Inspiration for a modern light wood floor and vaulted ceiling kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances, an island and black countertops

(This is a 3D Design - NOT a photo!) The client REALLY wanted to have a chair in the master bath suite, but the existing closet was taking up just a little too much space to allow for it. With the help of 3D visualization, the client was convinced that giving up a foot of closet space was workable AND gave her the luxurious bath (with chair!) she wanted. Added bonus: Envision 3D designed a new space-efficient closet!

Breakfast nook with Corner built ins
Kitchen/dining room combo - mid-sized cottage terra-cotta tile kitchen/dining room combo idea in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, yellow backsplash, glass tile backsplash and white walls

KuDa Photography Complete kitchen remodel in a Craftsman style with very rich wood tones and clean painted upper cabinets. White Caesarstone countertops add a lot of light to the space as well as the new back door leading to the back yard.

Midcentury modern details make Mandy Moore's Jack & Jill bathroom sleek and streamlined, but it's Fireclay's handmade green bathroom tiles with their high variation and crackled detailing that lend it a luxuriously organic allure. Sample Fireclay's handmade tile colors at fireclaytile.com/samples Tile Shown 3x6 Green Bathroom Tiles in Rosemary

Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Classic Martinique wallpaper cover the walls of this midcentury dining room. The Eames dining chairs compliment the wallpaper in a soft mint green.
1960s enclosed dining room photo in Miami with green walls

Lato - Modin Rigid Collection Installed throughout customer's beautiful, East Coast home. Rooms include the kitchen, hallway, living room, and dining room. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

The kitchen was at the top of the list for a total overhaul – the worn oak cabinets, dated appliances, and clunky layout all had to go. Removing the decorative soffits allowed us to take the new cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, adding functional storage and visually extending the room’s height. We reconfigured the layout from a modified U to an L-shape which accomplished several things – it opened up the kitchen to the dining room, redirected circulation, and most importantly, created space for an island. A brand new pantry was created for overflow food storage, bulk items, occasional dishware and small appliances, ensuring that our client’s goal of uncluttered countertops was achievable. The finish selections and clean lines give a nod to the home’s mid-century bones. The wood island provides warmth and the light quartz countertops, textured backsplash and white cabinets keep the kitchen feeling light and bright. We opted to install open shelving above the sink which provides display space and needed storage without the bulkiness of an overhead cabinet. The matte black faucet, hardware and decorative pendants add another level of visual interest to the modern kitchen. To unify the kitchen and dining room, we replaced the drab kitchen flooring with select red oak hardwoods that were expertly installed and refinished to match the gorgeous wood flooring throughout the home.

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2017 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in Seattle

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Denver

Looking for a nice clean crown molding, but what something different? These homeowners did just that with a simple clean flat molding applied to the wall and ceiling to create this look.

Dining area, kitchen and foyer seen from the Great Room. One of the drivers in generating the floor plan was a set of seeming contradictory goals. In watching the scouting tape of the family, I was very aware that this was a family who genuinely enjoyed being with each other. One of my goals therefore was to create a central communal space that the family could share. I wanted to keep this space at an intimate scale but was over-ruled by the show staff due to 'camera angles'. In our computer generated image of this space, color was used to create a datum line that was closer to the floor and which would serve to bring down the visual scale of the room. In the scouting tape the family members spoke of "Living on top of each other", "not having privacy" and "not being able to get away". Each of the bedrooms were place in their own 'pavilion' creating a sense of thier own place. But to maintain the sense of the strong family connection, each of the bedrooms connected through alcoves directly into the communal areas of the house. Another oddity of houses built for TV is the sheer amount of lighting fixtures which are installed. Again the studio takes over when it comes to lighting. I had hoped that I could convince the show to reduce the number of fixtures, divide the lights into multiple circuits and put them all on dimmers. I am not sure where the dimmer/multi-circuit recommendation ended up, but the number of light fixtures did not get reduced.

