Peter Medilk
Elegant bathroom photo in San Francisco

Inspiration for a mediterranean light wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls and no fireplace

Is your closet busting at the seams? Or do you perhaps have no closet at all? Time to consider adding a mudroom to your house. Mudrooms are a popular interior design trend these days, and for good reason - they can house far more than a simple coat closet can. They can serve as a family command center for kids' school flyers and menus, for backpacks and shoes, for art supplies and sports equipment. Some mudrooms contain a laundry area, and some contain a mail station. Some mudrooms serve as a home base for a dog or a cat, with easy to clean, low maintenance building materials. A mudroom may consist of custom built-ins, or may simply be a corner of an existing room with pulled some clever, freestanding furniture, hooks, or shelves to house your most essential mudroom items. Whatever your storage needs, extensive or streamlined, carving out a mudroom area can keep the whole family more organized. And, being more organized saves you stress and countless hours that would otherwise be spent searching for misplaced items. While we love to design mudroom niches, a full mudroom interior design allows us to do what we do best here at Down2Earth Interior Design: elevate a space that is primarily driven by pragmatic requirements into a space that is also beautiful to look at and comfortable to occupy. I find myself voluntarily taking phone calls while sitting on the bench of my mudroom, simply because it's a comfortable place to be. My kids do their homework in the mudroom sometimes. My cat loves to curl up on sweatshirts temporarily left on the bench, or cuddle up in boxes on their way out to the recycling bins, just outside the door. Designing a custom mudroom for our family has elevated our lifestyle in so many ways, and I look forward to the opportunity to help make your mudroom design dreams a reality as well. Photos by Ryan Macchione

Eat-in kitchen - large transitional medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Kansas City with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

What was once a dead space between the master bathroom and master bedroom was turned into a dressing suite now creating a true master suite area in the home where the client could have a personal haven to revive after a busy day. A true Master Suite with a seamless layout allowing sleeping, dressing, bathing, and relaxation which flowed smoohtly and efficiently in their new retreat. The interiors of the wardrobes were finished with low profile custom LED lighting which automatically turns on and off with the opening of the doors and drawers. Custom power shades were programmed to open and close based on the time of day. The power shades also have a remote system so the program could be temporarily overridden if they wish to open or close them more. Paint colors were kept neutral to help emphasize all the natural lighting in the space.

Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in New York with gray walls

What was once a dead space between the master bathroom and master bedroom was turned into a dressing suite now creating a true master suite area in the home where the client could have a personal haven to revive after a busy day. A true Master Suite with a seamless layout allowing sleeping, dressing, bathing, and relaxation which flowed smoohtly and efficiently in their new retreat. The interiors of the wardrobes were finished with low profile custom LED lighting which automatically turns on and off with the opening of the doors and drawers. Custom power shades were programmed to open and close based on the time of day. The power shades also have a remote system so the program could be temporarily overridden if they wish to open or close them more. Paint colors were kept neutral to help emphasize all the natural lighting in the space.

Design consultation and advising for DIY/Budget Renovation. Owner purchased this condo with a very cramped and dated kitchen and light fixtures, and early 2000s-era café paint colors. Owner did a lot of the work himself or with friends to keep the budget down. HDC advised on design details and paint colors, chose light fixtures (ceiling lights for kitchen and dining and arch floor lamp in living room). HDC also assisted with creating a new kitchen floor plan, which involved removing one wall, replacing existing tile and modifying flooring transition location, replacing all cabinetry except for the tall pantry cabinet, choosing cabinet paint, installing modern cabinet hardware, replacing laminate counters with a budget white quartz prefab counter, replacing appliances, sink, and faucet, and installing a low-cost peel & stick backsplash. Due to budget constraints, we could not remove the entire wall between the kitchen and dining space to make the wall completely flush from the kitchen to dining area transition, but decided to relocate the refrigerator to that wall nonetheless, in order to improve sightlines and improve traffic flow and function for refrigerator access. We created a coffee/drinks bar where the original fridge was located. The owner decided to keep the existing water line that had serviced the ice maker in the fridge where it was previously located (and cap it temporarily). He plans to plumb it in the future to support a filtered drinking water line and auto-filling coffee maker to finish out the drink center. Ultimately, we couldn't stretch the budget for a perfect layout, but we were still able to improve the function and open up the flow of this hub of the condo for better entertaining and more convenient homeowner use of the space.

