Interior Design Insights
Expert tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at our Sacramento design projects.
Bathroom Renovation and Tile Guide: How to Refinish a Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub, Concrete Bathtub Pros and Cons, Custom Shower Pan for Tile, Shower Jambs, Vintage Pendant Lighting, Built In Shower Mirror, and Easy to Clean Shower Doors
Discover the 2026 bathroom renovation tile guide, focusing on trends and materials ideal for Hillsborough and Mill Valley homes.
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Are Black Sofas in Style in 2026? A Designer's Answer to the Question You're Actually Asking
A Sacramento and Marin designer answers what black sofa searches are really asking: anchor vs disappear, leather vs textured fabric, rug pairings, pet-hair reality, rooms that work vs rooms that do not.
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Split-Level Home Designs: A Designer's 2026 Guide to Modernizing Without Losing What Works
A Sacramento and Marin designer's playbook for modernizing 1970s split-level homes: backyard as unifying anchor, open-concept analysis, stair modernization, exterior refresh, and aging-in-place planning.
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How Do You Restain Kitchen Cabinets? A 2026 Designer Step-by-Step
Step-by-step process for restaining kitchen cabinets in 2026: removal, stripping, sanding, stain selection, top-coat. DIY vs pro cost reality.
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Natural Maple Cabinets: A 2026 Designer Honest Review
Are natural maple cabinets dated in 2026? An honest designer review of natural maple cabinetry, the pairings that work, and when to refinish vs replace.
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Round Nosing for Hardwood Stairs: A 2026 Designer Spec Guide
How to spec round nosing (bullnose) on hardwood stair treads in 2026: profile options (full bullnose, half bullnose, eased edge), code compliance, and cost.
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Kitchens with Dark Granite Countertops: A 2026 Designer Update
Is dark granite still in style in 2026? An honest designer review of dark granite countertops, the pairings that don't date, and the alternatives to consider.
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Herringbone Peel and Stick Tile: An Honest 2026 Designer Review
Honest 2026 designer review of herringbone peel-and-stick tile: where it works (rentals, laundry rooms), where it absolutely fails (real kitchens, behind ranges), and the cost reality.
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Outdoor Stone Coffee Table: A 2026 Designer Guide to Material and Spec
How to spec an outdoor stone coffee table for 2026: travertine vs concrete vs granite, weather durability, the sizes that work, and cost bands.
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Contemporary Fireplaces with Mantels: A 2026 Designer Spec Guide
How to design a contemporary fireplace with mantel in 2026: linear gas insert, stone or plaster surround, walnut or reclaimed beam mantel, and the proportions that work.
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Strip and Restain Cabinets: A 2026 Designer Guide to DIY and Pro Cost
How to strip and restain kitchen cabinets in 2026: chemical stripper choice, sanding, stain selection, top-coat, and real DIY vs Pro cost bands.
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Decorative Mosaic Tiles for Pools and Spas: A 2026 Designer Guide
How to spec decorative mosaic tile for pools and spas in 2026: glass vs porcelain, color palette, waterline placement, and the maintenance reality.
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