Project Spotlight: Stunning 700 Sq. Ft. Home Addition by BMR Belmax Remodeling At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we recently completed an extensive 700 sq. ft. home addition project that redefined both style and functionality for our clients. This comprehensive project not only expanded the home but also upgraded its overall design and livability. From structural work to interior finishes, we handled every detail with precision and care. Project Overview Structural Upgrades and Expansion: The project began with the removal of an old deck to make way for a new addition seamlessly integrated into the existing structure. To achieve an open-concept design, we removed a section of the kitchen wall and installed a robust metal beam supported by two metal columns. This structural element ensured the second floor and roof were securely supported. New Spaces Added: Kitchen Remodeling: Installed custom kitchen cabinets with stunning white quartz countertops for a clean, modern look. Integrated a large peninsula, creating additional workspace and seating. Added recessed lighting for a bright and functional cooking area, along with new high-end appliances. Bathroom Addition: Designed and built a new bathroom featuring a walk-in shower with glass doors, a double vanity, and elegant recessed lighting. Installed new mirrors, a toilet, and high-quality fixtures to create a luxurious space. Dining Room and Bedroom: Built a spacious new dining room directly connected to the kitchen, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Added a cozy new bedroom with modern lighting and finishes for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Laundry Room Remodel: Upgraded the laundry room to maximize efficiency with new plumbing, electrical systems, and updated finishes. Exterior Upgrade: Built a brand-new deck adjacent to the new addition, offering an outdoor space perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work: Completed all necessary upgrades to ensure the new addition was seamlessly connected to the home’s existing systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Key Features and Design Highlights Open-concept design achieved through structural engineering with a metal beam and column system. High-end kitchen finishes, including quartz countertops, recessed lighting, and a large peninsula. Luxurious bathroom design with modern amenities like a walk-in shower and double vanity. A new deck addition that enhances outdoor living space. Stylish and functional spaces tailored to the homeowners’ needs. The Result The 700 sq. ft. addition has transformed this home into a spacious, modern, and functional retreat. The open-concept kitchen and dining area create a welcoming space for gatherings, while the upgraded bedroom and bathroom offer comfort and style. The new deck perfectly complements the addition, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Ready to expand and enhance your home? Contact BMR Belmax Remodeling today to turn your vision into reality!

"TaylorPro remodeled our kitchen, replacing cabinets, countertops and appliances. Keeping with the same footprint of our original kitchen and keeping our original travertine floors, Kerry Taylor helped us select a palette of rich, natural colors and materials--mocha-maple glazed cabinets, handsome granite and polished travertine backsplash tiles--to create a warm and beautiful new kitchen. He offered excellent design suggestions for placements of cabinetry and appliances. He recommended and implemented window trim enhancements as well as paint color and lighting design that brought the kitchen and attached family room together with a modern and very warm look. He created a rich, textured backsplash behind the stovetop that enhances the modern stainless steel vent hood. We couldn't be more pleased with the character and design of the kitchen and family room suite. To begin with, Kerry gave us a detailed estimate covering the likely costs of labor, cabinetry, granite, tile backsplash, construction materials and appliances. His estimate for labor, granite and tile turned out to be ""spot-on"" accurate. Much to our surprise, for example, the granite slabs we selected from Daltile turned out to be exactly the price Kerry had estimated when evaluating the level of materials we would likely install in our kitchen. Kerry kept to his original labor costs, to the penny. Each week, he provided us with an invoice that showed, in percentages, exactly how much labor had been performed that week and how much remained to be done in future weeks. The amounts he charged each week for his labor were exact percentages of the amount of labor his crew had performed to that point. Though these invoices invited us to do a little math to confirm the accuracy of these percentages, Kerry's figures were consistently accurate. The only categories in which Kerry's original estimate did not conform to the actual costs were in the areas of supplies from Home Depot (needed for the remodeling) and supplies from paint and hardware stores (needed for painting). These materials ended up costing somewhat more that Kerry had estimated. However, Kerry did provide us with receipts for all of these supplies. Kerry's cabinet man, Jerry, made a very workable design using pre-fabricated cabinets; he then customized the sizes of at least half of these cabinets to conform to the requirements of the center island, cooktop and pantry spaces. We are very happy with the quality of the cabinets. We found the installation expertise of Jerry's installer, Gil, to be top-rate. His installation achieved a custom look and all the cupboards and drawers worked flawlessly. Kerry's crew, Jake, Randall and Kevin, were great guys to have on site. They respected our property (and our dog) and possessed both skill and integrity. They arrived daily at the time they specified and worked tirelessly to achieve what they set out to do. We couldn't have been happier with their work. Kerry was on site frequently to supervise and coordinate their work and the work of subcontractors. The project went quickly and efficiently, and the final result was outstanding. We recommend TaylorPro very highly." ~ Judy & Ron C, Clients Photo By: Kerry W. Taylor

