Designers gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements.Photography by Eric Hausman Designers gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements. This home’s noteworthy steel shipping container construction material, offers a streamlined aesthetic and industrial vibe, with sustainable attributes and strength. Recycled shipping containers are fireproof, impervious to water and stronger than traditional building materials. Inside, muscular concrete walls, burnished cedar beams and custom oak cabinetry give the living spaces definition, decorative might, and storage and seating options. For more than 40 years, Fredman Design Group has been in the business of Interior Design. Throughout the years, we’ve built long-lasting relationships with our clients through our client-centric approach. When creating designs, our decisions depend on the personality of our clients—their dreams and their aspirations. We manifest their lifestyle by incorporating elements of design with those of our clients to create a unique environment, down to the details of the upholstery and accessories. We love it when a home feels finished and lived in, with various layers and textures. While each of our clients and their stories has varied over the years, they’ve come to trust us with their projects—whether it’s a single room to the larger complete renovation, addition, or new construction. They value the collaborative team that is behind each project, embracing the diversity that each designer is able to bring to their project through their love of art, travel, fashion, nature, history, architecture or film—ultimately falling in love with the nurturing environments we create for them. We are grateful for the opportunity to tell each of clients’ stories through design. What story can we help you tell? Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation - 312-587-9184

This Lacey backyard deck replacement was designed to create a cleaner, longer-lasting outdoor space with stronger visual definition than the original wood deck it replaced. Built with TimberTech composite decking and aluminum railings, the project combines warm deck tones with dark railing lines for a crisp, updated look. This photo highlights the lower entertaining area, the contrasting border detail, the privacy fence backdrop, and the wide 8-foot stair layout that improves flow between levels. The elevated upper section near the sliding patio door adds dimension to the design while helping organize the space for everyday use. The result is a low-maintenance composite deck that feels more refined, more durable, and better suited for relaxing outdoors over the long term.

Hand carved details highlighted through a white patina, complimented by various types of materials. Adorned with beautifully hand carved pieces and details, each element within the kitchen focuses on complimenting one another. Stained in a white patina throughout, every detail is brought to the forefront of the design itself. Combining various materials of similar color to create a stronger sense of cohesion within the kitchen.

When these home owners called me for a color consultation they warned me the task would be complicated. The home had been in the family for a few generations and was added to repeatedly. Behind the house is a beautiful stream with waterfalls and rock walls which the home curves around as the newer additions ramble along. The great room, which was in essence a barn-like edifice was a different, larger scale then the rest of the home so we decided a single color for the whole place would not create a truly united whole. Instead, we decided to flaunt the barn's butch dimensions by painting it a darker, stronger color then the rest of the home and used the same cream trim color to connect them. The results are a color palette which plays up the home's best features while settling it into the landscape as well. Paint colors are Benjamin Moore.

When these home owners called me for a color consultation they warned me the task would be complicated. The home had been in the family for a few generations and was added to repeatedly. Behind the house is a beautiful stream with waterfalls and rock walls which the home curves around as the newer additions ramble along. The great room, which was in essence a barn-like edifice was a different, larger scale then the rest of the home so we decided a single color for the whole place would not create a truly united whole. Instead, we decided to flaunt the barn's butch dimensions by painting it a darker, stronger color then the rest of the home and used the same cream trim color to connect them. The results are a color palette which plays up the home's best features while settling it into the landscape as well. Paint colors are Benjamin Moore.

Dancer Concrete Design was contacted to find the best way to deliver a finished concrete floor in such a different type of space. The home’s design is of two intersecting circles that make up the garage and main living space. A basement sits below half of the structure while a structural concrete pad supports the other half circle. The floor finishing would take place in the living room, dinning room, and into the kitchen. For this project the owners were fully occupying the space. Of course this process aesthetically enhances the space, but we have also found it to increase the durability of our floors. After mechanically removing the grout we move to additional polishing steps and our two-step sealing process of densification and stain guard. Densifying is a reactive penetrating sealer that makes the concrete even stronger and resistant to scratches, stains and other contaminants. The homeowner selected a natural concrete finish – no added stains or dyes – and the final day, the team polished the floor to the desired finish, a level one, 400-grit shine.

