#taupe countertops

[emmagibney]

Transitional Kitchen Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

[mockinqay]

Atlanta Pantry Kitchen

[warriorocteivia]

Kitchen - Great Room Stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, and ceramic backsplash are all featured in this mid-sized transitional u-shaped open concept kitchen design.

[retaliationgraphics]

Kitchen - Transitional Kitchen Inspiration for a huge transitional single-wall dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and glass tile backsplash

[stripesandpeonies]

Chicago Walk Out Basement Basement - large contemporary walk-out porcelain tile basement idea with gray walls

[uhhleeese]

Salt Lake City Bathroom Inspiration for a small coastal beige floor powder room remodel with furniture-like cabinets, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls and white countertops

[yeahkrystal]

Kitchen - Great Room

[wednesdaydreams]

Enclosed Kitchen in Phoenix

[luewashere]

Orange County Modern Powder Room

[melaniemcfarlane]

3/4 Bath - Contemporary Bathroom

[sepiasims]

Bathroom Kids

[inspiredlivingspaces]

[recitedemise]

𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. Nestled along the coast of Waterdeep, it is both sunlight and the insistent cling of salt that Gale's grown to find exceedingly soothing. It is the bastion of his comforts, outfitted with a grand assortment of a thousand enchantments. Charmed, it is far larger on the inside than it appears on the outside, and nestled in its rooms wade about a million secrets. A wizard's tower, after all, should be as much an enigma as the mage themselves.

Entryway.

Upon entering Gale's home, one would be welcomed by a sectioned off room, the house separating its guests from the rest beyond this point. It is nondescript, all deep woods with the warmth of a far away fire, sure, but plainly put, is not what one expects from a wizard's home. There is a mirror by the door, and before it, a little end table with an aging candelabra. There is a thick, fine drape that rests snug at the arch walling off the tower's entryway, and there is a plush, old rug sat in front of the door. Framed, there hangs a painting of a garden by the right-most wall. The decor is dated, speaking of an aesthetic veering on 'dark academia' and here, there is an enhancement Gale placed to thwart those not explicitly welcomed--hold person, in the rug, can hold you still.

But at least the shy smattering of hanging plants can keep you company.

The first floor: Entry way, living room, kitchen, and washroom.

After exiting the entryway, one would at last enter a hall, short, that leads to a cozy and admittedly half-cluttered room. Here, there is a coffee table, some leather seats in a shade of hemlock-green, and a winding staircase--fit with a red stair runner-- that goes, up, up, up (again, enchanted, some time manipulation steeped in the runner to shorten walk-time). In fact, should one look up, one would think Gale has furnished twelve floors at least, the ceiling like a pinprick with rich deep-gold tiles. It's evident this floor's hardly used, however, beyond the kitchen that is sat snug and half-walled off from the adjoining living room. The seats seem seldom used, not a crack or wrinkle in their delicate upholstery, and the cups lines in Gale's kitchen never used beyond the one. There's several books splayed about, a knitted blanket Morena had made him some decades ago--purple, his favorite, shade, of course--thrown about the sofa, and a myriad of paintings lined on the walls. There's a hanging light in the fashion of some brassy armillary. In the built-in shelves in the paneled walls, there rests even more books with some decanters of whiskey. There rests a wide circular window fit with an alcove right at the center wall, too, with a darling view of the waters with some hanging candles.

Beside the living room, the kitchen--again, very frequently used--waits, charmed with a fire that seems always to burn (safely, of course). At all times, something fragrant lingers within it, be it darling, spice-fruit tartlet or a succulent rack of ribs or lamb. Here, the fashion is a touch more rustic in nature, more dark-red bricks and taupe woods. Over his oven--black iron, a simple cast wood stove--rests an overhang of herbs, dried and half-self grown with the pots by his open windowsill, and the other half purchased from the ladies at the markets. He's a sizable coldbox charmed with a suspended chromatic orb of frost (it pulses, giving perpetual cool to the contents inside), beside countertops filled with all manner of jars. Gale makes his own jams, his favorite being a delightful, tart raspberry, and it with its fruity sisters and brothers rests bottled up with delightful cloths. Gale spends much time in here, and it's plain to see he lavishes it with love. Always, there is something delightful set up by the island counter that looks off into the rest of the living room--like a cake stand piled generously with something exquisitely vanilla. With a door nearby, Gale would explain it leads to his little pantry of hundur sauce. There, one will find, too, his notable collection of both red and white wines. An evening with Gale Dekarios is an evening with a five course meal.