Contemporary Style Giving your kitchen personality & style is achieved by working with our designers to select detailed joinery & colour combinations. This client's brief was a contemporary space, with accent colours & surfaces. Cool green "Bayleaf" on the island with V-Groove cabinets are highlighted with matt brushed brass "nick pull" handles. Tonal variation is achieved with complimentary variation in the Caesarstone benchtops in "Snow" & "Cloudburst Concrete"

These Woodbury clients came to Castle to transform their unfinished basement into a multi-functional living space.They wanted a cozy area with a fireplace, a ¾ bath, a workout room, and plenty of storage space. With kids in college that come home to visit, the basement also needed to act as a living / social space when they’re in town. Aesthetically, these clients requested tones and materials that blended with their house, while adding natural light and architectural interest to the space so it didn’t feel like a stark basement. This was achieved through natural stone materials for the fireplace, recessed niches for shelving accents and custom Castle craftsman-built floating wood shelves that match the mantel for a warm space. A common challenge in basement finishes, and no exception in this project, is to work around all of the ductwork, mechanicals and existing elements. Castle achieved this by creating a two-tiered soffit to hide ducts. This added architectural interest and transformed otherwise awkward spaces into useful and attractive storage nooks. We incorporated frosted glass to allow light into the space while hiding mechanicals, and opened up the stairway wall to make the space seem larger. Adding accent lighting along with allowing natural light in was key in this basement’s transformation. Whether it’s movie night or game day, this basement is the perfect space for this family! Designed by: Amanda Reinert

Ornate light wood floor living room photo in Other with green walls

New build dreams always require a clear design vision and this 3,650 sf home exemplifies that. Our clients desired a stylish, modern aesthetic with timeless elements to create balance throughout their home. With our clients intention in mind, we achieved an open concept floor plan complimented by an eye-catching open riser staircase. Custom designed features are showcased throughout, combined with glass and stone elements, subtle wood tones, and hand selected finishes. The entire home was designed with purpose and styled with carefully curated furnishings and decor that ties these complimenting elements together to achieve the end goal. At Avid Interior Design, our goal is to always take a highly conscious, detailed approach with our clients. With that focus for our Altadore project, we were able to create the desirable balance between timeless and modern, to make one more dream come true.

The goal in building this home was to create an exterior esthetic that elicits memories of a Tuscan Villa on a hillside and also incorporates a modern feel to the interior. Modern aspects were achieved using an open staircase along with a 25' wide rear folding door. The addition of the folding door allows us to achieve a seamless feel between the interior and exterior of the house. Such creates a versatile entertaining area that increases the capacity to comfortably entertain guests. The outdoor living space with covered porch is another unique feature of the house. The porch has a fireplace plus heaters in the ceiling which allow one to entertain guests regardless of the temperature. The zero edge pool provides an absolutely beautiful backdrop—currently, it is the only one made in Indiana. Lastly, the master bathroom shower has a 2' x 3' shower head for the ultimate waterfall effect. This house is unique both outside and in.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Set includes: Pre-drilled door slab. Metal invisible frame (3 pcs) made of cold-rolled galvanized steel, with connectors and screws. 3D-adjustable concealed hinges. American style or European style handle and lock (per your choice). Door model – 2102 Coating – eco-veneer Door thickness – 1 1/2" Door core – solid wood. Modern frameless design makes this door a perfect solution for stylish interiors. Thanks to the minimalist look and absence of visible trims, it visually expands the space and blends seamlessly into any room. The eco-veneer coating is durable, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and designed for long-lasting performance. The engineered solid wood core provides strength, stability, sound reduction, and helps preserve heat inside the room. Door can be chosen with inswing or outswing direction. Flush design is available from one side only to achieve a clean invisible frame look. The invisible frame is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion. Extensions are available to cover a wall up to 7". Frame should be spackled and painted after installation to achieve a seamless invisible frame finish that integrates perfectly with the wall surface.

