When an international client moved from Brazil to Stamford, Connecticut, they reached out to Decor Aid, and asked for our help in modernizing a recently purchased suburban home. The client felt that the house was too “cookie-cutter,” and wanted to transform their space into a highly individualized home for their energetic family of four. In addition to giving the house a more updated and modern feel, the client wanted to use the interior design as an opportunity to segment and demarcate each area of the home. They requested that the downstairs area be transformed into a media room, where the whole family could hang out together. Both of the parents work from home, and so their office spaces had to be sequestered from the rest of the house, but conceived without any disruptive design elements. And as the husband is a photographer, he wanted to put his own artwork on display. So the furniture that we sourced had to balance the more traditional elements of the house, while also feeling cohesive with the husband’s bold, graphic, contemporary style of photography. The first step in transforming this house was repainting the interior and exterior, which were originally done in outdated beige and taupe colors. To set the tone for a classically modern design scheme, we painted the exterior a charcoal grey, with a white trim, and repainted the door a crimson red. The home offices were placed in a quiet corner of the house, and outfitted with a similar color palette: grey walls, a white trim, and red accents, for a seamless transition between work space and home life. The house is situated on the edge of a Connecticut forest, with clusters of maple, birch, and hemlock trees lining the property. So we installed white window treatments, to accentuate the natural surroundings, and to highlight the angular architecture of the home. In the entryway, a bold, graphic print, and a thick-pile sheepskin rug set the tone for this modern, yet comfortable home. While the formal room was conceived with a high-contrast neutral palette and angular, contemporary furniture, the downstairs media area includes a spiral staircase, comfortable furniture, and patterned accent pillows, which creates a more relaxed atmosphere. Equipped with a television, a fully-stocked bar, and a variety of table games, the downstairs media area has something for everyone in this energetic young family.

Hamptons-Inspired Kitchen One cannot help but feel a distinct sense of serenity and timeless beauty when entering this Hamptons-style kitchen. Bathed in natural light and shimmering with inspired accents and details, this complete kitchen transformation is at once elegant and inviting. Plans and elevations were conceived to create balance and function without sacrificing harmony and visual intrigue. A metal custom hood, with an eye-catching brass band and impeccably balanced cabinets on either side, provides a strong focal point for the kitchen, which can be viewed from the adjacent living room. Brass faucets, hardware and light fixtures complement and draw further attention to this anchoring element. A wall of glass cabinetry enhances the existing windows and pleasantly expands the sense of openness in the space. Taj Mahal quartzite blends gracefully with the cabinet finishes. Cream-tone, herringbone tiles are custom-cut into different patterns to create a sense of visual movement as the eyes move across the room. An elegant, marble-top island paired with sumptuous, leather-covered stools, not only offers extra counterspace, but also an ideal gathering place for loved ones to enjoy. This unforgettable kitchen gem shines even brighter with the addition of glass cabinets, designed to display the client’s collection of Portmeirion china. Careful consideration was given to the selection of stone for the countertops, as well as the color of paint for the cabinets, to highlight this inspiring collection. Breakfast room A thoughtfully blended mix of furniture styles introduces a splash of European charm to this Hamptons-style kitchen, with French, cane-back chairs providing a sense of airy elegance and delight. A performance velvet adorns the banquette, which is piled high with lush cushions for optimal comfort while lounging in the room. Another layer of texture is achieved with a wool area rug that defines and accentuates this gorgeous breakfast nook with sprawling views of the outdoors. Finishing features include drapery fabric and Brunschwig and Fils Bird and Thistle paper, whose natural, botanic pattern combines with the beautiful vistas of the backyard to inspire a sense of being in a botanical, outdoor wonderland.

This colorful kitchen is a take on modern farmhouse design. The red stools add just the right pop of color against the charcoal, white and light gray color scheme. The frosted glass cabinets add an airy quality while keeping the overall look clutter-free. The simple white pendants add just the right light to the kitchen island where the family gathers. The butcher block countertop adds warmth to the overall look and feel. Photo taken by: Michael Partenio