The washroom set off by the staircase is humble, a tap of flowing water charmed to flow and stop when you so wish it. There is an ornate mirror, some suspended flowers there for a spot of freshness, and lit candles for ambiance. The small of something earthy and not too overbearing hangs everywhere, steeped in the towels and the wood of the little medicine cabinet.

The second floor: Two bedrooms, with their own personal bathrooms.

Here, you will find Gale's bedroom, and beside it, a spare. To note, no one ever uses that guest room considering, well, one would need guests to start off with. All the same, no would-be over-night stay would find themselves wanting. The guest room, adequately sized, opens up to face a wide, stained glass window-modestly so, just to allow some shades of gold to lick along the floors. A thick curtain dresses it up, its color a burgundy wine that pairs well with the dark woods and surge of white in the bedding. The best itself is a four post one, no veils yet to hang off of them. The large dresser is empty save for some spare things Gale has put in for Tara (spare collars, for example) and a couple of blankets he's never once used. It has its own bathroom as well, its tub charmed to, again, spill water and stopper it whenever you so wish. It's everything you need should you ever stay here, but admittedly, stripped just a bit of any personality.

Gale's room, however, is ride with personality. Here, you will find all manner of trinkets and wide-eyed wonders. It's dark wood again, and lived in, is effectively cluttered. There are books strewn everywhere, laid out on the floors despite two of four whole walls filled completely with tomes. He's a window at the one wall, opening to the scene of the city clamoring just beyond, its windowsill decorated with cups of wine, tea tins, and some pots of terracotta for when he deigns to play gardener. He's a large armillary in a state of perpetual spin, aligned with the real-time turning of the stars. His bed is large, a bed tray usually atop of it with smattering of peeled fruit and his read for the morning, sheets a dark, rich brown with the bedposts taken in dark-green curtains. There's a bed for Tara, too, laid there by one of his growing stacks of ancient reads. His carpet is patterned, a sliver of white to help brighten the space, with some cat toys strewn here and there and an armoire that's charmed much larger on the inside. Beside his bed, there rests Gale's private bathroom. It's impressive, tiled beige with dark woods that border on chestnut black. He's a whole array of bath salts, lotions and creams and shampoos and conditioners, everything combining to capture ascent of sage and jasmine sweetened just a sliver with a persimmon hue. His tub is actually dipped into the floors, a standing shower merely an overhang spout in the space beside the tub. There is incense here, too, that wafts at times with the hot steam of his usual luxurious baths--Gale, let it be known, a sucker for a spot of finery.

The third floor: Dedicated solely to Gale's office and study--dressed up with a terrace. Inside the study, Gale keeps his inheritance and riches.

Going up the stairs this floor has no landing. In fact, it's only a passing door before one continues traveling up towards the rooftops. The door is unassuming, something old and ancient with brass knockers as handles. However, belying its normalcy is the swell of magic and light that glows from crystals within.

This room is what we are most familiar with: it is, as we have seen in game, Gale's study. And yes, it is by and large, Gale's most favored room--kitchen notwithstanding. Here, Gale's study is less a study and more a keep of ancient texts. His walls are littered with them, the copious amount of shelves not enough to cradle their wealth. Stacks of loose tomes can be found crawling up, up, up for the ceiling everywhere, and each one, he'll tell you, is one he's read once before--evidently not faking it like every other bookworm. He knows where each one seems to lay by heart, even the four hundredth manual in an uninspiring shade of brown. He's a crackling hearth, one he's charmed to run forever on and on, with a single chair and a sofa-too-many. He's a statue in a wait-high sizes dedicated to Mystra. He's spent more hours than he'd confess to kneeling before them, a memory he's no rush to indulge in again with any delight, both scrolls and flowers wreathing it like humble offerings. He's a piano he's manipulated to play when he desires, something of a tune that runs very soft and relaxed. At times, Gale himself will even pluck away the keys, the piano chair before it housing some rough compositions.

In this study, one will find a door, locked, to what houses whatever is of Gale's inheritance. Beside that door, one will also find the double doors to his brilliant terrace, outfitted with plants, a rug, and sun-warm sofa. Here, Gale likes to idle away his time, Tara in his lap and some wine on his tongue. In his year in solitude, he would rest here often, looking over the lullabied waters and its quiet ripples... Half mad, half yearning, and entirely wistful.

