Michael Hsu
Inspiration for a large transitional backyard deck remodel in Austin with no cover

Interior Design by Blackband Design Home Build | Design | Materials by Graystone Custom Builders Photography by Tessa Neustadt
Kitchen - large coastal l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

KitchenLab
Example of a classic kitchen design in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and quartzite countertops

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

larry arnal photography
Example of a small transitional gender-neutral beige floor walk-in closet design in Toronto with open cabinets and white cabinets

Mark Lohman
Example of a beach style eat-in kitchen design in Orange County with a double-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

18 Tanzania Pendants (10 White and 8 Grey Pendants)
Trendy great room photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Kenneth M. Wyner Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in DC Metro

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Elegant medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in Raleigh with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and marble countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Charleston with white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and raised-panel cabinets

Urban living room photo in Other

Example of a classic carpeted bedroom design in Phoenix with beige walls

COCOON9
Inspiration for a small contemporary master vinyl floor and beige floor bedroom remodel in New York with white walls

LandMark Photography
Inspiration for a rustic two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Minneapolis

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Inspiration for a small 1950s enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in Other with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Japanese Tatami Dining Room featuring Tatami Mats and Garden View. Design and Build by Trilogy Partners. Photos Roger Wade Photography. Featured Architectural Digest May 2010

We added this pantry cabinet in a small nook off the kitchen. The lower cabinet doors have a wire mesh insert. Dutch doors lead to the backyard.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean single-wall terra-cotta tile and orange floor kitchen pantry remodel in Los Angeles with white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash and shaker cabinets

Photography by Ann Hiner
Example of a mid-sized transitional concrete floor mudroom design in Austin with multicolored walls

Photo by John Hession
Mid-sized elegant dark wood floor and brown floor sunroom photo in Boston with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a standard ceiling