Grays add a softness to the design, whether as a primary color, shown in the kitchen here, or as a secondary color, often on an island. Gray is the perfect fit for the growing trend of Transitional design. The washed look and character of Peppercorn cherry paired with our Boardwalk door style creates a naturally calm and simple space. Designing with consistent horizontal sight lines, linear crown and a blended color palette are a few of the key elements to create a Transitional haven. Pairing gray toned finishes, such as stain and paint, allows you to showcase multiple textures and values for creating depth through a layered approach

Design consultation and advising for DIY/Budget Renovation. Owner purchased this condo with a very cramped and dated kitchen and light fixtures, and early 2000s-era café paint colors. Owner did a lot of the work himself or with friends to keep the budget down. HDC advised on design details and paint colors, chose light fixtures (ceiling lights for kitchen and dining and arch floor lamp in living room). HDC also assisted with creating a new kitchen floor plan, which involved removing one wall, replacing existing tile and modifying flooring transition location, replacing all cabinetry except for the tall pantry cabinet, choosing cabinet paint, installing modern cabinet hardware, replacing laminate counters with a budget white quartz prefab counter, replacing appliances, sink, and faucet, and installing a low-cost peel & stick backsplash. Due to budget constraints, we could not remove the entire wall between the kitchen and dining space to make the wall completely flush from the kitchen to dining area transition, but decided to relocate the refrigerator to that wall nonetheless, in order to improve sightlines and improve traffic flow and function for refrigerator access. We created a coffee/drinks bar where the original fridge was located. The owner decided to keep the existing water line that had serviced the ice maker in the fridge where it was previously located (and cap it temporarily). He plans to plumb it in the future to support a filtered drinking water line and auto-filling coffee maker to finish out the drink center. Ultimately, we couldn't stretch the budget for a perfect layout, but we were still able to improve the function and open up the flow of this hub of the condo for better entertaining and more convenient homeowner use of the space.

What was once a dead space between the master bathroom and master bedroom was turned into a dressing suite now creating a true master suite area in the home where the client could have a personal haven to revive after a busy day. A true Master Suite with a seamless layout allowing sleeping, dressing, bathing, and relaxation which flowed smoohtly and efficiently in their new retreat. The interiors of the wardrobes were finished with low profile custom LED lighting which automatically turns on and off with the opening of the doors and drawers. Custom power shades were programmed to open and close based on the time of day. The power shades also have a remote system so the program could be temporarily overridden if they wish to open or close them more. Paint colors were kept neutral to help emphasize all the natural lighting in the space.

Design consultation and advising for DIY/Budget Renovation. Owner purchased this condo with a very cramped and dated kitchen and light fixtures, and early 2000s-era café paint colors. Owner did a lot of the work himself or with friends to keep the budget down. HDC advised on design details and paint colors, chose light fixtures (ceiling lights for kitchen and dining and arch floor lamp in living room). HDC also assisted with creating a new kitchen floor plan, which involved removing one wall, replacing existing tile and modifying flooring transition location, replacing all cabinetry except for the tall pantry cabinet, choosing cabinet paint, installing modern cabinet hardware, replacing laminate counters with a budget white quartz prefab counter, replacing appliances, sink, and faucet, and installing a low-cost peel & stick backsplash. Due to budget constraints, we could not remove the entire wall between the kitchen and dining space to make the wall completely flush from the kitchen to dining area transition, but decided to relocate the refrigerator to that wall nonetheless, in order to improve sightlines and improve traffic flow and function for refrigerator access. We created a coffee/drinks bar where the original fridge was located. The owner decided to keep the existing water line that had serviced the ice maker in the fridge where it was previously located (and cap it temporarily). He plans to plumb it in the future to support a filtered drinking water line and auto-filling coffee maker to finish out the drink center. Ultimately, we couldn't stretch the budget for a perfect layout, but we were still able to improve the function and open up the flow of this hub of the condo for better entertaining and more convenient homeowner use of the space.

This elegant sitting room/ sun room seamlessly blends vintage and antique pieces with contemporary furniture pieces together to create a cohesive, bespoke, and timeless feel. The anchor for the room was the beautiful antique rug, which features flower and plant motifs in peach, blues, beige, and green colors. The wall colors were selected not only to complement the rug, but also in consideration for the other colors in the home and to create a calming space for the owners. The chairs are vintage/original Parsons chairs from the 1970s re-upholstered to coordinate with the antique oriental rug on the floor. The sofa (a sofa bed), simple and new, holds custom pillows and trim with fabrics from Metaphores and Lee Jofa. The drapery, with its vertical vine motif was selected to coordinate with similar shapes and colors in the rug, and to highlight the dramatic and impressive height of the ceiling. Plants, planters, and occasional tables all selected on be half of the client--blending a variety of styles together, that still feel as though they belong in this space. The owls- the owners previously purchased ceramics were temporarily homeless, until placed in this corner. They add the perfect touch of whimsy to an otherwise serious space.

The kitchen has a mix of 6" recessed cans, under cabinet lighting, and island pendants. The soffit over the cabinets conceals the HVAC ducting as well as the hood ducting. The chandelier is temporarily relocated closer to the ceiling until they get a table moved in.

We were introduced to this turn of the century home in Anacortes, Wa. with a request from the owner to remove what was left of an existing deck and create a courtyard and new lower deck to compliment the home. The upper deck was in dire need of attention as well. The deck was temporarily supported during the courtyard construction, then properly supported and reconstructed. The waterproof coating is a multi-step process commonly referred to as "Span-Tex".

Example of a transitional l-shaped gray floor and tray ceiling kitchen design in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Over the years, this Gladwyne home suffered numerous piecemeal renovations and modifications, and was in dire need of a cohesive vision. Seeing past this, the new owners purchased the property because of the home’s unique siting on the land. Abutting the eastern property line, they noticed the potential of a proper renovation which would unify the home and create expansive views across the 2 acre site to the west. Our office was commissioned to create a cohesive design which emphasized these ideas. This completed master bedroom and bathroom suite, marks the end of the first renovation phase. The master suite was expanded and focused around a new 16’ window overlooking the property. The bed is flanked at both sides with a sitting area and custom casework. The perpendicular floor boards define the space and pull the eye into the closet/bath. A composition of reflections distort boundaries, pulling outside inward and provide an evolving seasonal experience. For the lower floor renovation, the client requested the removal of all dividing walls to make the space as visually open as possible. To do this, the entire 2nd floor was temporarily propped up while the 1st floor structure was removed and a strategically designed new structural steel frame system was installed. The remaining central bearing wall also stabilizes the custom stair treads while the guardrails suspend the opposite end from the ceiling. The floor to ceiling glazing opens the views of the sprawling grounds and provides a casual sitting area. A sliding bright red wall divides the office / family room area and the rough sawn wood cabinetry maintain a handmade warm character to the contemporary design.

Whatever your storage needs, extensive or streamlined, carving out a mudroom area can keep the whole family more organized. And, being more organized saves you stress and countless hours that would otherwise be spent searching for misplaced items. While we love to design mudroom niches, a full mudroom interior design allows us to do what we do best here at Down2Earth Interior Design: elevate a space that is primarily driven by pragmatic requirements into a space that is also beautiful to look at and comfortable to occupy. I find myself voluntarily taking phone calls while sitting on the bench of my mudroom, simply because it's a comfortable place to be. My kids do their homework in the mudroom sometimes. My cat loves to curl up on sweatshirts temporarily left on the bench, or cuddle up in boxes on their way out to the recycling bins, just outside the door. Designing a custom mudroom for our family has elevated our lifestyle in so many ways, and I look forward to the opportunity to help make your mudroom design dreams a reality as well. Photos by Ryan Macchione

Design consultation and advising for DIY/Budget Renovation. Owner purchased this condo with a very cramped and dated kitchen and light fixtures, and early 2000s-era café paint colors. Owner did a lot of the work himself or with friends to keep the budget down. HDC advised on design details and paint colors, chose light fixtures (ceiling lights for kitchen and dining and arch floor lamp in living room). HDC also assisted with creating a new kitchen floor plan, which involved removing one wall, replacing existing tile and modifying flooring transition location, replacing all cabinetry except for the tall pantry cabinet, choosing cabinet paint, installing modern cabinet hardware, replacing laminate counters with a budget white quartz prefab counter, replacing appliances, sink, and faucet, and installing a low-cost peel & stick backsplash. Due to budget constraints, we could not remove the entire wall between the kitchen and dining space to make the wall completely flush from the kitchen to dining area transition, but decided to relocate the refrigerator to that wall nonetheless, in order to improve sightlines and improve traffic flow and function for refrigerator access. We created a coffee/drinks bar where the original fridge was located. The owner decided to keep the existing water line that had serviced the ice maker in the fridge where it was previously located (and cap it temporarily). He plans to plumb it in the future to support a filtered drinking water line and auto-filling coffee maker to finish out the drink center. Ultimately, we couldn't stretch the budget for a perfect layout, but we were still able to improve the function and open up the flow of this hub of the condo for better entertaining and more convenient homeowner use of the space.