The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us wanting some help with updating the master bath in their home. Their primary goals were to increase the size of the shower, add a rain head, add a freestanding tub and overall freshen the feel of the space. The existing layout of the bath worked well, so we left the basic footprint the same, but increased the size of the shower and added a freestanding tub on a bit of an angle which allowed for some additional storage. One of the most important things on the wish list was adding a rainhead in the shower, but this was not an easy task with the angled ceiling. We came up with the solution of using an extra long wall-mounted shower arm that was reinforced with a meal bracket attached the ceiling. This did the trick, and no extra framing or insulation was required to make it work. The materials selected for the space are classic and fresh. Large format white oriental marble is used throughout the bath, on the floor in a herrinbone pattern and in a staggered brick pattern on the walls. Alder cabinets with a gray stain contrast nicely with the white marble, while shiplap detail helps unify the space and gives it a casual and cozy vibe. Storage solutions include an area for towels and other necessities at the foot of the tub, roll out shelves and out storage in the vanities and a custom niche and shaving ledge in the shower. We love how just a few simple changes can make such a great impact! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

We were able to maximize the space by ensuring the design was well thought out. The transformation of this space went beyond aesthetics (e.g. tile selection and finishes) and is an example of how careful planning and attention to detail can result in achieving maximum potential and functionality in a small space. Highlights of functional changes include: -Expanded bathroom size - moved wall 10" taking space from the closet in next bedroom; -Moved toilet and plumbing; -Replaced original octagon shaped window to rectangular window, which offered the desired symmetry from front of the home; -Designed a fixed window that would offer privacy while showcasing the character of the 1920s home; -Installed waterproof, flat floor; -Designed custom linen cabinet and vanity to maximize storage and function; most bathrooms twice the size don’t have the storage of this one; -Added insulation to the two exterior walls and sound insulation to interior wall facing bedroom; -Added fan (there wasn’t one); -Moved the location (and swing) of the door over several inches; -Used wall hung faucet to maximize the limited space while supporting the desired modern vision of the space.

The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

This was a really unique project and the first house of its kind in the US. We used a new building system for the shell that incorporates steel framing with structural foam insulation and then gets sprayed with 3" of shotcrete on the exterior. It is an Miami Dade NOA tested product that was developed by a local company, Sprayrock Building Systems.

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client came to us wanting some help with updating the master bath in their home. Their primary goals were to increase the size of the shower, add a rain head, add a freestanding tub and overall freshen the feel of the space. The existing layout of the bath worked well, so we left the basic footprint the same, but increased the size of the shower and added a freestanding tub on a bit of an angle which allowed for some additional storage. One of the most important things on the wish list was adding a rainhead in the shower, but this was not an easy task with the angled ceiling. We came up with the solution of using an extra long wall-mounted shower arm that was reinforced with a meal bracket attached the ceiling. This did the trick, and no extra framing or insulation was required to make it work. The materials selected for the space are classic and fresh. Large format white oriental marble is used throughout the bath, on the floor in a herrinbone pattern and in a staggered brick pattern on the walls. Alder cabinets with a gray stain contrast nicely with the white marble, while shiplap detail helps unify the space and gives it a casual and cozy vibe. Storage solutions include an area for towels and other necessities at the foot of the tub, roll out shelves and out storage in the vanities and a custom niche and shaving ledge in the shower. We love how just a few simple changes can make such a great impact! Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Housewright Construction had the pleasure of renovating this 1980's lake house in central NH. We stripped down the old tongue and grove pine, re-insulated, replaced all of the flooring, installed a custom stained wood ceiling, gutted the Kitchen and bathrooms and added a custom fireplace. Outside we installed new siding, replaced the windows, installed a new deck, screened in porch and farmers porch and outdoor shower. This lake house will be a family favorite for years to come!

The Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door is a modern classic. Unmatched in fit and finish, these doors combine traditional design and expert Marvin craftsmanship with endless design combinations that will complement any space. Choose from Inswing or Outswing doors in a variety of styles.

Located on the Knife River just outside Mora, MN this family hunting cabin has year round functionality. In the winter, this home benefits from our insulated 16″ Hand Hewn EverLogs for an energy efficient performance that can outlast the long harsh Midwest winters. Energy efficiency is a key benefit in all of our projects. For this fishing and hunting cabin, the owner is guaranteed a warm and dry cabin to return to after a day of duck hunting or snowmobiling. Saddle notch corners with wide chink lines also add a rustic look and feel. Howard Homes Inc. designed and built this cabin.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Kim Smith Photo of Buffalo--Commercial Photographer
Example of a large mountain style master light wood floor bedroom design in New York with gray walls

This young couple was in need of an updated, functional kitchen before they started to grow their family. The original kitchen was consumed with dated finishes and materials. The function didn’t flow right as well. Not only did the garage access, directly into the kitchen, invite garage smells but just as importantly broke up the needed cabinetry space. Our client also desired elements such as a stand up island, new appliances, wine rack, and custom cabinetry allowing creative storage. By gutting the entire kitchen to the studs we were also able to reinforce walls, add spray foam insulation, and update mechanicals. They now have a light and airy kitchen full of function to live in for many years or at least until they outgrow it!

The owners wanted to add space to their DC home by utilizing the existing dark, wet basement. We were able to create a light, bright space for their growing family. Behind the walls we updated the plumbing, insulation and waterproofed the basement. You can see the beautifully finished space is multi-functional with a play area, TV viewing, new spacious bath and laundry room - the perfect space for a growing family.

Foam Floor Mats 5/8 Premium -- "These 5/8 Premium mats are great. I used them to convert our vacation home garage to a ''Boys Club'' for our 5 grandsons. They added protection for play activities and insulation from the concrete floor. We had a water leak and they were so easy to take up and dry out the floor. I even used them to line the foundation perimeter instead of painting it. The pictures say it all. Look how great the ''Great Mats'' made our Game room look!"

The owners wanted to add space to their DC home by utilizing the existing dark, wet basement. We were able to create a light, bright space for their growing family. Behind the walls we updated the plumbing, insulation and waterproofed the basement. You can see the beautifully finished space is multi-functional with a play area, TV viewing, new spacious bath and laundry room - the perfect space for a growing family.

The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

Renaissance solid bronze casement and picture window replicating old world craftsmanship, with narrow sightlines, factory glazing, and cremone bolt locking system. http://solidbronzewindows.com/