Before Photo
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1. Fireside Chat
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
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1. Polished and Practical
Designers: Naomi Dresser and Caitlin Carter of Fig St. Design
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Size: 55 square feet (5.1 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This space was designed to be a guest bathroom with serene beach vibes and maximize storage opportunities,” designer Naomi Dresser says. “This beach house is super tiny with very little closet space, so the bathroom needed to be able to accommodate space for extra linens, towels and cleaning supplies.”
Special features. “The color palette draws from the coast — muted ocean spray shower tile and warm wood tones with a splash of brass,” Dresser says. “To give the space an ultrasoft and custom vibe, we created custom countertop edges, fluted cabinet details and a full tile backsplash behind the vanity.”
Small-space strategies. The tiled backsplash extends from the vanity to the ceiling and into the shower, visually extending the space. Stacked rectangular tile in the shower emphasizes the height of the shower. Large-format floor tile runs into a curbless shower, lending a light and airy look and feel. “Custom cabinetry offered the opportunity to maximize storage and give added details like the fluting,” Dresser says. “We added a custom built-in full-height cabinet to the left of the vanity to capitalize on storage square footage.”
Dresser uses Houzz Pro software to manage projects, including for retainers, proposals, invoices and purchase orders. “Keeps us organized,” she says.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
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3. Cottage Charm
Designers: Kakin Nichols and Lauren Taylor of Curated Studio
Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Size: 238 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The goal was to design a functional space for entertaining family and friends that flowed effortlessly from room to room, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings while letting the mountain views take center stage,” designer Kakin Nichols says. “Prioritizing function, we ensured ample circulation, providing plenty of space for multiple cooks to work comfortably. The color palette was carefully selected to complement, rather than compete with, the landscape. Drawing inspiration from the area’s changing seasons, we incorporated various shades of greens, rich browns and deep terra cotta to evoke a sense of warmth and tranquillity.”
Nichols uses Houzz Pro software. “We use it to pin items for furniture documentation and proposals, as well as time tracking,” she says.
Country-style elements. “The interior style of the home captures the timeless charm of traditional cottage architecture, blending warmth and character with a welcoming, livable atmosphere,” Nichols says. “We combined artisanal materials with simple, clean surfaces, pairing salvaged post oak wood flooring in varying widths and reclaimed columns with tongue-and-groove paneling and elegant quartzite countertops. The Pratt + Larson Craftsman collection ceramic backsplash tile adds color and texture, while the tongue-and-groove walls, painted in Soft Chamois by Benjamin Moore, and perimeter cabinets, painted in Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore, enhance the home’s inviting and cohesive feel.”
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4. Have a Seat
Designer: Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio
Location: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Size: 105 square feet (9.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients are a young, fun-loving family who were looking for a functional, durable space laced with color, warmth and functionality,” designer Gabrielle Bove says. “With two young children, they needed enclosed storage and easily accessible open storage space for items like their stroller and car seat. We layered hardy materials like nickel-gap paneling, a solid walnut bench seat, easy-clean fabric and a textured indoor-outdoor area rug that would stand the test of time and stand up to muddy feet.”
Mudroom storage features. “It was important to our clients that the mudroom be functional but not lack style and beauty,” Bove says. “We chose to design a custom bench with functional drawers for items like shoes and winter accessories. We topped this with a solid walnut bench seat for contrast and additional durability. We selected Benjamin Moore’s Sea Star paint for the millwork, a soothing but rich pop of color and a nod to our clients’ love of the Mediterranean.”
Other special features. “We layered classic patterns in youthful colors with a neutral backdrop and warm textures, all curated to merge our clients’ love of Mediterranean motifs with the New England landscape,” Bove says.
