Durasupreme silverton panel door in cherry smoke stain finish, low gloss sheen used for the island, wet bar, and coffee area. Perimeter grey tone painted cabinets in a custom color match per client’s request was specified. Shadow storm granite and cambria whitney quartz were used in combination to set off the cabinet colors. The existing floors were refinished during the project in a neutral tone. The ceiling was detailed in a classic tongue and groove board in a white paint finish as well as the wainscot wall panels and window trim. Expert installation is always a must for projects that entail stack crowned molding as elaborate as this installation. When working in historical homes, or homes of age that have leveling issues, stacked crown molding can hide the fact the ceilings may not be parallel to the floor.

Durasupreme silverton panel door in cherry smoke stain finish, low gloss sheen used for the island, wet bar, and coffee area. Perimeter grey tone painted cabinets in a custom color match per client’s request was specified. Shadow storm granite and cambria whitney quartz were used in combination to set off the cabinet colors. The existing floors were refinished during the project in a neutral tone. The ceiling was detailed in a classic tongue and groove board in a white paint finish as well as the wainscot wall panels and window trim. Expert installation is always a must for projects that entail stack crowned molding as elaborate as this installation. When working in historical homes, or homes of age that have leveling issues, stacked crown molding can hide the fact the ceilings may not be parallel to the floor.

Durasupreme silverton panel door in cherry smoke stain finish, low gloss sheen used for the island, wet bar, and coffee area. Perimeter grey tone painted cabinets in a custom color match per client’s request was specified. Shadow storm granite and cambria whitney quartz were used in combination to set off the cabinet colors. The existing floors were refinished during the project in a neutral tone. The ceiling was detailed in a classic tongue and groove board in a white paint finish as well as the wainscot wall panels and window trim. Expert installation is always a must for projects that entail stack crowned molding as elaborate as this installation. When working in historical homes, or homes of age that have leveling issues, stacked crown molding can hide the fact the ceilings may not be parallel to the floor.

Conceived by architect Rafael Viñoly—432 Park Avenue is the tallest residential skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. This apartment designed by John Beckmann and his design firm Axis Mundi has some of the most breathtaking views in Manhattan. Known for their glamorous low-slung aesthetic, Axis Mundi took the challenge to design the residence for an American client living in China with a family of four, and an important art collection (including the likes of Cy Twombly, Gerhard Richter, Susan Frecon, Vik Muniz and Lisette Schumacher, among others). In the dining room, a Bocci “28 Chandelier” hangs above an intricate marble and brass table by Henge, with ceramics by John Born. Entering the main living area, a monumental “Let it Be” sectional from Poltrona Frau sits on a silver custom-designed Joseph Carini wool and silk rug. A ‘Surface” coffee table designed by Vincent Van Duysen and “Fulgens” armchairs in saddle leather by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia create the penultimate space for entertaining. The sensuous red library features custom-designed bookshelves in burnished brass and walnut, as a “Wing Sofa” in red velvet from Flexform floats atop a “Ponti” area rug from the Rug Company. “JJ Chairs” in Mongolian lamb fur from B&B Italia add a rock and roll swagger to the space. The kitchen accentuates the grey marble flooring and all-white color palette, with the exception of a few light wood and marble details. A dramatic pendant in hand-burnished brass, designed by Henge, hovers above the kitchen island, while a floating marble counter spans the window opening. It is a serene spot to enjoy a morning cappuccino while pondering the ever-changing skyline of the Metropolis. In a counterintuitive move, Beckmann decided to make the gallery dark by finishing the walls in a smoked lacquered plaster with hints of mica, which add sparkle and glitter. John Beckmann made sure to include extravagant fabrics from Christopher Hyland and a deft mix of textures and colors to the design. In the master bedroom is a wall-length headboard system in leather and velvet panels from Poliform, with luxurious bedding from Frette. Dupre Lafon lounge chairs in a buttery leather rest on a custom golden silk carpet by Joseph Carini, while a pair of parchment bedside lamps by Jean Michel Frank complete the design. The facade is treated with an LED lighting system which changes colors and can be controlled by the client with their iPhone from the street. Design: John Beckmann, with Hannah LaSota Photography: Durston Saylor Contractor: Cardinal Construction Size: 4000 sf © Axis Mundi Design LLC

