New Yorkers are always on the prowl for innovative ways to make the most of the space they have. An upper east side couple, challenged with a slightly narrow L shaped apartment sought out Decor Aid’s help to make the most of their Manhattan condo. Paired with one of our senior designer, Kimberly P., we learned that the clients wanted a space that looked beautiful, comfortable and also packed with functionality for everyday living. “Immediately upon seeing the space, I knew that we needed to create a narrative that allowed the design to control how you moved through the space,” reports Kimberly, senior interior designer. After surveying each room and learning a bit more about their personal style, we started with the living room remodel. It was clear that the couple wanted to infuse mid-century modern into the design plan. Sourcing the Room & Board Jasper Sofa with its narrow arms and tapered legs, it offered the mid-century look, with the modern comfort the clients are used to. Velvet accent pillows from West Elm and Crate & Barrel add pops of colors but also a subtle touch of luxury, while framed pictures from the couple’s honeymoon personalize the space. Moving to the dining room next, Kimberly decided to add a blue accent wall to emphasize the Horchow two piece Percussion framed art that was to be the focal point of the dining area. The Seno sideboard from Article perfectly accentuated the mid-century style the clients loved while providing much-needed storage space. The palette used throughout both rooms were very New York style, grays, blues, beiges, and whites, to add depth, Kimberly sourced decorative pieces in a mixture of different metals. “The artwork above their bureau in the bedroom is photographs that her father took,” Moving into the bedroom renovation, our designer made sure to continue to stick to the client’s style preference while once again creating a personalized, warm and comforting space by including the photographs taken by the client’s father. The Avery bed added texture and complimented the other colors in the room, while a hidden drawer at the foot pulls out for attached storage, which thrilled the clients. A deco-inspired Faceted mirror from West Elm was a perfect addition to the bedroom due to the illusion of space it provides. The result was a bedroom that was full of mid-century design, personality, and area so they can freely move around. The project resulted in the form of a layered mid-century modern design with touches of luxury but a space that can not only be lived in but serves as an extension of the people who live there. Our designer was able to take a very narrowly shaped Manhattan apartment and revamp it into a spacious home that is great for sophisticated entertaining or comfortably lazy nights in.

The Tice Residences replace a run-down and aging duplex with two separate, modern, Santa Barbara homes. Although the unique creek-side site (which the client’s original home looked toward across a small ravine) proposed significant challenges, the clients were certain they wanted to live on the lush “Riviera” hillside. The challenges presented were ultimately overcome through a thorough and careful study of site conditions. With an extremely efficient use of space and strategic placement of windows and decks, privacy is maintained while affording expansive views from each home to the creek, downtown Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean beyond. Both homes appear to have far more openness than their compact lots afford. The solution strikes a balance between enclosure and openness. Walls and landscape elements divide and protect two private domains, and are in turn, carefully penetrated to reveal views. Both homes are variations on one consistent theme: elegant composition of contemporary, “warm” materials; strong roof planes punctuated by vertical masses; and floating decks. The project forms an intimate connection with its setting by using site-excavated stone, terracing landscape planters with native plantings, and utilizing the shade provided by its ancient Riviera Oak trees. 2012 AIA Santa Barbara Chapter Merit Award Jim Bartsch Photography

Custom wet bar
Large transitional galley dark wood floor and brown floor seated home bar photo in Portland with open cabinets, blue cabinets and granite countertops

SILVER LINING A city retreat in shades of silver and stone. DESIGN DESCRIPTION High above the city, this condo is a calm retreat dressed in dove grey, ivory and gleaming silver. In the living room, a charcoal velvet sofa sits beneath a textural framed artwork, paired with an acrylic-and-glass coffee table that keeps the space feeling open and airy. A tufted wingback with nailhead trim, a silver-leaf stump table and frosted glass sconces add warmth and dimension. The dining area gathers cream upholstered chairs around a glass table beneath a striking multi-arm rod chandelier, steps from a sleek white kitchen with black glass backsplash. In the bedroom, a tall upholstered headboard, a plush fur throw and delicate butterfly art create a soft, restful mood. The bathroom is a jewel box of onyx-look tile, with a cut-crystal vessel sink, a lacquered black vanity and nickel fretwork mirrors. Calm, luminous and beautifully considered, it is a true urban sanctuary.

Donna Dotan Photography
Elegant mosaic tile floor powder room photo in New York with a console sink, a one-piece toilet and black walls

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean vegetable garden landscape in Santa Barbara.

Photography by www.mikechajecki.com
Powder room - small transitional powder room idea in Toronto with recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, an undermount sink, marble countertops, brown walls and white countertops

This transitional kitchen features classic shaker cabinetry paired with a striking quartzite waterfall island. A full-height quartzite backsplash, custom range hood, and glass front cabinets add elegance, while brass accents and light wood flooring create a warm, inviting space for cooking and gathering.

Trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Los Angeles with gray walls

We were hired to create a Lake Charlevoix retreat for our client’s to be used by their whole family throughout the year. We were tasked with creating an inviting cottage that would also have plenty of space for the family and their guests. The main level features open concept living and dining, gourmet kitchen, walk-in pantry, office/library, laundry, powder room and master suite. The walk-out lower level houses a recreation room, wet bar/kitchenette, guest suite, two guest bedrooms, large bathroom, beach entry area and large walk in closet for all their outdoor gear. Balconies and a beautiful stone patio allow the family to live and entertain seamlessly from inside to outside. Coffered ceilings, built in shelving and beautiful white moldings create a stunning interior. Our clients truly love their Northern Michigan home and enjoy every opportunity to come and relax or entertain in their striking space. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

Enclosed dining room - mediterranean dark wood floor enclosed dining room idea in Los Angeles with gray walls

Diamond Custom Homes Capistrano in Quail West, Naples, FL
Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Miami with a vessel sink, black walls and white cabinets

William Ripley
Design ideas for a traditional shade backyard landscaping in Cincinnati.

Photography by Jennifer Hughes
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Baltimore with shaker cabinets, marble countertops, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Matthew Niemann Photography
Transitional kitchen photo in Austin

Every family home needs a bathtub and this one is clean and simple. It's faced with the same engineered quartz as the counter top and the hinged glass door allows for the beautiful glass tile and niche to be appreciated. Erika Bierman Photography

Rich, warm yet strikingly beautiful! This kitchen got a major overhaul with its oversized island housing a pre-sing, wine fridge, and tons of storage. Relocation of the refractor to make way for the gourmet range alongside the existing window framed sink. This kitchen is "L" shaped and has a hidden pantry built-in behind the fridge.

Example of a classic single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar design in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and brown countertops