Home Wood Décor Blog | Designs of Distinction

How to Create a Bedroom for Aging in Place (11 photos)

If you’re designing a room you hope to stay in for many years, chances are you’ve thought about the need to make it work for later life. Or perhaps you want to create a sleep space or guest room that older relatives will feel comfortable in. But maybe thinking is as far as you’ve got, wondering if creating...

Bathroom of the Week: Warm and Elegant in 100 Square Feet (7 photos)

Looking for a timeless mix of traditional and modern, this California couple found Blythe Interiors on Houzz and tasked designers Lynn Siemer and Dani Pestka with infusing new life into their 100-square-foot en suite primary bathroom. The mostly beige-and-brown space had a workable layout, but a corner...

6 Reasons to Hire a Home Design Professional (8 photos)

Residential designers (architects, interior designers and others) bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to make sure all aspects of remodeling and custom home projects go as smoothly as possible.
Talk with almost anyone who’s ever tried to do a construction project without pro help, and you’ll...

10 Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (10 photos)

Choosing beautiful finishes and fixtures for your new kitchen is one thing, but if you get the layout wrong, it won’t function as well as you want it to. Houzz asked three design experts to reveal the 10 most common layout errors that kitchen renovators make and what to do to avoid them.
We...

Houzz Tour: Designer’s Own Custom Home on Lake Minnetonka (30 photos)

For years, Minnesota builder Dorian Thompson and O’Hara Interiors senior designer Gabe Lindberg have collaborated on beautiful custom homes. So when Lindberg and her husband decided to replace their tiny lakefront cottage with something more spacious and inviting, it was only natural to turn to Thompson...

Pros Share Their Top Resilient Paving and Hardscape Picks (8 photos)

Plants may be the heart of a resilient...

5 Contemporary Lighting Trends to Know in 2025 (14 photos)

Today’s contemporary lighting designs range from sleek and minimalist to bold and sculptural. This diversity — along with cutting-edge materials and production techniques — shone at the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), held in May at New York City’s Javits Center.
We’ve...

Key Measurements to Make the Most of Your Bathroom (17 photos)

Bathrooms come in second to kitchens as places where considerable attention is given to layouts and finishes, and size doesn’t limit the quality of their design. Learning a few key dimensions and common fixture sizes — and understanding that a compact space can work to your advantage — will inspire you...

5 New Kitchens That Stylishly Mix Materials and Details (10 photos)

Just like cooking a dish with many ingredients, creating a kitchen with several design elements can quickly get out of hand if you don’t know what you’re doing. But skilled design and construction pros can confidently layer materials, finishes, colors and patterns to impressive effect. Here, pros share...

25 Fun Backyard Design Ideas (25 photos)

When the weather turns warm and agreeable, it’s time to start planning more outdoor activities. If you’re looking to spend some of your outdoor recreation time at home this year, consider these 25 design ideas for creating a fun, laid-back outdoor space you’ll never want to leave.

Kitchen of the Week: Bright and Open With a Warm Walnut Island (7 photos)

This New England couple bought their Grand Cape-style house knowing they’d eventually remodel the dated kitchen. The parents of three daughters thought the overall layout worked, but they disliked the visually heavy aging wood cabinets and awkward two-level island. They wanted something light and bright,...

Yard of the Week: Cozy Spaces in a Beautifully Expansive Yard (12 photos)

This dreamy property in the coastal mountains south of San Francisco already had a pool, lawn areas, gardens and mature trees, including a large Japanese maple and many oaks. The homeowners wanted to make the landscape design more refined, cohesive and colorful, so they hired landscape architect Lisa...

Bathroom of the Week: Butterflies and Bows in a Fairy Tale Space (8 photos)

Designer Christy Mancera envisioned a fairy tale when pulling together the look for a Nevada bathroom shared by two young girls. “We wanted to make this bathroom a sweet dream space for these little girls,” she says. Butterfly wallpaper, a pale pink vanity, scallop motifs and bow-shaped...

7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (9 photos)

A huge reason many people don’t get around to tackling a decorating project is because they’re afraid to make a costly mistake. To give you the confidence to start your own dream design, here is a list of seven major design mistakes that can affect your entire project, along with photos of rooms that...

5 Top Trends From a London Design Event (15 photos)

Every May, one of London’s most creative neighborhoods hosts a week of innovation and design, and this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week (May 20-22) was the biggest yet. Visitors wandered the area to discover installations, new products, exhibitions and talks. Houzz visited the venues and showrooms to discover...

