Renovation is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else oversee product selections, manage day-to-day issues, and bring your project to a successful completion? The owners of a two-family in Arlington recently did just that, flying off to Florida just as we began renovating their first floor unit. Of course, before they left we thoroughly discussed all aspects of the work order, which included renovating the kitchen and bathroom, painting the bedroom, and adding a laundry closet. We reviewed color and material selections, and set up a schedule for regular briefings. A handful of issues did come up. But because we had planned ahead, we were able to resolve them with very little stress for our clients. For instance, the client had chosen a bright yellow paint color for the kitchen walls, but once the new cabinets, countertop, and flooring had been installed, it was clear that yellow would clash. We suggested a more complementary Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash shade instead. In the bathroom, the clients had selected a deep inset mirrored medicine cabinet. But when the wall behind the vanity was opened, it revealed a pipe running up the wall, too close for the inset model. In this small space, a bump-out medicine cabinet would be awkward, so instead we placed a mirror over the sink and two smaller inset cabinets on either side – a solution that pleased the homeowners, who now have his-and-hers storage spaces. Finally, the homeowners had resigned themselves to the fact that the laundry closet would be too small for storing detergent and other needs. However once the units were in place, we realized that a small custom shelf could be built and had it installed to the delight of the homeowners. Photo by Shelly Harrison

alyssa kirsten

In summer this combo laundry mudroom is cool and fresh and in winter it is ethereal with snow piled outside the door. Upper wall colour is by "Promise" by Sarah Richardson Para paint line (is only in Lowes in Canada) Door is Boca Raton by Benjamin Moore Trim and beaded board is Oxford White by Benjamin Moore. This room faces north and these colours do not feel cold at all.

Bouldering Wall

Master suite addition to an existing 20's Spanish home in the heart of Sherman Oaks, approx. 300+ sq. added to this 1300sq. home to provide the needed master bedroom suite. the large 14' by 14' bedroom has a 1 lite French door to the back yard and a large window allowing much needed natural light, the new hardwood floors were matched to the existing wood flooring of the house, a Spanish style arch was done at the entrance to the master bedroom to conform with the rest of the architectural style of the home. The master bathroom on the other hand was designed with a Scandinavian style mixed with Modern wall mounted toilet to preserve space and to allow a clean look, an amazing gloss finish freestanding vanity unit boasting wall mounted faucets and a whole wall tiled with 2x10 subway tile in a herringbone pattern. For the floor tile we used 8x8 hand painted cement tile laid in a pattern pre determined prior to installation. The wall mounted toilet has a huge open niche above it with a marble shelf to be used for decoration. The huge shower boasts 2x10 herringbone pattern subway tile, a side to side niche with a marble shelf, the same marble material was also used for the shower step to give a clean look and act as a trim between the 8x8 cement tiles and the bark hex tile in the shower pan. Notice the hidden drain in the center with tile inserts and the great modern plumbing fixtures in an old work antique bronze finish. A walk-in closet was constructed as well to allow the much needed storage space.

My clients had outgrown their builder’s basic home and had plenty of room to expand on their 10 acres. Working with a local architect and a talented contractor, we designed an addition to create 3 new bedrooms, a bathroom scaled for all 3 girls, a playroom and a master retreat including 3 fireplaces, sauna, steam shower, office or “creative room”, and large bedroom with folding glass wall to capitalize on their view. The master suite, gym, pool and tennis courts are still under construction, but the girls’ suite and living room space are complete and dust free. Each child’s room was designed around their preference of color scheme and each girl has a unique feature that makes their room truly their own. The oldest daughter has a secret passage hidden behind what looks like built in cabinetry. The youngest daughter wanted to “swing”, so we outfitted her with a hanging bed set in front of a custom mural created by a Spanish artist. The middle daughter is an elite gymnast, so we added monkey bars so she can cruise her room in style. The girls’ bathroom suite has 3 identical “stations” with abundant storage. Cabinetry in black walnut and peacock blue and white quartz counters with white marble backsplash are durable and beautiful. Two shower stalls, designed with a colorful and intricate tile design, prevent bathroom wait times and a custom wall mural brings a little of the outdoors in. Photos by Mike Martin www.martinvisualtours.com

KuDa Photography 2013

EZ-NICHES® is pleased to introduce an installation system designed and engineered for tile professionals and your average “DIY” consumers. Constructed from recycled ABS plastic, this lightweight and durable material is virtually indestructible and will eliminate messy, unattractive shower necessities around the bathroom. This water and mildew proof system saves consumers from manually constructing a niche which reduces cost and labor hours. EZ-NICHES® are ideal for shower walls and bathrooms but can also be used for any wall application. Just a skim coat of drywall compound, your desired paint color and EZ-NICHES® can be finished without tiles. Perfect to create nifty organizational space in any room! Get creative and use multiple sizes to create decorative designs. - QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION - FITS STANDARD WALL FRAMING (Fasteners screws into the studs are not necessary, apply adhesive on the flange and put directly over the substrate will work. Step 3-5) - READY-TO-TILE - STRONG BOND WITH MODIFIED THIN-SET **IMPORTANT - MODIFIED THIN-SET ONLY** - WATERPROOF - MOLD MILDEW AND RUST PROOF - ADJUSTABLE DIVIDER/SHELF (LRN) - COUNTERSUNK HOLE GUIDES - CONSTRUCTED FROM RECYCLE ABS - INSTALL VERTICALLY OR HORIZONTALLY - USE FOR ANY TILE WALL APPLICATION - PERFECT FOR DECORATIVE CENTERPIECES - LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY - PATENT PENDING

Custom Wall unit with integrated Murphy Beds and Media Centre. 2 storey storage with custom metalwork walkway/ladder.

YouTubes most watched Interior Design channel with Designer Rebecca Robeson shares the beauty of her remarkable remodel transformations.

A view of the kitchen with the IKEA butcher block countertop in the foreground. 3'x9' Hanstone island in the background, with view through arched opening into the dining room/library. Windows under the upper cabinets bring soft northern light into the kitchen. Stair guardrail of steel and maple. Wall paint color: "Beach Glass," Benjamin Moore. Photo by Whit Preston.

We installed Belgard pavers in Mega-Bergerac in a 50/50 blend of colors of Tuscana and Victorian, with Belgard's Highland Wall block for pool coping and walls, steps and sitting benches in Elk Grove, California, a suburb of Sacramento.

Stately home in the suburbs just west of Boston. This home was done on a grand scale using rich colors and subtle textures and patterns. Photographed By: Gordon Beall

His vanity done in Crystal custom cabinetry and mirror surround with Crema marfil marble countertop and sconces by Hudson Valley: 4021-OB Menlo Park in Bronze finish. Faucet is by Jado 842/803/105 Hatteras widespread lavatory faucet, lever handles, old bronze. Paint is Benjamin Moore 956 Palace White. Eric Rorer Photography