Two Sisters. Two Homes. Two Distinct Visions. We designed two full gut renovations for two sisters, creating vacation homes that uniquely reflect their individual lifestyles and personal style. From architectural details and custom millwork to kitchens, baths, furnishings, lighting, and finishes, every detail was thoughtfully curated from the ground up. While they traveled the world, we seamlessly managed the entire process, allowing them to return home to a beautifully transformed sanctuary designed just for them.

Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Mid-sized transitional master medium tone wood floor bedroom photo in Los Angeles with blue walls

Bill Feinberg, Allied Kitchen & Bath
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Miami

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Living room - coastal medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wall paneling living room idea in Miami with blue walls

If Howard Stevens needs to escape the hustle bustle of LA, the former longtime stand up comic, turned television host now has the perfect hideout in the North County San Diego beach town of Encinitas, CA. The Emmy Award winning writer, was introduced to Encinitas while visiting friends. He was immediately taken by the walkability and friendliness of the small beach town. “Not to mention the good looking women,” chuckles Stevens who also made note of a community on the move and with little real estate inventory. Introduced to dasMOD Co-Founder, Erik Gilmer, the two spent many hours touring the up-and-coming Encinitas Highlands neighborhood where Stevens settled on a 1950’s stereotypical, boxy tract house, suffering from decay and a serious lack of attention. The dasMOD team recognized the unspectacular, old-age spirit of the house could easily transition into an intimate, low-maintenance yet dynamic second home for Stevens that reflected the timeless beauty and simple comforts of a beach community. The renovation was a sustainable effort and an adaptive use of the existing property. One that focused on tearing down selectively with an emphasis on doing something fun and cool, with a vibe similar to that of an art gallery. The result is an inspiring collaboration between the dasMOD team and Stevens whose passion for architecture and design is present throughout the home.

Inspiration for a huge asian backyard custom-shaped hot tub remodel in New York

The challenges I had were lack of space. She wanted the Miele white glass steam ovens, he wanted a 48"W integrated refrigerator, more storage, wanted better lighting, and they wanted to have stained cabinetry. To capture more space, I enclosed the outdoor patio, which then became a place for the 48"W refrigerator and the bar area. I knew I needed to somehow integrate white into the kitchen, otherwise the ovens would stick out like a sore thumb. I also knew I did not want the 48"W integrated refrigerator to have wood door fronts as the kitchen would look too heavy on the left side, somehow I needed to get white over there. The solution was those refrigerator doors needed to somehow look like white glass. Miele was gracious enough to send me a glass sample of the oven front so after many trips to the paint store I was able to come up with a formula that matched the Miele glass and my cabinet fabricator came up with a paint finish to make the glossy finish look even more like glass door fronts, plus improve the durability. The refrigerator doors are actually wood NOT glass. Did I fool your eye? The Sapele I presented to them because of the light it casts, and the linear look which gives their kitchen that contemporary flair they so wished for. We experimented with different finish samples, but in the end just clear coated the cabinetry. I also did the back splash in white glass and up to ceiling over the sink area, which coordinates with their existing white vinyl window and I had the window trimmed out using Sapele so the area was not over flooded with white. The countertops we selected a white quartz product, and selected pendants with white, as it casts more reflective light and again brings in the white in order to balance out the Miele ovens. We removed their existing tile floors and replaced with wood through out their entire house, except the bedrooms and the living room areas.

The challenges I had were lack of space. She wanted the Miele white glass steam ovens, he wanted a 48"W integrated refrigerator, more storage, wanted better lighting, and they wanted to have stained cabinetry. To capture more space, I enclosed the outdoor patio, which then became a place for the 48"W refrigerator and the bar area. I knew I needed to somehow integrate white into the kitchen, otherwise the ovens would stick out like a sore thumb. I also knew I did not want the 48"W integrated refrigerator to have wood door fronts as the kitchen would look too heavy on the left side, somehow I needed to get white over there. The solution was those refrigerator doors needed to somehow look like white glass. Miele was gracious enough to send me a glass sample of the oven front so after many trips to the paint store I was able to come up with a formula that matched the Miele glass and my cabinet fabricator came up with a paint finish to make the glossy finish look even more like glass door fronts, plus improve the durability. The refrigerator doors are actually wood NOT glass. Did I fool your eye? The Sapele I presented to them because of the light it casts, and the linear look which gives their kitchen that contemporary flair they so wished for. We experimented with different finish samples, but in the end just clear coated the cabinetry. I also did the back splash in white glass and up to ceiling over the sink area, which coordinates with their existing white vinyl window and I had the window trimmed out using Sapele so the area was not over flooded with white. The countertops we selected a white quartz product, and selected pendants with white, as it casts more reflective light and again brings in the white in order to balance out the Miele ovens. We removed their existing tile floors and replaced with wood through out their entire house, except the bedrooms and the living room areas.

