Home Wood Décor Blog | Designs of Distinction

Patio of the Week: Multiuse Yard Extends Family Living Outside (11 photos)

This family of four in Austin, Texas, wanted to freshen up the exterior of its newly purchased home and create a multifunctional backyard. Landscape architect Brian Baughman was tasked with transforming the yard into outdoor living areas for the family to gather, cook, dine, read, entertain kids and...

9 Stylish New Kitchens With Island Features Worth Considering (9 photos)

A kitchen island is a popular feature among homeowners. But choosing which features to include in a kitchen island requires a good amount of consideration. Here, designers offer a few smart ideas, including open and closed storage, a microwave drawer and stylish waterfall countertop ends.

Your Guide to Perfect Bathroom Vanity Lighting (10 photos)

The stars of stage and screen spend a good deal of time at their dressing room vanities making sure they’re ready for the literal spotlight. Properly positioned vanity lights emit soft, diffuse light that reduces shadows and makes it easy for stars to look their best. While you may not be going onstage...

Kitchen of the Week: Vintage Style With Serious Baking Features (15 photos)

Carrie Ann Terrell and Jody Bjornstad didn’t feel their 1970s add-on kitchen with its dated finishes and fluorescent lighting complemented the beautiful wood details and high ceilings in the rest of their 1886 Victorian home. “There was this vinyl kitchen tacked on to the back,” Terrell says. Meanwhile,...

Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating (20 photos)

There are some fundamental areas of the home where it makes sense to invest more on certain pieces — or to hold back in lieu of something more rewarding. To help you create a balanced decor budget, here are areas to invest more in and areas where you can invest less.

5 Home Design Trends on the Horizon in 2023 (one photo)

It’s hard to know what the future holds. But if you know where to look, you can make some pretty good predictions. To get an idea of what’s on the horizon for home design in 2023 we talked to numerous pros on Houzz, looked at popular photos and pored over Houzz research data to find these...

Bathroom of the Week: Traditional Style in a 1920s Cottage (7 photos)

This 1920s Atlanta cottage’s first floor had just one bathroom that was shared by the home’s primary and guest bedrooms and that also served as a powder room. The arrangement was less than ideal for the homeowners, and they turned to Copper Sky Design + Remodel for a solution. The design-build firm’s...

8 Ways to Work on Your Yard This Winter Without Heading Outside (8 photos)

Winter weather can keep even the most avid gardener from working outside. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up all gardening activities until spring. Instead, use this time to focus on planning for later in the year or to knock out a couple of garden-related tasks that can be done now. Once warmer...

10 Times to Hire a Kitchen Designer (10 photos)

Wondering if it’s time to hire a kitchen designer? These design pros are experts at creating well-thought-out, functional spaces and are always up on the latest in kitchen design trends. If you’re thinking of undertaking a major kitchen remodel, renovating an old house or creating your dream kitchen,...

25 Living Rooms With Roaring Fireplaces (25 photos)

Fire symbolizes light and warmth as well as transformation, so gazing at flickering flames feels especially fitting during the wintry early days of a new year. Here’s a diverse collection of blazing fireplaces recently added to Houzz that will warm your heart and spark design ideas.

5 Countertops That Look Beautiful in a Dark Blue Kitchen (5 photos)

Kitchen cabinets in the very darkest of blues can look highly contemporary or beautifully traditional. But the drama of these dark tones can make the choice of countertop tricky — and the material you choose will dictate the look of your kitchen. Here’s our guide to what works best.

Before and After: 3 Outdoor Makeovers in 500 Square Feet or Less (9 photos)

A small yard can provide a surprising amount of outdoor living space, given the right design and an attention to detail. In the following three projects, landscape designers transformed underused outdoor areas into inviting spaces for entertaining, lounging and grilling.

6 Ways to Make Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable (6 photos)

Four architects on Houzz share insider tips for building and remodeling in a way that’s kinder not just to the earth but to your back pocket too.

4 Stylish New Kitchens With a Contrasting Island Color (4 photos)

The majority of homeowners either add an island or upgrade an existing one during a kitchen remodel. And nearly half of homeowners choose an island color that contrasts with the main cabinets, according to the latest...

Should You Have One Sink or Two in Your Primary Bathroom? (9 photos)

One sink or two? This is the classic debate for couples renovating a sizable primary bathroom. There are pros and cons to both. So what’s right for your bathroom? I spoke with architect Thayer Hopkins, who offered advice...

Kitchen of the Week: Sleek White-and-Wood Look in 140 Square Feet (8 photos)

This two-story 1871 Chicago building holds special meaning for Joseph De Vito and his wife, Adriana Carrasco. De Vito’s grandparents lived in a 700-square-foot condo on the second floor. His aunt used to own the property. And in 1991, De Vito opened a fast-food business on the first floor.
After...

Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Cabinetmaker (9 photos)

Cabinets that are designed to fit the exact dimensions and style of your home can be a thing of beauty, in addition to being highly practical. Here’s when it’s a good idea to hire a skilled cabinetmaker to build custom cabinets, entertainment units, storage shelves and other pieces of furniture.

15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan (26 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 over...

Bathroom of the Week: Modern, Elegant and Low-Maintenance (7 photos)

When this Toronto couple were building their new home, they wanted it to be fresh, casual and low-maintenance. Their builders recommended interior designer Diana Bastone to help them with the interior. She homed in on their tastes and lifestyle. “They knew they wanted a casual contemporary look that...

10 Kitchen Trends to Watch in Layouts, Features and More (18 photos)

When remodeling a kitchen, it’s helpful to know which choices are popular among other homeowners, even if you end up diverging from the crowd. A look at the just-released 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study offers a good jumping-off point for making those decisions. Here you’ll find useful details on...

When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs? (8 photos)

Pruning is a vital part of keeping the trees and shrubs in your landscape healthy and attractive. But when is the right time to do it? We’re here to answer that question for a whole range of popular garden plants. From roses, fruit trees and hydrangeas to deciduous and flowering trees, we’ll tell you...

Before and After: 3 Basements Transformed by Design (11 photos)

Basement renovations have unique challenges that upstairs spaces don’t. Basements tend to have low ceilings, a lack of windows and items like ductwork and structural posts that need to be incorporated into the design. Some even start out as crawl spaces with dirt floors and no access from inside the...

10 Dos and Don’ts of Designing a Kitchen Island (12 photos)

When it comes to creating a new kitchen, an island is a must-have for many homeowners, but how can you ensure yours is both beautiful and functional? Here, four kitchen design experts suggest 10 things to bear in mind to help you get this key element right.

Yard of the Week: A Sociable and Stylish Family Retreat (12 photos)

Describing it as the “final piece of the puzzle,” Paul and Tracey Richards couldn’t wait to transform the neglected backyard of their 1930s home in Hertfordshire, England. They’d renovated their home’s interiors and were eager to create a stylish yet low-maintenance outdoor space where the whole family...

10 Biggest Remodeling Regrets and How to Avoid Them (11 photos)

You don’t want to spend years dreaming about your home renovation, followed by several months of living through remodeling work — only to feel less than thrilled with the results. The good news is you don’t have to. We asked three renovating experts to share the 10 most common renovating mistakes to...

5 New Bathrooms With Shower-Tub Combos in 65 Square Feet or Less (5 photos)

Shower-tub combinations save space while offering the option of a relaxing soak or a quick rinse. That versatility and efficiency has made them a common feature in American homes. See how five pros created inviting retreats by combining shower-tub combos with stylish finishes, storage-packed vanities...

How to Light Your Living Room (7 photos)

When I was growing up, my childhood living room was strictly off-limits to kids and reserved for my parents and their friends. In my current home, however, we do quite a bit of living in our living room. Therefore, having a lighting plan that covers all of my family’s activities in our living...

Kitchen of the Week: New Layout With White-and-Wood Style (10 photos)

Brian and Amanda Johnson tried making a few adjustments to alleviate the problems they had with their 1990s kitchen. But after eight years of applying fresh coats of paint and switching out appliances, the couple, who have two teenage daughters, realized those minor tweaks weren’t going to fix the angled...

How to Organize Your House on Nearly Any Budget (9 photos)

Are you feeling overwhelmed by household clutter, or just know it’s time to get your home in order? Our organizing guides, broken down by room, feature a range of hardworking solutions and products to suit your needs and your budget.
To kick off your home organizing journey, I recommend...

7 Big-Picture Kitchen Remodeling Trends Happening Now (15 photos)

Homeowners are spending more on kitchen remodels, but they’re also increasingly choosing sustainable options that are more cost-effective in the long run. Pro hiring remains strong, and homeowner preferences for cabinet styles, lighting and high-tech features are shifting. Find out more about these and...

Mar. 29, 2022

Italian Mesh

Italian Mesh adds modern texture & color to your designs. Italian Mesh, a finely woven metal textile, is easy to install on cabinet doors & panels, wall accents, furniture, and more. It is available as 59” x 36” sheets (shipped as rolls). We offer cut-to-size panels based on your project’s specifications for easy on-site installation.

Mar. 29, 2022

Rattan

Open Weave Rattan is available as sheets (shipped in rolls) or cut, soaked and stretched to your exact specifications resulting in a beautiful, airy insert for all of your furniture and cabinet applications. Choose from natural or bleached in 2 styles. Rattan will stretch over time if subjected to pressure so it is best to […]

Jan. 13, 2022

How do YOU Tambour?