Designer tip. “Knowing this young family would eventually grow, it was important to think of the space’s flow and capacity in two to five years,” Bove says. “Making sure they had enough storage for additional shoes, winter gear and eventually backpacks was important.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Due to the placement of existing doors and windows, there wasn’t originally an opportunity for closed, tall storage, which we felt this family needed,” Bove says. “We were able to locate a cavity in the floor plan adjacent to the mudroom, which was perfect for a functional closet. This space allowed us to keep circulation open between all doorways but gave our clients a place to hide coats and diaper bags when not in use.”
Contractor: Brenshaw; paint colors: Simply White (paneling), Classic Gray (walls), Sea Star (bench), Benjamin Moore
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
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6. Leap of Leopard
Designer: Dawn Rothenbacher of Roth Design
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted more of an exciting experience when walking through her home, each space leaving a lasting impression,” designer Dawn Rothenbacher says. “She loves exotic animals and had an inspiration picture with these particular colors, so we started there. She didn’t want a boring beige box.”
Special features. “The Schumacher Iconic Leopard wallpaper is the showstopper for this space,” Rothenbacher says. “The fact that we applied it to her 10-foot ceiling as well made it even more of a wow factor. Light and plumbing fixtures were sourced in a lacquered brass to prevent tarnishing. The mirror was an antique the homeowner had in storage.” A leopard print trash bin complements the wallpaper.
Designer tip. “Never forget your ceiling,” Rothenbacher says. “People think about the walls and floors but never the untapped potential of changing the ceiling color or pattern. This is where the drama lives. A powder room has a short amount of time to make a lasting positive impression. I also recommend people starting with the powder room when renovating. It’s the quickest turnaround for seeing impactful results. This keeps you motivated to continue to do the next space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Most people get scared of wallpaper behind a toilet, sink or on a ceiling,” Rothenbacher says. “The best solution is to hire professional installers. When spending money on expensive designer wallpaper, you don’t want to waste your money with mistakes due to lack of experience.”
Paint color: Cloud White by Benjamin Moore
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
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Photos by Peter Lyons Photography
2. 1920s Spanish Colonial Charm
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A woman and her dog
Location: Kensington, California
Size: 252 square feet (23 square meters)
Designer: Anne Norton of AND Interior Design Studio
Before: This 1920s Spanish Colonial home in Kensington, California, has a long history, including being the residence of J. Robert Oppenheimer during his time at the University of California, Berkeley. But the home’s funky kitchen with post-and-beam architecture, flat, low, wood-covered ceiling with dark stain, dark floor, dark-stained Douglas fir cabinetry and numerous windows and skylights didn’t share that history; it was added on to the back of the home in the 1970s.
While the layout was good, the kitchen lacked storage. The homeowner, who loves to cook, found designer Anne Norton on Houzz to help her create a kitchen that would flow with the rest of the home’s historic architecture, and would include upgraded cabinetry and a kitchen table where friends and family, especially her grandchildren, could gather around.
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5. Walnut With a Natural Stain
Designers: Lindsay Brungardt and Leslie Hatfield of Schloegel Design Remodel
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Size: 73½ square feet (6.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients had just one full bathroom in their home, and their dream was to transform their bedroom into a true primary suite by adding a full bathroom,” designer Lindsay Brungardt says. “They envisioned a space that was not only functional but also elegant, featuring a roomy layout, a vanity with ample storage and a design that honored the charm and character of their 1920s home.”
Vanity features. “The vanity, crafted in a furniture-style design, features rich walnut with a natural stain,” Brungardt says. “Its inset cabinetry beautifully reflects the era of the 1920s home, adding a timeless charm. To create cohesion, the species and style were chosen to match the kitchen island, which we remodeled simultaneously. Though compact, the vanity provides excellent storage with two functional drawer stacks and a central cabinet, maximizing organization. The furniture-style construction elevates the design, creating an open and airy feel that enhances the sense of space in the bathroom.”
Other special features. “The shower is a true centerpiece, showcasing antique blue tile walls paired with classic hexagonal floor tiles and a built-in bench for comfort,” Brungardt says. “Gold plumbing fixtures add a striking contrast, creating a touch of luxury that complements the blue tiles beautifully. A thoughtful design detail is the placement of the shower handle near the glass door, allowing the client to turn the water on and let it warm up without stepping inside — a small touch that adds big convenience.”
