Designer: Alona Perov of Co Interiors
Contractor: Rafael Lopez of HomeBuild
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Size: 206 square feet (19 square meters); 13 feet, 6 inches by 15 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “This room is located in a grand basement and sits directly in front of the staircase, making it the first space seen upon entry,” says contractor Rafael Lopez, whose clients found him on Houzz. “The homeowner wanted it to make an immediate impression while still feeling inviting and livable. A striking fireplace design was key to achieving that balance: dramatic enough to impress yet warm and approachable for casual TV watching and relaxation.”
Contemporary details. “The fireplace became the focal point and set the tone for a modern-contemporary aesthetic,” designer Alona Perov says. “A slim, horizontal insert was chosen for a sleek, modern profile. The fireplace surround features a mix of materials for visual impact. Black soapstone with soft white veining and subtle gold flecks, left unsealed for a natural matte finish. A floating plaster hearth mimics the look of concrete. It hovers just off the floor, maintaining a clean line and serving as a practical ledge. Walnut veneer paneling frames the TV. The paneling features vertical and horizontal grooves for added detail and depth. Together, these elements offer a tailored, high-end look while remaining rooted in contemporary simplicity.”
Other special features. “The fireplace structure protrudes 4 inches off the wall and ceiling, subtly accented with multicolor LED backlighting for a dramatic effect,” Lopez says. “Frameless drywall pot lights were selected for the ceiling to maintain a minimalist, uninterrupted ceiling plane.”
Designer tip. “With 12-foot ceilings, the room risked feeling cavernous and disconnected,” Perov says. “To visually anchor the space and create a more inviting atmosphere, the ceiling was painted a warm gray tint (Penthouse by Benjamin Moore) instead of a stark white, creating a ‘visual sandwich’ effect that balances the floor and ceiling and pulls the eye inward.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Originally, the fireplace design featured a discreet top vent integrated within the millwork — a sleek, horizontal slot intended to maintain the clean profile,” Lopez says. “However, the installer refused to deviate from standard protocol and insisted on using a visible metal vent, despite no such restriction being mentioned in the product guide. Lesson learned. Always confirm that all contractors understand and agree with the design intent before installation begins. If someone isn’t comfortable executing the vision, it’s better to find an alternative early on because once you’re on-site and mid-installation, there’s little room for negotiation.”
Wall paint: Cloud Cover, Benjamin Moore
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Designer: Molly Robinson of Homoly Design + Build
Location: Westwood, Kansas
Homeowners’ request. “This room was thoughtfully designed with the homeowners’ two dogs and two cats in mind,” says designer Molly Robinson, who uses Houzz Pro software.
Special features. “A dedicated ‘cat condo’ includes a custom ramp, a designated litter box area and built-in ventilation to keep things fresh and functional,” Robinson says. “For the pups, there’s a cozy zone complete with a doggy door that provides easy access to the outdoors. The black-and-white checkered tile flooring, paired with bold wallpaper that extends across the walls and ceiling, injects a playful and whimsical energy into the space. The pattern creates visual interest and a sense of movement, making the room feel dynamic and full of personality.
“To ground the design and let those elements shine, we opted for neutral white cabinetry that adds a crisp, clean contrast without competing for attention. The result is a fun, stylish space that feels both fresh and thoughtfully balanced.”
Designer tip. “We designed the countertop to be slightly taller than standard height, which makes folding laundry more comfortable and ergonomic — no more hunching over,” Robinson says. “As a bonus, the added height also serves a practical purpose by keeping pet treats and other essentials out of reach of curious paws.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “One of the biggest ‘uh-oh’ moments came when we realized just how tricky it would be to incorporate all of the custom pet features and maintain a clean, functional layout for everyday use,” Robinson says. “Between the cat ramp, litter box ventilation, doggy access to the outdoors and still needing room for laundry tasks, it started to feel like we were designing three rooms in one. We reworked the cabinetry layout and decided to go fully custom, which gave us the flexibility to tuck away the pet zones in a way that felt intentional and integrated.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics