Design ideas for a small contemporary 3/4 bathroom in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an alcove shower, white tile, subway tile, porcelain floors, an undermount sink, marble benchtops, white floor, a hinged shower door, a niche, a single vanity and a freestanding vanity.

This well used but dreary bathroom was ready for an update but this time, materials were selected that not only looked great but would stand the test of time. The large steam shower (6x6') was like a dark cave with one glass door allowing light. To create a brighter shower space and the feel of an even larger shower, the wall was removed and full glass panels now allowed full sunlight streaming into the shower which avoids the growth of mold and mildew in this newly brighter space which also expands the bathroom by showing all the spaces. Originally the dark shower was permeated with cracks in the marble marble material and bench seat so mold and mildew had a home. The designer specified Porcelain slabs for a carefree un-penetrable material that had fewer grouted seams and added luxury to the new bath. Although Quartz is a hard material and fine to use in a shower, it is not suggested for steam showers because there is some porosity. A free standing bench was fabricated from quartz which works well. A new free standing, hydrotherapy tub was installed allowing more free space around the tub area and instilling luxury with the use of beautiful marble for the walls and flooring. A lovely crystal chandelier emphasizes the height of the room and the lovely tall window.. Two smaller vanities were replaced by a larger U shaped vanity allotting two corner lazy susan cabinets for storing larger items. The center cabinet was used to store 3 laundry bins that roll out, one for towels and one for his and one for her delicates. Normally this space would be a makeup dressing table but since we were able to design a large one in her closet, she felt laundry bins were more needed in this bathroom. Instead of constructing a closet in the bathroom, the designer suggested an elegant glass front French Armoire to not encumber the space with a wall for the closet.The new bathroom is stunning and stops the heart on entering with all the luxurious amenities.

A custom closet with Crystal's Hanover Cabinetry. The finish is custom on Premium Alder Wood. Custom curved front drawer with turned legs add to the ambiance. Includes LED lighting and Cambria Quartz counters.

Modern functionality with a vintage farmhouse style makes this the perfect kitchen featuring marble counter tops, subway tile backsplash, SubZero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry, white oak floating shelves and engineered wide plank, oak flooring.

Photography by Patrick Brickman
Design ideas for an expansive country open plan kitchen in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and white benchtop.

interior designer: Kathryn Smith
Photo of a mid-sized country wood l-shaped staircase in Orange County with painted wood risers and mixed railing.

Modern Man's closet with sliding doors
Mid-sized modern men's built-in wardrobe in Los Angeles.

Felix Sanchez (www.felixsanchez.com)
Inspiration for an expansive traditional master bathroom in Houston with an undermount sink, white cabinets, mosaic tile, blue walls, dark hardwood floors, beige tile, gray tile, marble benchtops, brown floor, white benchtops, recessed-panel cabinets, a claw-foot tub, a double vanity and a built-in vanity.

The goal of this project was to upgrade the builder grade finishes and create an ergonomic space that had a contemporary feel. This bathroom transformed from a standard, builder grade bathroom to a contemporary urban oasis. This was one of my favorite projects, I know I say that about most of my projects but this one really took an amazing transformation. By removing the walls surrounding the shower and relocating the toilet it visually opened up the space. Creating a deeper shower allowed for the tub to be incorporated into the wet area. Adding a LED panel in the back of the shower gave the illusion of a depth and created a unique storage ledge. A custom vanity keeps a clean front with different storage options and linear limestone draws the eye towards the stacked stone accent wall. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/inside-houzz-a-chopped-up-bathroom-goes-streamlined-and-swank-stsetivw-vs~27263720 The layout of this bathroom was opened up to get rid of the hallway effect, being only 7 foot wide, this bathroom needed all the width it could muster. Using light flooring in the form of natural lime stone 12x24 tiles with a linear pattern, it really draws the eye down the length of the room which is what we needed. Then, breaking up the space a little with the stone pebble flooring in the shower, this client enjoyed his time living in Japan and wanted to incorporate some of the elements that he appreciated while living there. The dark stacked stone feature wall behind the tub is the perfect backdrop for the LED panel, giving the illusion of a window and also creates a cool storage shelf for the tub. A narrow, but tasteful, oval freestanding tub fit effortlessly in the back of the shower. With a sloped floor, ensuring no standing water either in the shower floor or behind the tub, every thought went into engineering this Atlanta bathroom to last the test of time. With now adequate space in the shower, there was space for adjacent shower heads controlled by Kohler digital valves. A hand wand was added for use and convenience of cleaning as well. On the vanity are semi-vessel sinks which give the appearance of vessel sinks, but with the added benefit of a deeper, rounded basin to avoid splashing. Wall mounted faucets add sophistication as well as less cleaning maintenance over time. The custom vanity is streamlined with drawers, doors and a pull out for a can or hamper. A wonderful project and equally wonderful client. I really enjoyed working with this client and the creative direction of this project. Brushed nickel shower head with digital shower valve, freestanding bathtub, curbless shower with hidden shower drain, flat pebble shower floor, shelf over tub with LED lighting, gray vanity with drawer fronts, white square ceramic sinks, wall mount faucets and lighting under vanity. Hidden Drain shower system. Atlanta Bathroom.

Z Collection Candy ceramic tile in ‘Ocean’ staggered horizontally in this walk-in shower in Portland, Oregon.
Photo of a small traditional 3/4 bathroom in Portland with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an alcove shower, a one-piece toilet, blue tile, ceramic tile, blue walls, ceramic floors, a drop-in sink, marble benchtops, white floor, a hinged shower door, white benchtops, a niche, a single vanity, a built-in vanity and wallpaper.

Low light reflecting off the house.
Inspiration for a small contemporary garden in Surrey.

Photo of a large country l-shaped kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, wood, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops and engineered quartz splashback.

Succulents, shamrock plants and ground cover provide an interesting summer combination in the contemporary container.
Design ideas for a large midcentury front yard partial sun garden for summer in Chicago with with flowerbed and natural stone pavers.

This Australian-inspired new construction was a successful collaboration between homeowner, architect, designer and builder. The home features a Henrybuilt kitchen, butler's pantry, private home office, guest suite, master suite, entry foyer with concealed entrances to the powder bathroom and coat closet, hidden play loft, and full front and back landscaping with swimming pool and pool house/ADU.

The custom metal pergola features integrated pendant lights and provides a modern counterpoint to the original garage, with its heritage yellow brick and traditional slate roof

Fall weather brings out the variety of textures and colors in the landscape beds.
Photo of an expansive midcentury backyard partial sun garden for summer in Chicago with natural stone pavers.

Small kitchen remodel with counter seating, sparkling blue backsplash, and white cabinets.
Small beach style galley eat-in kitchen in Other with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with an undermount sink, blue cabinets, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop, quartz benchtops, shaker cabinets, grey splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances and no island.

Mid-sized eclectic wood curved staircase in Other with wood risers and mixed railing.