The nearly 10’ island is an ideal place for food prep, a quick bite, buffet set-up, or sharing a glass of wine with friends. 2.5” thick marble countertop on the island gives substance and a professional feel.

Two different accent tiles make a statement and add a pop of color against the large white wall tiles in the custom shower. Frameless glass creates a custom and modern feel to the space. This small powder bath lacked interest and was quite dark despite having a window. We added white horizontal tongue & groove on the lower portion of the room with a warm graphic wallpaper above. A custom white cabinet with a waterfall grey and white granite counter gave the vanity some personality. New crown molding, window casings, taller baseboards and white wood blinds made impact to the small room. We also installed a modern pendant light and a rustic oval mirror which adds character to the space. BEFORE Though this bathroom had a good layout, everything was just really outdated. We added tile from floor to ceiling for a spa like feel. We kept the color palette neutral and timeless. The dark cheery cabinet was elegantly finished with crystal knobs and a cararra marble countertop. AFTER AFTER BEFORE There was an underutilized corner between the vanity and the shower that was basically wasted space. To give the corner a purpose, we added a make-up vanity in white with a custom made stool. Oversized subway tiles were added to the shower, along with a rain shower head, for a clean and timeless look. We also added a new frosted glass door to the walk-in closet to let the light in. BEFORE These beautiful oval pivot mirrors are not only functional but also showcase the cararra marble on the wall. Unique glass pendants are a dramatic addition to the space as is the ikat wallpaper in the WC. To finish out the vanity space we added a shallow white upper cabinet for additional storage. BEFORE AFTER AFTER The best part of this remodel? Tearing out the awful, dated carpet! We chose porcelain tile with the look of hardwoods for a more functional and modern space. Curtains soften the corner while creating privacy and framing the soaking tub. Photo Credit: Holland Photography - Cory Holland - HollandPhotography.biz

This salvaged kitchen sink was found awhile ago by the client who new she wanted to use it if ever she renovated. Integrated beautifully into the Danby marble countertop and backsplash with new fixtures it is a real joy to clean up. This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating an open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

The cedar ceilings and walls were restored and extended to accentuate the original concept. This 1966 Northwest contemporary design by noted architect Paul Kirk has been extended and reordered to create a 2400 square foot home with comfortable living/dining/kitchen area, open stair, and third bedroom plus children's bath. The power of the original design continues with walls that wrap over to create a roof. Original cedar-clad interior walls and ceiling were brightened with added glass and up to date lighting. photos by Will Austin

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This master bath remodel is the cat's meow for more than one reason! The materials in the room are soothing and give a nice vintage vibe in keeping with the rest of the home. We completed a kitchen remodel for this client a few years’ ago and were delighted when she contacted us for help with her master bath! The bathroom was fine but was lacking in interesting design elements, and the shower was very small. We started by eliminating the shower curb which allowed us to enlarge the footprint of the shower all the way to the edge of the bathtub, creating a modified wet room. The shower is pitched toward a linear drain so the water stays in the shower. A glass divider allows for the light from the window to expand into the room, while a freestanding tub adds a spa like feel. The radiator was removed and both heated flooring and a towel warmer were added to provide heat. Since the unit is on the top floor in a multi-unit building it shares some of the heat from the floors below, so this was a great solution for the space. The custom vanity includes a spot for storing styling tools and a new built in linen cabinet provides plenty of the storage. The doors at the top of the linen cabinet open to stow away towels and other personal care products, and are lighted to ensure everything is easy to find. The doors below are false doors that disguise a hidden storage area. The hidden storage area features a custom litterbox pull out for the homeowner’s cat! Her kitty enters through the cutout, and the pull out drawer allows for easy clean ups. The materials in the room – white and gray marble, charcoal blue cabinetry and gold accents – have a vintage vibe in keeping with the rest of the home. Polished nickel fixtures and hardware add sparkle, while colorful artwork adds some life to the space.