This addition and extensive interior renovation optimizes front and rear river views, natural light and indoor / outdoor integration. The use of craftsman detailing – adding a front porch – makes this home naturally inviting, functional and extremely livable. The design was challenged due to the waterfront lot restrictions, lot coverage restrictions (car port instead of garage), slope stability challenges and septic restrictions (only 15% of existing footprint was allowed). The rear eating area / sunroom addition was built on pillars to achieve septic clearances. The second storey addition utilized sloped ceilings, which finished at 10 ft. in order to create spacial volume. Open to below areas allow more sunlight in and help achieve square footage requirements. The carport helped meet lot coverage restrictions, but more importantly, helped lessen the environmental impact. Driveways and walkways feature natural stone for water runoff. The home exceeded the design objectives by maintaining formal entertaining, by eliminating walls and organizing spaces, creating comfortable family areas and by introducing natural light throughout the home. 2012 Finalist in the Canadian Home Builder’s SAM Awards for a Whole House Renovation $250,000-$500,000 2012 Ontario Home Builders Association Awards Finalist for Most Outstanding Home Renovation $100,000 – $500,000 2012 Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association Awards Finalist for Renovations/Additions $350,000 – $499,999

Mela 7001 White Silk Concealed Metal Frame 42" x 80" Left-hand Inswing Description Set includes: Pre-drilled door slab. Metal invisible frame (3 pcs) made of cold-rolled galvanized steel, with connectors and screws. 3D-adjustable concealed hinges. American style or European style handle and lock (per your choice). Door model – 7001 Coating – painted Door thickness – 1 1/2" Door core – solid wood. Modern frameless design makes this door a perfect solution for stylish interiors. Thanks to the minimalist look and absence of visible trims, it visually expands the space and blends seamlessly into any room. The eco-veneer coating is durable, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and designed for long-lasting performance. The engineered solid wood core provides strength, stability, sound reduction, and helps preserve heat inside the room. Door can be chosen with inswing or outswing direction. Flush design is available from one side only to achieve a clean invisible frame look. The invisible frame is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion. Extensions are available to cover a wall up to 7". Frame should be spackled and painted after installation to achieve a seamless invisible frame finish that integrates perfectly with the wall surface.

This project was driven by a commitment to sustainability and repurposing existing materials, seamlessly blending the old with the new while minimizing waste. The goal was to transform the backyard into a lush garden oasis with a low-water and low-maintenance design. Despite challenges posed by the property's proximity to the golf course and specific guidelines, a harmonious integration of desert plant life and low-water lush plants was achieved. Reusing existing materials and replacing natural grass with synthetic turf minimized water usage, while strategic plant placement utilized run-off water for sustainable irrigation. Navigating the constraints imposed by the Country Club, the project created a cohesive outdoor space and repurposed cobblestones to bridge the gap between the golf course and the rear of the property. This project achieved a balance between ecological consciousness and aesthetic beauty, allowing the garden oasis to coexist harmoniously with the golf course backdrop, providing the clients with a serene and vibrant landscape that aligns with their vision and respects the natural resources of the community.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

The client approached us as he had a property that benefited from an elevated position and water views over the Georges River. The current home needed a change to the layout, additional bedrooms and living spaces that captured the magnificent views and catering for their retirement. The existing property had a garage, rumpus room and two terrace’s within the front setback along the boundary which needed to remain as part of the proposal as it would not be permissible to reinstate them under the current planning rules. The floor plan of the development is meticulous in providing for the needs of the client. As seniors in their 70’s we were keen to provide easy access on a steep sloping block. The driveway, lift and elevation of the main floor level adjacent to the rear garden has achieved this brilliantly. Enjoyment of the stunning views over the river was of paramount importance and this has been elegantly achieved. There are great views from all three terraces, the entire upper floor, including the master bedroom, the lift, the rear patio and rear garden. The highlight of this home, however, is the enthusiastic manner which, both the client and designer approached the picturesque views. Large double glazed windows and doors optimally located provide wonderful thermal efficiency and a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors whilst ensuring privacy from neighbouring sites. The light and airy feeling in this space is complemented with the natural coastal finishes prevalent throughout the home.