Transitional 2 story family room with fireplace design.
Family room - mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor family room idea in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

Durasupreme silverton panel door in cherry smoke stain finish, low gloss sheen used for the island, wet bar, and coffee area. Perimeter grey tone painted cabinets in a custom color match per client’s request was specified. Shadow storm granite and cambria whitney quartz were used in combination to set off the cabinet colors. The existing floors were refinished during the project in a neutral tone. The ceiling was detailed in a classic tongue and groove board in a white paint finish as well as the wainscot wall panels and window trim. Expert installation is always a must for projects that entail stack crowned molding as elaborate as this installation. When working in historical homes, or homes of age that have leveling issues, stacked crown molding can hide the fact the ceilings may not be parallel to the floor.

Durasupreme silverton panel door in cherry smoke stain finish, low gloss sheen used for the island, wet bar, and coffee area. Perimeter grey tone painted cabinets in a custom color match per client’s request was specified. Shadow storm granite and cambria whitney quartz were used in combination to set off the cabinet colors. The existing floors were refinished during the project in a neutral tone. The ceiling was detailed in a classic tongue and groove board in a white paint finish as well as the wainscot wall panels and window trim. Expert installation is always a must for projects that entail stack crowned molding as elaborate as this installation. When working in historical homes, or homes of age that have leveling issues, stacked crown molding can hide the fact the ceilings may not be parallel to the floor.

We met with the builder to choose finishes, and worked with the clients to decide which of their existing furniture would work in the contemporary look they desired. Nancy’s design focused primarily on a gray palate throughout the apartment, giving it a sleek look, but also added depth with the use of various textures and scales. Photo Credit: Rolfe Hokanson Photography

Modern Platform Bed Surface by Huppe Made in Canada The Surface Bedroom Furniture Set by Huppe is made of North American birch veneer and features a very unique and stylish design that will adorn any interior, making it even more modern and gorgeous. The low profile of the Surface platform bed emphasizes its stout and solid appearance and adds an amazing modern look. The main distinguishing part of this bed is definitely its headboard that offers so many customization options. The headboard can be ordered either standard or extended, with or without upholstery. The optional extensions of the headboard can be also equipped with either Shelves or Drawers and with or without the optional Light. The platform bed Surface can be ordered with optional matching case-goods: nightstands, dresser, chest and mirrors. The drawers of the casegoods shut gently, featuring invisible self-closing German slides. The interior of each drawer is stained the same finish as the furniture itself and coated with a silky finish that protects even the most delicate clothes. All the storage casegoods come with a lacquered glass on the top, making the design even more noble and elegant. The Huppe Surface platform bed only requires a mattress that sits on Italian slats or panels. The bed is available in Queen and Kigs sizes. Features: Designed by Huppe Structure is available in 15 different birch finishes Headboard can be ordered either standard or extended Extended headboard is available with either shelves or drawers and optional light Matching nightstands, dresser, chest and mirrors are available The drawers of the optional casegoods feature lacquered glass on the top and self-clothing slow motions slides Bed only requires a mattress that sits on a wooden platform with slats or panels The starting price is for the Surface Queen size bed in a Smoked #32 Birch finish with a standard non-upholstered headboard. Dimensions: Queen Size Bed (Standard Headboard): W66.5" x D85" x H40" King Size Bed (Standard Headboard): W84" x D85" x H40" Queen Size Bed (Extended Headboard): W111.5" x D85" x H40" King Size Bed (Extended Headboard): W127" x D85" x H40" Nightstand: W24" x D19" x H22" Double Dresser: W66" x D19" x H30" Lingerie Chest: W24" x D19" x H56" Wall Mirror: W46" x D2" x H26" Floor Mirror: W29" x D2" x H75"

