Photography by Richard Mandelkorn
Kitchen/dining room combo - traditional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Boston with white walls

This transformation started with a builder grade bathroom and was expanded into a sauna wet room. With cedar walls and ceiling and a custom cedar bench, the sauna heats the space for a relaxing dry heat experience. The goal of this space was to create a sauna in the secondary bathroom and be as efficient as possible with the space. This bathroom transformed from a standard secondary bathroom to a ergonomic spa without impacting the functionality of the bedroom. This project was super fun, we were working inside of a guest bedroom, to create a functional, yet expansive bathroom. We started with a standard bathroom layout and by building out into the large guest bedroom that was used as an office, we were able to create enough square footage in the bathroom without detracting from the bedroom aesthetics or function. We worked with the client on her specific requests and put all of the materials into a 3D design to visualize the new space. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/bathroom-of-the-week-stylish-spa-retreat-with-a-real-sauna-stsetivw-vs~168139419 The layout of the bathroom needed to change to incorporate the larger wet room/sauna. By expanding the room slightly it gave us the needed space to relocate the toilet, the vanity and the entrance to the bathroom allowing for the wet room to have the full length of the new space. This bathroom includes a cedar sauna room that is incorporated inside of the shower, the custom cedar bench follows the curvature of the room's new layout and a window was added to allow the natural sunlight to come in from the bedroom. The aromatic properties of the cedar are delightful whether it's being used with the dry sauna heat and also when the shower is steaming the space. In the shower are matching porcelain, marble-look tiles, with architectural texture on the shower walls contrasting with the warm, smooth cedar boards. Also, by increasing the depth of the toilet wall, we were able to create useful towel storage without detracting from the room significantly. This entire project and client was a joy to work with.

Very private backyard enclave waterfall
Design ideas for a contemporary partial sun backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Busy with a new home, working full-time and raising a young child, Elaine knew her large, white kitchen required a team effort. Luckily, she researched examples of all-white kitchen designs as inspiration. “I knew what I wanted my kitchen to look like, but I needed more customization and ideas for the space that would appeal to my aesthetics as well as our busy lifestyle,” she says. Therefore, she recruited IKD’s design team. “I wanted someone who had lots of experience designing IKEA kitchens. IKD fit the bill after seeing the results of their work online from past customers. They had the experience and knowledge to manage all the finer details of the IKEA kitchen options. IKD helped me focus on the big picture by helping my stay organized and keep my sanity!” She adds that initially she was tempted to do the install herself, but knew she didn’t have time. “Although I’m handy, I worried that it would take me twice as long because I would have to figure out how to install it first. I ultimately went with IKEA’s installers. IKEA’s installers were extremely professional and did an excellent job,” she says. This was a good choice as the installation for her IKEA kitchen – particularly with its minimalist kitchen theme – faced a few unique obstacles. “It was tricky trying to coordinate everything; from ordering the new appliances, scheduling the kitchen installers and [coordinating with] my general contractor who did the electrical and plumbing. It was rather time consuming and nerve-wracking,” she says. She adds that the installers were able to customize all cabinets and pieces to fit around the appliances for a seamless look. “They made the installation seem easy but it was definitely not,” she says.

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

After — the heart of the remodel. A custom walnut hood surround, green glazed herringbone backsplash, and a warm walnut island take the place of heavy cherry cabinetry.