This project was the result of the owner’s desire to install a swimming pool and outdoor living space inspired by tropical resorts they had visited on family vacations. The one element asked for specifically was a large waterfall spilling into the pool. The challenge for the designers was how to achieve the look the owner’s wished without the use of clichéd items such as thatched huts and tiki torches. The designers decided lush full plantings using plants found in the northeast region that met certain design criteria would be the primary way of giving the tropical feel. Boulder outcroppings, irregular stone paving and fire bowls along the back of the pool would complete the look. The property is located in a newer subdivision with homes on both sides and a school to the rear. A walkway connects the neighborhood and the school along one side. The desired privacy would be addressed by the placement of plants and trees around the perimeter in mounded beds. Placing the waterfall to the rear of the pool helped block the view of the school beyond. The township had restrictions on the amount of impervious material allowable on site. The patio was designed to the maximum allowable size with square footage going to where it would be most usable. Planting beds were cut into the patio to decrease unnecessary square footage, divide spaces, and allow for more places to add plants and trees. A rectangular swimming pool was chosen to make it easier to install an automatic pool cover. The pool was designed, with input from the landscape designers, and contracted separately by the owner. The landscape designers chose the location of pool and waterfall so that it was prominently placed to be the focal point of the backyard. The pool includes a curving sunbathing shelf running from end to end, finished in a lighter color to make it more visible, with removable umbrellas for shade and to add to the resort feel. To tie into the boulders used throughout the design, a large boulder was used as a substitute for a diving board. The yard sloped down towards the back of the property which required a large amount of soil to be added and large boulder retaining wall along the back. For the planting design, the designers choose to focus on plants with larger leaves, various leaf colors and textures, and plants with large flowers in bold colors. These plants were then arranged into a loose lush planting scheme mixed with more traditional northeast plants such as pines, grasses, and roses. Unique plants such as hardy bananas were added for their tropical and exotic look. The full planting beds help to nestle in and enclose the living space. Broken flagstone was chosen for the patio and intentionally left irregular at the edges. PA flagstone was avoided and a stone with gold and brown tones was chosen. Boulder outcroppings added to the natural and tropical theme. The fire pit was designed with a large built-in bench to increase the amount of seating. The designers chose a rounded smooth shape and incorporated the same stone as the pool coping for the caps and bench. For entertaining guests the outdoor kitchen was outfitted with a large gas grill, beverage taps, refrigerator, sink and a dedicated lobster cooker. The kitchen was finished with granite countertops and stainless steel cabinets. Two strategically placed fire bowls, along with the low voltage lighting, add additional interest to the space at night. While the designers were faced with many challenges the resulting design incorporated enough elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Using plants appropriate to the northeast that fit the design criteria and carefully choosing hardscaping materials was essential. The owner’s feel they now have their own tropical theme resort right in their Pennsylvania backyard.

The premise for this remodel was to update their cramped white kitchen with an open concept. With the laminate peeling off of the doors and the kitchen lacking functionality, it was up to us to achieve a more flowing space. They decided on using Merillat cabinetry in cherry wood with a Paprika stain, finished on a Bayville door. This combination matched their already gorgeous entertainment center perfectly. To achieve a more aesthetically pleasing space we removed half of the wall that was bordering the hallway. With that, we also had to remove the arch that was separating the hallway with the living room. This opened up the whole room and allowed us to give the homeowners a large peninsula low bar with plenty of overhang to seat 7 guests comfortably. We removed the standard drywall pantry and installed a 8' tall pantry that matched the cabinetry. In the hallway we opted for a classic wine bar set up with an X wine cube above and a wine refrigerator below. Stacked cabinets throughout give the entire area a grandiose feel while also adding much needed storage. Other subtleties included changing the refrigerator and sink locations to attain a kitchen that made sense to the homeowners.

After working with this client on their home a few years ago, we were given the opportunity to create a landscape design for one of their multi-family properties. The goal was to create a landscape that not only enhances the property and fits the style of the building, but is also as cost effective and low maintenance as possible. We achieved this by keeping a limited plant palette, utilizing gravel and artificial turf, and exploring various options for hardscape and screening to achieve the desired look without blowing the budget. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos by East Coast Virtual Tours

These Woodbury clients came to Castle to transform their unfinished basement into a multi-functional living space.They wanted a cozy area with a fireplace, a ¾ bath, a workout room, and plenty of storage space. With kids in college that come home to visit, the basement also needed to act as a living / social space when they’re in town. Aesthetically, these clients requested tones and materials that blended with their house, while adding natural light and architectural interest to the space so it didn’t feel like a stark basement. This was achieved through natural stone materials for the fireplace, recessed niches for shelving accents and custom Castle craftsman-built floating wood shelves that match the mantel for a warm space. A common challenge in basement finishes, and no exception in this project, is to work around all of the ductwork, mechanicals and existing elements. Castle achieved this by creating a two-tiered soffit to hide ducts. This added architectural interest and transformed otherwise awkward spaces into useful and attractive storage nooks. We incorporated frosted glass to allow light into the space while hiding mechanicals, and opened up the stairway wall to make the space seem larger. Adding accent lighting along with allowing natural light in was key in this basement’s transformation. Whether it’s movie night or game day, this basement is the perfect space for this family! Designed by: Amanda Reinert

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.