No wood component is more versatile than the tambour panel. Equally at home on walls, furniture, cabinetry or as appliance skins, tambour brings the outside in and provides texture, warmth and eco-friendly design to the home. Designs of Distinction by Brown Wood is proud to introduce 12 American Made Tambour profiles to their Kitchen, Bath […]

Jan. 12, 2022

Mixed Material Legs

Is it wood with a metal accent, or metal with a wood accent? No matter what you call it, everyone wants it. At Designs of Distinction, both our Furniture Findings and Kitchen and Bath catalogs feature all the metal and wood accents you need. From our pretty 6” Tip Toed feet, to our 5” Island […]

Jan. 12, 2022

Furniture Components

Furniture Findings by Designs of Distinction is featuring American Made Walnut, Ash and Maple furniture parts for the both large and small furniture makers. Metal accents including hand-woven grille, ferrules and sleeves in metallic finishes and stainless steel, as well as wrought iron table bases are just some of the stock parts available to furniture […]

Jan. 12, 2022

New Columns

Designs of Distinctions Column Collection adds two new styles and increases the functionality of the most popular island support post. New to the line are the 6” Arts & Crafts Column and Pilaster and the 3.5” Wright Column and Wright Column with Detachable Foot. Our Arts & Crafts Column is a stately design that works […]

Jan. 12, 2022

New Slimline Collection

Introducing Designs of Distinctions new Slimline Collection of low-profile accents for kitchen, bath and furniture. Understated, Contemporary, Clean. These are all attributes of today’s kitchen design, but that doesn’t mean decorative embellishment have disappeared entirely. It just means they are more subtle, elegant and designed to blend. Designs that scream “LOOK AT ME” are gone, […]

Jan. 12, 2022

Toe Kick Feet

Make all your cabinetry have the look and feel of furniture by incorporating one of our 5 specially designed Toe Kick Bun Feet. These feet are sized to tuck perfectly into the toe kick area without having to slab the back of a regular foot. Less hassle, easier installation and better design. Four of our […]

Jan. 12, 2022

Metal Accents

Add a touch of metallic to all your designs with our new line of Cabinet Accent Trim. Featuring slim profile, easy to install accent strips in multiple sizes. Available in 5 satin anodized finishes with pre-installed VHB tape for easy installation. Stock colors include: Satin Brass, Flat Black, Brushed Aluminum, Chrome and Warm Bronze. Looking […]

Jan. 12, 2022

Il Pannello

The Panel. A simple form with extraordinary versatility. Creatively arrange your wines, knives, shelves and tech in an ever-changing format. The beauty of natural walnut and white oak are combined with subtle metallic finishes to create a unique, one of a kind storage and display system. With our Il Pannello system you can mix and […]

Blog

Patio of the Week: Multiuse Yard Extends Family Living Outside (11 photos)

9 Stylish New Kitchens With Island Features Worth Considering (9 photos)

Your Guide to Perfect Bathroom Vanity Lighting (10 photos)

Kitchen of the Week: Vintage Style With Serious Baking Features (15 photos)

Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating (20 photos)

5 Home Design Trends on the Horizon in 2023 (one photo)

Bathroom of the Week: Traditional Style in a 1920s Cottage (7 photos)

8 Ways to Work on Your Yard This Winter Without Heading Outside (8 photos)

10 Times to Hire a Kitchen Designer (10 photos)

25 Living Rooms With Roaring Fireplaces (25 photos)

5 Countertops That Look Beautiful in a Dark Blue Kitchen (5 photos)

Before and After: 3 Outdoor Makeovers in 500 Square Feet or Less (9 photos)

6 Ways to Make Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable (6 photos)

4 Stylish New Kitchens With a Contrasting Island Color (4 photos)

Should You Have One Sink or Two in Your Primary Bathroom? (9 photos)

Kitchen of the Week: Sleek White-and-Wood Look in 140 Square Feet (8 photos)

Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Cabinetmaker (9 photos)

15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan (26 photos)

Bathroom of the Week: Modern, Elegant and Low-Maintenance (7 photos)

10 Kitchen Trends to Watch in Layouts, Features and More (18 photos)

When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs? (8 photos)

Before and After: 3 Basements Transformed by Design (11 photos)

10 Dos and Don’ts of Designing a Kitchen Island (12 photos)

Yard of the Week: A Sociable and Stylish Family Retreat (12 photos)

10 Biggest Remodeling Regrets and How to Avoid Them (11 photos)

5 New Bathrooms With Shower-Tub Combos in 65 Square Feet or Less (5 photos)

How to Light Your Living Room (7 photos)

Kitchen of the Week: New Layout With White-and-Wood Style (10 photos)

How to Organize Your House on Nearly Any Budget (9 photos)

7 Big-Picture Kitchen Remodeling Trends Happening Now (15 photos)

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