VERMONT CABIN Location: Jamaica, VT Completion Date: 2009 Size: 1,646 sf Typology: T Series Modules: 5 Boxes Program: o Bedrooms: 3 o Baths: 2 o Features: Media Room, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Stone Terrace o Environmentally Friendly Features: Off Grid Home, 3kW Solar Photovoltaic System, Radiant Floor Heat Materials: o Exterior: Corrugated Metal Siding, Cedar Siding, Ipe Wood Decking, Cement Board Panels o Interior: Bamboo Flooring, Ceasarstone Countertops, Slate Bathroom Floors, Maple Cabinets, Aluminum Clad Wood Windows with Low E, Insulated Glass, Black Steel, Custom Baltic Birch Bench Project Description: Isolated in the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont, this 1,650 sf prefab home is an escape for a retired Brooklyn couple. With no electric or cell phone service, this ‘Off-the-Grid’ home functions as the common gathering space for the couple, their three grown children and grandchildren to get away and spend quality time together. The client, an avid mushroom hunter and connoisseur, often transverses the 200 acre property for the delicacy, then returns to her home which rests on the top of the mini-mountain. With stunning views of nearby Stratton Mountain, the home is a ‘Head & Tail’ design, where the communal space is the ‘head’, and the private bar of bedrooms and baths forms the longer ‘tail’. Together they form an ‘L’, creating an outdoor terrace to capture the western sun and to enjoy the exterior fireplace which is clad in cement board panels, and radiates heat during the cool summer evenings. Just inside, is the expansive kitchen, living, and dining areas, perfect for preparing meals for their guests. This communal space is wrapped with a custom Baltic Birch bookshelf and window bench so one can soak up the south sun and view of the fern meadow and surrounding wilderness. With dark bamboo floors over radiant heating, and a wood-burning fireplace, the living area is as cozy as can be. The exterior is clad in a maintenance-free corrugated Corten Kynar painted metal panel system to withstand the harsh Vermont winters. Accents of cedar siding add texture and tie the strategically placed windows together. The home is powered by a 3,000 KwH solar array with a back-up generator in case the sun is hidden for an extended period of time. A hybrid insulation system, combining both a closed cell spray foam insulation and batt insulation, along with radiant floor heat ensures the home stays airtight and warm in the winter. Architects: Joseph Tanney, Robert Luntz Project Architect: Justin Barnes Manufacturer: Simplex Industries Project Coordinator: Jason Drouse Engineer: Lynne Walshaw, P.E., Greg Sloditskie Contractor: Big Pine Builders, INC. Photographer: © RES4

Photo by Christopher Carter
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master gray tile and marble tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom remodel in Denver with a hinged shower door, black walls, marble countertops and gray countertops

Million Dollar Listing’s celebrity broker Ryan Serhant reached out to Decor Aid to stage a luxurious Brooklyn condo development. The only caveat was that our interior designers had 48 hours to come up with the design, concept, and source all the furniture. Always up for a challenge, we partnered with Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams to create this contemporary gem. Staying true to their contemporary vision, our interior decorators sourced all pieces through MGBW. Starting in the living room, we placed the Gunner Sofa, a piece that offers clean-lined living. The thin arms and slanted profile emphasize the modern elegance of the home. Through the use of various contemporary patterns and textures we were able to avoid the one-dimensional ambiance, and instead, the apartment’s living room feels detailed and thought out, without making anyone who enters overcrowded with home decor. The Melrose cocktail table was sourced for its sleek, stainless steel and glass design that contrasts with more substantial pieces in the space, while also complementing the contemporary style. The glass design gives the illusion that this table takes up less space, giving the living room design a light and airy feel all around. The living space transformed into something out of a decor catalog with just the right amount of personality, creating a room that follows through with our starting design, yet functional for everyday use. After the living room area, we set our eyes on designing the master bedroom. Our interior decorators were immediately drawn to the Celina Floating Rail Bed, it’s opulent nailhead trim, and dramatic design brings fresh sophistication to the bedroom design, while also standing out as a timeless piece that can complement various trends or styles that might be added later on to the bedroom decoration. We sourced the Roland Table Lamp to add texture, with its elaborate ribbed design, that compliments the air of masculinity the Carmen Leather Ottoman add while contrasting with the light, sleeker pieces. This difference in weight left us with a bedroom decoration that lives up to the trending modern standards, yet a space that is timeless and stylish no matter the decor trends. Once we finished and the project was completed, our senior designers took a step back and took in all of their hard labor. Decor Aid was able to make this newly built blank space and design it into a modern wonder small brooklyn apartment. The MGBW furnishings were all hand-picked to keep an even balance of complementing and contrasting contemporary pieces, which was one of our more critical apartment decorating ideas. The apartment home decor brings to life this modern concept in a way that isn’t overbearing and shows off their style making the space in every sense an accurate reflection of a chic contemporary style.

