This master bathroom was partially an old hall bath that was able to be enlarged due to a whole home addition. The homeowners needed a space to spread out and relax after a long day of working on other people's homes (yes - they do what we do!) A spacious floor plan, large tub, over-sized walk in shower, a smart commode, and customized enlarged vanity did the trick! The cabinets are from WW Woods Shiloh inset, in their furniture collection. Maple with a Naval paint color make a bold pop of color in the space. Robern cabinets double as storage and mirrors at each vanity sink. The master closet is fully customized and outfitted with cabinetry from California Closets. The tile is all a Calacatta Gold Marble - herringbone mosaic on the floor and a subway in the shower. Golden and brass tones in the plumbing bring warmth to the space. The vanity faucets, shower items, tub filler, and accessories are from Watermark. The commode is "smart" and from Toto.

Example of a classic family room design in DC Metro with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

From the ceilings to the desk lamps, all lights in this space can be easily controlled with smart devices. This room also features Fulkra's smart / privacy glass to ensure UV ray protection and energy efficiency.

"Model NEW YORK chair: metal frame and upholstered and covered seat/backrest. Swivel height adjustable chair. The enveloping backrest and wide seat, which make the chair very comfortable, are both upholstered. The cover is available in SKUBA, a synthetic material similar to the leather that is easy to clean and smooth to the touch. The metal base is equipped with five soft rubber castors. Ideal to complement the decor of the home study, choose the combination you prefer. Calligaris: Italian Smart Design since 1923 What does ""smart"" mean for us? Smart is harmony between technique and aesthetics, between reason and emotion, because each Calligaris piece encloses the know-how of our experienced designers and our creativity applied to contemporary living."

Situated in the picturesque Encino Hills, this project involved the remodeling of two bathrooms in a mid-century style home, staying true to the character of the house while integrating modern luxuries. The primary bathroom has been transformed into an open oasis, featuring a spacious, curbless walk-in shower that exudes luxury and openness. The bathroom floor and the shower floor are seamlessly connected with terrazzo tile, complemented by a 60" linear brass shower drain. The shower and bathroom walls showcase a striking 3-dimensional linear texture with Ribbonwood Walnut tiles. A large niche with custom shelving and beautifully finished edges in white quartz slab adds a touch of sophistication. A standout feature of the shower is the large picture window offering stunning views of the natural green surroundings, equipped with smart tinted glass that can switch between clear and fogged for privacy at the touch of a button. The luxurious components of the primary bathroom include a brass shower system with both shower head and rain shower heads, controlled by a sophisticated system. The Toto toilet and Toto washlet system offer modern conveniences such as auto flush and a smart bidet feature, enhancing the contemporary design. To maintain the mid-century charm, the original vanity and pendant lights were preserved and refreshed with a new luxury white quartz countertop, new sinks, and new brass faucets. The result is a harmonious blend of mid-century aesthetics and modern luxury, creating a primary bathroom that feels like an open, luxurious oasis. Overall, this bathroom remodel in Encino Hills exemplifies how thoughtful design and high-end finishes can transform a space into a stunning mid-century modern sanctuary.

Example of a minimalist dining room design

Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Toronto

Patio - modern patio idea in San Francisco

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life. Understanding Their Needs: From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved. Addressing Their Concerns: We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. Our Personalized Solutions: We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires: ● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience. ● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine. ● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience. ● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives. ● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Navigating the Challenges Together: Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process. The Joy of Transformation: The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. A Space to Cherish: The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together. Memorable Moments and Hiccups: ● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

I am devoted to illuminating the carbon footprint a building leaves upon the planet. Therefore, my exterior and interior designs are focused on optimizing a building’s potential to react to, rather than impose upon, the landscape and surrounding elements. Each project is an opportunity to explore new avenues of state-of-the-art interior design, building science and construction methodologies. I like to state: “DESIGN IT SMART, BUILD IT STRONG, FINISH IT RIGHT!” Smart technology is factored into my designs so that a building can intuitively sense and change with the surrounding environment. Intuitive Smart Technology allows a building to perform as a self-contained and self-sustaining structure. For my residential clients, Intuitive Smart Technology provides a seamless integration of a home’s operational systems – and security rooms and safe haven is taking a lead in homes where privacy is of the utmost importance. My designers, planners and consultants, strive to achieve every project’s goal with a new and unique approach. We specialize in every aspect of design; ranging from branding to urban planning. Sandra Costa Design Group Is a firm with partners and networks all over the world. We have a global perspective, enhancing the outcome of our design. Our international reputation for innovative design and a unique view of design gives clients a new aperture to there project. I am always interested in hearing about a new project and can be reached at 310 874 3739 to discuss yours. Sandra Costa Exterior design and furniture by Sandra Costa Real Estate Images by Angelo Costa 310 985 5509

