Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional 3/4 white tile gray floor and single-sink bathroom remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an integrated sink, white countertops and a floating vanity

Dining Room
Dining room - large traditional dark wood floor dining room idea in Grand Rapids with gray walls and no fireplace

Inquire About Our Design Services When we first started talking in the spring of 2015, I was impressed. She was witty, realistic, and understood that as much as she loves my shows on HGTV, design does not does not happen in 43 minutes! She told me about her space, and how she felt that her bedroom seemed “blah” to her. She had no retreat. Molly desperately longed for a place that she could spend time in, read in, play in and above all, relax in. What we did: Many people are terrified of hiring a designer. Rightfully so, they are investing a pretty penny in their homes. They want to make sure that everything, down to the last floral arrangement, is to their liking, because they will have to live it (and pay for it). Unfortunately, a client can unintentionally stifle a designer’s creativity through micro-management. This can produce lackluster results and ultimately cause more time (and money) to be spent on a project than is really necessary. With Molly, that was never an issue. Before she even showed me the room in question, she said that I could have full creative license to do what I needed to do to her bedroom. SAY WHAAH!? With Molly giving me complete creative freedom, I planned everything out and got down to business. The result: Bite-your-bottom-lip sexy. I don’t get jealous of too many of my clients’ spaces, but this one still takes my breath away every time I look at the pics! The craziest part was that by adding more furniture, it actually made the space feel larger. Molly and her husband Patrick loved the finished space, and promised me I will be back to finish the rest of the house! Here’s the highlights of the rest of the project: I came up with a space plan with three options. Next, we reviewed mood boards and fabric schemes that would work for both Molly and her hubby Patrick. We started with the bed. My goal was to add edge to its otherwise traditional style. We decided to spice things up by painting the trim work in the room black. We built in layers of lighting with dimmers. In a bedroom everything should be on dimmers, right? Right. We designed and customized bedding, chairs and window treatments. Together with Molly, we selected the most perfect wallpaper. This geometric “grasscloth” adds so much depth and dimension that was just missing before. What I love: That light fixture. I mean it is really, really amazing in person. The porcupine mirror. This thing came packaged like it was the hope diamond, and everyone was terrified to handle it. But it really became a highlight of the room.

Large mountain style mixed material railing deck photo in Los Angeles with a fireplace and a roof extension

2019 Addition/Remodel by Steven Allen Designs, LLC - Featuring Clean Subtle lines + 42" Front Door + 48" Italian Tiles + Quartz Countertops + Custom Shaker Cabinets + Oak Slat Wall and Trim Accents + Design Fixtures + Artistic Tiles + Wild Wallpaper + Top of Line Appliances

Lux on the Lake, where the kitchen flows effortlessly into everyday life. The quartzite waterfall island anchors the space with seating for four, while sculptural brass pendants draw the eye upward. Beyond, a sunlit breakfast nook framed by black steel windows invites slow mornings and lingering conversations. White oak, natural stone, and soft leather seating come together in a space designed not just for cooking, but for connection.

Example of a huge cottage backyard patio design in Denver with a pergola

Boy's room by Osmond Designs.
Example of a classic bedroom design in Salt Lake City

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Lavish and organized luxury enhances the fine art of dressing while providing a place for everything. The cabinetry in this vestiaire was custom designed and hand crafted by Dennis Bracken of Dennisbilt Custom Cabinetry & Design with interior design executed by Interor Directions by Susan Prestia. The 108 year old home was inspiration for a timeless and classic design wiile contemporary features provide balance and sophistication. Local artists Johnathan Adams Photography and Corbin Bronze Sculptures add a touch of class and beauty. Cabinetry features inset door and drawer fronts with exposed solid brass finial hinges. The armoire style built-ins are Maple painted with Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray with brushed brass handles. Solid Walnut island features a Cambria quartz countertop, glass knobs, and brass pulls. Custom designed 6 piece crown molding package. Vanity seating area features a velvet jewelry tray in the drawer and custom cosmetic caddy that pops out with a touch, Walnut mirror frame, and Cambria quartz top. Recessed LED lighing and beautiful contemporary chandelier. Hardwood floors are original to the home. Environmentally friendly room! All wood in cabinetry is formaldehyde-free FSC certified as coming from sustainibly managed forests. Wall covering is a commercial grade vinyl made from recycled plastic bottles. No or Low VOC paints and stains. LED lighting and Greenguard certified Cambria quartz countertops. Adding to the eco footprint, all artists and craftsmen were local within a 50 mile radius. Brynn Burns Photography