One can find some empty bottles of wine here with a heavy heart.

The fourth floor: A smaller room, something like an observatory.

Humble but absolutely dazzling, the top floor opens up to a darling observatory of sorts--not a proper room, no, but a mere floor with a railing that looks down to the lower, three-most levels. Here, the ceiling--again, those rich tiles of brown and gold--rest above your head, wide and unobscured of even a hanging light. Instead, there are candelabras set up about this book-littered room (with pillows, too, and a nice rug set up for casually laying) that flicker and whisper with its crackling song. Laid down on this floor, one would look up to that so-bare ceiling...and when Gale so whispers it, says those magical words, the ceiling seems to suddenly disappear, replaced with a ripple of the view of the stars. Here, Gale can trace the course of the twinkling cosmos. Immediately, the shine of the stars come to pale the combined wash of the candles, the atmosphere impossibly drusy and gauzy like silk. Gale likes it up here, relaxing in the majesty of the moon. Sometimes, he will find Tara flapping her wings here, a little trapdoor to the rightmost wall for her to come and go from when she desires. They will cuddle up together as she speaks about her nightly escapades of feline devilry. Gale, in a nest of pillows, will patiently listen.

[cosyefficient]

2024 Trend Report (so far)

I've got an exciting lineup for you today, a curated list of home design trends that I've taken special note of.

Some of these concepts might just phase out, some might be here to stay.

My specialty up until most recently was in kitchen design so let's start with kitchens.

Chunky countertops

It's all about adding some visual heft to your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This trend involves the use of thicker countertop surfaces to create a luxurious look. The thickness of these countertops adds visual weight and depth to the space, making them a focal point in modern kitchen designs. The look gives a sense of solidity and durability. It works with pretty much any kitchen style. You can even do a wooden chunky countertop. This countertop style features clean lines and straight finishes. Of course, the thicker the countertop, the more expensive it is. Maybe that's the idea.

There's a great kitchen island at the front window of Poggenpohl in Gastown ↓

A picture I took of the display kitchen closest to the window.

2. Statement island countertops

Turning the island into a focal point by incorporating dramatic stones and colors, sometimes with waterfall sides that put the slabs on full display. I have seen this done with a different countertop than the ones around in the kitchen, with a whole different grain and texture or color.

3. Butler's Pantries

One time I accidentally mentioned this to a client and she was like “I love the idea, I want this”  but her kitchen space was too small to incorporate something like this and I was kicking myself for having said anything. It's basically a secondary kitchen space, like a walk-in pantry.

 It's a little room attached to your kitchen that is for storage mostly. It helps minimize clutter in the main kitchen by creating space for pantry food, small appliances and extra countertop space. Sometimes there's even a smaller sink in there.

It’s like a mini kitchen/pantry space that is attached to your kitchen. 

It’s really trendy to make the doors to the butler’s pantry look like the rest of the cabinets and, like a secret door that leads to this pantry space. 

Now let's step outside really quick and look at a garden trend.

4. Meadow gardens

People want to live large in their backyards and it seems that a trend is leaning towards a very meadow-like garden (bring in those ornamental grasses!)

Grass lawn alternatives that are more drought tolerant and don't require much watering is also growing in popularity.

The vibe is lush and natural, maybe even slightly overgrown, full of native and climate-appropriate plantings that attract wildlife and pollinators.

5. Four Post Beds

Ok, to be honest I’m not crazy about this one but I’ve been seeing it more and more. I suppose I can look stylish. It’s definitely a statement piece. 

 The Four Post Bed features four vertical columns or poles, often made of wood or metal, that extend up from the bed frame. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.

It can come with or without a canopy, depending on the look. The kind I have been seeing a lot is the open frame design, which is more airy than with a canopy on top. A bed canopy adds drama and makes a bedroom feel more cozy.I just don't like the empty 4 post bed cause I think it kinda cuts the field of view rather than having everything be more open.

6. Color drenching (Paint)

Paint eryting. Even the trims and the ceiling. Color drenching involves saturating spaces creating a uniform room all around. Trendiest seem to be moody colors and of course neutrals. This trend encourages painting entire rooms, including walls, ceilings, and even trim. For those seeking a moody interior, deep colors can set a dramatic tone, aligning with the prevailing trend towards darker neutrals. On the other hand, for a more neutral approach, soft and subtle shades of creams or taupes can be used to achieve a serene atmosphere.

Beige and gray are kinda phasing out. 

