When buying the house, the homeowners loved the location, but needed to make the space more open and functional for their family. Having three young children, they wanted to make sure adequate sight lines were included between the kitchen and great room since they knew that’s where they would spend most of their time. The homeowners also wanted to update the space to match their modern design tastes. The home was a traditional design, but coming from New York City, these homeowners sought to bring a city vibe to their home while making it more functional for their needs. The opening between the great room and kitchen was enlarged by adding a 13’ beam to the home. The kitchen design was modified to get rid of an awkward and small pantry along with eliminating a window to allow for more cabinetry. The custom island includes a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Outlets were hidden under the upper cabinets to give the backsplash a clean look and feel. The home had two home offices, one of them was converted to a workout space. Custom millwork was completed to modernize the two-way fireplace. Additional hardwood flooring was added to the first floor, and all was refinished to match. New lighting was installed throughout the first floor as well. The small laundry room was reconfigured to allow more storage including adding a pocket door to save on real estate. Removing the kitchen pantry, gave the laundry more storage space for hanging laundry and storing supplies. All these remodeling decisions took place from afar while the homeowners still lived in NYC.

This custom baby gate is a perfect blend of safety and style. Crafted from high-quality Red Oak, the gate exudes a natural warmth and elegance. The wood has been treated with a stain finish, enhancing the grain's beauty and providing a durable surface that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The baby gate is designed for secure attachment to both railings and walls. This ensures optimal stability and prevents the gate from being dislodged, providing a safe environment for your little one. The attachment points are thoughtfully designed to be unobtrusive, preserving the gate's aesthetic appeal. One of the standout features of this baby gate is the custom-made brakes. Constructed from sturdy aluminum, these brakes ensure that the gate remains firmly in place when closed. They are designed for easy operation, allowing you to open and close the gate smoothly and effortlessly. The gate also features custom locks for added security. These locks are designed to be easy for adults to operate, yet difficult for little hands to manipulate. This ensures that your child remains safely behind the gate while also allowing you easy access when needed. In summary, this custom baby gate offers a harmonious blend of style, safety, and functionality. It's beautiful Red Oak construction, stain finish, and thoughtful safety features make it a valuable addition to any home with young children.

When buying the house, the homeowners loved the location, but needed to make the space more open and functional for their family. Having three young children, they wanted to make sure adequate sight lines were included between the kitchen and great room since they knew that’s where they would spend most of their time. The homeowners also wanted to update the space to match their modern design tastes. The home was a traditional design, but coming from New York City, these homeowners sought to bring a city vibe to their home while making it more functional for their needs. The opening between the great room and kitchen was enlarged by adding a 13’ beam to the home. The kitchen design was modified to get rid of an awkward and small pantry along with eliminating a window to allow for more cabinetry. The custom island includes a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Outlets were hidden under the upper cabinets to give the backsplash a clean look and feel. The home had two home offices, one of them was converted to a workout space. Custom millwork was completed to modernize the two-way fireplace. Additional hardwood flooring was added to the first floor, and all was refinished to match. New lighting was installed throughout the first floor as well. The small laundry room was reconfigured to allow more storage including adding a pocket door to save on real estate. Removing the kitchen pantry, gave the laundry more storage space for hanging laundry and storing supplies. All these remodeling decisions took place from afar while the homeowners still lived in NYC.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments. The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard. Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

When buying the house, the homeowners loved the location, but needed to make the space more open and functional for their family. Having three young children, they wanted to make sure adequate sight lines were included between the kitchen and great room since they knew that’s where they would spend most of their time. The homeowners also wanted to update the space to match their modern design tastes. The home was a traditional design, but coming from New York City, these homeowners sought to bring a city vibe to their home while making it more functional for their needs. The opening between the great room and kitchen was enlarged by adding a 13’ beam to the home. The kitchen design was modified to get rid of an awkward and small pantry along with eliminating a window to allow for more cabinetry. The custom island includes a microwave, sink and dishwasher. Outlets were hidden under the upper cabinets to give the backsplash a clean look and feel. The home had two home offices, one of them was converted to a workout space. Custom millwork was completed to modernize the two-way fireplace. Additional hardwood flooring was added to the first floor, and all was refinished to match. New lighting was installed throughout the first floor as well. The small laundry room was reconfigured to allow more storage including adding a pocket door to save on real estate. Removing the kitchen pantry, gave the laundry more storage space for hanging laundry and storing supplies. All these remodeling decisions took place from afar while the homeowners still lived in NYC.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments. The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard. Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments. The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard. Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments. The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard. Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