The challenges I had were lack of space. She wanted the Miele white glass steam ovens, he wanted a 48"W integrated refrigerator, more storage, wanted better lighting, and they wanted to have stained cabinetry. To capture more space, I enclosed the outdoor patio, which then became a place for the 48"W refrigerator and the bar area. I knew I needed to somehow integrate white into the kitchen, otherwise the ovens would stick out like a sore thumb. I also knew I did not want the 48"W integrated refrigerator to have wood door fronts as the kitchen would look too heavy on the left side, somehow I needed to get white over there. The solution was those refrigerator doors needed to somehow look like white glass. Miele was gracious enough to send me a glass sample of the oven front so after many trips to the paint store I was able to come up with a formula that matched the Miele glass and my cabinet fabricator came up with a paint finish to make the glossy finish look even more like glass door fronts, plus improve the durability. The refrigerator doors are actually wood NOT glass. Did I fool your eye? The Sapele I presented to them because of the light it casts, and the linear look which gives their kitchen that contemporary flair they so wished for. We experimented with different finish samples, but in the end just clear coated the cabinetry. I also did the back splash in white glass and up to ceiling over the sink area, which coordinates with their existing white vinyl window and I had the window trimmed out using Sapele so the area was not over flooded with white. The countertops we selected a white quartz product, and selected pendants with white, as it casts more reflective light and again brings in the white in order to balance out the Miele ovens. We removed their existing tile floors and replaced with wood through out their entire house, except the bedrooms and the living room areas.

Inspiration for a huge backyard custom-shaped hot tub remodel in New York

Combine ancient temples with overwater villas for the trip of a lifetime There's a reason savvy travellers are increasingly looking beyond single-destination holidays. The Sri Lanka Maldives multi-centre trip has emerged as one of the most sought-after combinations in tropical travel—and it's easy to understand why. These two Indian Ocean neighbours couldn't be more different, yet together they create a holiday experience that satisfies every type of wanderlust. Why Combine Sri Lanka and the Maldives? Sri Lanka offers what the Maldives doesn't: lush highlands carpeted in tea plantations, ancient cities steeped in 2,500 years of history, wildlife safaris where leopards roam free, and a culinary scene that'll have you dreaming of hoppers and kottu for years to come. The Maldives, meanwhile, delivers what Sri Lanka can't: those iconic overwater bungalows, some of the planet's most pristine coral reefs, and the kind of barefoot luxury where your biggest decision is whether to have your massage on the beach or in your private villa. A Sri Lanka and Maldives twin centre holiday lets you experience the thrill of exploration followed by pure, unadulterated relaxation. It's the best of both worlds—literally. The Perfect Itinerary Balance Most travellers find that spending 7-10 days in Sri Lanka followed by 4-7 days in the Maldives creates the ideal rhythm. Sri Lanka demands more time because there's simply so much ground to cover. You might start in Colombo, travel through the Cultural Triangle to explore Sigiriya's ancient rock fortress and Dambulla's cave temples, wind through the tea country around Ella, and perhaps end with a safari in Yala National Park before catching your flight to Malé. Then comes the reward: touching down in the Maldives, boarding a speedboat or seaplane, and watching the stress of everyday life disappear as those famous turquoise lagoons come into view. After days of early morning temple visits and winding mountain roads, there's nothing quite like sinking into a lounger with nothing on the agenda but deciding which shade of blue you're looking at. Logistics Made Simple One of the best aspects of this combination is how geographically convenient it is. Colombo and Malé are just over an hour apart by air, with multiple daily flights connecting the two capitals. This proximity means minimal travel fatigue and maximum time enjoying your destinations.Find More here https://holiday.com.mv/sri-lanka-and-maldives-twin-centre-holidays/ For those considering expanding their Indian Ocean adventure even further, Maldives multi-centre holidays open up possibilities beyond Sri Lanka. Dubai, Singapore, and various Indian cities all serve as excellent add-on destinations, turning an already incredible trip into a true odyssey. Planning Considerations for 2026 Timing matters with this combination. The Maldives enjoys fairly consistent weather year-round, but Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons affecting different coasts at different times. Generally speaking, December through April works beautifully for both destinations, making it the peak season for this twin-centre route. Budget-wise, expect Sri Lanka to be significantly more affordable than the Maldives. Many travellers use this to their advantage, opting for boutique hotels and authentic local experiences in Sri Lanka, then splurging on a premium resort for their Maldives finale. It's a strategy that delivers exceptional value without sacrificing that once-in-a-lifetime overwater villa experience. The Verdict A Sri Lanka Maldives multi-centre holiday isn't just about ticking two countries off a list. It's about crafting a journey with genuine contrast and emotional arc—adventure followed by serenity, cultural immersion followed by indulgent escape. For couples, honeymooners, families, and solo travellers alike, this combination consistently ranks among the most satisfying itineraries the Indian Ocean has to offer. If you've been dreaming of ancient ruins at sunrise and sunset cocktails on a private deck over crystalline waters, this might just be your year to make it happen. Ready to start planning your twin-centre adventure? Work with specialists who know both destinations intimately to create an itinerary that matches your travel style and budget.Find More here https://holiday.com.mv/maldives-multi-centre-holidays/

