes and designed by Design Visions. This home was built on the North Shore of lake Travis for two very creative, fantastic individuals that were a pleasure to partner with to turn their vision into reality. photos by Tre Dunham