Phillip Ennis Photography
Example of a large beach style gender-neutral limestone floor walk-in closet design in New York with recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

The new kitchen features a layout that prioritizes openness, light, a beautiful view of the home’s backyard. Centered around a 4’x6′ island with countertop seating, the kitchen comfortably accommodates up to nine people, making it a perfect gathering place. A window over the farmhouse sink provides a direct view of the backyard garden, allowing the homeowners to watch their children play while cooking. A forest-inspired color palette governs the kitchens’ aesthetic, with deep green cabinetry and a custom tile backsplash adding texture and color. Floating shelves take the place of upper cabinets on most walls, keeping the space open and drawing attention to the backyard views and full-wall tile backsplash. The layout is designed for ease of movement, with ample counter space and a balance of work areas and seating to support everyday cooking and hosting.

The new kitchen features a layout that prioritizes openness, light, a beautiful view of the home’s backyard. Centered around a 4’x6′ island with countertop seating, the kitchen comfortably accommodates up to nine people, making it a perfect gathering place. A window over the farmhouse sink provides a direct view of the backyard garden, allowing the homeowners to watch their children play while cooking. A forest-inspired color palette governs the kitchens’ aesthetic, with deep green cabinetry and a custom tile backsplash adding texture and color. Floating shelves take the place of upper cabinets on most walls, keeping the space open and drawing attention to the backyard views and full-wall tile backsplash. The layout is designed for ease of movement, with ample counter space and a balance of work areas and seating to support everyday cooking and hosting.

When they first purchased the home, the owners didn't think they'd need to renovate. But with two growing girls, they eventually realized that the house didn't fully suit their needs. While cooking, they couldn't keep an eye on the children as they played in the living room on the other side of the house. We designed a 325 sf addition that expanded the kitchen and added a family room and powder room. Renovations were also made to the adjacent mudroom including plenty of built-in storage.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

The new kitchen features a layout that prioritizes openness, light, a beautiful view of the home’s backyard. Centered around a 4’x6′ island with countertop seating, the kitchen comfortably accommodates up to nine people, making it a perfect gathering place. A window over the farmhouse sink provides a direct view of the backyard garden, allowing the homeowners to watch their children play while cooking. A forest-inspired color palette governs the kitchens’ aesthetic, with deep green cabinetry and a custom tile backsplash adding texture and color. Floating shelves take the place of upper cabinets on most walls, keeping the space open and drawing attention to the backyard views and full-wall tile backsplash. The layout is designed for ease of movement, with ample counter space and a balance of work areas and seating to support everyday cooking and hosting.

The owners of this Mesa, AZ home, wanted an area for their dogs to play and enjoy. This large, curved area of artificial turf is big enough for both dogs and children to enjoy. It doesn’t require any additional features such as decorative gravel borders or plants. The natural-looking pavers act as a border for this area. This is an example of how artificial turf installed for a practical purpose will still add beauty to a house.

The new kitchen features a layout that prioritizes openness, light, a beautiful view of the home’s backyard. Centered around a 4’x6′ island with countertop seating, the kitchen comfortably accommodates up to nine people, making it a perfect gathering place. A window over the farmhouse sink provides a direct view of the backyard garden, allowing the homeowners to watch their children play while cooking. A forest-inspired color palette governs the kitchens’ aesthetic, with deep green cabinetry and a custom tile backsplash adding texture and color. Floating shelves take the place of upper cabinets on most walls, keeping the space open and drawing attention to the backyard views and full-wall tile backsplash. The layout is designed for ease of movement, with ample counter space and a balance of work areas and seating to support everyday cooking and hosting.

When they first purchased the home, the owners didn't think they'd need to renovate. But with two growing girls, they eventually realized that the house didn't fully suit their needs. While cooking, they couldn't keep an eye on the children as they played in the living room on the other side of the house. We designed a 325 sf addition that expanded the kitchen and added a family room and powder room. Renovations were also made to the adjacent mudroom including plenty of built-in storage.

First appearing on Maine's southern coast in 1776, this lagging third generation-owned home came with a challenge: fulfill the clients' wishes but leave the house still looking at home in its landscape. To make way for visiting children, grandchildren, and friends, a large gambrel-roofed addition housing a spacious kitchen was built. The goal was to make the space as welcoming for large crowds as it is for just two. The team rehabbed the existing three-seasoned porch and enlarged the old parlor to reflect contemporary standards. Almost every window and door were removed, restored, and replaced. New skylights were installed in the mudroom and upper hall to usher in as much natural sunlight as possible.

A multi-tiered waterfall cascades down a hill, breaking up a stacked stone wall with a dynamic addition to this garden. The water flows down the waterfall's steps and creates the calming sound of a river in this backyard garden. Pondless waterfalls like this one provide a low maintenance water feature which is also safer for children.