This dark and dated feeling kitchen and bar were completely renovated for this multi-generational global family. By re-configuring the space and incorporating the bar, removing several heavy columns and a wall, it made the kitchen open and accessible to the adjacent rooms and visible from the front door. Everything was lightened and brightened with new cabinetry, counter tops, appliances, flooring, paint, better windows, electrical and lighting. The old range top and down draft were enclosed in a massive brick structure, with no prep space, by removing it and centering the new range on the wall with a custom hood and full height stone back splash, a stunning focal point was created. The position of other key appliances and plumbing were moved or added to create several work stations throughout the large space, such as the refrigeration, full prep sink, coffee bar, baking station, cocktail bar and clean up island. Another special feature of this kitchen was roll out table from the end of the serving island. Specialty features include: A roll out table for eating, prep or serving; coffee bar and drink service area with beverage center; full size prep sink adjacent to refrigeration and cooking areas; steam oven and baking station; microwave/warming drawer; dual fuel range with double ovens, 6 burners and a griddle top; two separate islands, one for serving large family meals, one for clean up; specialty spice storage inserts and pull outs; corner turn outs for large items; two double pull outs for trash and recycling; stacked cabinetry with glass display at the top to take advantage of the 14' ceilings.

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection. "The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go. "Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing." The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined. "She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that." Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit." The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space." After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living. "The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'" However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture." The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate." The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern. In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches. The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever. "Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). "We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."

An abundance of living space is only part of the appeal of this traditional French county home. Strong architectural elements and a lavish interior design, including cathedral-arched beamed ceilings, hand-scraped and French bleed-edged walnut floors, faux finished ceilings, and custom tile inlays add to the home's charm. This home features heated floors in the basement, a mirrored flat screen television in the kitchen/family room, an expansive master closet, and a large laundry/crafts room with Romeo & Juliet balcony to the front yard. The gourmet kitchen features a custom range hood in limestone, inspired by Romanesque architecture, a custom panel French armoire refrigerator, and a 12 foot antiqued granite island. Every child needs his or her personal space, offered via a large secret kids room and a hidden passageway between the kids' bedrooms. A 1,000 square foot concrete sport court under the garage creates a fun environment for staying active year-round. The fun continues in the sunken media area featuring a game room, 110-inch screen, and 14-foot granite bar. Story - Midwest Home Magazine Photos - Todd Buchanan Interior Designer - Anita Sullivan

Our client wanted a rustic chic look for their covered porch. We gave the crown molding and trim a more formal look, but kept the roof more rustic with open rafters. At Atlanta Porch & Patio we are dedicated to building beautiful custom porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces throughout the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to turn our clients’ ideas, dreams, and visions into personalized, tangible outcomes. Clients of Atlanta Porch & Patio rest easy knowing each step of their project is performed to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and dependability. Our team of builders and craftsmen are licensed, insured, and always up to date on trends, products, designs, and building codes. We are constantly educating ourselves in order to provide our clients the best services at the best prices. We deliver the ultimate professional experience with every step of our projects. After setting up a consultation through our website or by calling the office, we will meet with you in your home to discuss all of your ideas and concerns. After our initial meeting and site consultation, we will compile a detailed design plan and quote complete with renderings and a full listing of the materials to be used. Upon your approval, we will then draw up the necessary paperwork and decide on a project start date. From demo to cleanup, we strive to deliver your ultimate relaxation destination on time and on budget.

This Mill Valley residence under the redwoods was conceived and designed for a young and growing family. Though technically a remodel, the project was in essence new construction from the ground up, and its clean, traditional detailing and lay-out by Chambers & Chambers offered great opportunities for our talented carpenters to show their stuff. This home features the efficiency and comfort of hydronic floor heating throughout, solid-paneled walls and ceilings, open spaces and cozy reading nooks, expansive bi-folding doors for indoor/ outdoor living, and an attention to detail and durability that is a hallmark of how we build. See our work in progress at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/D.V.RasmussenConstruction Like us on Facebook to keep up on our newest projects. Photographer: John Merkyl Architect: Barbara Chambers of Chambers + Chambers in Mill Valley

This master bath was dark and dated. Although a large space, the area felt small and obtrusive. By removing the columns and step up, widening the shower and creating a true toilet room I was able to give the homeowner a truly luxurious master retreat. (check out the before pictures at the end) The ceiling detail was the icing on the cake! It follows the angled wall of the shower and dressing table and makes the space seem so much larger than it is. The homeowners love their Nantucket roots and wanted this space to reflect that.

