More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioMixing wood tones in a kitchen doesn’t mean everything has to match. In fact, some of the most beautiful and timeless kitchens are designed by intentionally mixing different woods, painted cabinetry, flooring, hardware, and stone.In this episode, I’m sharing the design rules I use to mix wood tones and cabinet finishes without making a kitchen feel busy or disconnected.We’ll talk about the Rule of Three, why your wood floors and cabinets shouldn’t be an exact match, how to work with warm vs. cool undertones, and how countertops and hardware can act as a bridge to bring the entire palette together.Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or trying to choose finishes for your home, these tips will help you create a space that feels layered, intentional, and timeless.Serving homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, AKG Design Studio creates functional, distinctive interiors designed around the way you live.

The transformation continues! In this episode, I’m taking you back inside this Mid-Century Contemporary home renovation in Northern Virginia to see how the design has evolved and how some of the spaces we planned are finally coming together.From the kitchen to the fireplace and the overall flow of the home, I’m sharing the latest progress, the design decisions behind the renovation, and how we’re creating a space that feels modern, functional, distinctive, and timeless.For me, a successful renovation isn’t just about making a home look beautiful, it’s about creating spaces that truly support the way my clients live.If you’re planning a home renovation in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland, follow along for more interior design tips, renovation inspiration, and real project transformations from AKG Design Studio.

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudio

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioPlanning a bathroom remodel and trying to decide between a curbless shower and a traditional curbed shower? I love the seamless, spa-like look of a curbless shower, but there’s much more to consider than aesthetics alone.In this episode of Design Tips & Sips, I’m breaking down curbless vs. curbed showers and sharing what I consider when designing a bathroom, from construction and waterproofing to drainage, accessibility, cost, and everyday functionality.I’ll cover:• Curbless shower construction and structural requirements• Curbless vs. curbed shower costs• Linear drains vs. traditional shower drains• Bathroom waterproofing and water containment• Aging-in-place and accessible bathroom design• When I recommend considering a curbless shower• How I choose the right shower design based on the space and lifestyleI love creating bathrooms that feel beautiful and luxurious, but they also have to function for the people who use them every day. A curbless walk-in shower can be an incredible design feature, but whether it’s the right choice depends on your bathroom layout, existing structure, lifestyle, accessibility needs, and renovation budget.If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Reston, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, or the greater DMV area, I hope this episode helps you understand what to consider before choosing your shower design.

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioThis mid-century contemporary home renovation in Northern Virginia is officially underway, and one of the biggest transformations is happening in the kitchen and fireplace area.The original kitchen only had access from one side, which made the main floor feel more closed off. By opening the kitchen from both sides, we’re creating better flow and allowing easier access between the kitchen, living room, and surrounding spaces.In this first renovation update, I’m walking you through the demolition, the new kitchen layout, the fireplace transformation, and another smart use of space, converting a former closet into a new bathroom.These layout changes are all about making the home feel more connected, functional, and intentional while respecting its mid-century contemporary character.Follow along with AKG Design Studio as we transform this home and share the design decisions behind the renovation.Serving clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.

Planning a home renovation in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland and wondering where you should splurge and where you can save?In this episode of Design Tips & Sips, I’m breaking down the renovation investments that truly make a difference in how your home looks, feels, and functions over time.As an interior designer serving Northern Virginia, Reston, the Washington DC area, and Maryland, I help homeowners prioritize their renovation budgets so they can invest in the details that matter most, without overspending on elements that can easily be updated later.We’re covering where it makes sense to splurge on:• Kitchen cabinetry and hardware• Countertops and work surfaces• Plumbing fixtures and shower systems• Waterproofing and in-wall construction• Flooring and other high-use materialsAnd where you can strategically save on:• Backsplash and decorative tile• Lighting accents• Cabinet fronts• Rugs, furniture, and artwork• Cosmetic finishes that can be changed over timeI’ll also walk you through my 80/20 renovation rule and explain how I balance foundational investments with a few high-impact design moments to create spaces that feel elevated, functional, distinctive, and timeless.Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Reston, a bathroom renovation in Northern Virginia, or a whole-home renovation in the Washington DC metro area, these interior design tips can help you make smarter decisions with your renovation budget.A little splurge, a little save , just like a well-planned renovation. 🥂More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudio#NorthernVirginiaInteriorDesigner #VirginiaInteriorDesigner #RestonInteriorDesigner #WashingtonDCInteriorDesigner #DMVInteriorDesigner #NorthernVirginiaRenovation #KitchenRemodelVirginia #BathroomRenovation #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTips #KitchenDesign #SplurgeVsSave

There’s something special about hearing a homeowner describe what it feels like to finally see her kitchen come together.For this green and white kitchen renovation, I wanted to create a space that felt elevated, practical, and completely personal to the way they lives.From the design decisions to the final reveal, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a kitchen that feels beautiful and effortless to use every day.If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or the Washington, DC area, this is what a truly tailored design experience can look like.More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudio#KitchenRenovation #HomeownerTestimonial #GreenKitchen #WhiteKitchen #LuxuryKitchenDesign #NorthernVirginiaInteriorDesigner #DMVInteriorDesigner #kitchenremodel

More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioA kitchen transformation in Alexandria, Virginia that completely changed the way this home feels.What was once a dated, visually heavy kitchen is now a warm, refined space designed around how my clients actually live.We introduced rich walnut cabinetry, statement tile, elevated finishes, a generous island, and thoughtful details that give the kitchen personality without sacrificing practicality.My goal wasn’t simply to make this kitchen beautiful. It was to create a space that feels intentional, timeless, and effortless to live in every day.This is what livable luxury looks like.Planning a kitchen remodel in Alexandria, Northern Virginia, or the DC area? Let’s create a space tailored to the way you live.#AlexandriaVA #AlexandriaInteriorDesigner #KitchenRemodel #KitchenRenovation #LuxuryKitchenDesign #NorthernVirginiaInteriorDesigner #VirginiaInteriorDesigner #AKGDesignStudio

What do wine, antiques, and interior design have in common? More than you might think.In this episode, I sit down with Jen Monago, Certified Sommelier and founder of Kinship Wine + Wares, for a conversation about the art of collecting, the stories behind the pieces we bring into our homes, and how wine, vintage finds, and thoughtful design can all reflect the way we live.Because the most memorable spaces aren’t simply decorated, they’re collected over time, filled with meaning, and designed to tell your story.Join us for a conversation about timeless taste, personal style, and The Art of Living.More about me & AKG Design Studio:🌐 Read more!https://akgdesignstudio.com🖋️ Subscribe on Substackhttps://theakgdesignstudio.substack.com/subscribe?params=[object%20Object]📘 Facebookhttps://facebook.com/AKGDESIGNSTUDIO📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/theakgdesignstudioConnect with Jen Monago + Kinship Wine + WaresKinship Wine + Wares1635B Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190https://www.instagram.com/kinshipwinehttps://www.kinshipwine.com