Example of a minimalist family room design in Toronto

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life. Understanding Their Needs: From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved. Addressing Their Concerns: We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. Our Personalized Solutions: We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires: ● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience. ● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine. ● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience. ● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives. ● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Navigating the Challenges Together: Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process. The Joy of Transformation: The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. A Space to Cherish: The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together. Memorable Moments and Hiccups: ● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

"BAHIA chair: its name is a r reminder of exotic landscapes, its shape is reminiscent of large tropical flower petals. Comfortable, cosy, colourful. A ""bio-inspired, organic shape"" as described by designers Dondoli and Pocci. Bahia's wraparound backrest and ergonomic design make it extremely comfortable. Its polypropylene shell is flexible and strong, hard-wearing and recyclable. Wooden base with tapered legs and coloured metal crossbar. Take a seat and let yourself be surprised by Bahia’s comfort! Calligaris: Italian Smart Design since 1923 What does ""smart"" mean for us? Smart is harmony between technique and aesthetics, between reason and emotion, because each Calligaris piece encloses the know-how of our experienced designers and our creativity applied to contemporary living."

Inspiration for a modern hallway remodel in DC Metro

This award-winning Platinum Smart-Heat™ series sets the benchmark against which all other outdoor heaters are measured, with nothing else that comes close in terms of technology, design, power, and efficiency. Designed with low-clearance, semi-enclosed spaces in mind, the award-winning Platinum Smart-Heat™ Electric & Gas series offers minimized light emissions and dedicated recess kits that allow these stand-out outdoor heaters to blend seamlessly into any environment. Available in both black and white, the elegantly understated Platinum Smart-Heat™ series combines superb style with sensational heating without compromise, delivering 25% more heat with a much smaller footprint than the best of any other competitors outdoor heaters. Featuring corrosion-proof 304 stainless steel chassis’ and Schott tinted ceramic-glass screens, these compact yet powerful outdoor heaters can be subtly placed practically anywhere with our dedicated wall, ceiling, and flush-mounting options. 
Blending beautifully with any environment, they also virtually fade from mind, with set-and-forget simplicity and complete heating control delivered by single switch activation and smart control compatibility.

Garage - traditional garage idea in DC Metro

The story of this home is very unassuming, but that was the objective, to create the most intuitive, discreet, thoughtful smart home possible for our client. The clients are very tech-savvy individuals, but not over the top. They knew what they wanted, and what they wanted was clean and reliable technology in their home. Simple as that. A complete smart home system built just for them, providing a seamless experience. Automated lighting and shades timed and tuned to their preferences, security and surveillance giving them 24/7 peace of mind, climate control always at the ideal temperature, and an audio/video system that is not only brilliant in sound, but modern, easy to control, and beautiful. Two words come to mind for these clients after the project was complete… “Welcome Home.”

Farmhouse Reinvented - Interior Design Project in Marlboro, New York Design: Duncan Avenue // Maxwell & Dino Alexander Construction: ToughConstruct | Hudson Valley Welcome to the historic (circa 1870) Hudson Valley Farmhouse in the heart of legendary Marlboro, NY. It has been completely reimagined by the Award-Winning Duncan Avenue Design Studio and has become an inspiring, stylish and extremely comfortable zero-emissions 21st century smart home just minutes away from NYC. Situated on top of a hill and an acre of picturesque landscape, it could become your turnkey second-home, a vacation home, rental or investment property, or an authentic Hudson Valley Style dream home for generations to come. The Farmhouse has been renovated with style, design, sustainability, functionality, and comfort in mind and incorporates more than a dozen smart technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability features. Contemporary open concept floorplan, glass french doors and 210° wraparound porch with 3-season outdoor dining space blur the line between indoor and outdoor living and allow residents and guests to enjoy a true connection with surrounding nature. Wake up to the sunrise shining through double glass doors on the east side of the house and watch the warm sunset rays shining through plenty of energy-efficient windows and french doors on the west. High-end finishes such as sustainable bamboo hardwood floors, sustainable concrete countertops, solid wood kitchen cabinets with soft closing drawers, energy star stainless steel appliances, and designer light fixtures are only a few of the updates along with a brand-new central HVAC heat pump system controlled by smart Nest thermostat with two-zone sensors. Brand new roof, utilities, and all LED lighting bring additional value and comfort for many years to come. The property features a beautiful designer pergola on the edge of the hill with an opportunity for the in-ground infinity pool. Property's sun number is 91 and is all set for installation of your own solar farm that will take the property go 100% off-grid. Superior quality renovation, energy-efficient smart utilities, world-class interior design, sustainable materials, and Authentic Hudson Valley Style make this unique property a true real estate gem and once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity to own a turnkey second-home and a piece of the Hudson Valley history.