Additional Children - Photos & Ideas

Our busy Silicon Valley clients asked us to convert their tight-quartered 1960’s ranch house to a gracious family home that would meet their long term needs. Ease of living was paramount, both in functionality and in ordered design. The project was completed on a moderate budget.While retaining most of the structure of the existing house to avoid costly structural changes, we opened walls to improve the sight lines and flow of the house and bring in more light. We made small additions at the front and back bedrooms to gain space for the family and relatives. An existing underused patio area was improved with a simple outdoor kitchen and overhang to extend the living space to the outside. Costs were kept down with choices of modest materials. Everything was made to be functional. Ample storage has been built into the right places. The details of the kitchen were carefully worked out to accommodate all the wishes of the various cooks in the family. The house is set up to be easy to keep clean. Acoustic walls separate living from bedroom spaces so adults can enjoy time together while children sleep. The outdoor kitchen has easy access to the indoor kitchen and the garage, and its setup promotes socializing while cooking outdoors. A large part of the narrow back yard was previously unusable space due to a steep slope up to a neighbor’s higher fence. With a new retaining wall and some re-grading we took back more of the yard for the patio and play space on a new lawn. The remodeled house is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Cool colors have a calming effect. Traditional items such as prairie style windows, trellis, mosaic tiles, and Shaker style cabinets, break down the scale in an otherwise streamlined, contemporary design. A new gabled roof with a broad arch at the front of the house marks the entry and resolves a challenging form where the central entry is set back from walls on both sides. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-ranch/

Spanish Revival in Los Angeles

Custom Design & Construction

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

Functionality Meets Fabulous

TKS Design Group

Typical of bungalows and city lots, the footprint of this home was narrow with living spaces in front, bedrooms in back and kitchen centrally located. However, unlike most bungalows, the hall running from front to back have been closed off to, presumably, accommodate a walk-in pantry. Couple that with the fact that this circa 1925 bungalow had seen a lot of living – read boisterous children and remodeling trends like z-brick, soffits, and fluorescent overhead lighting – the kitchen was due for a major overhaul. Truly the hub of this house, the modest 11’ x 12’ kitchen was most in need of additional countertop space, convenient garbage/recycle bin, counter-depth refrigerator, storage aids, informal dining for two, and sound-proofing to enable this musically adept family to coexist despite varied schedules. Gone are the wall soffits, boxy overhead lighting, six-foot baseboard heat unit, extra deep refrigerator, refurbished cabinets, laminate countertops, z-brick wall covering, and makeshift door swags. Enter rich mahogany cabinets, roll and pull-out storage units, endcap spice storage, gorgeous granite tops, marble backsplash, LED lighting, acoustic insulation and solid-wood doors. Under the guise of such a handsome room, provisions such as a period style sink allow for more efficient use of corners with pull-out half-moon trays for storage. Redirecting the baseboard heat to a compact, toekick unit, means more cabinet and counter space – perfect for a baking and/or entertaining area removed from the basic work triangle. The eating area, also, doubles as a work station with drawers for office supplies and dedicated outlet for cable tv. Functional yet beautiful, this kitchen is at the ready as its owners look forward to their golden years. Designed by: The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

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Modern Farmhouse

Deville Custom Homes

Welcome to Texas Hill Country living at its finest! This stunning almost new modern farmhouse features a one story 5/3 with 2 half bath home with a movie room, and a guesthouse nestled on over 5+ acres in a fenced neighborhood in Lake Travis ISD with lake access! The home was built in 2021 and was built/designed by the award winning Deville Custom Homes and is the builder's personal home. The home is almost completely wheelchair/ADA accessible, and features a flat lot, an entertaining back yard with a pool for even the youngest of children to enjoy (shallow depths with side walls for the just in case moments), a 30k rainwater collection tank, an inground trampoline, and a partially turfed backyard that meets another sodded acre so the whole group can run barefoot! There is even an inside/outside bathroom that allows those in the pool to quickly run in and out without getting the house wet! All of the small details have been thought about including Christmas plugs in the soffit, RV outlets, wired for solar and an electric vehicle, entire house is wired with Sonos speakers (even the pool) and 8 cameras with an alarm. This home was designed for the entertaining and discerning buyer who wants their privacy but is conscientious and cautious and likes to feel protected. Additional details are: completely spray foamed home, large 12x16 metal storage building that matches the house, level 4 drywall, a large Fleetwood back door, most cactus has been eradicated, 12 foot ceilings in main rooms, and an outdoor kitchen with built in grill and wired for a tv. The guest house features two large full size bunkbeds, an open living area, and a half bathroom (just in case you want your friends to visit but not move in)! Remember to bring your horses and your boat!

