The Historic Home lies at the heart of Michael Carter’s passion for interior design. Well versed in the academics of period architecture and antiques, Carter continues to be called on to bring fresh and inspiring ideas to historic properties that are undergoing restoration or redecoration. It is never the goal to have these homes feel like museums. Instead, Carter & Company strives to blend the function of contemporary life with design ideas that are appropriate – they respect the past in a way that is stylish, timeless and elegant.

This project was a complete gut remodel of the owner's childhood home. They demolished it and rebuilt it as a brand-new two-story home to house both her retired parents in an attached ADU in-law unit, as well as her own family of six. Though there is a fire door separating the ADU from the main house, it is often left open to create a truly multi-generational home. For the design of the home, the owner's one request was to create something timeless, and we aimed to honor that.

Designing a whole home remodel for a client’s second home was an exciting opportunity to create a space that felt both welcoming and timeless. The clients wanted a space that felt light, bright, and timeless. We focused on an open-concept layout, maximizing natural light and incorporating soft, neutral tones that complemented the desert landscape. The main showstopper of the home was the kitchen, which the family considered the heart of the home. Featuring high-end finishes, the kitchen became a space for both cooking and gathering, designed for both functionality and elegance. Thoughtful touches, such as custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, and custom hood, helped elevate the entire space, making it a true focal point. With a thoughtful blend of modern design and classic touches, the remodel was tailored to ensure the space could grow with the family and become a place they would cherish and enjoy for years to come.

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.

Inspiration for a cottage dark wood floor and brown floor bathroom remodel in Other with gray walls, a vessel sink, wood countertops and brown countertops

Example of a mid-sized transitional beige floor and medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room design in San Francisco with white walls and no fireplace

When re-creating this families living spaces it was crucial to provide a timeless yet contemporary living room for adult entertaining and a fun colorful family room for family moments. The kitchen was done in timeless bright white and pops of color were added throughout to exemplify the families love of life! David Duncan Livingston

Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor and beige floor living room remodel in San Francisco

Example of a beach style family room design in Los Angeles

Transitional dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room photo in Dallas with blue walls

A serene soaking tub anchors the bathroom, positioned beneath expansive windows to capture natural light and views beyond. Soft, neutral finishes and clean-lined cabinetry create a spa-like retreat that feels both timeless and restorative.

This stylish kitchen combines luxury with warmth through intentional material choices and layered design. Green velvet bar stools line the island, adding a pop of color and plush texture against the natural wood accents found in the cabinetry and under the island. A black and gold sink faucet and matching water spout add a bold, modern contrast. Above the cooktop, a minimalist floating shelf keeps essentials within reach while maintaining a clean look. Overhead, elegant floating mirror lights dangle above the island, reflecting light and adding a contemporary touch to the space.

Photo: Caroline Sharpnack © 2019 Houzz
Eat-in kitchen - eclectic l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a mid-sized danish master light wood floor bedroom design in London with white walls and no fireplace

Home office - transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor home office idea in Indianapolis with blue walls

Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling living room design in Sacramento with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Spaces and Faces Photography

RnD Builders Inc - Custom Home Builders | Woodland Hills
Trendy kitchen photo in Los Angeles

daybed, playroom, timeless design, toys, vintage furniture
Example of a danish gender-neutral carpeted kids' bedroom design in London with white walls