When the developer found this brownstone on the Upper Westside he immediately researched and found its potential for expansion. We were hired to maximize the existing brownstone and turn it from its current existence as 5 individual apartments into a large luxury single family home. The existing building was extended 16 feet into the rear yard and a new sixth story was added along with an occupied roof. The project was not a complete gut renovation, the character of the parlor floor was maintained, along with the original front facade, windows, shutters, and fireplaces throughout. A new solid oak stair was built from the garden floor to the roof in conjunction with a small supplemental passenger elevator directly adjacent to the staircase. The new brick rear facade features oversized windows; one special aspect of which is the folding window wall at the ground level that can be completely opened to the garden. The goal to keep the original character of the brownstone yet to update it with modern touches can be seen throughout the house. The large kitchen has Italian lacquer cabinetry with walnut and glass accents, white quartz counters and backsplash and a Calcutta gold arabesque mosaic accent wall. On the parlor floor a custom wetbar, large closet and powder room are housed in a new floor to ceiling wood paneled core. The master bathroom contains a large freestanding tub, a glass enclosed white marbled steam shower, and grey wood vanities accented by a white marble floral mosaic. The new forth floor front room is highlighted by a unique sloped skylight that offers wide skyline views. The house is topped off with a glass stair enclosure that contains an integrated window seat offering views of the roof and an intimate space to relax in the sun.

We re-imagined the back of the house by adding french doors with sidelights plus a transom which opens up to the exterior courtyard. The addition of a bay window provided storage for coats as there was not a great place for a coat closet on the first floor. It also created a bench seat for relaxing or putting on your shoes before heading out the door.

Douglas VanderHorn Architects From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

Essence Series® wood windows by Milgard. http://bit.ly/1LUMWp0
Example of a classic white three-story exterior home design in Seattle

Window World’s double-hung windows combine form and function, bringing easy maintenance and classic style to your home.
Elegant kitchen photo in Other

Bedroom - Centered by Design
Bedroom - transitional bedroom idea in Chicago with white walls

Stunning traditional home in the Devonshire neighborhood of Dallas.
Inspiration for a large transitional white two-story painted brick exterior home remodel in Dallas with a shingle roof and a brown roof

This bay window seat includes the existing custom cushion, new custom pillows, and one floral fabric length, contrast lined in green, is twisted to show both colors as it falls over and around a decorative pole, for a soft casual valance. The geometric square pillows were created using a complementary striped fabric. The client also ordered a second set of pillow covers for her winter decor. Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC

Inspiration for a large timeless three-story brick exterior home remodel in Austin with a hip roof

New Construction for a young family with traditional American and Japanese backgrounds. Photo Credits: David Stansbury
Bedroom - traditional carpeted bedroom idea in Boston with white walls

Boy's Bedroom with rustic charm, located the in walk through from main house to bonus room above garage.
Kids' bedroom - rustic boy medium tone wood floor kids' bedroom idea in Burlington with beige walls

The antique reclaimed beams and rafters were sourced with a local supplier from a 19th century barn located in Connecticut. Recycling never looked so good!

A long-term client was expecting her third child. Alas, this meant that baby number two was getting booted from the coveted nursery as his sister before him had. The most convenient room in the house for the son, was dad’s home office, and dad would be relocated into the garage carriage house. For the new bedroom, mom requested a bold, colorful space with a truck theme. The existing office had no door and was located at the end of a long dark hallway that had been painted black by the last homeowners. First order of business was to lighten the hall and create a wall space for functioning doors. The awkward architecture of the room with 3 alcove windows, slanted ceilings and built-in bookcases proved an inconvenient location for furniture placement. We opted to place the bed close the wall so the two-year-old wouldn’t fall out. The solid wood bed and nightstand were constructed in the US and painted in vibrant shades to match the bedding and roman shades. The amazing irregular wall stripes were inherited from the previous homeowner but were also black and proved too dark for a toddler. Both myself and the client loved them and decided to have them re-painted in a daring blue. The daring fabric used on the windows counter- balance the wall stripes. Window seats and a built-in toy storage were constructed to make use of the alcove windows. Now, the room is not only fun and bright, but functional.

Stacy Bass Second floor hideaway for children's books and toys. Game area. Study area. Seating area. Red color calls attention to custom built-in bookshelves and storage space. Reading nook beneath sunny window invites readers of all ages.

Example of a transitional dark wood floor dining room design in Denver with gray walls

Cape Cod; Dennis, MA This Cape Cod space embodies coastal living with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A prominent feature is the built-in window seat with Serena and Lilly pillows, which offers a sunny and comfortable spot to relax and read. The window seat is framed by built-in bookshelves, providing both a classic aesthetic and practical storage for books and decorative items. Warm, natural light floods the area through the large windows, enhancing the serene and open feel of the space.

Mike Schwartz
Example of a transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor living room design in Chicago with beige walls

The master suite has a towering 15' ceiling and large windows to keep the room full of natural light. The window seat has a built-in window seat with storage below. The window seat offers a great view of the backyard. Meyer Design Lakewest Custom Homes

This window seat is perfect for putting on your shoes to run out of the house! With extra storage on each side and a shelf with treasured items above. Blackstock Photography