Spanish Revival in Los Angeles

Custom Design & Construction

Spanish Revival in Los Angeles

Custom Design & Construction

Award Winning Kitchen in Reston, Virginia Touts Curved Island

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER Since moving into their home 10 years ago, the lady of the house has been unhappy with her kitchen, dining room and entryway. The layout wasn’t efficient and the formal dining room was rarely used. With two children and a dog, a mud room made more sense for their lifestyle. To make best use of the space, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes removed the dining room altogether. Four feet of that space went to the kitchen to make it more spacious and functional. The rest went to creating a mud room for the kids with locker style storage. The highlight of the renovation is, however, the new kitchen. Featuring a large center island with distressed curved wood countertop, it provides an anchor around which the rest of the room flows. Stark white cabinets run along two walls, providing significant kitchen storage, as well as several display cabinets for the homeowner’s fine china. A white farmer’s sink sits below a large window looking out over the backyard and the counters are topped with complementary stone counter and tile backsplash. Stainless steel appliances include a gas cooktop with custom wood hood that matches the cabinets. Matching crown molding tops the flush-to-the-ceiling cabinets. In addition to natural light from the windows, the kitchen features pendant lights over the island, under-cabinet lighting and LED lights. The added lighting along with the white cabinets make the room look even more spacious. Being a gourmet cook, the homeowner enjoys her time in kitchen while the mud room makes her daily chores a lot simpler.

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Columbus, OH

Structural Remodeling

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Spanish Revival in Los Angeles

Custom Design & Construction

Carriage Lane Principal Bath

Thyme & Place Design LLC

This medium sized bathroom had ample space to create a luxurious bathroom for this young professional couple with 3 young children. My clients really wanted a place to unplug and relax where they could retreat and recharge. New cabinets were a must with customized interiors to reduce cluttered counter tops and make morning routines easier and more organized. We selected Hale Navy for the painted finish with an upscale recessed panel door. Honey bronze hardware is a nice contrast to the navy paint instead of an expected brushed silver. For storage, a grooming center to organize hair dryer, curling iron and brushes keeps everything in place for morning routines. On the opposite, a pull-out organizer outfitted with trays for smaller personal items keeps everything at the fingertips. I included a pull-out hamper to keep laundry and towels off the floor. Another design detail I like to include is drawers in the sink cabinets. It is much better to have drawers notched for the plumbing when organizing bathroom products instead of filling up a large base cabinet. The room already had beautiful windows and was bathed in naturel light from an existing skylight. I enhanced the natural lighting with some recessed can lights, a light in the shower as well as sconces around the mirrored medicine cabinets. The best thing about the medicine cabinets is not only the additional storage but when both doors are opened you can see the back of your head. The inside of the cabinet doors are mirrored. Honey Bronze sconces are perfect lighting at the vanity for makeup and shaving. A larger shower for my very tall client with a built-in bench was a priority for this bathroom. I recommend stream showers whenever designing a bathroom and my client loved the idea of that feature as a surprise for his wife. Steam adds to the wellness and health aspect of any good bathroom design. We were able to access a small closet space just behind the shower a perfect spot for the steam unit. In addition to the steam, a handheld shower is another “standard” item in our shower designs. I like to locate these near a bench so you can sit while you target sore shoulder and back muscles. Another benefit is cleanability of the shower walls and being able to take a quick shower without getting your hair wet. The slide bar is just the thing to accommodate different heights. For Mrs. a tub for soaking and relaxing were the main ingredients required for this remodel. Here I specified a Bain Ultra freestanding tub complete with air massage, chromatherapy and a heated back rest. The tub filer is floor mounted and adds another element of elegance to the bath. I located the tub in a bay window so the bather can enjoy the beautiful view out of the window. It is also a great way to relax after a round of golf. Either way, both of my clients can enjoy the benefits of this tub. The tiles selected for the shower and the lower walls of the bathroom are a slightly oversized subway tile in a clean and bright white. The floors are a 12x24 porcelain marble. The shower floor features a flat cut marble pebble tile. Behind the vanity the wall is tiled with Zellage tile in a herringbone pattern. The colors of the tile connect all the colors used in the bath. The final touches of elegance and luxury to complete our design, the soft lilac paint on the walls, the mix of metal materials on the faucets, cabinet hardware, lighting and yes, an oversized heated towel warmer complete with robe hooks. This truly is a space for rejuvenation and wellness.

