This dining area is a great example of mixed finishes. The open display shelving ties the room together with each unique piece and truly makes for a personal, stand-alone space. Photo Credit: Normandy Remodeling

This is a custom dresser that we built, that has a hidden TV inside it. It uses an electric lift to raise the TV from the cabinet. It was designed by Lisa Berry of Mountain Berry Design.

Custom footboard to house motorized TV lift Images By UDCC

Walls upholstered in pale blue wool satin and custom made silk and wool Tibetan rug create a peaceful refuge. The television is concealed in a custom designed Italian style cabinet with hydrolic lift. King sized four poster bed, designed by Michael Whaley, is made up with luxurious Italian linens. Photo by Durston Saylor

Michael Gullon, Phoenix Photographic

Pale green kitchen with high transom windows bring a good deal of sunlight into the room. Rion Rizzo, Creative Sources Photography

Bamboo cabinets accented by the bold, orange uppers featuring European style, flip up cabinets doors.

A dynamic and multifaceted entertaining area, this kitchen is the center for family gatherings and its open floor plan is conducive to entertaining. The kitchen was designed to accomodate two cooks, and the small island is the perfect place for food preparation while family and guests interact with the host. The informal dining area was enlarged to create a functional eating area, and the space now incorporates a sliding French door that provides easy access to the new rear deck. Skylights that change color on demand to diminish strong, unwanted sunlight were also incorporated in the revamped dining area. A peninsula area located off of the main kitchen and dining room creates a great space for additional entertaining and storage. Character cherry cabinetry, tiger wood hardwood flooring, and dry stack running bond slate backsplash make bold statements within the space. The island top is a 3" thick Brazilian cherry end grain top, and the brushed black ash granite countertops elsewhere in the kitchen create a beautiful contrast against the cabinetry. A buffet area was incorporated into the adjoining family room to create a flow from space to space and to provide additional storage and a dry bar. Here the character cherry was maintained in the center part of the cabinetry and is flanked by a knotty maple to add more visual interest. The center backsplash is an onyx slate set in a basketweave pattern which is juxtaposed by cherry bead board on either side. The use of a variety of natural materials lends itself to the rustic style, while the cabinetry style, decorative light fixtures, and open layout provide the space with a contemporary twist. Here bold statements blend with subtle details to create a warm, welcoming, and eclectic space.

Standard IKEA kitchen in Gladwyne, PA with custom Semihandmade DIY Shaker facing. Photo by Paul Lipowicz.

Design Tip: Always run your cabinets right up to the ceilings, even when you have high ceilings. Photo Credit: http://arnalpix.com/

A sliding panel exposes the TV. Floor-to-ceiling windows connect the entire living space with the backyard while letting in natural light. Photography: Brian Mahany

Denver kitchen remodel with Crystal Cabinets: Manhattan door style, Breezewood finish on Walnut with frosted glass tip-up door Design by: Paul Lintault