Carina Salvi Photography
Trendy home design photo in New York

Example of a huge backyard custom-shaped hot tub design in New York

The new bathroom received the beautiful antique doors which are purely for aesthetics because as you can see they can still be seen through, this bathroom is in an interior bathroom, connected to a bedroom so once the bedroom door is shut no one walking by will inadvertently see more than they wanted to and my client gets her wish of fabulous antique sliding doors which we picked up at a local store. The client loves pattern and fell in love with this floor tile immediately when we went out on our first sourcing trip. The shower tile was picked for its movement and ability to work well with the patterned floor. We are still waiting on the shower wall installation. The Green walls/ceiling were suggested and approved as a calming color. We had three top contenders and ended up with wth this strong but gentle green color from Magnolia paint - Market Place was the color we ended up using.

Neoz Gem 2 ECO Resin Cordless Rechargeable Table Lamp Rechargeable battery table lamp with hand-made solid resin diffuser provides soft ambient light. The Gem 2 Resin Cordless Rechargeable Table Lamp provides nice soft ambient light. This is the lamp you want on your dinner table every night. Its hand blown fritted glass diffuser produces a soft light. Tis lamp is not only perfect for dinner; set it onto your bed side table use it on your patio, porch or use it as security light when you are not home. It can also be used as a permanent light while you go for a week end trip and of course it is perfect for restaurants and hotels. Light Time Range UNO- up to 140 hours PRO - up to 260 hours ECO - up to 130 hours Dimensions 180mm x 115mm (7" x 4")

As the saying goes, “It’s what inside that counts.” But sometimes, what’s on the outside is just as important… especially the exterior of your house. Homeowners planning renovations often spend most of their time focusing on their interior space. There are countless design decisions to be made – from kitchen cabinets and countertops to bathroom tile and plumbing, paint colors and wall coverings to carpets and other flooring options. But to really boost your “curb appeal,” it’s important to remember your home’s exterior. Two years ago, we were connected with bloggers Kelly and Mitch Larkin, founders of Kelly in the City. “Kelly in the City is a blog where we document our lives from family to friends, New York to Chicago, fashion, traveling…and our miniature dachshund, Noodle,” Mitch described. “Our dream has always been to have a little home in a big city and we pulled it off! We bought the tiniest half a house in Lincoln Park, Chicago… but man was it ugly! We’ve been working since move in day to bring it up to speed.” Back in 2016, Paintzen helped Mitch and Kelly with the master bedroom of their new home, adding some color to brighten up the space. Two years later, the Larkins (who are now a family of three with the addition of their adorable daughter, Emma!) were tackling a different project – their exterior trim, doors, and railings. “After all the hard work, expense, and trips to Home Depot to make the inside of our place water tight and up to snuff, we had a surprising revelation on a family walk this past year: ‘Woah. The outside of our house is really ugly.’” Mitch shared on the blog, describing the moment they realized the exterior of their house needed some TLC. “But as you might imagine, life with a toddler at home leaves little time for painting.” The Larkins’ townhouse railings were previously painted a dark teal color – the aesthetic felt a bit dated to them. And after all the hard work spent updating the interior, Kelly and Mitch wanted their house to be perfect, inside and out. Paintzen was thrilled to help “turn everything from ‘1960s ugh’ to ‘timeless’.” They chose a glossy black paint for their front door and to replace the dark teal railings, and a soft white for window trim and front door frames. The final result was classically beautiful. Mitch shared, “Things went amazingly well with the exterior project, too. [Paintzen] worked on the house for three days, but it was as if they weren’t even here! They tried SO hard not to interrupt our day-to-day lives, yet did an absolutely perfect job. My wife is a tough lady to please, and Kelly loved the result.” “Thank god for Paintzen! Thanks to their hard work and incredible craftsmanship our place is ready for prime time. We can even have friends over during the day now!”

This client in Maple wanted a strong impact of lighting, so instead of the usual garden fixture shapes used wide-effect up-lights to create shadow shapes with real "pop". We alternated the wide up-lights with solid copper half-moon sconces on the fence, to wash the patio with lighting to remove trip hazards and add texture. An important element of contemporary back yard lighting design is to light seating areas obliquely, to avoid feeling "on display" while dining outdoors among tall adjacent homes.

This is an example of a huge asian landscaping in New York.