Home Wood Décor Blog | Designs of Distinction

Patio of the Week: Fresh Curb Appeal and a New Front Yard Lounge (12 photos)

The exterior of this San Anselmo, California, home did not reflect the beautiful modern whole-house remodel it had undergone about 10 years ago. The front entry had no walk besides a steep driveway, the front door was uninviting, and multiple posts and braces under the second level’s...

4 New Kitchens With Islands Designed for Entertaining (4 photos)

A kitchen island is great for entertaining. It gives guests a natural place to gather while creating a buffer between them and the cook. But other features, such as clever seating arrangements, wine fridges, and trash and recycling bin pullouts, can significantly elevate an island’s entertaining value....

10 Elements of an Inspiring Home Gym (11 photos)

It’s not so much the size of your workout area that matters — whether you have a corner devoted to yoga or an entire home gym. Finding the motivation to use your workout space is often the hardest part. Here are 10 elements to give your workout space (and you) a jolt of inspiration.

7 Ways to Maintain a Good Work-Life Balance (8 photos)

When you’re passionate about your work, it’s easy to forget to take a break. And it can be particularly tricky to relax when you’re working from home, or are in the middle of a big project. We asked five home professionals to share some of their strategies for ensuring they create the right balance between...

Kitchen of the Week: 1920s Spanish Colonial Charm for an Addition (8 photos)

This 1920s Spanish Colonial home in Kensington, California, has quite a history, including being the residence of J. Robert Oppenheimer during his time at the University of California, Berkeley. However, the home’s funky kitchen didn’t share that history; it was added on to the back of...

10 Bathrooms With Bold Flooring Ideas (10 photos)

Designers often refer to the ceiling as the “fifth wall” for its potential to make a significant statement. But a room’s floor has just as much potential. A bold color, material or pattern can add personality and drama — and even help visually enlarge a space. While no one is advocating for calling the...

15 Ways to Refresh Your Yard for Ultimate Summer Enjoyment (15 photos)

It may be the height of summer, but it’s not too late to refresh your yard for the season. The following 15 design ideas will help you give your outdoor space a pick-me-up without requiring too much time and effort. The best part is, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy your newly revitalized...

Before and After: 4 Bright Kitchens in 100 Square Feet or Less (10 photos)

A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped or cavelike. These designers used strategic layouts, light colors and more to give these four kitchens of 100 square feet or less a more open feel and a polished look — while increasing storage space. See if any of their savvy space-saving ideas might work...

Bathroom of the Week: Light and Airy Layout With a Fresh Style (8 photos)

An overabundance of tan and brown finishes and a large built-in tub made for a drab and heavy look in Michael and Yoshie Davison’s primary bathroom. Yearning for a light and airy feel with a fresh style, they turned to designer Shelley Vilov and project manager David Jordan, both of whom had helped the...

How to Support First-Time Remodeling Clients During Project Work (7 photos)

Homeowners remodeling for the first time may require more preparation and guidance through the process than experienced remodelers. In part one, general contractors and design-build pros shared their advice for helping...

8 Steps to Surviving a Kitchen Remodel (9 photos)

Congratulations — the kitchen remodeling job you’ve planned for months is finally ready to begin! Now comes the hard part: making do without a fully functioning kitchen for the duration. There’s no escaping the inconvenience, but with some smart planning, it doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your household....

10 Etiquette Rules for Outdoor Living (10 photos)

Many of us move outside during the summer. We host parties in the yard, grill and eat meals on the patio, relax by the pool and work in the garden. However, most of us share our outdoor spaces with uninvited and sometimes reluctant guests: our neighbors. And our outdoor pleasures can be their pain points....

8 Coastal Homes With Awesome Ocean Views (16 photos)

For design lovers, summertime is all about seaside getaways with great architecture and stylish interiors. Take an armchair summer vacation by perusing this diverse collection of beach houses and cottages recently profiled on Houzz, each designed to take advantage of water views while boasting its own...

Inspire Outdoor Relaxation With a Garden Fountain (22 photos)

Garden fountains draw people (and birds and butterflies) into the landscape. They also add interest, create outdoor ambiance and screen surrounding noise with a symphony of sound. Perhaps best of all, they inspire a sense of peace and serenity like few garden features can.
Here’s what to know...

Yard of the Week: Peaceful Retreat in the English Countryside (21 photos)

The plot this Surrey, England, house sits on might be huge — 7 acres — but the idea behind its design was surprisingly compact. “The owner said, ‘Make it eco-friendly and make it more interesting,’” says Kenn Daly of Sustainable Landscapes, who masterminded the project. “That was all. It was very simple.”
Work...

5 New Entryways With Mudroom Storage Ideas (5 photos)

A mudroom entryway helps people tackle and organize clutter before it makes its way into the rest of the home. And there are many ways to set up mudroom storage. Locker-style cabinets hide large items. Hooks offer easy access to coats. Open cubbies manage shoes and boots. You’ll find examples for those...