3 Fantastic Kitchens Designed for Entertaining (6 photos)

A great party doesn’t require a huge space, but the right kitchen setup can make everything easier for hosts and guests alike. An open plan for connection and flow, a clear area for prepping and serving, a bar area or beverage fridge so guests can help themselves — features like these enhance comfort...

Popular Materials for Garden Paths and Walkways (23 photos)

A garden path can be as simple as a strip of mowed grass through a meadow or as elaborate as an intricately laid flagstone entryway. While you may not opt for either extreme, understanding the range of available materials — their pros and cons, maintenance needs and durability — can help...

To-Dos: Your June Home Checklist (11 photos)

Summer officially begins June 20, but why wait until then to get into the summer spirit? Get a jump-start by prepping your home and garden for warm weather, setting up the perfect drip-dry spot for beach towels, reorganizing the kitchen (hello, smoothie bar) and more. These to-dos cover all the bases,...

7 Inspiring Garden Trends From the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show (7 photos)

The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held this year in London from May 20 to 24, was packed with creativity and inspiration as always. Houzz was there to cover the emerging trends, from woodland gardens to dog-friendly spaces and even the use of AI in outdoor areas....

12 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home (14 photos)

Designing for wellness at home means creating spaces that are good for physical and mental health. It incorporates everything from improving air quality to using textures, materials, colors, shapes and furniture layouts that ease anxiety and make us feel closer to nature. Here experts weigh in, offering...

5 Stylish New Contemporary Living Rooms (5 photos)

There’s nothing wrong with feeling nostalgic. But sometimes you’ve got to appreciate what the present has to offer. When it comes to home design, using innovative materials and creative building practices can lead to stunning interiors. For an idea of what’s possible, check out the details in these five...

Key Entryway Dimensions for Homes Large and Small (14 photos)

Entrance areas are often given less priority when a home is being designed, but these spaces are just as important as any other. Not only do they provide an entry point and a transition from the elements of nature, but they are places your guests will likely remember most.
Entrances...

15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan (28 photos)

“Open-plan layout” is a generic term used in interior design and architecture for any floor plan that makes use of large, open spaces and minimizes the use of small, enclosed rooms. They are, for the most part, free of interior walls or partitions. Open floor plans became popular in the 1970s, but spending...

Kitchen of the Week: Nods to History in a Renovated Farmhouse (8 photos)

This 1800s farmhouse in Dover, Massachusetts, had lots of original charm but also had undergone several renovations over the years. The homeowners, parents of two young boys, needed help adapting the kitchen to work with their 21st-century lifestyle. “I would describe my clients’ style as traditional...

Before and After: 4 Fresh Bathrooms in 100 to 140 Square Feet (12 photos)

With the right design and planning, bathrooms ranging in size from 100 to 150 square feet can be comfortable spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. To get an idea of what’s possible, check out these before-and-after photos of four bathrooms updated with storage, style and personality.

Bathroom of the Week: Modern Organic Style With a Shower Room (10 photos)

For these homeowners, a built-in jetted tub, glass block shower divider and funky layout weren’t giving them the style and function they wanted in their primary bathroom. Seeking a modern organic style with European flair, they hired designer Joey Snow to bring the entire California ranch home in line...

10 Tips for Designing a Kitchen That’s Easy to Keep Organized (12 photos)

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is where we gather with friends and family to cook, eat, celebrate and socialize. Spending so much time in the kitchen also means it can easily become messy and disorganized. Fortunately, you can design your space so that it’s easy...

Before and After: 4 Inspiring Kitchens in 320 to 350 Square Feet (8 photos)

A kitchen that measures 320 to 350 square feet offers tons of roomy potential. The abundant space allows for an open layout, optimized cooking zones and enhanced entertaining, all with plenty of elbow room. Here, before-and-after photos of four uplifting kitchen remodels show a little of what’s possible....

10 Times to Hire a Landscape Contractor (11 photos)

Wondering if it’s time to hire a landscape contractor? These pros are experts at managing all aspects of an outdoor project, including hiring subcontractors and overseeing work, keeping the work site safe and applying for building permits. If you have plans from a landscape architect or designer and...

Houzz Tour: Comfort, Character and Color in a Designer’s Own Home (30 photos)

Seattle interior designer Harmony Weihs and her husband have four children between them, three of whom still live at home. They wanted a house where they could be comfortable and casual while spending time together. After they’d saved enough, they found a very tight real estate market and limited options...