Having a small child, loving to entertain and looking to declutter and kid-proof the gathering spaces of their home in the quaint village of Rockville Centre, Long Island, a stone’s throw from Manhattan, our client’s main objective was to have their living room and den transformed with a family friendly home makeover with mid-century modern tones boasting a formal, yet relaxed spirit Stepping into the home we found their living room and den both architecturally well appointed yet in need of modern transitional furniture pieces and the pops of color our clients admired, as there was a substantial amount of cool, cold grays in the rooms. Decor Aid designer Vivian C. approached the design and placement of the pieces sourced to be kid-friendly while remaining sophisticated and practical for entertaining. “We played off of the clients love for blush pinks, mid-century modern and turquoise. We played with the use of gold and silver metals to mix it up.” In the living room, we used the prominent bay window and its illuminating natural light as the main architectural focal point, while the fireplace and mantels soft white tone helped inform the minimalist color palette for which we styled the room around. To add warmth to the living room we played off of the clients love for blush pinks and turquoise while elevating the room with flashes of gold and silver metallic pieces. For a sense of play and to tie the space together we punctuated the kid-friendly living room with an eclectic juxtaposition of colors and materials, from a beautifully patchworked geometric cowhide rug from All Modern, to a whimsical mirror placed over an unexpected, bold geometric credenza, to the blush velvet barrel chair and abstract blue watercolor pillows. “When sourcing furniture and objects, we chose items that had rounded edges and were shatter proof as it was vital to keep each room’s decor childproof.” Vivian ads. Their vision for the den remained chic, with comfort and practical functionality key to create an area for the young family to come together. For the den, our main challenge was working around the pre-existing dark gray sectional sofa. To combat its chunkiness, we played off of the hues in the cubist framed prints placed above and focused on blue and orange accents which complement and play off of each other well. We selected orange storage ottomans in easy to clean, kid-friendly leather to maximize space and functionality. To personalize the appeal of the den we included black and white framed family photos. In the end, the result created a fun, relaxed space where our clients can enjoy family moments or watch a game while taking in the scenic view of their backyard. For harmony between the rooms, the overall tone for each room is mid-century modern meets bold, yet classic contemporary through the use of mixed materials and fabrications including marble, stone, metals and plush velvet, creating a cozy yet sophisticated enough atmosphere for entertaining family and friends and raising a young children. “The result od this family friendly room was really fantastic! Adding some greenery, more pillows and throws really made the space pop.” Vivian C. Decor Aid’s Designer

SMHerrick Photography
Ornate bedroom photo in Minneapolis with beige walls

This colorful and eclectic contemporary Living Room serves as a multi functional living space for relaxing and entertaining. The plain white walls contrasted by black interior window frames serves as a blank canvas to the custom designed free form area rug by stark. The contemporary soft grey velvet sectional by Jonathan Adler is brought to life by vibrant jewel toned patterned pillows by Osbourne and Little. The white leather swivel chair is backed by walnut veneer and is juxtaposed by an organic bean shaped cocktail table.

Eye-Land: Named for the expansive white oak savanna views, this beautiful 5,200-square foot family home offers seamless indoor/outdoor living with five bedrooms and three baths, and space for two more bedrooms and a bathroom. The site posed unique design challenges. The home was ultimately nestled into the hillside, instead of placed on top of the hill, so that it didn’t dominate the dramatic landscape. The openness of the savanna exposes all sides of the house to the public, which required creative use of form and materials. The home’s one-and-a-half story form pays tribute to the site’s farming history. The simplicity of the gable roof puts a modern edge on a traditional form, and the exterior color palette is limited to black tones to strike a stunning contrast to the golden savanna. The main public spaces have oversized south-facing windows and easy access to an outdoor terrace with views overlooking a protected wetland. The connection to the land is further strengthened by strategically placed windows that allow for views from the kitchen to the driveway and auto court to see visitors approach and children play. There is a formal living room adjacent to the front entry for entertaining and a separate family room that opens to the kitchen for immediate family to gather before and after mealtime.

Located in stylish Chelsea, this updated five-floor townhouse incorporates both a bold, modern aesthetic and sophisticated, polished taste. Palettes range from vibrant and playful colors in the family and kids’ spaces to softer, rich tones in the master bedroom and formal dining room. DHD interiors embraced the client’s adventurous taste, incorporating dynamic prints and striking wallpaper into each room, and a stunning floor-to-floor stair runner. Lighting became one of the most crucial elements as well, as ornate vintage fixtures and eye-catching sconces are featured throughout the home. Photography: Emily Andrews Architect: Robert Young Architecture 3 Bedrooms / 4,000 Square Feet

Kitchen remodeling project where the homeowners elected to upgrade their kitchen to a more transitional look by refacing their existing cabinets. They went with a two-tone color look by refacing the island cabinets in a navy bead board panel and shaker doors while the rest of the kitchen was done in a shaker pilot white. We next installed a Quartz Statuary Classique countertop and a White Subway with Pearl Grey Grout backsplash. We also created a beautiful and functional bar area with custom floating shelves and backsplash all the way to the ceiling. To finish the new look we also installed a new farm sink and 1” cove molding.