Moody colors have been making their way into interiors for the last couple of years. If not on the walls then on furniture. 

Plums, chocolate browns, jade greens, reddish browns, dusty tones. 

Definitely some warmer wood tones.

Speaking of warm browns

7. Midcentury modern

 is making kinda a comeback but in a 2020s style (often times lesser quality, mass-produced like). Midcentury furniture pieces, color palettes and architectural details.

I mean who doesn't love mid-century?

Spaces both feel nostalgic and contemporary, fits into almost any kind of lifestyle.

I think we can tribute this to creators like Paige Wassel. Her style is very mid-century and she is a major influencer in the interior design online space. 

Key features of the trend are the tapered legs, statement lighting fixtures, and bold geometric patterns.

 I myself am very into it.

Very sophisticated and comfortable. 

8. Silver

Interiors follow fashion. There’s this industrial Y2K aesthetic that’s really prominent in personal style and that is seeping into interiors as well.

It is both sleek and grimy. 

Look at this kitchen,

As for pieces to add to an interior I think of the rivet series from FRAMA.

Silver (like aluminum), not mirrored. 

Mirrored furniture is out, that’s 2010 glam. 

Not only y2k but can also have a look of old silver like sterling silver. One with a darker hue underneath and that you have to polish.

Think more of like a knights armor or antique silverware with a bunch of carvings on it.

9. Pictures leaning against the wall

A bunch of framed pictures or photos not necessarily nailed on a wall.

People are putting art Inside cupboards, on kitchen counters, on bookshelves or as in the case I’m specifying here, just leaning against a wall. Layered often times. 

Mine around my house look like a bunch of frames stacked kinda waiting for something. One behind the other, all stacked against each other. 

It involves arranging multiple artworks of varying sizes and styles in a casual but appealing manner.

Its a flexible way to display your art, allowing for easy rearrangement and experimentation with compositions.

-----------------------------------

These are design trends in my world and I will continue to explore, following trends, their emersion, evolution and end.

[riftdancing]

💌siyoh please. :pleading:

It was a labor of love which left no room for rest, especially not for the weary.  The moon illuminated carefully crafted pine countertops which were littered with the various tools of her trade, one which had been clutched in her deceptively soft hand.  A hand softer than any Culinarian’s hand should be.  Softer than any woman as hard working as Siyoh Mari had any right to be.  Though when held and examined closely, one would begin to notice the battle scars of her trade.  Various old nicks and small burn lines told the tale of her learning experiences across tender taupe colored flesh dotted with small constellations of her beauty marks.

Her silky gainsboro colored hair had been drawn upwards into a neat bun and pinned with tangerine ornamented kanzashi, leaving her loose hanging bangs to cascade like a moonlit waterfall around her beguiling facial charms.  A simple tatsuki sash had expertly secured the sleeves of her kimono back from impeding any of her expertise.  The project?  Older than its wielder and crafted by the ancestors of her life-long friend, a treasured Sujihiki knife was used to slice through pork belly like butter.  Mari had been separating the belly into thick long cuts which she would then roll into an almost circular tube-shaped loaf.  It was wound tightly together, leaving no air in the center, by a coarse culinary twine both Siyoh and Azuma had spent a day together spinning in the late warmth of the last Spring.

The memory brought a warm smile to the Keeper’s painted red lips as the recollection was quite vivid.  As if she could still feel the afternoon sun warm and coloring her easily burnt moon kissed flesh.  She had sought sanctuary beneath the tangerine trees that day.  Though Siyoh worked in a kitchen full of savory aromas, the silvery siren could still smell the delicate fragrance of freshly blooming citrus blossoms which hung in the sweet air of that late season day.  Though the perfume she had infused with them later likely aided in the vibrance of her memory.  She had adorned herself with it daily ever since.

Azuma’s playful giggles echoed in her mind as she reflected on the gossip they’d shared that day.  Though she couldn’t remember the topic, Siyoh never forgot the warmth of her life-long friend’s laugh.  It was a comfort to her.  One of her greatest comforts.  To hear the happiness of both Azuma and Kokoya allowed a momentary respite for Siyoh’s soul.  Their happiness tempered her anxious mind.  Briefly the woman wondered if she would be so hardworking if the pair had not been such a pivotal part of her life.  But they, like Rex, were some of the last living strings left tethered to her deceased family and aching history.