My clients wanted a kitchen where they could gather together, prepare meals, and catch up on the latest news of the day. They had two children that wanted a space to do homework while grabbing a snack to eat. The scope of the project included a facelift for the cabinets, new dining table, chairs, countertop, backsplash, island, flooring, appliances, installing a range hood, lighting and barstools. My challenge was designing a kitchen that was functional, efficient and aesthetically pleasing while addressing the specific needs of my clients. We had a good foundation to work with but, the original kitchen was dated and needed an upgrade. We addressed the cabinets, floors, island and lighting first. We wanted to keep with the overall floorplan of the kitchen. The color palette we choose was a cool gray color scheme with warm wood accents. The custom island is a one-of-a-kind feature with an exotic granite slab. The island provides the best way to maximize the kitchen efficiency and storage capacity. Technology was also important addition in the kitchen so we installed smart technology and USB cable outlets. Lighting was another factor—under the counter lighting and in cabinet lighting was installed. In the end, my clients were very happy with the kitchen we designed for them.

Twin magnificent and historic valleys – named according to lore and legend for two star crossed lovers of warring Native American tribes - make up the unincorporated area of White County that has become a pivot point for the arts, activism, community and preservation. The Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys – both listed on the National Register of Historic Places – are primarily the naturally occurring, lowland landscape punctuated by the sites and assets that give the area its vibrant character. Even the mapping department in White County asserts that Sautee Nacoochee defies definitive boundaries as pride of place has propelled innovative expansion. Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting Although Sautee Nacoochee lacks conventional city government, clearly the "mayor" of this hamlet is the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the region and to nurturing the creativity that thrives here. The Association maintains the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a restored red brick schoolhouse, that is home to dual galleries, a history museum showcasing Cherokee heritage, gold strikes, timber and railroads, the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, art and dance studios, a heritage site and nature preserve, an intimate theater, an environmental studies room and a conference and special event facility. The Community Association was instrumental in establishing the official Historic Districts and brought acclaim to Sautee Nacoochee by securing its nomination as one of “The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.” Arts programming, among other endeavors, remains one of the Center’s most valuable community resources. In addition to fostering children’s activities in music, dance, theatre and visual arts, the Center hosts the 50 member Sautee Nacoochee Community Chorale, art studio workshops, speaker luncheons for seniors, gallery exhibits, Contra dances, feature films, sustainable living forums and Open Stage nights. The Center’s six week long SummerFest is highlighted by the home grown folk life play, Headwaters, now in its fourth season, which serves as an unvarnished Valentine to and about the people, places and perceptions that shape the Valleys, and is consistently ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Home design - cottage home design idea

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments. The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard. Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

This clean and classic kitchen features custom cabinetry in a shaker style with a step in Dove White on the perimeter and Sterling on the island. One of the unique features is the second tier of cabinets, not only above the wall cabinets but also over the window instead of typical soffit and crown. For a young couple with 4 children (3 of them triplets), 3 black labs, and a couple of nannies, the expansive space is the perfect set up with plenty of room to maneuver around and plenty of seating. The island has space for 4 and the table adjacent to it seats an additional 6 to 8 people at once. Aside from the centrally located cooking and prepping areas, there is also a coffee center with adjacent pantry storage and a bar area. The perimeter countertops are Cararra marble; the island top, as well as the top at the coffee station, is Mahogany from Grothouse Lumber. Backsplash is Dove Grey handmade ceramic tile from Casa Blanca. Appliances are a mix of Sub-Zero (beverage center, refrigerator/freezer), Wolf (dual fuel range and hood), a Miele coffee maker and a Bosch dishwasher. The stainless steel apron front sink is by Kohler. Designer: Jeni Spaeth Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD GRAND AWARD WINNER Having just purchased this new home, the owners did not like the disconnection between kitchen and breakfast area. The garden window over the sink was in disrepair, the cabinetry was dark and the room’s flow had no rhyme or reason. The kitchen, however, had a lot of potential. A new design was put together which involved reframing the garden window to create panoramic viewing. Two skylights were added which really brightened up the space. All of the previous bulkheads were removed to allow stacked cabinetry and upper display cupboards. A new larger cooking island with angular wings and seating space around it is now the focal point of this kitchen. An additional countertop built on decorative columns offers space for the couple’s children to do their homework or have a snack. Entire kitchen and breakfast area now has a larger porcelain tile floor laid in a pattern to make the place even larger. Honey-colored maple cabinetry with a slightly rubbed chocolate glaze finish gives a classic but sophisticated look to this kitchen. The marriage of faux painting and brick fascia introduced a unique look into the space. The homeowners are so thrilled with the outcome, they are considering remodeling the rest of the home.