The goal for this light filled finished attic was to create a play space where two young boys could nurture and develop their creative and imaginative selves. A neutral tone was selected for the walls as a foundation for the bright pops of color added in furnishings, area rug and accessories throughout the room. We took advantage of the room’s interesting angles and created a custom chalk board that followed the lines of the ceiling. Magnetic circles from Land of Nod add a playful pop of color and perfect spot for magnetic wall play. A ‘Space Room’ behind the bike print fabric curtain is a favorite hideaway with a glow in the dark star filled ceiling and a custom litebrite wall. Custom Lego baseplate removable wall boards were designed and built to create a Flexible Lego Wall. The family was interested in the concept of a Lego wall but wanted to keep the space flexible for the future. The boards (designed by Jennifer Gardner Design) can be moved to the floor for Lego play and then easily hung back on the wall with a cleat system to display their 3-dimensional Lego creations! This room was great fun to design and we hope it will provide creative and imaginative play inspiration in the years to come! Designed by: Jennifer Gardner Design Photography by: Marcella Winspear

Your backyard has untapped potential. While lush lawns and colorful flower beds create a beautiful foundation, it's the hardscaping elements that truly define how you use and enjoy your outdoor space. For homeowners looking to elevate their property, understanding the art and function of hardscaping is the first step toward creating a backyard that works as hard as it looks.
What Is Hardscaping, Really?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural components of landscape design. Think stone patios, retaining walls, fire pits, walkways, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. These elements provide the bones of your outdoor living area, creating flow, function, and visual interest that softscaping alone cannot achieve.
Unlike planting beds that change with the seasons, hardscaping offers permanence. A well-designed stone walkway or paver patio will last decades with minimal maintenance, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make in their property.
Defining Your Outdoor Lifestyle
Before breaking ground, consider how you actually want to live outdoors. Do you envision hosting summer dinner parties? A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining patio might be your priority. Prefer quiet evenings by the fire? A custom fire pit with built-in seating becomes your focal point. Families with children often gravitate toward expansive patios that leave room for play while maintaining sophisticated design.
The best hardscaping designs start with a clear purpose. Every wall, walkway, and surface should serve the way you intend to use the space. When function leads, beauty follows naturally.
Materials That Last
Choosing the right materials matters. Natural stone offers timeless elegance and unique character but comes at a premium. Concrete pavers provide versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with styles that convincingly mimic stone or brick. For modern aesthetics, porcelain pavers deliver sleek lines and exceptional weather resistance.
Regardless of material, proper installation is non-negotiable. A poorly laid patio will shift, sink, and crack within a few seasons. That's why experienced homeowners know that hardscaping services from a qualified professional protect both the investment and the result.
Creating Visual Flow
Successful hardscaping connects your home to its surroundings. The transition from indoor to outdoor should feel intentional, not abrupt. Using complementary materials, repeating design motifs, and establishing clear pathways helps your backyard feel like a natural extension of your living space.
Retaining walls can terrace sloped yards into usable, dramatic spaces. Stepping stones can guide visitors through garden areas. A pergola can define an outdoor room without closing it off. Each element plays a role in the overall composition.
Starting Your Project
If you're considering a backyard transformation, begin with a site assessment and a professional design consultation. Experienced hardscaping professionals can identify drainage issues, recommend materials suited to your climate, and create a phased plan that fits your budget and timeline.
Hardscaping isn't just about aesthetics — it's about creating an outdoor environment that enhances how you live. With thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, your backyard becomes the best room in the house.

Designed by the homeowners themselves, this striking staircase rises through multiple levels with architectural precision. Dark-toned square balusters and newels create bold contrast against crisp white risers, while horizontal stainless steel rods maintain visual lightness. The brilliance lies in the interplay of angles, levels, textures, and natural light. Strategic design choices transform the staircase into more than a connector. It carves out cozy sunny nooks and creates focal points throughout the open floor plan, proving that thoughtful geometry can shape how a home feels and functions. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

CAMBRIA QUARTZ - BERWYN, OLIMPIA TILE, AND POSEIDON BACKSPLASH

Design ideas for a large farmhouse partial sun front yard brick driveway in Minneapolis for fall.