Swim-Up Bar in Sunken Outdoor Kitchen
Patio kitchen - huge transitional backyard stone patio kitchen idea in New Orleans with a roof extension

Meet Meridith: a super-mom who’s as busy as she is badass  — and easily my favorite overachiever. She slays her office job and comes home to an equally high-octane family life. We share a love for city living with farmhouse aspirations. There’s a vegetable garden in the backyard, a black cat, and a floppy eared rabbit named Rocky. There has been a mobile chicken coop and a colony of bees in the backyard. At one point they even had a pregnant hedgehog on their hands! Between gardening, entertaining, and helping with homework, Meridith has zero time for interior design. Spending several days a week in New York for work, she has limited amount of time at home with her family. My goal was to let her make the most of it by taking her design projects off her to do list and let her get back to her family (and rabbit). I wanted her to spend her weekends at her son's baseball games, not shopping for sofas. That’s my cue! Meridith is wonderful. She is one of the kindest people I know. We had so much fun, it doesn’t seem fair to call this “work”. She is loving, and smart, and funny. She’s one of those girlfriends everyone wants to call their own best friend. I wanted her house to reflect that: to feel cozy and inviting, and encourage guests to stay a while. Meridith is not your average beige person, and she has excellent taste. Plus, she was totally hands-on with design choices. It was a true collaboration. We played up her quirky side and built usable, inspiring spaces one lightbulb moment at a time. I took her love for color (sacré blue!) and immediately started creating a plan for her space and thinking about her design wish list. I set out hunting for vibrant hues and intriguing patterns that spoke to her color palette and taste for pattern. I focused on creating the right vibe in each space: a bit of drama in the dining room, a bit more refined and quiet atmosphere for the living room, and a neutral zen tone in their master bedroom. Her stuff. My eye. Meridith’s impeccable taste comes through in her art collection. The perfect placement of her beautiful paintings served as the design model for color and mood. We had a bit of a chair graveyard on our hands, but we worked with some key pieces of her existing furniture and incorporated other traditional pieces, which struck a pleasant balance. French chairs, Asian-influenced footstools, turned legs, gilded finishes, glass hurricanes – a wonderful mash-up of traditional and contemporary. Some special touches were custom-made (the marble backsplash in the powder room, the kitchen banquette) and others were happy accidents (a wallpaper we spotted via Pinterest). They all came together in a design aesthetic that feels warm, inviting, and vibrant — just like Meridith! We built her space based on function. We asked ourselves, “how will her family use each room on any given day?” Meridith throws legendary dinner parties, so we needed curated seating arrangements that could easily switch from family meals to elegant entertaining. We sought a cozy eat-in kitchen and decongested entryways that still made a statement. Above all, we wanted Meredith’s style and panache to shine through every detail. From the pendant in the entryway, to a wild use of pattern in her dining room drapery, Meredith’s space was a total win. See more of our work at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, share what's on your plate with us at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

There were some druthers with the kitchen and there was a desire to make certain rooms more grown-up again. Unlike some of our clients who get rid of their formal dining rooms, this family wanted to keep theirs. They saw it as good space for entertaining and doing work – why not make it more stylish and purposeful? THE REMODEL Design Objectives Keep the craftsman style of the home but make it more modern Update the dining room to be more formal for entertaining and provide storage for china, stemware, wine, etc. Open up the kitchen to improve flow Incorporate new decorative lighting throughout the home to accent the home’s style Transform the staircase into a statement piece that greets visitors – redesign it with arts & crafts details in the balusters, newel posts and handrails Design Challenges: Open up the dining room window for more light and a better view of the backyard. The previous window felt closed in with heavy shutters. Improve kitchen flow without making the footprint larger Make the entire home feel updated and cohesive while staying true to the house’s style. THE RENEWED SPACES We bumped out the dining room window to make a new bay window. The glass mullion design mimics the craftsman style, setting the tone for the room while letting plenty of light in. It really opened up that end of the dining room. The view of the backyard is much bigger now, too. It’s also a great nook for playing board games, doing puzzles and playing with Legos. We actually got rid of a walk-in pantry that had cut off a corner of the kitchen, and were able to keep all the main walls intact. The old pantry room is where the fridge is now, as well as a tall pantry cabinet, some additional cabinets and a new countertop surface. The flow is much better and it’s roomy now, with a kitchen table that’s great for informal meals, homework and kids seating when adults are entertaining in the dining room. The cabinet, tile and countertop colors are still neutral but offer a more muted palette. To bring in the craftsman style, simple architectural details were added such as the hood and window valance, decorative furniture toes, a shaker door on the perimeter cabinets and a more modern cabinet door style on the island, pantry and refrigerator areas. New decorative lighting was added in the kitchen, dining room, living room, foyer and second-floor hallway to make the entire first floor feel updated. Also, the entire staircase was revamped. The existing hardwood was kept in place but stained medium brown to bring in some warmth. “The Drury process made this project turn out better than we imagined,” one of the homeowners told us during the final photoshoot. “There were so many features we didn’t know about – like charging drawers – and ways of going about the remodel that didn’t come to us naturally. We’re so glad Alicia had so much experience and so many checklists. We got to think through everything and arrive at the best possible design for our family.”