Green Certified Whole House Remodel in Chapel Hill NC

Paradise Found Construction

The homes in Heritage Hills in Chapel Hill, NC are representative of the popularity and explosive growth of American Home Ownership that occurred during the economic expansion that followed the end of WW II. They were designed and built to foster the benefits and sense of “community”, where families could come together and share theirs and their children’s lives. They are typically in very desirable locations within their larger communities, and remodeling them with modern amenities, increasing the performance and efficiency of them, and having them Green Certified (independent third-party verified) makes them extremely attractive to buyers, and helps to raise other property values within the neighborhood. Green Certified Remodeled Homes offer significant value and advantage in the marketplace over similar homes in their area, which is especially important as a new, younger era of home buyers enter the market. Current trends suggest that younger (as well as many “seasoned”) homeowners are interested in smaller, more efficient (and thus affordable) homes situated closer to shopping, their work, entertainment opportunities, and access to the economic and environmental benefits of mass transit. These older homes also offer an additional value that is continuing to gain visibility and appreciation in the market place. They were built from lumber from slower-growth trees (denser and harder wood), and as such offer superior structural support compared to the same home built using lumber from today’s faster-growing (softer and less-dense wood) trees. Robin and Kent had lived in their 2-story Gambrel Roof home in Heritage Hills since 1994. The house was structurally sound, due in large part to the old-growth (and denser) yellow pine that was used in its framing. They loved the quiet neighborhood, its sense of community and amenities, and their home. It suited their life-style and needs; and they had decided that they would remain in the home. It was showing its age, and was in need of general repairs and maintenance, and its energy, water, and indoor air quality performance was continuing to increase their ongoing cost of ownership. Robin loved the screen porch that looked out on their private and nicely landscaped back yard, but she wanted to be able to use it in the colder months of the year. She was unsatisfied with the kitchen and the mud room / laundry room, and the darkness of other living spaces. A previous water leak in the laundry room had resulted in a large patch of mold that had compromised flooring, wall board, and insulation and contributed to the homes reduced indoor air quality. The home lacked insulation in the crawl, and inadequate insulation in the attic. The single HVAC unit had been replaced a few years earlier with a more efficient unit, but with a single programmable thermostat control on the first floor and aging and un-insulated ducting, the second floor was often over-heated in the summer months. The original wood windows had begun to deteriorate and were drafty and inefficient, and the original wood-burning fireplace was an open conduit for escaping conditioned air as well as an inlet for wood-smoke smelling air being pulled into the home. The siding had been replaced a few years earlier with a cement-fiber product, but the exterior wood trim was compromised and beginning to look unsightly. Its original architecture had been altered over the years in ways that presented ongoing maintenance and durability issues, as well as disrupting the elegance of the original design. Kent has worked for over 30 years in the Environmental Sciences field, and is considered to be a national expert in understanding the sources of, and human exposure to pollutants in indoor environments. He had always been very conscious and cautious about the effects on indoor air quality that the construction, furnishings, and products used in home had on him and his family. Project Goals Increase the performance of their home by improving energy efficiency by at least 40% and lowering their natural gas and electric utility costs. Increase the performance of their home by reducing water usage by at least 40% and lowering the water utility costs. Increase the comfort of their home that was being compromised by an inadequate HVAC design, inadequate insulation, inefficient and compromised wood windows, and copious air intrusions and drafts. Improve the healthiness of the homes indoor air quality that was being compromised by an open wood-burning fireplace, and prior water intrusion that had allowed colonies of mold to thrive. Create a new Kitchen, Family Room, Home Office, Mudroom, and Laundry Room that featured some of the latest designs and trends and harmonized with the rest of the homes charm. Increase the usefulness and aesthetics of the screened porch by creating a warm and inviting semi-conditioned 3-Season Room that extended the times during the year that it was comfortable. Introduce day-lighting into areas of the home that were dark and uninviting. Brighten and harmonize all of the interior finishes. Protect and restore the exterior of the home with superior-performing products and finishes. Achieve Gold Level Green Home Certification in conformance with the ICC 700-2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS).

East 74th Street Residence

Ronnette Riley Architect

This 10,000 sf townhouse sits on one of Manhattan’s most beautiful Upper East Side streets and so the goal of the project was to return the house to its original grandeur. Previously a Kips Bay designer showcase house, the rooms were each designed in a differing style and therefore the lack of cohesion and flow made the house seem choppy. In addition, much of the interior was superficial in the sense that plumbing fixtures were not all connected, walls were “false walls” built in front of existing and much of the construction had to be rebuilt. The scope included creating a large gourmet kitchen in the rear of the ground floor by closing off the winding corridor and creating a new door opening centered on the main entry hall with a paneled arched pocket door mimicking the original detailing of the parlor floor. The kitchen has a Calacatta Gold stone center island and dinning area flanked by counters that run the length of the east and west walls with glass front upper cabinets. A built-in buffet on the south wall anchors the space. A mud room, with access to the delivery entrance and additional storage space was added off the kitchen. A new slim profile steel and glass French door provides access to a new steel rear deck and stairs to the rear yard. On the second floor, a new tile floor was added throughout and RRA designed new stone mantle pieces fabricated from England in the living and dining rooms. On the 3rd floor, a new wall was constructed in the 11’ wide central hallway to allow a new 135 sf master closet with custom designed built-in storage units and accessories. This concept was carried through to the 4th floor on a smaller scale and 4 new storage closets were added in the hallway. The existing bathroom on the 4th Floor was gutted and redesigned including a new 5’x5’ extra deep soaking tub and new fixtures. Silver travertine tiles were used throughout to give the room a durable, waterproof finish while also providing a warm, luxurious feel. The 5th floor was converted into a playroom and TV room for the family’s two young children and was outfitted with chalkboard paint along the entire east wall in the play area and a bold color block wall treatment in the TV room. A new cork floor was installed for durability and resilience to lots of activity yet providing a soft and sustainable floor treatment for its intended user. A full laundry room was also created floor with new cabinetry, plumbing, and floor and wall tile. Additionally, 3 full baths and a powder room were refitted with tumbled travertine tiles on the top two floors. The exterior of the building was refurbished and new lighting and painted doors and frames were installed in accordance with Landmark designation. An additional challenge on the project was that a previously built extension on the PH level was illegally overbuilt and the property had received a violation. A 9 month process of filing drawings, completing zoning analyses and meetings with the DOB Commissioners ensued to get the extension approved allowing us to obtain a permit for the remainder of the work and complete the Certificate of Occupancy. In spite of the complex process and scattered program, the completed townhouse has a cohesive aesthetic throughout, with upgraded amenities befitting this grand representation of elite New York living.