Twin magnificent and historic valleys – named according to lore and legend for two star crossed lovers of warring Native American tribes - make up the unincorporated area of White County that has become a pivot point for the arts, activism, community and preservation. The Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys – both listed on the National Register of Historic Places – are primarily the naturally occurring, lowland landscape punctuated by the sites and assets that give the area its vibrant character. Even the mapping department in White County asserts that Sautee Nacoochee defies definitive boundaries as pride of place has propelled innovative expansion. Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting Although Sautee Nacoochee lacks conventional city government, clearly the "mayor" of this hamlet is the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the region and to nurturing the creativity that thrives here. The Association maintains the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a restored red brick schoolhouse, that is home to dual galleries, a history museum showcasing Cherokee heritage, gold strikes, timber and railroads, the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, art and dance studios, a heritage site and nature preserve, an intimate theater, an environmental studies room and a conference and special event facility. The Community Association was instrumental in establishing the official Historic Districts and brought acclaim to Sautee Nacoochee by securing its nomination as one of “The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.” Arts programming, among other endeavors, remains one of the Center’s most valuable community resources. In addition to fostering children’s activities in music, dance, theatre and visual arts, the Center hosts the 50 member Sautee Nacoochee Community Chorale, art studio workshops, speaker luncheons for seniors, gallery exhibits, Contra dances, feature films, sustainable living forums and Open Stage nights. The Center’s six week long SummerFest is highlighted by the home grown folk life play, Headwaters, now in its fourth season, which serves as an unvarnished Valentine to and about the people, places and perceptions that shape the Valleys, and is consistently ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments. The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard. Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Like many families with older children, this local Glen Ellyn couple wanted to expand the size of their kitchen while also creating a more open, airy feel for their main level. The home had plenty of space that included a formal living room, formal dining room, family room with eat-in area and kitchen with butler’s pantry. What it didn’t have, was an effortless flow between the areas used daily for cooking, eating and gathering. Additionally, the kitchen had become outdated, feeling dark and dismal, despite the abundance of natural light. Our clients wanted a bright, cheerful interior that would inspire the family to congregate in this part of the house. No easy feat with teenagers. An open floor plan design solved the issues with functionality and circulation, removing the walls that restricted flow and opening up the entry to the dining room. We also eliminated the rarely used butler’s pantry allowing us to expand the kitchen and add a large island for food prep and gathering. To create a sense of symmetry and consistency in the space, a clerestory window was added below the header and framed to match the existing adjacent entry from the living room. Inspired by the owner’s Scottish ancestry, the island cabinetry boasts a beautiful blue hue, paired with stools upholstered in a sprightly plaid. The built-in buffet area provides additional storage, topped with a beautiful wooden top stained to coordinate with the stunning tones of the flooring. The owner’s opted for stainless steel appliances, inspiring the selection of brushed silver light fixtures and polished chrome hardware. Marble-look quartz offered a durable, lightly colored surface to reflect sunlight and enhance the cheer factor. According to this happy family, this uplifting space is now everyone’s favorite place to gather. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

For this young family, their existing space wasn’t working for their lifestyle. Besides the aesthetics, they felt the kitchen wasn’t living up to its full potential. A list of their wants/needs included an open, sleek design that allowed their three children to eat at the island and have a place at a nearby desk to complete homework or watch television while dinner was being prepared. With the family’s main traffic area leading directly from the garage into the kitchen, it was critical to consider a place for the kids to place their schoolwork, sports equipment, art supplies and even bring in groceries. With all of that in mind, we added lockers for each child right at the garage entry, with the idea that the cabinets could be transitioned into additional pantry storage as the family matures. With the new open space, we were able to update the room using dark and light grays, on the cabinetry and walls. Combining the elegance of traditional design with the fresh and refined look of contemporary style trends, we mixed natural wood and stone and dark oak flooring with the contemporary look of paneled cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, sleek hardware, and a glass and marble tile backsplash. By mixing these materials the home’s traditional heritage is kept intact, but the young tech savvy family now has a fantastic space where they can gather for family meals and entertainment. Kate Benjamin Photography