Once their basement remodel was finished they decided that wasn't stressful enough... they needed to tackle every square inch on the main floor. I joke, but this is not for the faint of heart. Being without a kitchen is a major inconvenience, especially with children. The transformation is a completely different house. The new floors lighten and the kitchen layout is so much more function and spacious. The addition in built-ins with a coffee bar in the kitchen makes the space seem very high end. The removal of the closet in the back entry and conversion into a built-in locker unit is one of our favorite and most widely done spaces, and for good reason. The cute little powder is completely updated and is perfect for guests and the daily use of homeowners. The homeowners did some work themselves, some with their subcontractors, and the rest with our general contractor, Tschida Construction.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL ADDITION UNDER $100,000/2013 CHRYSALIS AWARD SOUTH REGION WINNER, ADDITION UNDER $100,000 A couple with two young children lived in this 1970-vintage rambler in Arlington. As their kids grew and they added a live-in nanny, they all needed more space, a bigger kitchen and a nicer backyard space where the kids could play. The home’s existing kitchen was 10’x10’ and adjacent to dining room of about the same size. Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to which to come home. A narrow hallway leading to the bedrooms was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen was poorly done. Design solutions provided by Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes included bumping out the back wall and moving the kitchen into the addition. The old hallway wall has come down and gotten wider and a new path from the front of the home to the open floor plan kitchen and dining room was created. The new kitchen has tall cabinets with a beautiful cherry finish and a large bay window over the sink area. A new island with seating provides added work space and more storage. The wood floors were refinished to unify the space. Finally, a new, larger wooden deck was installed where the family could enjoy time together.

Project 3362-1 NE Minneapolis Traditional Kitchen Refresh - Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. Twin Cities MN 55418 This project was a unique kitchen refresh project. The original Northeast Minneapolis home was built in 1920, and sometime in the 90’s an addition with a remodeled kitchen was completed. While the current homeowners appreciated the size and general layout of the kitchen, they wanted a more open floor plan to the dining room and to add some additional storage within the existing kitchen space. An old desk area was not useful for them, so that was removed and the fridge was moved to that area. New cabinets were added in the corner for some additional storage space for the homeowner’s baking goods and was set up as a coffee area. Where the old fridge once stood, the wall was opened up to create a new, wider opening to the dining room with a new peninsula for their kids and guests to sit. With some challenges in finding significant plumbing and HVAC in the wall being opened, the end result is a little different than originally planned – but that is the story of remodeling! All the original oak and new, matched oak cabinets were stained darker on the bottom, and painted white on the top. New Cambria countertops add a classic touch to the space, and the homeowners did a fantastic job of installing their own tile backsplash and Adura luxury vinyl flooring. They now have a more classic yet eclectic space to entertain their guests (and children) in for years to come. Designed by: Natalie Hanson See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3362-1/

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

Project 3362-1 NE Minneapolis Traditional Kitchen Refresh - Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. Twin Cities MN 55418 This project was a unique kitchen refresh project. The original Northeast Minneapolis home was built in 1920, and sometime in the 90’s an addition with a remodeled kitchen was completed. While the current homeowners appreciated the size and general layout of the kitchen, they wanted a more open floor plan to the dining room and to add some additional storage within the existing kitchen space. An old desk area was not useful for them, so that was removed and the fridge was moved to that area. New cabinets were added in the corner for some additional storage space for the homeowner’s baking goods and was set up as a coffee area. Where the old fridge once stood, the wall was opened up to create a new, wider opening to the dining room with a new peninsula for their kids and guests to sit. With some challenges in finding significant plumbing and HVAC in the wall being opened, the end result is a little different than originally planned – but that is the story of remodeling! All the original oak and new, matched oak cabinets were stained darker on the bottom, and painted white on the top. New Cambria countertops add a classic touch to the space, and the homeowners did a fantastic job of installing their own tile backsplash and Adura luxury vinyl flooring. They now have a more classic yet eclectic space to entertain their guests (and children) in for years to come. Designed by: Natalie Hanson See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3362-1/

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

Initially designed as a bachelor's Sonoma weekend getaway, The Fan House features glass and steel garage-style doors that take advantage of the verdant 40-acre hilltop property. With the addition of a wife and children, the secondary residence's interiors needed to change. Ann Lowengart Interiors created a family-friendly environment while adhering to the homeowner's preference for streamlined silhouettes. In the open living-dining room, a neutral color palette and contemporary furnishings showcase the modern architecture and stunning views. A separate guest house provides a respite for visiting urban dwellers.

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

This 1990s brick home had decent square footage and a massive front yard, but no way to enjoy it. Each room needed an update, so the entire house was renovated and remodeled, and an addition was put on over the existing garage to create a symmetrical front. The old brown brick was painted a distressed white. The 500sf 2nd floor addition includes 2 new bedrooms for their teen children, and the 12'x30' front porch lanai with standing seam metal roof is a nod to the homeowners' love for the Islands. Each room is beautifully appointed with large windows, wood floors, white walls, white bead board ceilings, glass doors and knobs, and interior wood details reminiscent of Hawaiian plantation architecture. The kitchen was remodeled to increase width and flow, and a new laundry / mudroom was added in the back of the existing garage. The master bath was completely remodeled. Every room is filled with books, and shelves, many made by the homeowner. Project photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