This kitchen underwent an extensive renovation with all new appliances and adding a picture window in the back to provide a view of the backyard. The DEANE designer loves how the color palette is a departure from the current all-white trend. The rustic, industrial custom hood is made with burnished metals that play off the oil-rubbed bronze hardware and the lighting fixtures. The over-sized island is made from two book-matched pieces of Taj Mahal quartzite – a natural stone, practically indestructible and a fantastic choice for this family of five. The island cabinets reflect the growing trend of using warmer, natural tones. The Weimaraner color which was used anchors the island against the creamy perimeter cabinets. The large island was designed with the owners’ love of cooking and making pasta together as a family.

Lovely transitional style custom home in Scottsdale, Arizona. The high ceilings, skylights, white cabinetry, and medium wood tones create a light and airy feeling throughout the home. The aesthetic gives a nod to contemporary design and has a sophisticated feel but is also very inviting and warm. In part this was achieved by the incorporation of varied colors, styles, and finishes on the fixtures, tiles, and accessories. The look was further enhanced by the juxtapositional use of black and white to create visual interest and make it fun. Thoughtfully designed and built for real living and indoor/ outdoor entertainment.

This transitional-inspired remodel to this lovely Bonita Bay home consists of a completely transformed kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen was redesigned for better functionality, better flow and is now more open to the adjacent rooms. The original kitchen design was very outdated, with natural wood color cabinets, corian countertops, white appliances, a very small island and peninsula, which closed off the kitchen with only one way in and out. The new kitchen features a massive island with seating for six, gorgeous quartz countertops, all new upgraded stainless steel appliances, magnificent white cabinets, including a glass front display cabinet and pantry. The two-toned cabinetry consists of white permitter cabinets, while the island boasts beautiful blue cabinetry. The blue cabinetry is also featured in the bathroom. The bathroom is quite special. Colorful wallpaper sets the tone with a wonderful decorative pattern. The blue cabinets contrasted with the white quartz counters, and gold finishes are truly lovely. New flooring was installed throughout.

Along with the current white kitchen trend, this kitchen fits in perfectly with its twist on the blue color palette. This kitchen is an updated version of an old idea, with traditional subway tiles and color play on the blue tones. As part of Wellborn’s Estate Series, this kitchen combines a unique twist of an old French Café and modern elements; making the aesthetic design of this kitchen guaranteed to leave you in awe. In this kitchen by Wellborn Cabinet is a blend of Full Overlay and Beaded Inset cabinetry. The upper and lower cabinetry includes full overlay Lexington doors painted in our newly launched Oyster White color with smooth close drawer guides and door hinges. The upper center and island cabinets are Hanover Beaded Inset accented with oil rubbed Bronze barrel hinges and finished in Wellborn’s newly launched Aqua paint.

THE SETUP Client Background: Our clients, a couple who have transitioned into the empty nest phase, have cherished their home for over three decades without undergoing any significant renovations. With a newfound desire to adapt their living space to better suit their current lifestyle, they’ve embarked on a journey to reimagine their kitchen — the heart of their home. Their aspiration is to cultivate a serene, neutral-toned sanctuary on the first floor that seamlessly merges with their family room, ensuring a harmonious and inviting environment. Design Inspiration: The renovation is inspired by the couple’s penchant for soft, calming neutrals, using their cherished family room and the kitchen’s existing tile flooring as the cornerstone for the color scheme. This approach aims to foster a sense of warmth and tranquility throughout. Design Objectives: Harmonize the kitchen with the family room by adopting a soothing, neutral color scheme, ensuring a seamless flow across the first floor. Enhance kitchen functionality with thoughtfully designed cabinetry, providing a designated place for every item and maximizing storage efficiency. Cultivate an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that reflects the homeowners’ desire for a calm and relaxing space. Design Challenges: The homeowners wish to retain the existing kitchen tile flooring and integrate it into a refreshed, modern design. Accommodating a dining area spacious enough for family visits without compromising the kitchen’s open feel or functional layout. Despite liking the current placement of plumbing and appliances, the homeowners aspire for a more open floor plan to facilitate better movement and interaction. The need to amplify natural light in the kitchen, especially around the sink area, where existing lighting is insufficient. Preserving the half-wall between the kitchen and family room, a feature the homeowners want to keep, while ensuring it complements the new design. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: By choosing a neutral color palette that complements the existing tile, the design unifies the kitchen with the adjacent spaces. The tile’s grout was cleaned and restored, enhancing the floor’s appearance and integrating it seamlessly with the new kitchen aesthetic. The inclusion of a larger island with seating for two, alongside maintaining a substantial dining table, was achieved by optimizing the spatial layout. This allowed for a sociable yet functional kitchen, accommodating large family gatherings without feeling crowded. Minor adjustments to the kitchen’s layout maintained the preferred locations for plumbing and appliances while introducing an ‘open’ design concept. Strategic modifications, such as angling the pantry wall, improved the flow and accessibility within the space. Replacing the garden window with a broader, standard window significantly increased natural light, transforming the sink area into a bright, welcoming space with enhanced views of the outdoors. The decision to keep the half-wall was ingeniously leveraged to define the dining area while maintaining an open connection to the family room. This feature not only serves as a visual separator but also ties the two spaces together through the shared color scheme and design elements. The homeowners are thrilled with their newly remodeled kitchen, which has become a hub of warmth and hospitality. Hosting a wedding shower and a birthday party, they have shared their renewed space with friends and family, who have been equally enamored. This remodel has not only met their functional and aesthetic desires but has also enriched their home with a fresh sense of serenity and joy. The upstairs part of the home is shaping up nicely. Here’s their newly remodeled primary bathroom.