In this multi-phase renovation of an existing French Country Manor home along the lake, a total reconfiguration of the spatial organization occurred in order to support a growing family. The manor was completely transformed when the exterior materials were upgraded to include a variety of siding and wooden detailing, and beautiful indoor-outdoor living and entertaining spaces were created. Developing a unified program layout for the home not only made the spaces work well together, but it created a complete sense of integrated family living. With the primary living spaces flowing seamlessly together, a stronger connection to the lake and the outdoors was possible. Light colors were chosen for the interior color palette, which complement the light wood accents that were pulled throughout the home, and react with the large natural stone fireplace and chimney located at the heart of the structure. Photographer: MTA

When these home owners called me for a color consultation they warned me the task would be complicated. The home had been in the family for a few generations and was added to repeatedly. Behind the house is a beautiful stream with waterfalls and rock walls which the home curves around as the newer additions ramble along. The great room, which was in essence a barn-like edifice was a different, larger scale then the rest of the home so we decided a single color for the whole place would not create a truly united whole. Instead, we decided to flaunt the barn's butch dimensions by painting it a darker, stronger color then the rest of the home and used the same cream trim color to connect them. The results are a color palette which plays up the home's best features while settling it into the landscape as well. Paint colors are Benjamin Moore.

Hand carved details highlighted through a white patina, complimented by various types of materials. Adorned with beautifully hand carved pieces and details, each element within the kitchen focuses on complimenting one another. Stained in a white patina throughout, every detail is brought to the forefront of the design itself. Combining various materials of similar color to create a stronger sense of cohesion within the kitchen.

In today’s real estate market, positioning your home to stand out is everything. This homeowner reached out to us about repainting their exterior, and after reviewing the property, we recommended a full color update to help their 20‑year‑old home rise above the sea of similar tract‑built two‑stories in the neighborhood. The right exterior palette immediately elevated curb appeal and created a stronger first impression for buyers. To further boost value, we guided them through a small but impactful kitchen refresh, including new quartz countertops, and wrapped the project with a complete interior repaint to give the home a clean, modern, move‑in‑ready feel. At Deskins Group, our background in real estate, architecture, and construction allows us to advise homeowners strategically — not just on what looks good, but on what actually moves the needle on resale value. Every recommendation is intentional, every upgrade is ROI‑driven, and every project is designed to help you maximize your investment.

In today’s real estate market, positioning your home to stand out is everything. This homeowner reached out to us about repainting their exterior, and after reviewing the property, we recommended a full color update to help their 20‑year‑old home rise above the sea of similar tract‑built two‑stories in the neighborhood. The right exterior palette immediately elevated curb appeal and created a stronger first impression for buyers. To further boost value, we guided them through a small but impactful kitchen refresh, including new quartz countertops, and wrapped the project with a complete interior repaint to give the home a clean, modern, move‑in‑ready feel. At Deskins Group, our background in real estate, architecture, and construction allows us to advise homeowners strategically — not just on what looks good, but on what actually moves the needle on resale value. Every recommendation is intentional, every upgrade is ROI‑driven, and every project is designed to help you maximize your investment.

The vertical sign sets a constant pace on all the fronts. The sliding worktop, together with the wooden bins, create new dynamics of life. Technology contains technology, thus losing its purely stage value, creating a stronger relation with the adjacent area of the kitchen. Modular configurations, laid against the wall or arranged as an island, are placed with grace and simplicity, returning the scene to the person who lives in it as the central focus. The space maintains a formal purity and intangible lightness where one can deftly move around amidst taste, flavours and the senses.

This home was another 100% brick exterior with only a small amount of siding above the roofline and on the chimney. The original wood fascia, soffit, trim, and upper siding had reached the end of their life, so we replaced everything with new James Hardie products for long‑term durability and a cleaner architectural look. We also upgraded the porch by removing the outdated columns and installing modern Hardie column wraps to give the entryway a stronger, more contemporary presence. Once all new materials were installed, we finished the exterior with two coats of Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, providing a smooth, durable, low‑maintenance finish built for Houston’s climate. If your brick home needs fascia, soffit, trim, or upper‑story siding replaced, Deskins Siding & Exteriors delivers expert Hardie installation throughout Cypress, Tomball, and Northwest Houston. Get your free exterior evaluation today and protect your home with materials built to last.