This New England home has the essence of a traditional home, yet offers a modern appeal. The home renovation and addition involved moving the kitchen to the addition, leaving the resulting space to become a formal dining and living area. The extension over the garage created an expansive open space on the first floor. The large, cleverly designed space seamlessly integrates the kitchen, a family room, and an eating area. A substantial center island made of soapstone slabs has ample space to accommodate prepping for dinner on one side, and the kids doing their homework on the other. The pull-out drawers at the end contain extra refrigerator and freezer space. Additionally, the glass backsplash tile offers a refreshing luminescence to the area. A custom designed informal dining table fills the space adjacent to the center island. Paint colors in keeping with the overall color scheme were given to the children. Their resulting artwork sits above the family computers. Chalkboard paint covers the wall opposite the kitchen area creating a drawing wall for the kids. Around the corner from this, a reclaimed door from the grandmother's home hangs in the opening to the pantry. Details such as these provide a sense of family and history to the central hub of the home. Builder: Anderson Contracting Service Interior Designer: Kristina Crestin Photographer: Jamie Salomon

This 1975 split-level home in a wooded area of Reston, Virginia, is home to a growing family of six. Needless to say, space was at a premium and they needed more of it. So they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes to create a second-story expansion. With limited ability to expand the footprint of the home due to lot restrictions, the design team created a 25’ x 35’ master suite addition to be placed over the existing first floor. The space would be located above the living room, dining room and kitchen, creating a private and secluded oasis for mom and dad. The children would have the home’s three middle level bedrooms and a bath of their own. A New Master Suite A new custom wooden staircase leads the homeowner to the doorstep of what she now calls her “heavenly space.” It’s a large master bedroom complete with a seating area, vaulted ceiling and skylights, and a beautiful Bordeaux-finish maple wood floor. Bright color paint was selected for the walls to complement the wood flooring and bedroom furniture. The new 11’x12’ master bathroom offers a spa-like experience. The new bath touts a large shower stall with a built-in bench and storage niches covered with flagstone tiles; a soaking whirlpool tub; and a long double vanity with granite top and fancy fixtures. Exterior Ties It Together Like any large addition, this one required exterior renovation to make the addition look like the rest of the home. New vinyl siding and architectural shingles replaced the old cedar siding and run down shingles on the original structure. A new front porch with half-stone columns and pillars maintains the home’s cottage look. A new double car garage replaces the original carport. Both are a big part of the home’s new front elevation which greatly improves its curbside appeal. The end result of this project offers everyone in the family a place of their own. The children have new bedrooms and the parents have their sanctuary in their new master suite.

Avengers Murals, hand painted throughout a kids bedroom by Tom Taylor of Mural Art LLC. Superhero art has become very popular the last ten years and I've been asked to create superhero themed rooms for kids and people of all ages. Whether it be Spiderman, Captain America, Batman or Avengers; the addition of large hand painted superheros will add amazing character to any room. I like to include shadowing with my characters to create a realistic 3D quality to the artwork and image. Superhero art is perfect for any game room, media room or your children's bedroom.

The new kitchen features a layout that prioritizes openness, light, a beautiful view of the home’s backyard. Centered around a 4’x6′ island with countertop seating, the kitchen comfortably accommodates up to nine people, making it a perfect gathering place. A window over the farmhouse sink provides a direct view of the backyard garden, allowing the homeowners to watch their children play while cooking. A forest-inspired color palette governs the kitchens’ aesthetic, with deep green cabinetry and a custom tile backsplash adding texture and color. Floating shelves take the place of upper cabinets on most walls, keeping the space open and drawing attention to the backyard views and full-wall tile backsplash. The layout is designed for ease of movement, with ample counter space and a balance of work areas and seating to support everyday cooking and hosting.

This 1975 split-level home in a wooded area of Reston, Virginia, is home to a growing family of six. Needless to say, space was at a premium and they needed more of it. So they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes to create a second-story expansion. With limited ability to expand the footprint of the home due to lot restrictions, the design team created a 25’ x 35’ master suite addition to be placed over the existing first floor. The space would be located above the living room, dining room and kitchen, creating a private and secluded oasis for mom and dad. The children would have the home’s three middle level bedrooms and a bath of their own. A New Master Suite A new custom wooden staircase leads the homeowner to the doorstep of what she now calls her “heavenly space.” It’s a large master bedroom complete with a seating area, vaulted ceiling and skylights, and a beautiful Bordeaux-finish maple wood floor. Bright color paint was selected for the walls to complement the wood flooring and bedroom furniture. The new 11’x12’ master bathroom offers a spa-like experience. The new bath touts a large shower stall with a built-in bench and storage niches covered with flagstone tiles; a soaking whirlpool tub; and a long double vanity with granite top and fancy fixtures. Exterior Ties It Together Like any large addition, this one required exterior renovation to make the addition look like the rest of the home. New vinyl siding and architectural shingles replaced the old cedar siding and run down shingles on the original structure. A new front porch with half-stone columns and pillars maintains the home’s cottage look. A new double car garage replaces the original carport. Both are a big part of the home’s new front elevation which greatly improves its curbside appeal. The end result of this project offers everyone in the family a place of their own. The children have new bedrooms and the parents have their sanctuary in their new master suite.

The Kipling house is a new addition to the Montrose neighborhood. Designed for a family of five, it allows for generous open family zones oriented to large glass walls facing the street and courtyard pool. The courtyard also creates a buffer between the master suite and the children's play and bedroom zones. The master suite echoes the first floor connection to the exterior, with large glass walls facing balconies to the courtyard and street. Fixed wood screens provide privacy on the first floor while a large sliding second floor panel allows the street balcony to exchange privacy control with the study. Material changes on the exterior articulate the zones of the house and negotiate structural loads.