Dec. 19, 2024

KBIS 2025 Preview with Designs of Distinction

KBIS 2025 – Find us at Booth N2363 in the North Hall from February 25-27, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Click on the images below to view our KBIS 2025 Exhibitor Hub and KBIS 2025 Floor Plan. Don’t forget to get your FREE KBIS 2025 Expo Hall Pass on us! What you will […]

Sep. 20, 2024

October 2024 Update

Elevate Your Designs with Premium Decorative Components and Materials from Designs of Distinction® At Designs of Distinction®, we believe that the right finishing touches can transform any interior space. Whether you’re an interior designer, cabinet maker, builder, architect, or woodworker, our collection of premium decorative hardware and accessories offers innovative solutions to meet your design […]

May. 21, 2024

The Countdown is ON to IWF 2024

Where will you find Designs of Distinction® at IWF 2024? WHAT: International Woodworking Fair – North America’s largest wood products technology and design show. WHERE: Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. WHEN: Tuesday, August 6 through Friday, August 9, 2024. FIND US AT: Booth C2562 in Building C, level 1. *Post last updated July […]

Mar. 8, 2024

KBIS 2024 Review

KBIS 2024 did not disappoint! Marking its 60th anniversary, KBIS 2024 “exponentially grew from 2023,” attracting new and international exhibitors. Per NKBA, there was a 40% increase in new exhibitors at KBIS, and, with over 41,500 visitors – it was the largest turnout KBIS has ever seen. Per the official KBIS 2024 Wrap Up, “attendees […]

Jan. 9, 2024

KBIS 2024 Preview

KBIS 2024 is less than 4 weeks away! Preparations are well underway for our KBIS 2024 display. Find us at Booth #N1863 in the North Hall from February 27-29, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. UNVEILING AT KBIS 2024 We’re incredibly excited to introduce new collections, materials, finishes, and more at KBIS 2024. New […]

Dec. 20, 2023

Premiering at KBIS 2024: New Titanium Finish for Metallic Accents

PREMIERING AT KBIS 2024 | BOOTH #N1863 New Titanium Finish for Metallic Accents At KBIS 2024, we’ll be premiering a new Titanium finish for Metallic Accents at booth N1863. With the addition of the new Titanium finish, we will carry Metallic Accents in eight finishes come 2024. The addition of Titanium to our line is […]

Dec. 14, 2023

Stay Trendy in 2024 with Designs of Distinction

Trending… Sustainable, Organic, & Earthy At Designs of Distinction®, we work tirelessly to bring trending components and materials to market. 2024 Trend Reports reveal that sustainable, organic, and earthy materials are at the top of mind for today’s buyers who want to recreate the harmony of nature indoors. Our materials – including American-made hardwood tambour, […]

Dec. 7, 2023

Premiering at KBIS 2024: Base Shapes for Use with Tambour Panels

PREMIERING AT KBIS 2024 | BOOTH #N1863 Base Shapes for Use with Tambour Panels At KBIS 2024, we’ll be premiering our new product line – Base Shapes for Use with Tambour Panels – at booth N1863. We’ll be showing three new shapes, including angled (shown above), cylinder, and rectangle. Our new Base Shapes were inspired […]

Nov. 28, 2023

Partners in Style: Designs of Distinction is CMA’s Fall 2023 Featured Associate

Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (CMA) publication, PROfiles, is a quarterly magazine focused on member’s achievements, business practices, innovative projects, and more. Their Fall 2023 issue features Designs of Distinction as a Featured Associate; Kathy Constantine, VP of Designs of Distinction, had the opportunity to interview with Carla Atkinson from CMA. We’re excited to share the “Partners […]

Oct. 9, 2023

Designer DripEdge™ wins KBB’s Product Award for Functional Hardware

We’re excited to share that our Designer DripEdge™ has been chosen for this year’s KBB Product Awards in the Functional Hardware category! KBB – Kitchen & Bath Business – is the official publication of the NKBA and KBIS (National Kitchen & Bath Association and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, respectively). Each fall, KBB names new […]

Aug. 27, 2024

Architectural Wood Institute Annual Convention

WHAT: AWI Annual Convention WHERE: 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 WHEN: Sunday, September 22 through Tuesday, September 24 SUMMARY: Join us at the beautiful Omni Amelia Island Resort for a fantastic lineup of speakers along with the opportunity to network with and gain insight from other AWI members and industry partners. Find […]

Aug. 20, 2024

KBIS 2025

WHAT: Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2025, coinciding with the International Builders Show (IBS) WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center WHEN: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 through Thursday, February 27, 2025 FIND US AT: Booth N2363

