Modern bathroom. Photo by Paul Dyer
Freestanding bathtub - contemporary black floor freestanding bathtub idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an undermount sink and white countertops

Murphy Mears Architects | Hester + Hardaway
Modern white two-story wood flat roof idea in Houston

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2018 Houzz https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108513781/list/bold-and-daring-designs-at-the-2018-kips-bay-decorator-show-house

How to Lay Chevron Flooring (Step-by-Step Guide) Chevron flooring is a premium parquet style known for its clean, V-shaped pattern. While it delivers a high-end finish, it requires precision and planning to install correctly. 1. Prepare the Subfloor Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and perfectly level. Even small imperfections can cause misalignment in the chevron pattern. 2. Plan Your Layout Mark a centre line (central axis) across the room. This acts as your guide to keep the pattern symmetrical and balanced. For a smarter, easier way to plan your layout, calculate materials, and visualise your room before installation, use this free tool: anyonecanlayafloor.com 3. Create a Starter Block Assemble several left and right planks into a starter block and allow it to set. This creates a solid reference point for the rest of the floor. 4. Dry Lay First Rows Lay a few rows without adhesive to check alignment and ensure the V-shape pattern flows correctly before fixing. 5. Glue and Install Planks Apply adhesive and begin laying from the centre line outward. Carefully position each plank at the correct angle (typically 45°) to maintain the chevron design. 6. Maintain Expansion Gaps Leave a 5–8mm gap around the room edges to allow for natural wood movement and prevent warping. 7. Cut Edges and Finish Trim planks to fit edges using a mitre saw, then install skirting or beading for a clean, professional finish.

One would think that having Christmas in the North East would be different than celebrating it in Florida but as it turned out, the differences weren’t so great after all. In the North we surround ourselves in green and reds at Christmas and homes are filled with trees, garlands, ribbons and decorations that warm up homes that are experiencing cold weather. Homes also veer towards traditional design. People moving to South West Florida generally want something different; the sub-tropical climate and burning sun move clients to modernize and try out new styles. Being new to Florida the color scheme in this recently built home tends towards coastal colors that reflect the sea, sand and sky. The home owners didn’t want the floor tile so typical in Florida and opted for a warm engineered wood floor that is proving to be popular here. Open plan homes are the norm which can sometimes be problematical because there is less wall space and people ask “where do we put our art” so one has to take advantage of every available wall. This photograph came about because of Christmas. It is not a photograph of a complete room but rather a look at how we blended the season into a contemporary home in a hot climate. Above the warm wood floors, the walls are a stark white giving a sense of coolness regardless of the temperature outside but the alcove pops with the color from the hand-torn custom wallpaper. White was used again with modern floating cabinetry that boasts shiny white lacquer doors. With this palette we now wanted to add some Christmas touches. Fortunately, red and turquoise are complementary colors and we used this to advantage by using the Christmas tree collection in golds and silver to align with the picture frame, and one small green tree with red baubles and the red sleigh (it’s a candle) to complement the turquoise wall. We then decorated the Christmas tree with family ornaments including many reds and greens and then purchased a set of turquoise glass balls and interspersed them amongst the branches. The turquoise ornaments were immediately noticeable because of the close proximity of the wallpaper. No, we didn’t use as many decorations in this home but the simplicity of design made everyone feel the warmth of the season. Photographer: Rolando Diaz

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

This West Village apartment had typical condo finishes. With a modest budget and strict schedule we moved some walls to create a hidden playroom for the owners’ two sons and added molding, arched doorways, wainscot and window seats to give this routine looking apartment a traditional feel.

