Advice on interior design is available everywhere—from TV shows and websites to books, magazines and apps. We love seeing people become engaged in design and educated on the wide range of possibilities. But we hope you’ll proceed with caution. It’s not that style errors are a matter of life and death. It’s just that it’s easy to choose designs that aren’t necessarily reflective of your own personality and character. And since you’re typically stuck with your interior design decisions for years, styles that don’t quite fit can tend to grate on you. Interiors that give one person comfort may unleash chaos in someone else. This goes beyond favorite colors or hot trends, right to the heart of interior design, where you find questions of composition, balance, repetition, space and more. The goal is to find that unique combination of design elements that gives you comfort, support and balance. In one home, that perfect balance was struck through the use of symmetry. A pair of comfortable swivel chairs sit beneath matching indigo patterned paintings. Matching bookcases below the paintings contain similar, but not identical, arrangements of books, vases and bowls. Woods and bronzes help warm up the simple white bookcase shelving. Two matching poufs in front of the fireplace provide additional seating. The sofa is accented with a pair of pillows with a blue pattern that echoes the artwork. The effect of the symmetry is to achieve order and simplicity, which I promote at every opportunity. After all, your home interiors should be the setting or the backdrop of your life—not center stage. Antique bronze and blue are complementary colors. Together, they offer a rich palette of richness and depth, which brings out the beauty of wood and stone. In the home office, a unique, whitewash-stained wooden desk rests on metal, Sawhorse-inspired legs for a warm, rustic look. The black leather chair features a contemporary silhouette with an antique brass frame. An adjustable desk lamp has bronze accents. The bookcase combines a sleek, black metal frame with concrete shelves, for another unusual pairing. It’s kept uncluttered for an orderly, peaceful look. Items on the shelves include a bronze-accented lamp and a pair of high gloss-finished wooden bookends. The elegant artwork behind the desk is a simple midnight-blue and bronze with mottled white. Deep blues are again picked up in the rug, which adds a stately vibe with a modern pattern and satisfying texture. Within the framework of symmetry, the living room repeats the blue-and-bronze color scheme. A large midcentury brass clock above the fireplace keeps the natural stone visible, rather than hidden behind a painting or television, while its straight lines and color create a beautiful contrast. The sofa is a soft, neutral blue. The pattern on the round brass side table features echoes the darker blue-patterned rug, as well as the rug in the office, tying the rooms together. Indigo blue books adjacent to bronze vases on the shelves repeat the color scheme. The soapstone-topped coffee table echoes the shape of the fireplace. A pair of tall, matching floor lamps with long wooden bases, brass pulls and simple linen shades combine both the colors and symmetry found throughout the home.

Transitional dining room photo in San Diego

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Philadelphia with white cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

virginiarobertsphotography.com
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, flat-panel cabinets, marble countertops and glass tile backsplash

Nestled into the pines and fog, Gerrish Island made quite an eerie first impression. A winding driveway guided by a rhythm of trees so mature only the trunks could be seen through the car windows. The tree canopy created a darkened tunnel, its curves never providing clues to when it would end. The awe came from the pure excitement of what we would find around the bend. It was clad in age; dark weathered shingles, a mossy green trim, and craggy stonework. The screens had seen better days and the windows let in scant natural light. It had certainly been something special to its previous owners – a backdrop to highly anticipated summer escapes, grassy yard games, and beach days. It had been a special place to someone – empty now – but with the promise of huge potential. READ MORE >> The new owner of this turn-of-the-century shingle style home saw this potential too, asking us to imbue the home with that same sense of nostalgia, but in present day context for a modern day family. We documented the home inside and out, piecing together a loose timeline to its beginnings and its earlier additions and renovations. The style of the home, its massing and siting, were originally done brilliantly and would remain intact. Wherever we could keep the original stonework we did. It provided such a strong connection to the site and the tremendous amount of existing stone outcropping common to the Island. The original porch facing west, cold and enclosed, was demolished, making way for a new wrap around porch that now glows as the sunsets. Another screened porch to the back was fully winterized and made into a new family room. The interior was stripped back to the studs and reworked, only minimally, to improve flow or eliminate small rooms no longer necessary for present day living. New systems were installed and the kitchen was updated and reconfigured opening up to the new family room. Years later we were asked back to add a garage; something the home had never had. More flattering still, after the property sold again, the newest owners asked us to design a rear ‘L’ shaped addition to house. The design evolved to look like an original porch that had been enclosed, to house a more traditional butler’s pantry, mudroom, and an interior connection to the garage’s second floor where we would eventually design two additional guest suites. We were happy to be apart of what we thought was the second life for this home and ended up being a third life for another family who also saw this home and its unique property as too GOOD to pass up. - See more at: http://sommastudios.com/project/gerrish-island/#sthash.8X5r548R.dpuf

