More walnut? Actually, this is a hickory countertop with a dark walnut stain. The homeowners wanted a little more "toughness" for their countertops and opted for stained hickory. How tough? They still make tool handles and baseball bats from hickory, so tough enough for a residential kitchen.

This minimalist guest bath with fully tiled walls is made more interesting by the use of stainless steel channels set between each horizontal row of wall tile. Because it continues through the glass shower walls, the shower seems almost invisible. Photography: Mark Boisclair

John Ellis
Living room - mid-sized coastal formal and open concept light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Dormer windows are charming but can be tough to make functional.

Before renovating, this bright and airy family kitchen was small, cramped and dark. The dining room was being used for spillover storage, and there was hardly room for two cooks in the kitchen. By knocking out the wall separating the two rooms, we created a large kitchen space with plenty of storage, space for cooking and baking, and a gathering table for kids and family friends. The dark navy blue cabinets set apart the area for baking, with a deep, bright counter for cooling racks, a tiled niche for the mixer, and pantries dedicated to baking supplies. The space next to the beverage center was used to create a beautiful eat-in dining area with an over-sized pendant and provided a stunning focal point visible from the front entry. Touches of brass and iron are sprinkled throughout and tie the entire room together. Photography by Stacy Zarin

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

Tough as nails Hellebores.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Richmond.

Bathroom - 1960s bathroom idea in Sacramento

Example of a beach style backyard rectangular and stone pool fountain design in Bridgeport

Photography by Starboard & Port of Springfield, Missouri.
Large urban brown floor home design photo with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, beige walls, a vessel sink and white countertops

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

Texas Pecan Tops.....tough a durable!

hallway with reading area
1960s hallway photo in Austin

arthur rutenberg homes
Example of a classic open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Tampa with white walls

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

The homeowner wanted a lower level to entertain in, where guest could watch football or movies comfortably. With large football player sons it had to be tough and beautiful, By paying attention to the content of fabrics, and using leathers ( the ottoman is silver pleather, the sofa is a grey-taupe leather) and applying stain repellents the room has already survived many football games and ruckus week ends.

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

aerial view of the property
Mid-sized 1950s white two-story stucco house exterior idea in Austin with a metal roof and a gray roof