This Houston kitchen remodel turned an outdated bachelor pad into a contemporary dream fit for newlyweds. The client wanted a contemporary, somewhat commercial look, but also something homey with a comfy, family feel. And they couldn't go too contemporary, since the style of the home is so traditional. The clean, contemporary, white-black-and-grey color scheme is just the beginning of this transformation from the previous kitchen, The revamped 20-by-15-foot kitchen and adjoining dining area also features new stainless steel appliances by Maytag, lighting and furnishings by Restoration Hardware and countertops in white Carrara marble and Absolute Black honed granite. The paneled oak cabinets are now painted a crisp, bright white and finished off with polished nickel pulls. The center island is now a cool grey a few shades darker than the warm grey on the walls. On top of the grey on the new sheetrock, previously covered in a camel-colored textured paint, is Sherwin Williams' Faux Impressions sparkly "Striae Quartz Stone." Ho-hum 12-inch ceramic floor tiles with a western motif border have been replaced with grey tile "planks" resembling distressed wood. An oak-paneled flush-mount light fixture has given way to recessed lights and barn pendant lamps in oil rubbed bronze from Restoration Hardware. And the section housing clunky upper and lower banks of cabinets between the kitchen an dining area now has a sleek counter-turned-table with custom-milled legs. At first, the client wanted to open up that section altogether, but then realized they needed more counter space. The table - a continuation of the granite countertop - was the perfect solution. Plus, it offered space for extra seating. The black, high-back and low-back bar stools are also from Restoration Hardware - as is the new round chandelier and the dining table over which it hangs. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston also took out a wall between the kitchen and living room and remodeled the adjoining living room as well. A decorative cedar beam stained Minwax Jacobean now spans the ceiling where the wall once stood. The oak paneling and stairway railings in the living room, meanwhile, also got a coat of white paint and new window treatments and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware. Staining the top handrailing with the same Jacobean dark stain, however, boosted the new contemporary look even more. The outdoor living space also got a revamp, with a new patio ceiling also stained Jacobean and new outdoor furniture and outdoor area rug from Restoration Hardware. The furniture is from the Klismos collection, in weathered zinc, with Sunbrella fabric in the color "Smoke."

Photography Lynn Donaldson * Full sized mirror on back of sliding door * Knotty Alder custom cabinet * Quartz countertops * Undermount sinks * Danze faucets and fixtures * Jacuzzi rectangle tub (Lowes) * Grasscloth II tile in smoke from the Venetian Architectural collection * Pottery Barn Medicine Cabinets * Sconce light fixtures

This fire pit can be controlled by a switch on the wall inside the house. It was set up to look like a wood burning fire pit but without the hassle of cleaning up the ashes and dealing with the smoke that comes with wood burning fire pits.

Example of a transitional family room design in Tampa

Smoke tree
Design ideas for a mediterranean landscaping in Austin.

An enriched classical setting for a broad décor of beautiful textiles, eclectic furnishings, re-claimed lighting and collections of porcelains, paintings & prints...photography by Laurie Black.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Ryan Fung Photography millwork built by Hays Woodworking This warm, yet modern kitchen combines natural materials, walnut, quartz, marble with high gloss lacquer cabinets to create a unique and inviting space. This condo kitchen used to be enclosed with very low ceilings. We opened up the walls to create a bright and open space. We were able to conceal the pipes and cables within the vertical cabinets so that the risers could continue to the floor above. The pendant lights are made from iron.

Well situated in Mont Royal, this split-level home had many positives apart from its dated interior, and layout of many small and inefficient rooms. This was all at odds with the owners’ lifestyle and aesthetic. The client had architectural plans designed for a third floor addition that were to include a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The desired look for the entire house influenced all aspects of construction. Apart from the removal most walls on the main floor, everything was stripped back to the most simple and pure of finishing materials. The existing floors were refinished in a smoked grey matte palette and offset the rich warm walnut accents in the kitchen and soft white walls. With an abundance of white walls throughout, feature walls were essential in both the master bedroom and ensuite. The deep charcoal wall in the bedroom provides dramatic contrast to the teak headboard and hammered silver light fixture. The ensuite’s feature wall is made of pewter ceramic tiles that add texture and elegance to this simple space. Materials and furnishings throughout were selected for their simplicity and form. Photo : Drew Hadley

This warm, yet modern kitchen combines natural materials, walnut, quartz, marble with high gloss lacquer cabinets to create a unique and inviting space. This condo kitchen used to be enclosed with very low ceilings. We opened up the walls to create a bright and open space. We were able to conceal the pipes and cables within the vertical cabinets so that the risers could continue to the floor above. The pendant lights are made from iron.