Modern Farmhouse Masterpiece with Panoramic Hilltop Views – Middle Tennessee

Luxe Custom Homes

This stunning modern farmhouse residence in Columbia, Tennessee, sits atop a transformed hilltop parcel, originally raw land that was expertly excavated to create a level 2-acre plateau. The site development included installing essential infrastructure such as paved roads, water lines, and electrical systems, turning an undeveloped ridge into a private, family-friendly haven with panoramic valley and mountain views. The home features a crisp white board-and-batten and horizontal siding exterior, accented by natural stone foundations and stained timber beams for a perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary edge. Dramatic black-framed windows flood the interior with natural light, while the dark asphalt shingle roof with gabled peaks adds depth and contrast. An expansive covered front porch, supported by cedar posts and topped with metal roofing, invites relaxation with seating areas overlooking the sunset. Additional highlights include an oversized two-car garage with white doors, a lower-level walkout basement ready for expansion, and smart-home-ready elements like energy-efficient construction. Twilight lighting accentuates the clean lines, making the house glow against the evening sky. The landscaped yard is thoughtfully designed for everyday enjoyment, with manicured green lawns, gravel pathways, and low-maintenance shrubs lining the foundation. A circular asphalt driveway provides easy access and ample parking, curving gracefully around the property. In the backyard, a gravel patio area with a fire pit offers a cozy spot for gatherings, while a covered rear deck extends living space outdoors. The setup includes potential for additions like a pool, outdoor kitchen, or expanded entertaining zones, with features like a satellite dish and HVAC units discreetly placed for functionality without compromising aesthetics. Perched on a scenic hilltop surrounded by wooded forests, the 2-acre lot provides plenty of flat, open space for children and dogs to play safely—ideal for games, picnics, or simply running free amid the fresh air. The elevated position ensures unobstructed, layered views of rolling hills, distant valleys, and seasonal foliage, creating a serene rural retreat feel. In summer, lush green trees frame the property; in fall and winter, bare branches reveal even broader vistas. This custom-developed site balances privacy, accessibility, and natural beauty, making it a true dream property for those seeking a luxurious escape in Tennessee's countryside.

Schumacher Homes Charleston Earnhardt: Charlotte, NC

Schumacher Homes

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston Earnhardt model home in Charlotte, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural inspiration with contemporary modern design. As one of our most popular customizable floor plans, the Charleston open-concept layout is designed for modern living, maximizing both storage and style. The exterior of this home boasts undeniable curb appeal, utilizing a dramatic mix of architectural elements including natural stone accents, open timber trusses, and dynamic multiple rooflines that create an unforgettable first impression. Inside, the grand main living space features soaring tall ceilings accented by rich interior cedar beams that span across both the great room and the kitchen, adding structural warmth and striking architectural detail. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with expansive counter space, a large central island for family gatherings, and a giant walk-in pantry that ensures a highly organized, clutter-free kitchen design. Perfect for busy families, a private pocket office off the main living area provides the ideal quiet work-from-home space or built-in desk zone. This area leads seamlessly into the luxurious primary suite (owner's retreat), which serves as a private oasis complete with a spacious, spa-like bathroom and two massive walk-in closets. Designed with a split-bedroom layout to maximize privacy, the additional spacious bedrooms sit on the opposite side of the home, ensuring children or guests enjoy their own dedicated space. Completing this home’s focus on daily functionality is a highly efficient mudroom drop zone located right off the entry, featuring a custom locker system with an integrated top storage shelf and bench seating to keep outerwear and daily essentials neatly organized.