Search results for "Thinly disguised" in Home Design Ideas

This unified split-level home maintains the original layout of a split-level while retaining the appearance of a 2-story colonial. The trend of straying away from the split-level appearance has become a popular one among clients in Bergen County and all of Northern New Jersey. Typically addition to homes like this one include a full new level which acts as the entire master suite. Gable dormers and architectural elements disguise the home and make them unrecognizable as a split-level to most, while retaining an unique aesthetic.

Jack Thompson
Transitional galley kitchen photo in Houston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and paneled appliances
Transitional galley kitchen photo in Houston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and paneled appliances
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This master bathroom remodel has a spacious layout with a walk-in shower next to the freestanding tub. This space also showcases cool design with a tub shadow made of pebble stone to match the shower flooring.

Photo's Kris Tamburello
Inspiration for a modern galley light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula
Inspiration for a modern galley light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home.
The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor.
To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity.
Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy.
We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill.
Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement.
Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet.
Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”.
highlights
Moisture management system
Insulated slab
Hydronic in-floor heat
Formaldehyde free cabinetry
MN-made custom cabinets
Ultra-low VOC paints
Wool carpet
Dual-flush toilet
Cork floor
No recessed lights
Cedar egress window well with planter
Re-used door
Eco-resin

This laser cut wood panel, designed to be focal to the entire home, deserves its own close-up. Here you see how a pattern of thick, thin, and curved slats is used to create this design. LED lights are placed behind the tall panel to accentuate its design, while other LED's light each object on the display shelves.

Morning routines shouldn’t involve a traffic jam at the sink. The 2025 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study found that 65 percent of U.S. renovators now choose a double-sink vanity to skip the wait. Designers agree: Titan Builders dubbed 2025 “the year of bigger, storage-packed double vanities,” forecasting dual-basin setups in family, guest, and even powder baths. As KBIS 2025 launches land, prototypes for 2026 layer in spa-grade wood, built-in outlets, and planet-friendly finishes. In this guide, we rank six standout models and show you how to size, install, and enjoy a clutter-free, two-sink future.
Methodology and selection criteria
A well-planned double-sink vanity keeps busy morning routines calm and clutter-free.
Before we crowned any winners, we mapped the entire 2024–2026 double-sink (dual-basin) market. That meant parsing KBIS exhibitor releases, scraping bestseller lists from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Wayfair, and reviewing designer short lists in trade magazines. The sweep produced 110 candidate vanities, giving us visibility into every style, price tier, and material in play.
We then scored each model against six weighted factors that continue to matter long after installers leave:
- Build quality – 25 percent.Solid hardwood frames, dovetail drawers, and furniture-grade plywood backs, never particleboard in disguise.
- Design versatility – 20 percent.Lines and finishes that suit modern, classic, or farmhouse baths without dating quickly.
- Sustainability – 15 percent.FSC-certified wood, CARB 2 compliance, and low-VOC finishes for healthier air.
- Storage efficiency – 15 percent.Deep drawers, tilt-outs, or power cubbies that corral countertop clutter.
- Value for money – 15 percent.Fair street price for the materials, stone tops, sinks, and soft-close hardware included.
- Brand reputation and warranty – 10 percent.Manufacturers with responsive support and at least a one-year parts guarantee.
- Footprint: 72 W × 22 D × 36 H in. (183 × 56 × 91 cm)
- Crated weight: 506 lb / 230 kg
- Street price: about $2,575 with marble top and basins, Q4 2025
- Footprint: 48 W × 22 D in. (122 × 56 cm)
- Height: 34.8 in. (88 cm) with backsplash
- Sliding barn door plus 3 drawers
- Pre-drilled 8-in. faucet spacing, sinks included
- Footprint: 60 W × 21 D × 34 H in. (152 × 53 × 86 cm)
- Integrated power: 4 AC + 2 USB, UL-listed
- Crated weight: 300 lb / 136 kg
- Street price: about $2,349 at Home Depot, Q4 2025
- Footprint: 72 W × 22 D in. (183 × 56 cm)
- Height: 34 in. (86 cm) plus 4 in. backsplash
- Counter: 1 in. Carrara marble, apron-front sinks included
- Hardware: oil-rubbed bronze, soft-close doors and drawers
- Footprint: 60 W × 22 D × 34 H in. (152 × 56 × 86 cm)
- Construction: solid poplar and plywood, waterfall quartz top
- Integrated slim power bank, soft-close doors and drawers
- Target price: just under $2,300 with top and basins

Unique design details found throughout this kitchen bridge the gaps between classic, modern, industrial, and eclectic. Rare and intricate combinations of tile, wood, steel, aluminum, and Dekton create a comfortable large kitchen with harmonious balance. Classic white cabinets with stainless steel toe kick are contrasted by the large walnut island with a taller coordinating toe. Floating in complete disguise is the 1.2 cm ultra thin countertop by Dekton rarely seen in a classic kitchen application. Walnut shelves float on the white stamped tin patterned tile and are grounded with the industrial stainless tambour appliance garage. The 3" thick floating bistro bar top by Dekton cantelivers nearly three feet with minimal visual support giving ample knee space to those who lounge at the table. The two island kitchen with an eating bar and breakfast table solved every design dilemma a large long kitchen space can have. Functional spatial design combined with unique material selections and applications makes this kitchen truly the heART of the home!
Photo Credit: Fred Donham-Photographerlink

Roger Foley Photography, All Rights Reserved
www.foleyfoto.com
Inspiration for a contemporary front yard landscaping in DC Metro.
Inspiration for a contemporary front yard landscaping in DC Metro.