Example of a beach style brown two-story wood house exterior design in Minneapolis with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard concrete patio remodel in Grand Rapids with a fire pit and a roof extension

Example of a transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room design in Atlanta with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Suzanna Scott
Beach style dining room photo in San Francisco

Anson Smart
Large minimalist formal and enclosed marble floor living room photo in Sydney with no tv and gray walls

Perched on Lake George in the Adirondacks, this sophisticated outdoor kitchen masterfully blends into its natural surroundings while maximizing functionality for entertaining. The thoughtful U-shaped design ensures that everyone—whether cooking, prepping, or socializing—shares in the magnificent lake views that inspired the space. The aesthetic harmony is achieved through carefully selected materials: rustic blue outdoor-rated NatureKast cabinetry echoes the lake's hues, while timber frame beams and outdoor-rated white quartz countertops create a seamless transition between built and natural environments. Deep drawers and roll-out cabinetry provide abundant storage while maintaining the space's elegant profile. The layout is a study in purposeful zoning: one area dedicated to prep work, another to cooking—featuring a grill, smoker, warming drawer, and space for a portable pizza oven, all serviced by a ceiling-mounted hood. The opposite side houses a two-drawer refrigerator, under-counter refrigerator, wet sink, and waste management. Connecting seamlessly to the indoor kitchen through pass-through windows with adjacent counter space and storage, this outdoor entertainment hub transforms lakeside cooking into an immersive experience. Every element has been carefully considered to create a space that's both functional for serious cooking and perfect for casual gatherings, all while celebrating its stunning Adirondack setting

Rachel Gross
Example of an arts and crafts entryway design in Other

MAGIC HALLWAY Combination 4001 HOLTKAMP MAGIC. enchanting design. The large mirrored surfaces make your hallwayarea appear roomy and bright. Combine different coat rack elements with wardrobe units and dressers as you wish. The dresser with cushioned seat provides a comfortable spot where you can sit while putting on your shoes or talking on the phone. Customize your hall wardrobe combination according to your wishes and avilable space. The option of adding color accents to fronts and rear panels ensures interesting variations in design. A cable flap in the top panel of a dresser allows for perfectly concealed organisation of the cables from your telephones, rechargers or lamps. Coat rack hooks that fold out provide plenty of space for jackets, coats and bags. The wardrobe unit in cutom width provides plenty of space with sidemounted shoe trays. Personalize your wardrobe compartments with interior fittings of your choice. "MAGIC" performs just the way you want it. MAGIC. MODERN MOOD. MAGIC COMBINATION 4001 Dimensions: W 212 x H 203 x D 39 cm / W 83" x H 80 " x D 15" Price: $ 3 200 Wardrobe interior for compartments "6" and "7" are not included into price. Additional information upon request. Made in Germany Custom orders delivery to Miami area within 12-14 weeks.

Siesta Key Low Country kitchen and living room open to the pool area and waterfront featuring exposed wood beams, dining area, and screened-in porch off the back. This is a very well detailed custom home on a smaller scale, measuring only 3,000 sf under a/c. Every element of the home was designed by some of Sarasota's top architects, landscape architects and interior designers. One of the highlighted features are the true cypress timber beams that span the great room. These are not faux box beams but true timbers. Another awesome design feature is the outdoor living room boasting 20' pitched ceilings and a 37' tall chimney made of true boulders stacked over the course of 1 month.