Designer tip. “The half wall paired with a glass panel next to the vanity creates a clever balance of openness and privacy,” Brungardt says. “This design not only makes the bathroom feel more spacious but also adds privacy in the shower. It’s an excellent solution for smaller bathrooms, maximizing light and flow while still providing subtle division.”
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3. Moody and Modern
Designer: Bonnie Kespohl of Kasa Interior Design
Location: Edina, Minnesota
Size: 204 square feet (19 square meters); 12 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This is my personal home and this is my husband’s office space,” designer Bonnie Kespohl says. “While the existing dark oak wainscoting was in mint condition, the overall space felt heavy and dated.”
Special features. “He wanted to lighten up the space, which was accomplished through adding another window, adding recessed lights overhead [digitally removed by the photographer], replacing the existing built-in with an updated built-in painted in Benjamin Moore’s Blue Note, and lightening up the carpet,” Kespohl says. “We also refinished his existing maple desk and added new white powder-coated legs for a fresh look.
“We removed a portion of the existing wood wainscot in the window bump-out to the left of the desk and instead treated the opening with flat paneling enameled in Benjamin Moore’s Blue Note to match the new built-in. This helped to mix in a modern nod to go with the rest of the renovated home but still played nicely with the existing wainscoting.”
Cord and document control. “We have one visible cord from the monitor [not shown] to the wall, as a floor outlet wasn’t viable for this renovation,” Kespohl says. “We have a grommet on the built-in credenza so charging cords can plug in behind the file drawers below. The base of the credenza is fitted with three shallow top drawers for office supplies and personal effects, while the three deeper base drawers are sized appropriately for filing documents. The space also has a closet so residual items can be stored away out of sight.”
Designer tip. “Try to reimagine existing elements with just slight changes and add-ins,” Kespohl says. “Originally we had discussed removing the existing wood wainscoting. However, I loved it and it was in excellent condition, so we had to try to save it. It’s a beautiful feature of the original home, and we were able to modernize the office space and lighten it up, all while keeping the wood in play.”
Sconce: Lani in aged brass, Mitzi; carpet: Traverse in Chambray, Nourison
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Few things can cure the post-summer-vacation blues like a relaxing soak in a bathtub. For the ultimate spa-like experience, you’ll want more than just hot water. Your choice of tub and its location within the bathroom, as well as selections for tile, color, fixtures and other details, can enhance bath time and help relieve stress. These 10 bathtub setups offer deep inspiration.
1. Southwest Swerve
Design firm Treasure in the Detail and The Contractor Guys loosened up the layout in this Queen Creek, Arizona, bathroom to include a stylish 66-inch matte black solid-surface soaking tub. Terra-cotta-colored porcelain hexagonal tiles in a matte finish add warmth and contemporary Southwest style. A floor-mounted tub filler in a brushed brass finish brings another touch of warmth. Painted wall paneling surrounding the tub adds character and dimension, while a classic tripod end table with a black iron base and a round bluestone top offers a place to set bath products or a drink.
End table: Corin, Four Hands; tub: Catino in matte black, 66 inches, Signature Hardware; tub filler: Purist, Kohler
Read more about this bathroom makeover
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2. Serenity Now
An inviting freestanding white acrylic tub is part of the now-airy layout in this bright Los Angeles bathroom by Studio Kosma. On the wall, 3-by-6-inch glossy handmade ceramic field tiles in a soft blue create a serene feel. On the floor, white clay brick tiles with a custom dark taupe grout and in a herringbone pattern add visual texture and interest. The upgraded fixed picture window offers an expansive view of the greenery outside.