Farmhouse multicolored two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Seattle with a shingle roof

Our European-style whole home project begins in the kitchen, with its arched entries, limewash walls, and elegant La Cornue CorneFé 110 range and combines old-world charm with modern amenities. To complete the design-build, we focused on functional and decorative elements that honor the space's character while adding layers of warmth and texture to the designed spaces. Photos by Joshua Reeves Interior Design by TI Concepts Corp | True Identity Concepts Design-Build by Old World Craftsmen LLC

Beach style light wood floor sunroom photo in Minneapolis with a standard ceiling

Installation by Century Custom Hardwood Floor in Los Angeles, CA
Inspiration for a huge contemporary great room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and a two-sided fireplace

Time had stood still at this 1970s ranch in Armonk when the owners invited us to collaborate with them to transform it into a modern, light-filled home for their young family. The budget was lean, so economy was a primary consideration for every design decision. The challenge was to identify the modest home’s virtues – vaulted ceilings and a lovely backyard – and accentuate them by strategically optimizing available funds. We were tasked with rectifying a dysfunctional interior stair, connecting to the outdoors with new large windows, and updating the exterior. We focused our attention on a finite set of architectural moves which would have the biggest impact and improve our clients’ daily experience of the home. Detailing was kept simple, using common grade materials and standard components. All exterior walls were revamped with new windows and siding. Although these materials were not particularly costly, thoughtful layout of boards, battens, and openings produced a cohesive, rigorous composition at each facade. Since the budget would not cover the homeowners’ complete wish list, some items were bracketed for subsequent phases. The challenge was to establish a framework that would allow future work – including a new roof and kitchen renovation – to proceed smoothly. The homeowners, both scientists, were enthusiastic collaborators, contributing their outstanding design sensibilities to selection of fixtures and finishes. Construction ended just in time for the arrival of their baby – and with that, the transformation of their family home was complete.

Hollywood regency meets beach bungalow in this living room. Natural wood and greenery comes together with gold accents and light neutral tones.
Example of a beach style open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Sacramento with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

The Stunning Encino Modern Ranch Style Home Transformation was a complete interior and exterior remodel that perfectly balanced modern elegance with cozy, ranch-style charm. The homeowners envisioned a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, and we brought this vision to life by installing large glass doors that open to a beautifully designed patio. Inside, the living spaces were reconfigured to create an open-concept layout, allowing for effortless flow between the living room, dining area, and kitchen. On the exterior, we updated the facade with smooth stucco and natural stone accents to enhance the home’s curb appeal. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to choose materials and finishes that would reflect their style while embracing the relaxed Encino lifestyle. This included a mix of rustic wood elements, sleek built-in shelving, and chic lighting fixtures to add warmth and sophistication. Being local to Encino, we took pride in using materials from nearby suppliers, ensuring a high-quality finish with a community touch. The final result is a stunning modern ranch home that truly embodies California living and has become a beautiful, functional space for family and friends to enjoy. We can't wait to help you reimagine your property!

Modern home exterior in Austin, TX.
Minimalist house exterior photo in Austin

The Stunning Encino Modern Ranch Style Home Transformation was a complete interior and exterior remodel that perfectly balanced modern elegance with cozy, ranch-style charm. The homeowners envisioned a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, and we brought this vision to life by installing large glass doors that open to a beautifully designed patio. Inside, the living spaces were reconfigured to create an open-concept layout, allowing for effortless flow between the living room, dining area, and kitchen. On the exterior, we updated the facade with smooth stucco and natural stone accents to enhance the home’s curb appeal. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to choose materials and finishes that would reflect their style while embracing the relaxed Encino lifestyle. This included a mix of rustic wood elements, sleek built-in shelving, and chic lighting fixtures to add warmth and sophistication. Being local to Encino, we took pride in using materials from nearby suppliers, ensuring a high-quality finish with a community touch. The final result is a stunning modern ranch home that truly embodies California living and has become a beautiful, functional space for family and friends to enjoy. We can't wait to help you reimagine your property!

Entryway - coastal entryway idea in Boston

Example of a huge cottage backyard patio design in Denver with a pergola

A view across the island into the great room hearth painted deep blue. Freezer drawers and dishwasher are concealed by panels. A platter rack is tucked beside the hearth. Photo by Nancy E. Hill

Custom designed wallpaper on the stair risers. Photo by Lee Manning Photography
Eclectic wooden l-shaped staircase photo in Los Angeles with painted risers