These industrial barn doors are handcrafted in our shop/MADE TO ORDER. These doors can be customized depending on hardware i.e handle/hinge system/sliding rail system you are using. We have many hardware options available. Similar doors can be constructed and customized based on customer needs. We use Vintage/re-purposed materials. Each piece has multiple clear coats added to preserve its natural rustic appearance and charm and not one door is exactly the same. We have many different options. Most of our customers allow for our craftsmen's eye to create these wonderful pieces with the element of birthing them when you pick up your door, but again if you have a specific need we will accommodate to meet that need. These are very well made and will add that conversation piece to house/office/game room for years to come. Due to the reclaimed nature of the wood, and sizing there are imperfections/modifications in the wood, but we think these only add to its charm and great start up conversation as folks enter your space. Price varies dependent on size and variations. The dimensions of the pair exampled here are ; 15"width x 78"height x 1 3/8" thickness $570 a pair (shipping/mounting hardware included) All of our furniture items are sent very well packaged and with full insurance coverage upon customer request. Free local pickup available for all orders. Orders above 36" wide/150 lb plus constraint, will need to have shipping options quote. Mounting hardware/anchor system sold separately (Application specific) CONVO us and let us know any space limitations so we may quote our unique rail system.

This active, forward-thinking couple bought a new house in order to “right-size” for the next chapter in their lives. They found a ranch home in a neighborhood they liked, but the floor plan needed a remodel in order to fit their lifestyle. Two small bedrooms were combined in order to make one large master. The existing living room and garage were combined to make one large living space. The floor of the garage was raised to be on an equal plane to the existing living room. Hardwood was added to match the existing flooring and then all was refinished for a fresh look. A large ViWinco Bay Window was added where the garage door once was, and a Velux Solar Skylight was installed to add to the natural sunlight coming from the bay. Custom built-ins lined the furthest wall for storage and closet space. Sliding doors were installed as an entrance and exit to the back of the existing house. A new extended length garage was added for the owner’s vehicles with spare room for the homeowners brewing experiments. Azek window and door trim surrounded the newly installed ViWinco windows along with Cedar Siding mimicking the house. Liftmaster Garage Doors were installed with dual controls for the car and a spare for safety and easy entry. Hangout for Grandchildren These two people are much too busy with their jobs and their many hobbies, from beer brewing, to gardening, and everything in between. But they needed a place where grandchildren could hang out and watch a movie when they came to visit. A part of their basement was finished into a perfect space with a lot of storage for games, books, movies and any other toys or crafts that may need to be stored for frequent visits. Custom bookshelves lined two walls and one was designed for the television and all its components. The area was carpeted and a hall was created with tile to another storage cabinet for linens. A nice basement bathroom was created opposite to the laundry area. Basement Bathroom Remodel A Sterling Accord, 60” Seated Shower was installed in the bathroom with a Moen 4-functioning massaging hand shower with slide bar for the shower feature. A Wellborn select vanity was selected with upgraded solid wood, dovetail drawers. Moen’s hardware on the cabinets compliments the brushed nickel plumbing fixtures in Moen’s Voss Series. The Highline Kohler comfort height toilet, along with the Grip-tight Cachet seat added to the practicality, along with the beauty of this basement bath. A Verdera Kohler mirrored cabinet was installed, giving this homeowner more storage for all those bathroom essentials. Kohler was also installed in this remodel, as the Caxton sink is a bathroom favorite among many of our clients. The Caesar stone countertop in Urban Safari, along with the 12” X 12” Castelbianco Nasino Ivory tile flooring, softens the look and brings it all together. This wonderful couple can now concentrate on their gardening and savoring the long days of summer.

The study/piano room was originally quite dark, with huge oversized tapestry covered chairs. My client was game to completely start over with this room. She fell in love with a chartreuse/gray combination of fabrics that I'd pulled together for her. We also used a cowhide area rug with a chain pattern in different shades of cream and gray. The result was so fresh and chic, I think this is the favorite room for both of us!

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Here's the way it looked with just the TV bracket on the wall. Notice the large hole cut in near the floor on the image above. This is the cutout for the bottom portion of the power bridge. This will be finished, clean and hidden behind the furniture before we're all done, but it provides a nice bit access point for wiring in the meantime! Whenever possible, we try to install the top portion of the power bridge directly above the bottom portion. If we do so, we can simply let gravity do the fishing for us in many cases. Even if we need to break out the fish sticks and other tools of the trade, having a straight shot down makes the job MUCH easier. Most jobs -- this one included -- require two HDMI cables. One to connect the cable/satellite box, one to connect something else (Blu-ray, gaming system, Roku, etc.). Just remember if you're planning a DIY install, if you want it to play on the screen, you need a cable from the device to the TV. We typically use a four-meter HDMI cable for a job like this. While you may think that's longer than you'd need, the extra length provides much needed flexibility when connecting and placing the components in the cabinet and the TV on the wall.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

Home theater - mid-sized transitional open concept carpeted and beige floor home theater idea in Atlanta with a bar, beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

✨ From Dark & Unfinished to the Ultimate Hangout Spot! ✨ We are absolutely thrilled to share the incredible transformation of our Homeowners basement! Swipe through to see the before pictures ➡️ and you’ll see exactly where we started: a blank, uninspired, and underutilized space. Our team completely reimagined the footprint, turning it into a bright, modern, and beautifully finished living area that feels like a natural extension of the upper floors. Whether it’s for family movie nights, hosting game days, or just enjoying some well deserved relaxation, this stunning new space is ready for years of memories. Thinking about maximizing your home's potential? Let’s talk about transforming your basement next! ??

Diane
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

✨ From Dark & Unfinished to the Ultimate Hangout Spot! ✨ We are absolutely thrilled to share the incredible transformation of our Homeowners basement! Swipe through to see the before pictures ➡️ and you’ll see exactly where we started: a blank, uninspired, and underutilized space. Our team completely reimagined the footprint, turning it into a bright, modern, and beautifully finished living area that feels like a natural extension of the upper floors. Whether it’s for family movie nights, hosting game days, or just enjoying some well deserved relaxation, this stunning new space is ready for years of memories. Thinking about maximizing your home's potential? Let’s talk about transforming your basement next! ??