Bathtub: Chloe, Vintage Tub & Bath; tub filler: Purist, Kohler
Read more about this bathroom makeover
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4. Earthy and Enchanting
A beige-y concrete freestanding tub adds an earthy element to this Durham, California, bathroom by Lori K Design Studio. The tub has a roomy interior and thick walls that provide insulation for long-lasting heat. A wall-mounted tub filler saves space. A petite yet glamorous chandelier above the tub features a cluster of seven LED luminaires, hand-finished in dark bronze and gold leaf.
Chandelier: Marimba, Modern Forms; tub: Avalon in Earth, 62 inches, Native Trails
Read more about this bathroom makeover
5. Light and Luxe
A white acrylic freestanding tub helps lighten the look and feel of this Redondo Beach, California, bathroom by Tiffany Lauer Interiors. Handmade zellige tiles in various creamy tones add warmth, visual movement and a glossy surface that reflects light. A wall-mounted tub filler in satin bronze coordinates with other warm metal tones used in the room. A natural rattan pendant light brings a touch of texture.
Pendant light: Channel in natural rattan, Shades of Light
Read more about this bathroom makeover
6. Calm and Carefree
An angled corner tub creates an airy and inviting spot to soak in this Austin, Texas, bathroom by Parsons i.d. The tub is made from a durable solid-surface material with finely ground natural volcanic limestone that helps keep water warmer longer. A floor-mounted tub filler with built-in diverter and hand shower has solid brass construction and a brushed bronze finish. Whitewashed wood-look porcelain wall tiles offer a durable alternative to real wood.
Tub: Vetralla in Englishcast White, Victoria + Albert
Read more about this bathroom makeover
7. Japanese-Inspired Joy
Lorain Design Associates included aging-in-place features in this Davis, California, bathroom for a retired couple. The wet-room-style setup includes a white 41-inch-round acrylic Japanese-style soaking tub with an integrated seat. Grab bars nearby help provide safe entry. A matte black floor-mounted tub filler coordinates with the grab bars and other black details. Chestnut-look porcelain tiles wrap the walls. Grooved maple-look porcelain floor tiles create a nonslip surface. Blue accent tiles back an extra-long niche.
Tub: Siglo round Japanese soaking tub with trim, 41 inches, Signature Hardware; tub filler: Trinsic, Delta
Read more about this bathroom makeover
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8. Treetop Retreat
Haus of Rowe Interiors created this stylish retreat in Minnetrista, Minnesota, for a couple with five young kids. The light and airy space features a 59-inch freestanding soaking tub set beneath large windows that frame relaxing views of treetops and a lake. A contemporary floor-mounted tub filler has a handheld sprayer and a matte black finish that coordinates with the window frames and patterned black-and-white porcelain floor tiles.
Tub: Serafina, Jacuzzi; tub filler: Trinsic, Delta; flooring: Enchante in Moderno, Bedrosians Tile & Stone
Read more about this bathroom
10 Bathrooms With Bold Flooring Ideas
9. Picture This
A 71-inch freestanding tub sits in an elevated area beneath a picture window framing a wall of greenery in this Orangevale, California, bathroom suite by Catalyst Construction. Carbon-colored wall tile makes the scenery pop. A teak bench nearby offers a portable spot for candles and bath supplies. The floor-mounted tub filler with hand shower features all-brass construction in a chrome finish that coordinates with the rest of the bathroom’s fixtures and vanity hardware.
Read more about this bathroom
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1. Warm and Organic Look With Enlarged Shower
Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with a toddler
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 150 square feet (14 square meters)
Designer: Cameron Getter Design
Before: This former primary bathroom in Austin, Texas, had an aging white double vanity and beige tile flooring that gave the space a bland look. Black details called attention to outdated lighting and other elements. A large built-in tub sat beneath a frosted glass window, and the super small shower stall, seen in the mirror’s reflection, felt disjointed in the space. The angled door on the left connected to the couple’s primary closet.
The homeowners, parents of a toddler, knew just where to turn. Designer Cameron Getter had already helped them choose furniture for their main living areas and update their guest bathroom, so they tapped her to help them transform their basic primary bathroom into an organic, spa-like space with warmth.