A stunning view of the kitchen sink and range. The flooring has a weathered finish with soft grey tones relating perfectly to the taupe glazed base cabinets and multi-color backsplash. Photo: Bob Narod

A traditional kitchen with touches of the farmhouse and Mediterranean styles. We used cool, light tones adding pops of color and warmth with natural wood.

To create a unique kitchen, we take inspiration from the personality of our clients; it’s a collaborative effort to develop the exact look and feel that best suits their lifestyles. The challenge of this kitchen was to re-build the existing kitchen and adjoining full bath, creating a much better flow with plenty of storage for this active family (as they often entertain seaside). The two-toned cabinetry in both white and laguna blue reflected a true beach-feel adorned with a terrific choice of starfish and shell shaped hardware to draw attention to this creative and beautifully transformed seaside kitchen. We remind our clients that in order to be unique, do something unique! And this is nicely demonstrated in both the layout, color scheme and backsplash design details. Our client selected several hand painted decorative ocean creatures for the backsplash, drawing from colors in the room, and this created a truly unique conversation piece! A glint of sparkle from the white quartz countertops brings you closer to the beach in this impressive oceanfront home. From flooring to ceiling, we created a picture perfect beautiful beach house kitchen that is not only functional but provides a relaxed and inviting feel for these seaside owners.

A combination of quarter sawn white oak material with kerf cuts creates harmony between the cabinets and the warm, modern architecture of the home. We mirrored the waterfall of the island to the base cabinets on the range wall. This project was unique because the client wanted the same kitchen layout as their previous home but updated with modern lines to fit the architecture. Floating shelves were swapped out for an open tile wall, and we added a double access countertwall cabinet to the right of the range for additional storage. This cabinet has hidden front access storage using an intentionally placed kerf cut and modern handleless design. The kerf cut material at the knee space of the island is extended to the sides, emphasizing a sense of depth. The palette is neutral with warm woods, dark stain, light surfaces, and the pearlescent tone of the backsplash; giving the client’s art collection a beautiful neutral backdrop to be celebrated. For the laundry we chose a micro shaker style cabinet door for a clean, transitional design. A folding surface over the washer and dryer as well as an intentional space for a dog bed create a space as functional as it is lovely. The color of the wall picks up on the tones of the beautiful marble tile floor and an art wall finishes out the space. In the master bath warm taupe tones of the wall tile play off the warm tones of the textured laminate cabinets. A tiled base supports the vanity creating a floating feel while also providing accessibility as well as ease of cleaning. An entry coat closet designed to feel like a furniture piece in the entry flows harmoniously with the warm taupe finishes of the brick on the exterior of the home. We also brought the kerf cut of the kitchen in and used a modern handleless design. The mudroom provides storage for coats with clothing rods as well as open cubbies for a quick and easy space to drop shoes. Warm taupe was brought in from the entry and paired with the micro shaker of the laundry. In the guest bath we combined the kerf cut of the kitchen and entry in a stained maple to play off the tones of the shower tile and dynamic Patagonia granite countertops.

This bright kitchen is functional AND beautiful with its stunning color scheme of white, turquoise and yellow. The 3 white shade pendant lights hanging over the island with turquoise barstools in front is a wonderful picture of symmetry.