In today’s real estate market, positioning your home to stand out is everything. This homeowner reached out to us about repainting their exterior, and after reviewing the property, we recommended a full color update to help their 20‑year‑old home rise above the sea of similar tract‑built two‑stories in the neighborhood. The right exterior palette immediately elevated curb appeal and created a stronger first impression for buyers. To further boost value, we guided them through a small but impactful kitchen refresh, including new quartz countertops, and wrapped the project with a complete interior repaint to give the home a clean, modern, move‑in‑ready feel. At Deskins Group, our background in real estate, architecture, and construction allows us to advise homeowners strategically — not just on what looks good, but on what actually moves the needle on resale value. Every recommendation is intentional, every upgrade is ROI‑driven, and every project is designed to help you maximize your investment.

The redesigned living room feels polished, inviting and beautifully connected to the home’s architecture. A soft neutral palette allows the vaulted ceiling, fireplace and distinctive arched window to take center stage, while warm camel accents add depth and contrast. Curved swivel chairs introduce a modern silhouette, and the streamlined sofa, oversized area rug and substantial coffee table give the room a stronger sense of scale. Layered textiles, sculptural accessories and symmetrical lighting complete the space, resulting in a sophisticated living room that feels fresh, comfortable and thoughtfully collected.

The redesigned living room feels polished, inviting and beautifully connected to the home’s architecture. A soft neutral palette allows the vaulted ceiling, fireplace and distinctive arched window to take center stage, while warm camel accents add depth and contrast. Curved swivel chairs introduce a modern silhouette, and the streamlined sofa, oversized area rug and substantial coffee table give the room a stronger sense of scale. Layered textiles, sculptural accessories and symmetrical lighting complete the space, resulting in a sophisticated living room that feels fresh, comfortable and thoughtfully collected.

The vertical sign sets a constant pace on all the fronts. The sliding worktop, together with the wooden bins, create new dynamics of life. Technology contains technology, thus losing its purely stage value, creating a stronger relation with the adjacent area of the kitchen. Modular configurations, laid against the wall or arranged as an island, are placed with grace and simplicity, returning the scene to the person who lives in it as the central focus. The space maintains a formal purity and intangible lightness where one can deftly move around amidst taste, flavours and the senses.

I think that many carpenters today consider nails and screws to be what holds a structure together. As a result, I think that many structures today are held together by little more than nails and screws. I often see knee braces bolted to the side of a post for a pergola when they should be positioned between the post and beam to take the load directly. Fasteners should not be load-bearing! They should be used to pin a piece of lumber into a position that allows it to shoulder the load directly. Nails and screws are fast. When used appropriately, they can keep costs down by reducing the time it takes to build something. But they are not the answer to everything. Joist hangars do little to stop a deck from pulling away from a house, just as nailing from the side is not a replacement for putting a post directly under a beam. On more than one occasion I've solved a challenging framing problem by employing lap-joints. I've used lap-jointed framing to build curves without having to bend wood, and in the example shown I've used them simply to avoid having to look at an unsightly beam underneath a raised section of deck. I cut notches half way through my beam where the joists will go, then I cut a corresponding notch into each joist that allows it to fit into the notch in the beam. This allows the joists to cantilever 'through' the beam, which gives me a number of advantages. Using this technique, I can build deck frames tight to the ground without having to rim the structure with joist-hangared beams. I can also use the cantilever to sculpt the edge of the deck into nearly any shape. As the lumber is locked in from every direction, it is also a far stronger joint than a joist-hangared butt-end, as it resists pulling away, and it is stronger than joist-on-beam because it does not allow for any twisting or 'flopping' of the joists. The beam and joist are locked together, and they each replace the missing pieces of one another, so there is no strength lost in either member. -Tyler Collins, Operations Manager

Tuscan kitchen photo in San Francisco