Design Notes & Project Stories
Here we share a closer look at our projects, our process, and the thinking behind the work—along with notes on renovation, materials, and the details that shape how a home comes together. Some posts go behind the scenes of completed projects, others explore ideas and decisions that come up again and again in real homes.
The Modern Living Room: Design Ideas for 2026
Discover the living room design ideas shaping 2026 across Northern New Jersey, Westchester, and Fairfield County.
Tiny Space, Timeless Impact: Designing the Powder Room
The powder room may be small, but it has the power to define your home’s personality. Explore sophisticated, practical design ideas for Westchester and Fairfield County homes.
The Return of the Dining Room: Quiet Luxury in 2026
A fresh look at 2026 dining room design in Westchester County and beyond—where refined materials, meaningful pieces, and thoughtful proportion bring people back to the table.
Designing the Entryway: A Foyer with Intention
Your home’s first impression starts at the door. Explore timeless, elegant foyer design ideas that bring warmth, light, and balance to Westchester and Fairfield County homes.
Westchester Kitchen Renovation Trends for 2026
As kitchens continue to play a more central role in how homes are used, their design is becoming more thoughtful, more technical, and more closely tied to everyday life. In Westchester County, we’re seeing a clear shift toward kitchens that balance innovation with longevity—spaces that feel current, but are designed to age well.
A French-Inspired Primary Suite Renovation in Princeton
Some design challenges require more than just new paint and pretty fixtures—they need structural courage. When our client at Carlyle Court in Princeton reached out after living in her primary suite for over 30 years, she wasn't just ready for a refresh. She was ready to finally solve the layout issue that had been frustrating her daily routine for decades.
Designing a Pool House for Year-Round use
If you're considering a pool house, you probably already know it's not just about having somewhere to change clothes. It's about creating a space that makes your backyard more livable and your home more welcoming—whether that's for weekend guests, family gatherings, or just having a quiet spot to enjoy your coffee.
The Future of Outdoor Kitchens: Design and Comfort
As explored in our recent piece on outdoor living trends, today’s backyards are no longer treated as secondary spaces. They are designed as true extensions of the home, with the same level of care, intention, and architectural integration. Among the most significant shifts in this evolution is the outdoor kitchen—which has moved far beyond the idea of a standalone grill and into the realm of fully considered, multifunctional living space.
Outdoor Living in 2025: Design Trends for Backyards
Not long ago, outdoor spaces were treated as an afterthought. Today, they are designed with the same level of care and intention as the interiors of the home. For many homeowners, the backyard has become a true extension of daily living—used for dining, relaxing, entertaining, and unwinding at the end of the day.
Preparing for a High-End Home Renovation
A high-end renovation or new build is as much a planning process as it is a creative one. The success of the project depends not only on having a clear vision, but on establishing a strong, transparent working relationship with your design team from the very beginning.
Whether you are renovating an existing home or building something new, asking the right questions early can prevent misunderstandings, protect your investment, and keep the process running smoothly. A good designer will not only shape the look of your home, but will also guide you through decisions about scope, budget, timing, and execution. This guide outlines the key questions to ask at every stage of a high-end project—from initial conversations through construction and final installation—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Lighting Your Home for Fall: Creating Warmth and Atmosphere
As the days grow shorter and natural light begins to soften, lighting plays a much more important role in how a home feels and functions. A well-considered lighting plan can make rooms feel warmer, more welcoming, and more comfortable during the fall months—while also improving how spaces are used day to day.
Five Simple Updates to Your Home for Holiday Entertaining
With the holidays approaching, many homes become gathering places for family and friends. If your house could use a refresh but a full renovation isn’t in the cards, a few well-chosen updates can make a meaningful difference. The key is focusing on changes that improve how your home looks and functions—especially in the spaces your guests will use most.
Modern Farmhouse Style: Key Elements and Colors
Modern farmhouse style continues to resonate because it strikes a rare balance: it feels warm without being rustic, and clean without feeling cold. At its best, it blends the honesty of traditional materials with the restraint of contemporary design, creating interiors that feel both timeless and livable. Whether you’re planning a renovation or simply refining what you already have, understanding the core elements of this look is what makes the difference. Here, we explore the essential ingredients—and the role of a calm, neutral palette—in creating a modern farmhouse home that feels considered rather than styled.
Modern Farmhouse Style: A Refined, Timeless Approach
Modern farmhouse style is about more than a look—it’s about creating a home that feels welcoming, comfortable, and quietly refined. It blends the warmth and honesty of traditional farmhouse elements with the cleaner lines and restraint of contemporary design. The result is an interior that feels timeless rather than trendy, relaxed rather than styled, and designed to support real life while still feeling considered and beautiful.