A Moroccan inspired grasscloth from Phillip Jeffries and white wainscoting give a fresh look to the powder room. Thomas O'Brien pendant. Photography by Jamie Sentz Contractor Smart Homes Services http://www.phillipjeffries.com/gallery/designer/241-jenkins_baer_associates.html

In this combination living room/ family room, form vs function is at it's best.. Formal enough to host a cocktail party, and comfortable enough to host a football game. The wrap around sectional accommodates 5-6 people and the oversized ottoman has room enough for everyone to put their feet up! The high back, stylized wing chair offers comfort and a lamp for reading. Decorative accessories are placed in the custom built bookcases freeing table top space for drinks, books, etc. Magazines and current reading are neatly placed in the rattan tray for easy access. The overall neutral color palette is punctuated by soft shades of blue around the room. LORRAINE G VALE photo by Michael Costa

Our client wanted a rustic chic look for their covered porch. We gave the crown molding and trim a more formal look, but kept the floor and roof more rustic. At Atlanta Porch & Patio we are dedicated to building beautiful custom porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces throughout the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to turn our clients’ ideas, dreams, and visions into personalized, tangible outcomes. Clients of Atlanta Porch & Patio rest easy knowing each step of their project is performed to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and dependability. Our team of builders and craftsmen are licensed, insured, and always up to date on trends, products, designs, and building codes. We are constantly educating ourselves in order to provide our clients the best services at the best prices. We deliver the ultimate professional experience with every step of our projects. After setting up a consultation through our website or by calling the office, we will meet with you in your home to discuss all of your ideas and concerns. After our initial meeting and site consultation, we will compile a detailed design plan and quote complete with renderings and a full listing of the materials to be used. Upon your approval, we will then draw up the necessary paperwork and decide on a project start date. From demo to cleanup, we strive to deliver your ultimate relaxation destination on time and on budget.

VERMONT CABIN Location: Jamaica, VT Completion Date: 2009 Size: 1,646 sf Typology: T Series Modules: 5 Boxes Program: o Bedrooms: 3 o Baths: 2 o Features: Media Room, Outdoor Fireplace, Outdoor Stone Terrace o Environmentally Friendly Features: Off Grid Home, 3kW Solar Photovoltaic System, Radiant Floor Heat Materials: o Exterior: Corrugated Metal Siding, Cedar Siding, Ipe Wood Decking, Cement Board Panels o Interior: Bamboo Flooring, Ceasarstone Countertops, Slate Bathroom Floors, Maple Cabinets, Aluminum Clad Wood Windows with Low E, Insulated Glass, Black Steel, Custom Baltic Birch Bench Project Description: Isolated in the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont, this 1,650 sf prefab home is an escape for a retired Brooklyn couple. With no electric or cell phone service, this ‘Off-the-Grid’ home functions as the common gathering space for the couple, their three grown children and grandchildren to get away and spend quality time together. The client, an avid mushroom hunter and connoisseur, often transverses the 200 acre property for the delicacy, then returns to her home which rests on the top of the mini-mountain. With stunning views of nearby Stratton Mountain, the home is a ‘Head & Tail’ design, where the communal space is the ‘head’, and the private bar of bedrooms and baths forms the longer ‘tail’. Together they form an ‘L’, creating an outdoor terrace to capture the western sun and to enjoy the exterior fireplace which is clad in cement board panels, and radiates heat during the cool summer evenings. Just inside, is the expansive kitchen, living, and dining areas, perfect for preparing meals for their guests. This communal space is wrapped with a custom Baltic Birch bookshelf and window bench so one can soak up the south sun and view of the fern meadow and surrounding wilderness. With dark bamboo floors over radiant heating, and a wood-burning fireplace, the living area is as cozy as can be. The exterior is clad in a maintenance-free corrugated Corten Kynar painted metal panel system to withstand the harsh Vermont winters. Accents of cedar siding add texture and tie the strategically placed windows together. The home is powered by a 3,000 KwH solar array with a back-up generator in case the sun is hidden for an extended period of time. A hybrid insulation system, combining both a closed cell spray foam insulation and batt insulation, along with radiant floor heat ensures the home stays airtight and warm in the winter. Architects: Joseph Tanney, Robert Luntz Project Architect: Justin Barnes Manufacturer: Simplex Industries Project Coordinator: Jason Drouse Engineer: Lynne Walshaw, P.E., Greg Sloditskie Contractor: Big Pine Builders, INC. Photographer: © RES4