Inspiration for a large transitional enclosed living room in Chicago with white walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace, a built-in media wall and black floor.

MODERN UPDATE TO A CLASSIC HOME UPDATED FIREPLACE W/STATUARY MARBLE AND CUSTOM BRASS TRIMMED FIREPLACE SCREEN MINIMAL APPROACH TO MODERN MODERN ART GAME TABLE SCULPTURE

cynthia van elk
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic open concept living room in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and black floor.

This project, an extensive remodel and addition to an existing modern residence high above Silicon Valley, was inspired by dominant images and textures from the site: boulders, bark, and leaves. We created a two-story addition clad in traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban burnt wood siding that anchors home and site. Natural textures also prevail in the cosmetic remodeling of all the living spaces. The new volume adjacent to an expanded kitchen contains a family room and staircase to an upper guest suite. The original home was a joint venture between Min | Day as Design Architect and Burks Toma Architects as Architect of Record and was substantially completed in 1999. In 2005, Min | Day added the swimming pool and related outdoor spaces. Schwartz and Architecture (SaA) began work on the addition and substantial remodel of the interior in 2009, completed in 2015. Photo by Matthew Millman

A captivating transformation in the coveted neighborhood of University Park, Dallas The heart of this home lies in the kitchen, where we embarked on a design endeavor that would leave anyone speechless. By opening up the main kitchen wall, we created a magnificent window system that floods the space with natural light and offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings. Suspended from the ceiling, a steel-framed marble vent hood floats a few inches from the window, showcasing a mesmerizing Lilac Marble. The same marble is skillfully applied to the backsplash and island, featuring a bold combination of color and pattern that exudes elegance. Adding to the kitchen's allure is the Italian range, which not only serves as a showstopper but offers robust culinary features for even the savviest of cooks. However, the true masterpiece of the kitchen lies in the honed reeded marble-faced island. Each marble strip was meticulously cut and crafted by artisans to achieve a half-rounded profile, resulting in an island that is nothing short of breathtaking. This intricate process took several months, but the end result speaks for itself. To complement the grandeur of the kitchen, we designed a combination of stain-grade and paint-grade cabinets in a thin raised panel door style. This choice adds an elegant yet simple look to the overall design. Inside each cabinet and drawer, custom interiors were meticulously designed to provide maximum functionality and organization for the day-to-day cooking activities. A vintage Turkish runner dating back to the 1960s, evokes a sense of history and character. The breakfast nook boasts a stunning, vivid, and colorful artwork created by one of Dallas' top artist, Kyle Steed, who is revered for his mastery of his craft. Some of our favorite art pieces from the inspiring Haylee Yale grace the coffee station and media console, adding the perfect moment to pause and loose yourself in the story of her art. The project extends beyond the kitchen into the living room, where the family's changing needs and growing children demanded a new design approach. Accommodating their new lifestyle, we incorporated a large sectional for family bonding moments while watching TV. The living room now boasts bolder colors, striking artwork a coffered accent wall, and cayenne velvet curtains that create an inviting atmosphere. Completing the room is a custom 22' x 15' rug, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A hidden coat closet door integrated into the feature wall adds an element of surprise and functionality. This project is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of design and showcasing the possibilities. By curating an out-of-the-box approach, we bring texture and depth to the space, employing different materials and original applications. The layered design achieved through repeated use of the same material in various forms, shapes, and locations demonstrates that unexpected elements can create breathtaking results. The reason behind this redesign and remodel was the homeowners' desire to have a kitchen that not only provided functionality but also served as a beautiful backdrop to their cherished family moments. The previous kitchen lacked the "wow" factor they desired, prompting them to seek our expertise in creating a space that would be a source of joy and inspiration. Inspired by well-curated European vignettes, sculptural elements, clean lines, and a natural color scheme with pops of color, this design reflects an elegant organic modern style. Mixing metals, contrasting textures, and utilizing clean lines were key elements in achieving the desired aesthetic. The living room introduces bolder moments and a carefully chosen color scheme that adds character and personality. The client's must-haves were clear: they wanted a show stopping centerpiece for their home, enhanced natural light in the kitchen, and a design that reflected their family's dynamic. With the transformation of the range wall into a wall of windows, we fulfilled their desire for abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our favorite rooms and design elements are numerous, but the kitchen remains a standout feature. The painstaking process of hand-cutting and crafting each reeded panel in the island to match the marble's veining resulted in a labor of love that emanates warmth and hospitality to all who enter. In conclusion, this tastefully lux project in University Park, Dallas is an extraordinary example of a full gut remodel that has surpassed all expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of materials, and the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics create an unforgettable space. It serves as a testament to the power of design and the transformative impact it can have on a home and its inhabitants. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide.

Mid-sized transitional formal enclosed living room in Cheshire with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a wood stove, a wood fireplace surround, a concealed tv and black floor.

Modern chandelier
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept living room in Las Vegas with grey walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and black floor.

Gordon Gregory Photography
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic formal enclosed living room in Richmond with grey walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, no tv and black floor.

Living room with painted paneled wall with concealed storage & television. Fireplace with black firebrick & custom hand-carved limestone mantel. Custom distressed arched, heavy timber trusses and tongue & groove ceiling. Walls are plaster. View to the kitchen beyond through the breakfast bar at the kitchen pass-through.

Modern rustic pool table installed in a client's lounge.
Photo of a large modern enclosed living room in Philadelphia with white walls, porcelain floors, a wall-mounted tv and black floor.

Dark and dramatic living room featuring this stunning bay window seat. Built in furniture makes the most of the compact space whilst sumptuous textures, rich colours and black walls bring drama a-plenty. Photo Susie Lowe

Martin King Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in Los Angeles with dark hardwood floors, a built-in media wall, grey walls, black floor and no fireplace.

This is an example of a large contemporary open concept living room in Hamilton with carpet, no fireplace and black floor.

Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean open concept living room in Sunshine Coast with white walls, a wall-mounted tv, black floor and painted wood floors.

Manufactured in Italy by Gamma Arredamenti, Sunset Sofa is bold and casually serene during the day but unabashedly glamorous at night. Drawing its aesthetic inspirations from the multifaceted demands of modern lifestyle, Sunset Modern Leather Sofa allows for sitting areas to double as lounges and, on occasion serve as temporary sleeping areas because of its unique backrest mechanism that moves back.

Designed in sharp contrast to the glass walled living room above, this space sits partially underground. Precisely comfy for movie night.
Photo of a large country enclosed living room in Chicago with beige walls, slate floors, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv, black floor, wood and wood walls.

The Library of a little cottage nestled into a picturesque Vermont village. Photo: Greg Premru
Inspiration for a small traditional enclosed living room in Boston with a library, white walls, painted wood floors, a built-in media wall and black floor.

cynthia van elk
Mid-sized eclectic open concept living room in New York with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and black floor.

Design ideas for a large industrial open concept living room in Charlotte with black walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and black floor.