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.

Photography by: Jeri Koegel - Installation by: Altera Landscape
Hot tub - contemporary one-story tile white hot tub idea in Los Angeles

Architectrure by TMS Architects Rob Karosis Photography
Example of a beach style living room design in Boston

This beautifully restored mid-century modern kitchen seamlessly blends original character with contemporary updates. The rich, warm tones of the new teak cabinetry are a nod to the era's signature style, while the clean lines and minimalist hardware offer a fresh, modern feel. The backsplash, featuring a stunning mosaic tile by Ann Sacks, adds a touch of texture and visual interest, perfectly complementing the natural wood grain of the cabinets. The sleek stainless steel appliances and white countertops create a striking contrast against the warmth of the wood, adding a touch of industrial chic. The slanted ceiling, a classic mid-century architectural element, adds to the airy and open feel of the space, while the large windows flood the kitchen with natural light. A colorful rug adds a touch of personality and warmth to the concrete floors, completing the look of this stylish and functional mid-century kitchen.

A colorful garden and patio seating area outside of Boston was designed by APLD member Pete Cadieux.
Design ideas for a traditional backyard landscaping in Boston.

The bold colour choice and pattern of the wallpaper in this Powder Room create an immersive and invigorating atmosphere. Blue is a great choice for a bathroom. This colour is often associated with feelings of calmness, tranquility, and serenity. It can evoke a sense of peace, stability, and relaxation.

This stunning luxury backyard features a glowing infinity-edge pool framed by elegant water features and handcrafted tile insets, creating a tranquil resort-style atmosphere. A dramatic stone-clad pergola anchors the space, complete with string lighting, a cantera stone fireplace, and custom lounge seating beneath heavy wood beam rafters. The symmetrical fountain wall and elevated spa offer serene sounds and visual balance, while Mediterranean-style planters, brick and masonry columns, and wrought iron railings add architectural depth. Set against a vivid twilight sky, this backyard retreat merges classic European charm with modern luxury pool design.

This was a backyard renovation. There was an existing plastic tub pond with many perennials around it. We took out everything, saved as many perennials as we could and installed a new rubber lined, natural ecosystem pond, stream and waterfall. We redesigned the area and created a couple different seating areas along with a pathway over the stream. Transplanted the perennials and added a few new plants to add interest all year long. A year after installation we added an accent spillway bowl to the feature. They make great additions to existing water features or make great stand alone features. They can add extra movement to dead spots in ponds and more oxygen to the water. We put tropical plants in the bowl for extra filtration as well.

James Florio & Kyle Duetmeyer
Front door - industrial front door idea in Denver with a yellow front door

Leslie Murchie Cascino
Inspiration for a 1950s kitchen remodel in Detroit

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Phoenix

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Large transitional open concept and formal dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Boston with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Eat-in kitchen - small traditional u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Pinnacle Mountain Homes
Example of a mountain style open concept dark wood floor game room design in Denver with beige walls

This master closet is pure luxury! The floor to ceiling storage cabinets and drawers wastes not a single inch of space. Rotating automated shoe racks and wardrobe lifts make it easy to stay organized. Lighted clothes racks and glass cabinets highlight this beautiful space. Design by California Closets | Space by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging