An existing 70’s brick home nestled streets away from the beach, is in dire need of a transformation. The existing home had the bones to accommodate a substantial renovation, some modifications to the layout, adding an extension and exaggerating the existing raked ceilings in the main living area impacts the new home. The home itself is a relatively disjointed 70’s home, so cleaver planning was imperative to make the most of the interior space. Large open plan living areas with adjoining outdoor entertaining was important. The owners are a young family who enjoy family and entertaining so interaction with the outdoor alfresco was essential not only for quality of living but to appear as a continuation of the main living area to increase the zone visually. My client’s fresh approach; introduction of modern materials with a hint of Scandinavian and industrial, an improved working area and a functional space for cooking and preparing meals.

Example of an urban staircase design in Los Angeles

A substantial house in one of the Peninsula’s most desirable neighborhoods, this residence was home to a busy family of five looking to design spaces that welcomed their large extended family and friends. For the living room, we were tasked with creating an architectural, elegant space to seat fifteen. A den/library highlights the homeowner’s passion for green. In the powder room, we selected green and navy grasscloth wallpaper for a burst of vibrancy.

The orchid conservatory, a four walled trellis structure, was built as a zen mediation space for the owner who has a great passion for orchids. The orchid conservatory is a beautiful structure that features four walls of trellises to display orchids, an outdoor shower, lovely seating area, gates on both sides, and a relaxing bronze Cupid fountain that can be heard from the bathtub in the master bath. With ample space, orchids can be planted in floor pots, or hung from the substantial lattice structures with oval portholes. The space steps down into a beautiful courtyard in the front of the home enhancing it calming effect. Fragrant flowering Plumeria trees nestle the structure tightly providing a stunning backdrop of color, so indicative of the tropics. The subtle sound of the fountain completes the bath for your senses.

Staircase - mid-sized contemporary wooden curved staircase idea in Houston with tile risers

Trendy home design photo in Toronto

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.

A simple iconic design that both meets Passive House requirements and provides a visually striking home for a young family. This house is an example of design and sustainability on a smaller scale. The connection with the outdoor space is central to the design and integrated into the substantial wraparound structure that extends from the front to the back. The extensions provide shelter and invites flow into the backyard. Emphasis is on the family spaces within the home. The combined kitchen, living and dining area is a welcoming space featuring cathedral ceilings and an abundance of light.

Nestled at the top of the prestigious Enclave neighborhood established in 2006, this privately gated and architecturally rich Hacienda estate lacks nothing. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly 4 acres and with approx 5,000 sqft of single story luxurious living, the estate boasts a Cabernet vineyard of 120+/- vines and manicured grounds. Stroll to the top of what feels like your own private mountain and relax on the Koi pond deck, sink golf balls on the putting green, and soak in the sweeping vistas from the pergola. Stunning views of mountains, farms, cafe lights, an orchard of 43 mature fruit trees, 4 avocado trees, a large self-sustainable vegetable/herb garden and lush lawns. This is the entertainer’s estate you have dreamed of but could never find. The newer infinity edge saltwater oversized pool/spa features PebbleTek surfaces, a custom waterfall, rock slide, dreamy deck jets, beach entry, and baja shelf –-all strategically positioned to capture the extensive views of the distant mountain ranges (at times snow-capped). A sleek cabana is flanked by Mediterranean columns, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hearth, plus an outdoor spa-like bathroom w/travertine floors, frameless glass walkin shower + dual sinks. Cook like a pro in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring 3 granite islands consisting of a new built in gas BBQ grill, two outdoor sinks, gas cooktop, fridge, & service island w/patio bar. Inside you will enjoy your chef’s kitchen with the GE Monogram 6 burner cooktop + grill, GE Mono dual ovens, newer SubZero Built-in Refrigeration system, substantial granite island w/seating, and endless views from all windows. Enjoy the luxury of a Butler’s Pantry plus an oversized walkin pantry, ideal for staying stocked and organized w/everyday essentials + entertainer’s supplies. Inviting full size granite-clad wet bar is open to family room w/fireplace as well as the kitchen area with eat-in dining. An intentional front Parlor room is utilized as the perfect Piano Lounge, ideal for entertaining guests as they enter or as they enjoy a meal in the adjacent Dining Room. Efficiency at its finest! A mudroom hallway & workhorse laundry rm w/hookups for 2 washer/dryer sets. Dualpane windows, newer AC w/new ductwork, newer paint, plumbed for central vac, and security camera sys. With plenty of natural light & mountain views, the master bed/bath rivals the amenities of any day spa. Marble clad finishes, include walkin frameless glass shower w/multi-showerheads + bench. Two walkin closets, soaking tub, W/C, and segregated dual sinks w/custom seated vanity. Total of 3 bedrooms in west wing + 2 bedrooms in east wing. Ensuite bathrooms & walkin closets in nearly each bedroom! Floorplan suitable for multi-generational living and/or caretaker quarters. Wheelchair accessible/RV Access + hookups. Park 10+ cars on paver driveway! 4 car direct & finished garage! Ready for recreation in the comfort of your own home? Built in trampoline, sandpit + playset w/turf. Zoned for Horses w/equestrian trails, hiking in backyard, room for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. In addition to the putting green, property is located near Sunset Hills, WoodRanch & Moorpark Country Club Golf Courses. Near Presidential Library, Underwood Farms, beaches & easy FWY access. Ideally located near: 47mi to LAX, 6mi to Westlake Village, 5mi to T.O. Mall. Find peace and tranquility at 5018 Read Rd: Where the outdoor & indoor spaces feel more like a sanctuary and less like the outside world.

