A thing of beauty is a joy forever — john Keats
We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms. Whether compact or grand there is so much we can do to make them wonderful spaces to live in.
The challenge here was a compact space and the need for a lot of function. We used mirrors and different types of glass to create a lighter feel and the illusion of a larger space.
This powder room was updated with a knee wall to create privacy for the toilet. Strong contrast was used with color and wallpaper, giving the space a contemporary, airy feel.
The master bath was a challenge. We wanted to update the bathroom but keep costs down by not moving any of the plumbing lines. We took out the pink jacuzzi tub and replaced it with a large walk-in shower and replaced the angled pre-fab shower with a second vanity. It was a major "face lift".
The warm coral wall ties this private space for the toilet to the coral wallpaper used in the common area of the master bath (above). Note the frosted door. It provides privacy and still allows light through.
This bathroom was designed to be clean and simple. Sharp contrasts of darks and lights were used to define the space.
Here we were able to use cost effective materials and paint color to create a luxurious environment.
This powder room was a lot of fun. We were able to use an existing piece of furniture for the vanity. We added brass feet to get the right height, a quartz top, and a Carrara bowl. It is now a "one of a kind", and looks great in the space. We used the old kitchen light fixture and added bead board to the walls with a beautiful mirror and some glistening grasscloth (shown at right). The room really pulled together.
Paint and a big print wallpaper create impact and warmth in this country cottage bathroom.
This bathroom was actually done in reverse contrast: light cabinetry and floors with metallic bronze faux walls and ceiling. It served as a wonderful background for the crystal lamps, chandelier and mirrors, creating a feeling of warmth in a very large space.
Here we used a wonderful metallic screened paper with an Asian print. The mirror and floral arrangement echo the movement in the paper.
It always seems as though we don't have enough space for everything. If the space is thoughtfully planned upfront, it can make our lives so much easier. Often it doesn't have to cost more. After all, a cabinet is a cabinet.
Here we have hidden all the clothes behind frosted glass, creating a space that feels like a finished room.
Here we put in an economical system that provides easy access and good clean design.
Here we were able to tuck a lot of function in a small space. It not only serves as a laundry room, but also provides an area for dog washing and beach storage.
In this space we removed a closet to create an additional work area. We designed numerous built-ins to hide office equipment.
Here we had an opportunity to put the washer and dryer behind closed doors. We chose to make all cabinetry consistent with the rest of the house creating a cleaner look.
There are so many options for window treatments and they are an important element in a room. Browse our collection of photos to see some of these solutions.
Here we used a painted non-functioning wood shutter to frame the windows, providing a relaxed finished look. The green tone ties to the upholstered chair cushions.
In this situation we chose a soft animal print to compliment the gray palette of the room, adding some whimsy without taking away from the views.
In this space we chose a light functioning sheer to add warmth to the room, but not take away from the view or the window seat.
In this more formal bedroom we decided to frame the angled windows with voluminous silk panels. They provide visual warmth without impacting the panorama.
Plantation shutters can serve as a window treatment when the doors are left open, framing the window.
Here, simple white panels contrasted with dark wood rods maintain the clean lines of the room, and provide privacy with a finished look.
Some spaces require special considerations in order to function efficiently.
In this gym we chose a rubber flooring that is easy to wash and provides some cushioning. Lots of mirrors and recessed lights were used to keep the room bright.
This movie theater was designed into the underbelly of the house, where darkness was natural. Fabric covers acoustic panels to enhance the sound and tiered seating with rope lighting complete the movie theater experience.
Here we took advantage of every bit of space, and used the lower level to effectively function as both a home theater and gym.
And of course we can't forget our four legged friends. They certainly have needs that benefit from some thoughtful planning, enhancing both their lives and ours. It makes life a lot easier for everyone. Here we added stairs that lead to a dog door and a feeding station in a drawer.
Kitchens are often the center of our lives. They are the modern day hearth and "heart of the home".
In this kitchen, we wanted to tie in the pink tones used throughout the rest of the house with copper metallic light fixtures and hardware, as well as a rose quartz counter top. For the island we chose a rich coffee brown for contrast. The space flows seamlessly and feels much lighter than the previous kitchen.
We used lots of glass and mirror to create a feeling of space. The mirror-backed cabinets and extensive lighting create a feeling of openess and sparkle.
We did a major re-design in this kitchen. The last update had been done in the 70's. Our goal was to incorporate modern conveniences while retaining the character of this antique home.
We found stools and light fixtures that really worked with the farmhouse style.
We went to great lengths to make sure the cabinets had a true aged looking finish including the seed glass in the cabinet doors.
The kitchen was a major change, and done on a tight budget, so the location of all major appliances stayed the same. We added a tiered island where you could work, but hide the mess from guests. The elevated bar height for seating allowed the homeowners to have an even better look at the outside view. The kitchen ceiling was so high, we actually lowered it, and then built a "pop down" ceiling over the island to define it, creating strong architectural lines and giving a warmer feeling to the space.
In this kitchen we reused the existing cherry cabinets and replaced the countertops and back splash with continuous slabs of Carrara marble. We redesigned the island, creating one level and repainting the cabinets underneath. It gave the kitchen a big facelift without redoing everything. We found wonderful wrought iron glass lanterns to hang above the table and serve as the focal point in the room. Columns with partitioned walls were added to delineate the kitchen and dining spaces.
The kitchen cabinetry is mahogany and the back splash is bead board in this classic New England home. Granite behind the stove provides a beautiful focal point for this kitchen.
A kitchen is all about the great details. That's what a designer brings "to the table". It's all about enhancing what you have and making the space even more like home.
Outdoor spaces have become increasingly important as well as popular in our lives. Whether it's day or night, these are spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
This was an interesting design project. The client was looking for advice on furniture layout, organization and selection. Their lifestyle involves lots of family friends and entertaining, so we concluded that we would divide the cabana into four distinct areas: bar, formal eating space, casual dining and a social area combining both shaded and sunny spaces.
The furniture was selected to be substantial, in order to balance the visual weight of the pool house and provide a feeling of casual comfort. The mix of color, texture and shapes in furnishings and fabrics was used to create visual interest and practical answers to their lifestyle. The combination allows them to have large parties of friends and family in a child friendly environment which looks warm and inviting.
The pool area is surrounded by additional comfy lounge seating, designed for socializing and relaxation. Colors were chosen to complement the outdoors and the beautiful surrounding gardens.
The dining area, with a flat screen TV, is casual and multi-purpose. The garden, in back, is framed by cabana drapes providing a cozy, more intimate feeling for the dining room.
We maximized the outdoor space by designing multi-level social areas. We designed spaces to sit quietly and read, with additional seating to watch the boats on the water, a bar for socializing, an outdoor dining area, and a family gathering area.
The outdoor family room is a great extension of the living space. It was important that the outdoor furniture relate to the indoors since the two environments are so interconnected. The rooms needed to flow seamlessly from the inside to the outside.
This custom designed dock has a viewing window for fish watching night or day.
This view shows the dock and outdoor bar on the other side of the seating area.
Here, a mirror was used to reflect the water views. Lots of detail in the lanai accessories tie into the more formal furnishings in the adjoining rooms.
One of many porches in this home, this one takes advantage of the view from the second floor and provides a spot for casual dining in good weather.
This outdoor porch allows you to dine outside without concern for the elements.
With a small pool and cabana area, four decks and porches, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors at this New England property. Below shows the pool at daytime and the expansive view from the house.