The owners of this classic “old-growth Oak trim-work and arches” 1½ story 2 BR Tudor were looking to increase the size and functionality of their first-floor bath. Their wish list included a walk-in steam shower, tiled floors and walls. They wanted to incorporate those arches where possible – a style echoed throughout the home. They also were looking for a way for someone using a wheelchair to easily access the room. The project began by taking the former bath down to the studs and removing part of the east wall. Space was created by relocating a portion of a closet in the adjacent bedroom and part of a linen closet located in the hallway. Moving the commode and a new cabinet into the newly created space creates an illusion of a much larger bath and showcases the shower. The linen closet was converted into a shallow medicine cabinet accessed using the existing linen closet door. The door to the bath itself was enlarged, and a pocket door installed to enhance traffic flow. The walk-in steam shower uses a large glass door that opens in or out. The steam generator is in the basement below, saving space. The tiled shower floor is crafted with sliced earth pebbles mosaic tiling. Coy fish are incorporated in the design surrounding the drain. Shower walls and vanity area ceilings are constructed with 3” X 6” Kyle Subway tile in dark green. The light from the two bright windows plays off the surface of the Subway tile is an added feature. The remaining bath floor is made 2” X 2” ceramic tile, surrounded with more of the pebble tiling found in the shower and trying the two rooms together. The right choice of grout is the final design touch for this beautiful floor. The new vanity is located where the original tub had been, repeating the arch as a key design feature. The Vanity features a granite countertop and large under-mounted sink with brushed nickel fixtures. The white vanity cabinet features two sets of large drawers. The untiled walls feature a custom wallpaper of Henri Rousseau’s “The Equatorial Jungle, 1909,” featured in the national gallery of art. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46688.html The owners are delighted in the results. This is their forever home.

Liatris aspera in a backyard meadow

Photo: Scott Norsworthy © 2015 Houzz
Eclectic kids' room photo in Toronto

The owners of this classic “old-growth Oak trim-work and arches” 1½ story 2 BR Tudor were looking to increase the size and functionality of their first-floor bath. Their wish list included a walk-in steam shower, tiled floors and walls. They wanted to incorporate those arches where possible – a style echoed throughout the home. They also were looking for a way for someone using a wheelchair to easily access the room. The project began by taking the former bath down to the studs and removing part of the east wall. Space was created by relocating a portion of a closet in the adjacent bedroom and part of a linen closet located in the hallway. Moving the commode and a new cabinet into the newly created space creates an illusion of a much larger bath and showcases the shower. The linen closet was converted into a shallow medicine cabinet accessed using the existing linen closet door. The door to the bath itself was enlarged, and a pocket door installed to enhance traffic flow. The walk-in steam shower uses a large glass door that opens in or out. The steam generator is in the basement below, saving space. The tiled shower floor is crafted with sliced earth pebbles mosaic tiling. Coy fish are incorporated in the design surrounding the drain. Shower walls and vanity area ceilings are constructed with 3” X 6” Kyle Subway tile in dark green. The light from the two bright windows plays off the surface of the Subway tile is an added feature. The remaining bath floor is made 2” X 2” ceramic tile, surrounded with more of the pebble tiling found in the shower and trying the two rooms together. The right choice of grout is the final design touch for this beautiful floor. The new vanity is located where the original tub had been, repeating the arch as a key design feature. The Vanity features a granite countertop and large under-mounted sink with brushed nickel fixtures. The white vanity cabinet features two sets of large drawers. The untiled walls feature a custom wallpaper of Henri Rousseau’s “The Equatorial Jungle, 1909,” featured in the national gallery of art. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46688.html The owners are delighted in the results. This is their forever home.