Mid-sized traditional gray two-story vinyl exterior home idea in Minneapolis with a clipped gable roof

Victoria 30" Fluted Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink, Apron Front, Large, White If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the sink is surely the heart of the kitchen. Make this investment a charming one with the Victoria 30" Fluted Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink. Accentuated with a raised ledge over a fluted apron design, these soft, simple details on the front of the sink bring vintage appeal, enamoring the whole room. Fireclay is created by fusing clay and glaze together at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a dense material that is extremely durable, non-porous, and resistant to acid, chips, and scratches. Maykke's fireclay farmhouse sinks are a true intersection of function and aesthetics: the Victoria 30" Fluted Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink is constructed with a white finish and a substantial glaze that maintains its brilliant beauty for years. * Vintage-inspired, elegant, and classic fluted apron front kitchen sink design, perfect for the farmhouse style and look or to bring a new vibe * Heavy-duty fireclay material looks and stays new for years, easy to clean; large spacious basin accommodates for wide pots and pans * Constructed with shiny white finish, durable glaze, and extremely durable, non-porous fireclay that is resistant to acid, chips, and scratches * Center drain hole for easy cleanup and drainage; large basin to wash, stack, and store plates and dishes or perform other household tasks * Dimensions: 29-9/16" W x 19-13/16" D x 10-3/16" H; cUPC certified

This is the backside of the Island. Between two decorative panels on the sides of the deep drawers, I designed a pull out pantry. Jon Upson - Photography

The client had just purchased a gorgeous Art-Deco style home in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, DC. The home needed substantial interior renovation and Molly Scott Exteriors was asked to redesign the front entry plantings and the rear courtyard space. The front entry is planted with layered evergreens to reflect the traditional location and style of the home, but is punctuated with more unusual plants to reflect the client's modern, artistic sensibilities. Photographs by Molly Scott, RLA Landscape and Hardscape installation by John Shorb Landscaping, Inc. Home renovation and garage repairs by Smith, Thomas and Smith, Inc.

Large trendy screened-in back porch photo in Other with a roof extension

Well-traveled. Relaxed. Timeless. Our well-traveled clients were soon-to-be empty nesters when they approached us for help reimagining their Presidio Heights home. The expansive Spanish-Revival residence originally constructed in 1908 had been substantially renovated 8 year prior, but needed some adaptations to better suit the needs of a family with three college-bound teens. We evolved the space to be a bright, relaxed reflection of the family’s time together, revising the function and layout of the ground-floor rooms and filling them with casual, comfortable furnishings and artifacts collected abroad. One of the key changes we made to the space plan was to eliminate the formal dining room and transform an area off the kitchen into a casual gathering spot for our clients and their children. The expandable table and coffee/wine bar means the room can handle large dinner parties and small study sessions with similar ease. The family room was relocated from a lower level to be more central part of the main floor, encouraging more quality family time, and freeing up space for a spacious home gym. In the living room, lounge-worthy upholstery grounds the space, encouraging a relaxed and effortless West Coast vibe. Exposed wood beams recall the original Spanish-influence, but feel updated and fresh in a light wood stain. Throughout the entry and main floor, found artifacts punctate the softer textures — ceramics from New Mexico, religious sculpture from Asia and a quirky wall-mounted phone that belonged to our client’s grandmother.

Michael Moran/OTTO Photography This LEED-certified project was a substantial rebuild of a 1960s home, preserving the original foundation to the extent possible, with a small amount of new area, a reconfigured floor plan, and newly envisioned massing. The design is simple and modern, with floor to ceiling glazing along the rear, connecting the interior living spaces to the landscape. The design process was informed by building science best practices, including solar orientation, triple glazing, rainscreen exterior cladding, and a thermal envelope that far exceeds code requirements.

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Kitchen Island overlooking Living Room and Fireplace, Mammoth Lakes home The entry way is the focal point of this mountain home, with a pared concrete wall leading you into a "decompression" chamber as foyer - a place to shed your coat and come in from the cold in the filtered light of the stacked-glass skylight. The earthy, contemporary look and feel of the exterior is further played upon once inside the residence, as the open-plan spaces reflect solid, substantial lines. Concrete, flagstone, stainless steel and zinc are warmed with the coupling of maple cabinetry and muted color palette throughout the living spaces. Photography: Matthew Millman

For this whole home renovation project, located in Skokie, our team had their work cut out for them. The home, which had been built in the late 60s, was completely out of date. The closed layout made the entire main floor feel very dark, while the mixed use of flooring materials also made the space appear choppy. There was a substantial amount of engineering work to completely open up the entire main level but the outcome is a bright and airy space that feels cohesive throughout. The basement also got a facelift with brand new walls and flooring. The entryway received a fresh coat of stain on the original door with a show-stopping chandelier to crown the area.

Take a look at our exclusive Timber-frame style pergola. With sturdy knee braces and heavy metal brackets you can enjoy the unique and substantial look to any patio cover or pergola. This free-standing style pergola is now the focal point of this backyard.