View of the Living Room. Sliding art panel covers recessed TV when not in use.
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept light wood floor living room remodel in St Louis with white walls, no fireplace and a concealed tv
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept light wood floor living room remodel in St Louis with white walls, no fireplace and a concealed tv

Orchids atop a white lacquer floating shelf make this elegant entry even more inviting. In the background is a bronze and frosted glass door. Air conditioning return is cleverly disguised beneath the crown molding in a thin strip made to look like an architectural element.

This unified split-level home maintains the original layout of a split-level while retaining the appearance of a 2-story colonial. The trend of straying away from the split-level appearance has become a popular one among clients in Bergen County and all of Northern New Jersey. Typically addition to homes like this one include a full new level which acts as the entire master suite. Gable dormers and architectural elements disguise the home and make them unrecognizable as a split-level to most, while retaining an unique aesthetic.

Unique design details found throughout this kitchen bridge the gaps between classic, modern, industrial, and eclectic. Rare and intricate combinations of tile, wood, steel, aluminum, and Dekton create a comfortable large kitchen with harmonious balance. Classic white cabinets with stainless steel toe kick are contrasted by the large walnut island with a taller coordinating toe. Floating in complete disguise is the 1.2 cm ultra thin countertop by Dekton rarely seen in a classic kitchen application. Walnut shelves float on the white stamped tin patterned tile and are grounded with the industrial stainless tambour appliance garage. The 3" thick floating bistro bar top by Dekton cantelivers nearly three feet with minimal visual support giving ample knee space to those who lounge at the table. The two island kitchen with an eating bar and breakfast table solved every design dilemma a large long kitchen space can have. Functional spatial design combined with unique material selections and applications makes this kitchen truly the heART of the home!
Photo Credit: Fred Donham-Photographerlink

Unique design details found throughout this kitchen bridge the gaps between classic, modern, industrial, and eclectic. Rare and intricate combinations of tile, wood, steel, aluminum, and Dekton create a comfortable large kitchen with harmonious balance. Classic white cabinets with stainless steel toe kick are contrasted by the large walnut island with a taller coordinating toe. Floating in complete disguise is the 1.2 cm ultra thin countertop by Dekton rarely seen in a classic kitchen application. Walnut shelves float on the white stamped tin patterned tile and are grounded with the industrial stainless tambour appliance garage. The 3" thick floating bistro bar top by Dekton cantelivers nearly three feet with minimal visual support giving ample knee space to those who lounge at the table. The two island kitchen with an eating bar and breakfast table solved every design dilemma a large long kitchen space can have. Functional spatial design combined with unique material selections and applications makes this kitchen truly the heART of the home!
Photo Credit: Fred Donham-Photographerlink

This photo was taken before the updated firescreen was installed but it shows the newly re-imagined fireplace. To preserve the awesome floating hearth, it was encased in a concrete overlay that disguised the black tile underneath. The brick was refaced with staggered floor to ceiling ledger-stone and a book-matched walnut wraparound mantel completed the look. (See Belmont Renovation) in my projects for more photos.

This unified split-level home maintains the original layout of a split-level while retaining the appearance of a 2-story colonial. The trend of straying away from the split-level appearance has become a popular one among clients in Bergen County and all of Northern New Jersey. Typically addition to homes like this one include a full new level which acts as the entire master suite. Gable dormers and architectural elements disguise the home and make them unrecognizable as a split-level to most, while retaining an unique aesthetic.

This unified split-level home maintains the original layout of a split-level while retaining the appearance of a 2-story colonial. The trend of straying away from the split-level appearance has become a popular one among clients in Bergen County and all of Northern New Jersey. Typically addition to homes like this one include a full new level which acts as the entire master suite. Gable dormers and architectural elements disguise the home and make them unrecognizable as a split-level to most, while retaining an unique aesthetic.

Unique design details found throughout this kitchen bridge the gaps between classic, modern, industrial, and eclectic. Rare and intricate combinations of tile, wood, steel, aluminum, and Dekton create a comfortable large kitchen with harmonious balance. Classic white cabinets with stainless steel toe kick are contrasted by the large walnut island with a taller coordinating toe. Floating in complete disguise is the 1.2 cm ultra thin countertop by Dekton rarely seen in a classic kitchen application. Walnut shelves float on the white stamped tin patterned tile and are grounded with the industrial stainless tambour appliance garage. The 3" thick floating bistro bar top by Dekton cantelivers nearly three feet with minimal visual support giving ample knee space to those who lounge at the table. The two island kitchen with an eating bar and breakfast table solved every design dilemma a large long kitchen space can have. Functional spatial design combined with unique material selections and applications makes this kitchen truly the heART of the home!
Photo Credit: Fred Donham-Photographerlink

Transitional family room in taupes and reds in a Spanish Style new construction home. Custom made accent pillows in red velvet and John Robshaw print have wide jute tape trim, and thin brown linen cord trim. Taupe woven pattern on the sofa was chosen to disguise any stains in this high-use, child-friendly family room. Photo by Melinda Mandell.
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