Example of a cottage formal living room design in Boston with white walls and a standard fireplace

The client went with ProVia simulated divided lite fiberglass doors with sidelites for both houses, flooding the entryways with natural light. While true divided lites are separate panes of glass divided by muntins, simulated divided lights are one piece of glass overlaid by an external grille. Simulated divided lites offer the depth and dimension of a true divided lite with greater energy efficiency. They chose matching matte black hardware for each. For the primary house, they selected a ProVia Signet Fiberglass Entry Door in a rich espresso stain.

Jim Schmid
Elegant white tile alcove bathtub photo in Charlotte with an undermount sink and beige walls

Bathroom Lighting
Trendy gray tile alcove bathtub photo in San Francisco with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets and medium tone wood cabinets

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz Inc. "Its all for the love of junk!" exclaims Jennifer, about the free-spirited way of decorating the home's wrap-around porch. "Because it is all outside I won't spend a lot of money on any of it; I find cheap old junk in the trash or garage sales with cute colors or patterns and make it happen." Inspired by the colors from the garden, various items are recovered or painted in pastel hues to create a comfortable and engaging place to relax. "Raymond and I love our outdoor wrap-around porch in the summer. Because I decorate it like a house outdoors it creates the comfort of a southern home with surrounding gardens that are bursting with color and nature and fresh smells everyday. You can't help but want to sit and drink your coffee there in the morning and soak it all in. You smell the Lake Erie breeze and hear the waves crashing; its so serene." Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2014 Houzz

Jeff Herr
Trendy built-in desk dark wood floor home office photo in Atlanta with white walls

Example of a transitional living room design in Philadelphia

Simple heritage 2 storey home needed modernization and had been sitting empty for some time. We extended the home for Master suite and family room. Reconfigured dining room into kitchen, mudroom, powder room off the new garage and new entry portico.

The homeowners wanted to create an unparalleled entertainment space, so the back of the guest house was completely transformed. They repurposed the existing garage, added a new luxury garage, and built a covered patio space. Marvin Bi-Fold Doors, shown fully opened, on the bar are undoubtedly the centerpiece of the remodel, and now the space can be used year-round.

A breezeway connecting the bar to the new covered patio includes two mirrored Marvin Ultimate 4-Panel Bi-Parting Sliding French Door which can be fully opened to connect the spaces. The sections of the breezeway between doors are covered, so in case of rain, guests can move easily throughout entertainment spaces without being exposed to the elements.

Bathroom remodel with walk in shower, new fixtures, cabinetry and tile
Inspiration for a small modern 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove shower remodel in Richmond with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

The main home with incredible curb appeal. The homeowners completely transformed the curb appeal of both houses. Originally the homes were red brick with very different looks, including disparate shutter and door styles. The client went with crisp white painted brick on the main house and an antique white wash-style finish on the guesthouse. They selected matching cool gray roofs, dark shutters, and exterior lighting fixtures. Now, the homes look like family members: similar, but not identical!

A sunny master bedroom with a small roof deck and a great mountain view. Photo by John W. Hession
Example of an arts and crafts medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Portland Maine with gray walls

Jeri Koegel
Example of a trendy exterior home design in Orange County

A breezeway connecting the bar to the new covered patio includes two mirrored Marvin Ultimate 4-Panel Bi-Parting Sliding French Door which can be fully opened to connect the spaces. The sections of the breezeway between doors are covered, so in case of rain, guests can move easily throughout entertainment spaces without being exposed to the elements.

Patio - modern patio idea in San Francisco

Mid-sized open concept ceramic tile living room photo in Grand Rapids with gray walls and a standard fireplace