The monochrome miqo’te’s focus was drawn back to the meal at hand as she seared the Chashu expertly for extra flavor before submerging the crisped pork into a bath of seasoning.  Zesty ginger, spicy scallions, ripe apples, sake, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh well water would create the long soak needed to bring out the meat’s true potential hours later.  As it had been snowing lightly in Doma for days now, Siyoh would be sure to inspire cold hungry bellies with the warmth of her hard work and passion in the form of a delicious 200-hour Ramen.

No one would ever go hungry beneath her roof.  They were free of the occupation now.  She would make sure no belly would ever go hungry again if she could.

♥ Thank you for the ask, @agenttrick! ♥

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Send a 💌 to my inbox and I'll write a little blurb.

• Just a few paragraphs or so, like a day in the life kind of vibe. • Feel free to specify a character!

[westcoastfloors]

Top Trends in Polished Tile Flooring for 2025

The flooring industry is ever-evolving, with polished tile flooring emerging as a top choice for homeowners and businesses alike. In 2025, this versatile option continues to shine with new styles, advanced technologies, and creative applications. From sleek designs to innovative combinations, polished tile flooring is set to redefine interior aesthetics.

Polished tile flooring combines elegance and practicality, making it ideal for a variety of spaces. Its glossy finish enhances light reflection, creating a spacious and sophisticated ambiance. Whether you're renovating a home or designing a commercial space, polished tiles provide a durable and stylish solution.

2025 Trends in Polished Tile Flooring

1. Large Format Tiles for Seamless Spaces

Large format polished tiles are dominating 2025. These oversized tiles reduce grout lines, offering a sleek, uninterrupted surface. Perfect for both modern and minimalist interiors, large format tiles work beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, and open living spaces.

2. Natural Stone Look with Polished Finish

The demand for natural aesthetics continues, with polished tile flooring mimicking the elegance of marble, granite, and limestone. These tiles capture the beauty of stone while offering enhanced durability and easier maintenance.

3. Neutral and Earthy Color Palettes

Neutral tones, such as beige, gray, and taupe, are trending in 2025. These versatile colors pair well with a wide range of decor styles, from contemporary to rustic. Polished tile flooring in earthy hues adds warmth and sophistication to any room.

4. Textured Polished Tiles for Added Dimension

Innovations in tile manufacturing are introducing textured polished tiles. These designs combine a glossy finish with subtle textures, creating a dynamic look that's both elegant and unique.

5. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tiles

Sustainability remains a priority, with eco-friendly polished tile flooring gaining popularity. Made from recycled materials and designed to last, these tiles appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Integrating Polished Tile Flooring with Other Materials

Polished tile flooring isn't limited to standalone use; it pairs seamlessly with other materials like bathroom laminate and kitchen laminate. For instance:

In bathrooms, polished tiles on walls and floors complement the durability and water resistance of bathroom laminate surfaces.

In kitchens, polished tiles create a striking contrast with the matte finish of kitchen laminate countertops, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Benefits of Polished Tile Flooring

Polished tiles offer a range of advantages that make them a favorite for 2025 trends:

Durability: Resistant to scratches, stains, and heavy foot traffic.

Aesthetic Appeal: Adds elegance and brightness to interiors.

Versatility: Suitable for various spaces, including living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Ease of Maintenance: Simple to clean and maintain their glossy finish over time.

Applications of Polished Tile Flooring

Living Rooms: Enhance spaciousness and reflect natural light with large polished tiles.

Bathrooms: Combine polished tiles with bathroom laminate for a water-resistant and visually appealing space.

Kitchens: Polished tiles paired with kitchen laminate surfaces offer both functionality and a modern look.

Commercial Spaces: Create a professional yet inviting ambiance in offices and retail spaces.

Tips for Choosing the Right Polished Tile Flooring

Consider Room Size: Larger tiles work well in spacious areas, while smaller tiles add detail to compact spaces.

Evaluate Color and Texture: Choose colors and finishes that complement your decor and desired ambiance.

Think About Maintenance: Opt for tiles with protective coatings for easy cleaning.

Conclusion

Polished tile flooring is set to redefine design trends in 2025 with its timeless elegance, versatility, and innovative features. Whether you're updating a bathroom with laminate or designing a stylish kitchen with laminate finishes, polished tiles offer endless possibilities. Explore these trends to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically stunning.

By incorporating polished tile flooring, bathroom laminate, and kitchen laminate into your designs, you can achieve a modern and cohesive look that stands the test of time.