Project 3362-1 NE Minneapolis Traditional Kitchen Refresh - Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. Twin Cities MN 55418 This project was a unique kitchen refresh project. The original Northeast Minneapolis home was built in 1920, and sometime in the 90’s an addition with a remodeled kitchen was completed. While the current homeowners appreciated the size and general layout of the kitchen, they wanted a more open floor plan to the dining room and to add some additional storage within the existing kitchen space. An old desk area was not useful for them, so that was removed and the fridge was moved to that area. New cabinets were added in the corner for some additional storage space for the homeowner’s baking goods and was set up as a coffee area. Where the old fridge once stood, the wall was opened up to create a new, wider opening to the dining room with a new peninsula for their kids and guests to sit. With some challenges in finding significant plumbing and HVAC in the wall being opened, the end result is a little different than originally planned – but that is the story of remodeling! All the original oak and new, matched oak cabinets were stained darker on the bottom, and painted white on the top. New Cambria countertops add a classic touch to the space, and the homeowners did a fantastic job of installing their own tile backsplash and Adura luxury vinyl flooring. They now have a more classic yet eclectic space to entertain their guests (and children) in for years to come. Designed by: Natalie Hanson See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3362-1/

Vienna Addition Skill Construction & Design, LLC, Design/Build a two-story addition to include remodeling the kitchen and connecting to the adjoining rooms, creating a great room for this family of four. After removing the side office and back patio, it was replaced with a great room connected to the newly renovated kitchen with an eating area that doubles as a homework area for the children. There was plenty of space left over for a walk-in pantry, powder room, and office/craft room. The second story design was for an Adult’s Only oasis; this was designed for the parents to have a permitted Staycation. This space includes a Grand Master bedroom with three walk-in closets, and a sitting area, with plenty of room for a king size bed. This room was not been completed until we brought the outdoors in; this was created with the three big picture windows allowing the parents to look out at their Zen Patio. The Master Bathroom includes a double size jet tub, his & her walk-in shower, and his & her double vanity with plenty of storage and two hideaway hampers. The exterior was created to bring a modern craftsman style feel, these rich architectural details are displayed around the windows with simple geometric lines and symmetry throughout. Craftsman style is an extension of its natural surroundings. This addition is a reflection of indigenous wood and stone sturdy, defined structure with clean yet prominent lines and exterior details, while utilizing low-maintenance, high-performance materials. We love the artisan style of intricate details and the use of natural materials of this Vienna, VA addition. We especially loved working with the family to Design & Build a space that meets their family’s needs as they grow.

In-law suite above garage in foreground, children's bedroom over family entrance from parking and garage, pool house and outdoor entertainment pavilion beyond overlooking lawn and golf course. Photo: Fredrik Brauer

The dining room received a major transformation. The walls and ceilings were resurfaced, the sliding doors were replaced with a walk-out. The light fixture was replaced with a trendy industrial style fixture and edison bulbs. The dining table felt hip and cool with its solid acacia wood, and contrasting bench with 4 chairs. The exterior of the home received a major facelift and transformation, including new light fixtures, updated roof and facia, updated wood beams, wood door, wood ceiling and stone added to the entrance and more. This took the home from a dated look to an updated and fresh "modern farmhouse" aesthetic. The kitchen layout remained intact, while appliances, fixtures, hardware, countertops and backsplashes were upgraded . All three bathrooms in the house were also renovated, original hardwood floors were refinished and carpet and tile flooring throughout replaced. Additionally, the dated built-in brick fireplace on the ground floor game room was redesigned. The new fireplace design would now directly tie in with the modern farmhouse style of the exterior, complete with the addition of a large wooden mantle. DTSH Interiors formulated a plan for six rooms; the living room, dining room, master bedroom, two children's bedrooms and ground floor game room, with the inclusion of the complete fireplace re-design. The interior also received major upgrades during the whole-house renovation. All of the walls and ceilings were resurfaced, the windows, doors and all interior trim was re-done. The end result was a giant leap forward for this family; in design, style and functionality. The home felt completely new and refreshed, and once fully furnished, all elements of the renovation came together seamlessly and seemed to make all of the renovations shine. During the "big reveal" moment, the day the family finally returned home for their summer away, it was difficult for me to decide who was more excited, the adults or the kids! The home owners kept saying, with a look of delighted disbelief "I can't believe this is our house!" As a designer, I absolutely loved this project, because it shows the potential of an average, older Pittsburgh area home, and how it can become a well designed and updated space. It was rewarding to be part of a project which resulted in creating an elegant and serene living space the family loves coming home to everyday, while the exterior of the home became a standout gem in the neighborhood.

This is the before image of the fireplace! The dated built-in brick fireplace on the ground floor game room was redesigned. The new fireplace design would now directly tie in with the modern farmhouse style of the exterior, complete with the addition of a large wooden mantle. DTSH Interiors formulated a plan for six rooms; the living room, dining room, master bedroom, two children's bedrooms and ground floor game room, with the inclusion of the complete fireplace re-design. The interior also received major upgrades during the whole-house renovation. All of the walls and ceilings were resurfaced, the windows, doors and all interior trim was re-done. The end result was a giant leap forward for this family; in design, style and functionality. The home felt completely new and refreshed, and once fully furnished, all elements of the renovation came together seamlessly and seemed to make all of the renovations shine. During the "big reveal" moment, the day the family finally returned home for their summer away, it was difficult for me to decide who was more excited, the adults or the kids! The home owners kept saying, with a look of delighted disbelief "I can't believe this is our house!" As a designer, I absolutely loved this project, because it shows the potential of an average, older Pittsburgh area home, and how it can become a well designed and updated space. It was rewarding to be part of a project which resulted in creating an elegant and serene living space the family loves coming home to everyday, while the exterior of the home became a standout gem in the neighborhood.

A busy family with 4 active teenage boys needed to organize outdoor gear, sports equipment, and school supplies in an attractive and functional manner. We installed six built in custom "lockers" for each member of the family. The storage includes lockers, drawers, overhead storage and additional storage hidden in bench seats. Stone flooring was chosen for durability. Beautiful performance fabrics from Cowtan & Tout were chosen for cushions and to tie the design in with the rest of the home.