Aug. 20, 2024

NBMDA Annual Convention

WHAT: North American Building Material Distribution Association Annual Convention WHERE: Hyatt Regency New Orleans WHEN: Tuesday, October 22 through Thursday, Ocotber 24 FIND US AT: Booth 1122

Aug. 20, 2024

Wood Pro Expo (WPE) – Lancaster, PA

WHAT: Wood Pro Expo WHERE: Spooky Nook Sports Center in Manheim, PA WHEN: Thursday, October 24 through Friday, October 26 FIND US AT: Booth 304 Get a FREE Guest Pass using the code BROWNW24

Jun. 12, 2024

International Woodworking Fair (IWF) Atlanta

WHAT: International Woodworking Fair – North America’s largest wood products technology and design show. WHERE: Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. WHEN: Tuesday, August 6 through Friday, August 9, 2024. FIND US AT: Booth C2562 in Building C, level 1. Get a FREE Guest Pass to IWF 2024! Contact us today – guest passes […]

Mar. 12, 2024

Closets Conference & Expo / Wood Pro Expo Illinois – April 17-19, 2024

VIEW OUR EXHIBITOR PORTAL HERE Register for FREE using Guest Pass Code: DDBROWN24 About the Show Conference: April 17, 2024 | Expo: April 18-19, 2024 Closets Conference & Expo is co-located with Wood Pro Expo Illinois The 2024 Closets Conference & Expo is the ONLY international tradeshow for the closets and home organization industry. The […]

Mar. 5, 2024

Closets Conference / “What’s Your Problem?” Breakfast – April 18, 2024

Closets Conference & Expo – “What’s Your Problem?” Breakfast & Roundtable Discussion Join us on Wednesday, April 18 at 8AM CST for the “What’s Your Problem?” Breakfast, hosted by Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), and sponsored by Designs of Distinction. This breakfast will take place at the Closets Conference & Expo in Schaumburg, IL at the […]

Feb. 12, 2024

Cut-to-Size Materials Webinar – April 10, 2024

Cut-to-Size Materials – Designs of Distinction Join us on Wednesday, April 10 at 11 AM CST for our first Webinar! In this session, we will discuss our Cut-to-Size Materials. We will address questions such as: – What does Cut-to-Size mean? – What materials are available to Cut-to-Size? – How are Cut-to-Size materials priced? – […]

Blog

How to Create a Bedroom for Aging in Place (11 photos)

Bathroom of the Week: Warm and Elegant in 100 Square Feet (7 photos)

6 Reasons to Hire a Home Design Professional (8 photos)

10 Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (10 photos)

Houzz Tour: Designer’s Own Custom Home on Lake Minnetonka (30 photos)

Pros Share Their Top Resilient Paving and Hardscape Picks (8 photos)

5 Contemporary Lighting Trends to Know in 2025 (14 photos)

Key Measurements to Make the Most of Your Bathroom (17 photos)

5 New Kitchens That Stylishly Mix Materials and Details (10 photos)

25 Fun Backyard Design Ideas (25 photos)

Kitchen of the Week: Bright and Open With a Warm Walnut Island (7 photos)

Yard of the Week: Cozy Spaces in a Beautifully Expansive Yard (12 photos)

Bathroom of the Week: Butterflies and Bows in a Fairy Tale Space (8 photos)

7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (9 photos)

5 Top Trends From a London Design Event (15 photos)

3 Fantastic Kitchens Designed for Entertaining (6 photos)

Popular Materials for Garden Paths and Walkways (23 photos)

To-Dos: Your June Home Checklist (11 photos)

7 Inspiring Garden Trends From the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show (7 photos)

12 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home (14 photos)

5 Stylish New Contemporary Living Rooms (5 photos)

Key Entryway Dimensions for Homes Large and Small (14 photos)

15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan (28 photos)

Kitchen of the Week: Nods to History in a Renovated Farmhouse (8 photos)

Before and After: 4 Fresh Bathrooms in 100 to 140 Square Feet (12 photos)

Bathroom of the Week: Modern Organic Style With a Shower Room (10 photos)

10 Tips for Designing a Kitchen That’s Easy to Keep Organized (12 photos)

Before and After: 4 Inspiring Kitchens in 320 to 350 Square Feet (8 photos)

10 Times to Hire a Landscape Contractor (11 photos)

Houzz Tour: Comfort, Character and Color in a Designer’s Own Home (30 photos)

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