Exploring the Rich History of Interior Design

Interior Design in History

The history of interior design dates back to the early era of human civilization. For instance, rich furniture made of priceless metals and stones, colorful paintings, and elaborate symbols decorated ancient Egyptian homes. These interiors had great cultural and philosophical importance in addition to being functional; every piece was carefully picked to suggest riches, power, and spirituality.  Read on to learn how home design has evolved over the ages, and how history still influences interior design today.  

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Making the Most of Small Spaces

In 2024, saving space while staying stylish is everything.  Not only are homeowners looking for practical solutions to maximize every square foot, they are also seeking designs that add an illusion of space and openness.  Read our four top space-saving hacks to transform your small spaces into functional and stylish havens. 

 

Dining nook
We kept it simple for the small dining nook of this custom home we built in Clearwater. Clean lines, neutral colors, and a single pendant create a calm space overlooking the pool.

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Should I Use Crown Molding in My Home?

Crown molding in dining room
This historic home we remodeled in Clearwater included crown molding to complement the classic design.

When it comes to home decor and interior design, every detail counts. One design element that has stood the test of time and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space is crown molding. Crown molding is a decorative trim installed where the walls meet the ceiling, and it can transform the look and feel of a room. But is it the right choice for your home? In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using crown molding in your home to help you make an informed decision.

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How to Add That “Wow Factor” to a Room When Building Your Dream Home

What makes a room more than just four plain walls and a ceiling?  Home décor can go a long way, but if you’re building your dream home, you likely want to get a little creative.  There are a few simple construction details you can add to the design to sprinkle some character and charm in your home.  Read on for a few of our favorite ideas to add that “wow factor” to your home design.  

 

Coffered ceiling
This home in Oldsmar, Florida, featured coffered ceilings in the living room, kitchen, and other open living spaces. The ceilings were carefully designed and built by our millwork team to align with the overall design of the home.

 

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Five Tips When Selecting Tile for Your Bathroom

When it comes to designing your bathroom, selecting the right tile is a crucial aspect that can greatly influence the overall look and functionality of the space. From ensuring safety to creating visual interest, here are five tips to keep in mind when selecting tile for your bathroom.

 

Pattern tiles
We used a unique, patterned tile in this master bathroom to bring visual interest and warmth.

 

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The Ever-Changing Landscape of American Home Design

American homes have been shaped by various historical eras, each leaving a distinct mark on their architectural styles and interior design. From the refined elegance of Neoclassicism to the luxury of the Victorian Era, the functional simplicity of the Mid-20th Century boom, and the multicultural influences brought by immigrants, these historical periods have had a lasting impact on the homes we live in today. This Independence Day, let’s explore how each era has influenced modern American homes and contributed to the diverse and rich melting pot of American home design today.

 

American Home Design

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5 Tips for Designing Kitchen Backsplash

Pennies Backsplash Tile
This modern kitchen in Clearwater used the backsplash as its focal point. The client, an artist, hand painted some of the penny tile to get the color to her liking.

 

When it comes to designing a kitchen, the backsplash can be the icing on the cake that pulls everything together. A well-designed backsplash can elevate the look of the entire kitchen, adding color, texture, and personality. However, with so many options available, designing a backsplash can be a daunting task. To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled a list of five tips for designing a kitchen backsplash that is both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re looking for something timeless or trendy, these tips will help you create a backsplash that suits your style and enhances your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.Continue reading

Irish Influence on American Architecture

St Patrick's Day

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, what better way to celebrate than with an article on the ways the Irish have influenced American architecture? From the Gothic Revival style of churches to the Victorian-era row houses, Irish architects and builders have left their mark on the American landscape. Even iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building were designed by Irish-American architects. The Irish have influenced the United States in so many ways, affecting our politics, industry, organized labor, religion, literature, music, and art. A less-known contribution is their architectural influence. 

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2023 Interior Design Trends

What are the interior design trends for 2023, and why is everyone talking about them?  

The years of 2020 through 2023 saw a considerable amount of global upheaval. Coming into 2023, people want a fresh start. To feel like the world is finally righting itself, many have turned to interior design trends to help them find a sense of balance and beauty. That is what the design trends this year are trying to accomplish.

Here are a few of this year’s design trends. 

 

Earth tones in interior design
This home addition we did on Island Estates in Clearwater included a number of 2023 design trends, including warm earth tones.

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5 Design Tips for Creating a Modern Kitchen

Modern Kitchen

Whether you love a clean, minimalistic design or you’re the crossover type going for a transitional style, you need to know what makes a modern kitchen.  It’s not just cutting-edge technology, and it’s not even straight lines and minimalism.  Modern design is a philosophy centered on function.  This could never be truer than in a modern kitchen, which tends to be the center of the home, where function and flow lines are absolutely essential.

In addition to function, there are a few basic design elements that can make a kitchen feel more contemporary.  This can help you steer your design in the direction you want, so read on for our top 5 design tips for creating a modern kitchen.

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