8 Golden Rules of Bathroom Design (8 photos)

Bathrooms are so varied these days, you could say that anything goes. But behind the differing sizes and styles are some common design principles that point the way to success.

Kitchen of the Week: Rich Wood and Green Bring Midcentury Style (13 photos)

Judy Nolin loves the color green and the clean lines of midcentury modern style. Her partner, Stephen Barrett, favors rich woods. So when the couple moved into a 1990s Vermont Colonial that Barrett’s son purchased as an investment property, they worked with designers Britt Mee and Rachelle Lazzaro to...

Pros Report Increased Business Activity and Tempered Expectations (18 photos)

Professionals across the home renovation industry saw modest growth in business activity in the second quarter of 2024. This is the fourth consecutive quarter-over-quarter increase for architectural and design pros and the first positive shift for construction...

The 10 Most Popular New Living Rooms Right Now (10 photos)

This Trending Now story features the most-saved living room photos uploaded to Houzz between March 15 and June 15, 2024.

Some living rooms are designed with formal entertaining in mind. Others function more as a casual place to kick up one’s feet. Whichever is your speed, you’ll...

How to Start a Kitchen Remodel (8 photos)

A kitchen remodel can be a big and challenging project — but done well it can transform the way you live in your home. The trick to making the renovation of this room a success is clear planning, both in terms of establishing what you want from the space and knowing what to ask your designer. Read on...

12 Backyard Games to Play All Summer Long (13 photos)

The sun is shining, you’ve got hours of free time stretching out before you, and the backyard is beckoning. From supersize Scrabble to yard Yahtzee and disc golf, make the most of your summer weekends (or staycation) with one or more of these play-for-hours outdoor games.

Bathroom of the Week: Warm Luxury With Transitional Style (13 photos)

“My clients were at a point in their life where they wanted to treat themselves to something wonderful,” interior designer Julie LaBruna says. Retired with grown children who had moved out, they’d considered renovating their primary bathroom for years. But it was a bad leak and a worse repair job that...

5 Ways to Prepare First-Time Remodelers Before Work Begins (7 photos)

For homeowners who have never hired a remodeling professional, a new project can bring up many questions and concerns. Without enough guidance throughout the process, clients can feel overwhelmed.
Eight general contractors and design-build pros share how they provide homeowners who are undergoing...

Before and After: 3 Fabulously Flexible Backyards (9 photos)

Maybe every family member has a different yard use in mind. Maybe your own wish list is long. Or maybe you just want a backyard that feels cozy for a few while welcoming to many. Resourceful designers can accommodate multiple uses in a single flexible design without creating a crammed-in feel, as these...

How to Cool Down a Room in Hot Weather (15 photos)

When the mercury rises, houses without air conditioning can get stuffy and uncomfortable, making it difficult to relax, eat or sleep. Even if you have air conditioning, you may want to save energy and use it sparingly. Try these tricks to cool down your rooms during summer.

The 10 Most Popular New Kitchens Right Now (10 photos)

This Trending Now story features the most-saved kitchen photos uploaded to Houzz between March 15 and June 15, 2024.
If you want to know the latest kitchen features and styles homeowners are loving, just check out this countdown of the 10 most-saved new kitchen photos on Houzz right...

7 Ways to Create a Neighborly Front Yard (7 photos)

Many of us find ourselves living in communities defined not by common acquaintances, knowledge and culture, but by geography or economics. Rather than knowing our neighbors from childhood, we may not know our neighbors at all. To create a sense of community, it’s often necessary to bring people together...

Yard of the Week: Meadows, Sculptures and a Zoned Layout (11 photos)

A major renovation to this Toronto family’s home had opened up expansive views of the back garden as well as access to it. Unfortunately, the overgrown state of the backyard was not in keeping with the style and quality of the new architecture. Also, the existing design didn’t forge any strong...

How to Welcome Summer Weekend Guests (12 photos)

Being a good host is something of a lost art. Balancing the roles of tour guide, innkeeper, cook and friend (while still managing to have fun yourself) can be challenging, to say the least. Make visiting friends and family feel at home, and ease the burden on yourself, this summer with a little extra...

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 […]

Sep. 27, 2023

Designs of Distinction joins NBMDA

New NBMDA Membership Designs of Distinction® recently joined NBMDA – the North American Building Material Distribution Association. With this new membership, we’re aiming to reach new commercial and residential trade professionals. Additionally, we plan to unveil a brand new Distributor Program at the 2023 NBMDA Annual Convention this November. Per NBMDA’s website, “NBMDA is a […]

Aug. 16, 2023

Live Interview with Chief Architect

Last month, we had the pleasure of going live on Chief Architect’s Instagram for an interview about Designs of Distinction and our new Chief Architect design software catalog. Continue reading for interview highlights from August 2023. The Interview Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and Designs of Distinction by Brown Wood, Inc.? […]

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? – […]

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