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

The owners of this classic “old-growth Oak trim-work and arches” 1½ story 2 BR Tudor were looking to increase the size and functionality of their first-floor bath. Their wish list included a walk-in steam shower, tiled floors and walls. They wanted to incorporate those arches where possible – a style echoed throughout the home. They also were looking for a way for someone using a wheelchair to easily access the room. The project began by taking the former bath down to the studs and removing part of the east wall. Space was created by relocating a portion of a closet in the adjacent bedroom and part of a linen closet located in the hallway. Moving the commode and a new cabinet into the newly created space creates an illusion of a much larger bath and showcases the shower. The linen closet was converted into a shallow medicine cabinet accessed using the existing linen closet door. The door to the bath itself was enlarged, and a pocket door installed to enhance traffic flow. The walk-in steam shower uses a large glass door that opens in or out. The steam generator is in the basement below, saving space. The tiled shower floor is crafted with sliced earth pebbles mosaic tiling. Coy fish are incorporated in the design surrounding the drain. Shower walls and vanity area ceilings are constructed with 3” X 6” Kyle Subway tile in dark green. The light from the two bright windows plays off the surface of the Subway tile is an added feature. The remaining bath floor is made 2” X 2” ceramic tile, surrounded with more of the pebble tiling found in the shower and trying the two rooms together. The right choice of grout is the final design touch for this beautiful floor. The new vanity is located where the original tub had been, repeating the arch as a key design feature. The Vanity features a granite countertop and large under-mounted sink with brushed nickel fixtures. The white vanity cabinet features two sets of large drawers. The untiled walls feature a custom wallpaper of Henri Rousseau’s “The Equatorial Jungle, 1909,” featured in the national gallery of art. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46688.html The owners are delighted in the results. This is their forever home.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more urban, rustic and modern as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was made powerfully impactful as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.

Alder Pool & Landscape designed and built this contemporary backyard to help the owners to better enjoy their space, as well as to give them access to the upper slope, where they plan to continue expanding the landscape and the fun!

Authorized dealer of Crystal Cabinetry
Mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and a farmhouse sink

Mixing styles is what we do best. The charm and history of this home paired perfectly with updated transitional furnishings.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Philadelphia with green walls, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

The owners of this classic “old-growth Oak trim-work and arches” 1½ story 2 BR Tudor were looking to increase the size and functionality of their first-floor bath. Their wish list included a walk-in steam shower, tiled floors and walls. They wanted to incorporate those arches where possible – a style echoed throughout the home. They also were looking for a way for someone using a wheelchair to easily access the room. The project began by taking the former bath down to the studs and removing part of the east wall. Space was created by relocating a portion of a closet in the adjacent bedroom and part of a linen closet located in the hallway. Moving the commode and a new cabinet into the newly created space creates an illusion of a much larger bath and showcases the shower. The linen closet was converted into a shallow medicine cabinet accessed using the existing linen closet door. The door to the bath itself was enlarged, and a pocket door installed to enhance traffic flow. The walk-in steam shower uses a large glass door that opens in or out. The steam generator is in the basement below, saving space. The tiled shower floor is crafted with sliced earth pebbles mosaic tiling. Coy fish are incorporated in the design surrounding the drain. Shower walls and vanity area ceilings are constructed with 3” X 6” Kyle Subway tile in dark green. The light from the two bright windows plays off the surface of the Subway tile is an added feature. The remaining bath floor is made 2” X 2” ceramic tile, surrounded with more of the pebble tiling found in the shower and trying the two rooms together. The right choice of grout is the final design touch for this beautiful floor. The new vanity is located where the original tub had been, repeating the arch as a key design feature. The Vanity features a granite countertop and large under-mounted sink with brushed nickel fixtures. The white vanity cabinet features two sets of large drawers. The untiled walls feature a custom wallpaper of Henri Rousseau’s “The Equatorial Jungle, 1909,” featured in the national gallery of art. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46688.html The owners are delighted in the results. This is their forever home.

This client came to us wanting to enhance their existing space by using some creative finishes for walls. They hoped to make the home feel more modern with an urban rustic vibe as opposed to the traditional architectural style of the structure but did not know how to accomplish this transition. Upon our arrival it was noted that all walls had been painted white which was determined too harsh and did not achieve the modern feel the homeowner had hoped to evoke. The space was softened by using a subtle and fresh color palette with one accent color for impact. Teal was the color selected to create a continuous thread of pop in varying degrees in each room which included the Entry Hall, Dining Room and Living Room. Touches of black were injected into each space due to the client’s previous purchases of a drum fixture for the living room and black dining table; both gave direction on scale and style. The Entry Hall was given powerful impact as someone enters the home by taking its cue from the abstract art selected for the Dining Room. A faux concrete wall was created with the use of artistically combined colors. In the Dining Room, the use of classic chairs are successfully made modern by upholstering in teal leather which added both continuity and unexpected interest next to the velvet Greek Key pattern found on host chairs. In the Living Room custom upholstered sofa and chairs are grounded by a rug that brings all colors together. A unique copper rivet finish was applied in the niches that flank the fireplace as a contrast to whimsical amber crystal mini chandeliers hung over modern consoles that display simple yet exciting teal bowls. The final furnishings, art and accessories ultimately brought the entire home together in a rustic, modern way that is warm and inviting reflecting the unique personality of the people who live there.