NW Architectural Photography, Dr. Dale Lang
Bathroom - large transitional master white tile and ceramic tile marble floor bathroom idea in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile tub/shower combo remodel in New York with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount tub, black walls and a console sink

Arts and crafts kitchen photo in Sacramento

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

The Expansive Bel Air Open-Concept Living Room Transformation is a stunning remodel that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces to create an airy, inviting atmosphere. The design revolves around a massive sliding glass window that opens up to the patio, allowing natural light to flood the room while offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This indoor-outdoor feel was exactly what the homeowners envisioned for their Bel Air residence, where entertaining guests and enjoying the California sunshine were top priorities. We complemented the space with wide-plank wood flooring and a sleek, minimalistic fireplace, enhancing the modern yet warm ambiance. By incorporating a neutral color palette and carefully curated furnishings, we maintained a spacious and sophisticated aesthetic that flows effortlessly into the adjoining kitchen area. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the homeowners to select elements that aligned with their vision of a luxurious yet functional living area. Our team sourced high-quality materials locally to ensure a finish that not only looks beautiful but also stands up to the demands of everyday use. The result is an open-concept living room that perfectly embodies the Bel Air lifestyle.

Dan D'Agostino, AIA Located in Montclair, coined Manhattan’s sixth borough, is a commuter town with progressive ideals. This modern renovation and addition to a 1960’s split level home is a statement of architecture consistent with the modern undertone to the city’s new development. A recessed minimal entry, through a six-foot pivot door, leads you to a light filled open plan Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room marked abstract compositions of wall and window. The indoors are extended to the outdoor by way of a 13 foot sliding Nana wall. Minimalistically appointed, natural light is the main focus of this renovation. Our client valued the notion of a fresh home that with statement architecture. Zoning regulations presented an additional layer of complexity. Split level homes are typically the hardest to work one, we were able make several large modifications such as a widened stair, alignments between floors and a lofted 2 story Living Room tie the new to old.

This project was focused on eeking out space for another bathroom for this growing family. The three bedroom, Craftsman bungalow was originally built with only one bathroom, which is typical for the era. The challenge was to find space without compromising the existing storage in the home. It was achieved by claiming the closet areas between two bedrooms, increasing the original 29" depth and expanding into the larger of the two bedrooms. The result was a compact, yet efficient bathroom. Classic finishes are respectful of the vernacular and time period of the home.

This project was focused on eeking out space for another bathroom for this growing family. The three bedroom, Craftsman bungalow was originally built with only one bathroom, which is typical for the era. The challenge was to find space without compromising the existing storage in the home. It was achieved by claiming the closet areas between two bedrooms, increasing the original 29" depth and expanding into the larger of the two bedrooms. The result was a compact, yet efficient bathroom. Classic finishes are respectful of the vernacular and time period of the home.

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 966-8296. This project shows a complete master bathroom remodel with before and after pictures including large 9' 6" shower replacing tub / shower combo with dual shower heads, body spray, rail mounted hand-held shower head and 3-shelf shower niches. Titanium granite seat, curb cap with flat pebble shower floor and linear drains. 12" x 48" porcelain tile with aligned layout pattern on shower end walls and 12" x 24" textured tile on back wall. Dual glass doors with center glass curb-to-ceiling. 12" x 8" bathroom floor with matching tile wall base. Titanium granite vanity countertop and backsplash.

This project was focused on eeking out space for another bathroom for this growing family. The three bedroom, Craftsman bungalow was originally built with only one bathroom, which is typical for the era. The challenge was to find space without compromising the existing storage in the home. It was achieved by claiming the closet areas between two bedrooms, increasing the original 29" depth and expanding into the larger of the two bedrooms. The result was a compact, yet efficient bathroom. Classic finishes are respectful of the vernacular and time period of the home.

Dan D'Agostino, AIA Located in Montclair, coined Manhattan’s sixth borough, is a commuter town with progressive ideals. This modern renovation and addition to a 1960’s split level home is a statement of architecture consistent with the modern undertone to the city’s new development. A recessed minimal entry, through a six-foot pivot door, leads you to a light filled open plan Kitchen, Dining Room and Living Room marked abstract compositions of wall and window. The indoors are extended to the outdoor by way of a 13 foot sliding Nana wall. Minimalistically appointed, natural light is the main focus of this renovation. Our client valued the notion of a fresh home that with statement architecture. Zoning regulations presented an additional layer of complexity. Split level homes are typically the hardest to work one, we were able make several large modifications such as a widened stair, alignments between floors and a lofted 2 story Living Room tie the new to old.