Eagerly awaiting retirement, a New England-based client acquired a property in a former office building in central Lisbon. Artfully refurbished by Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos, the façade is composed of geometric strata of medium-gray panels alternating with weathered vertical staves. Our studio’s brief was to furnish and equip the interior of the vacation home to converse with the architecture, so family and friends visiting Lisbon would stay in an elegant, private setting, filled with locally-made and designer items. Upon entering, a small shelf and mirror function as a welcome valet. The corridor opens to a cozy living room with lambent afternoon light let in by large sliding doors. Just outside, the balcony sports a café table and chairs set for an aperitivo. An enveloping sofa, produced in Portugal, and an organic recliner, create an intimate lounge area facing a classic, modular media cabinet. An artisan-made wool ottoman adds a beat of color; the lights speak in plump opaline glass and thin black metal rods. The glass top of the dining table fades into the space, leaving its sculptural, marine blue base; in a play of textures, the upholstery of the dining chairs coordinates elegantly with the smoked glass. Tile, oak, and stainless steel come together in a custom kitchen island, with additional counter space and convenient storage. As the interior is replete with oiled oak in the floors, baseboards, doors, and cabinetry, matching wood furniture warms the bedrooms. The vertical spindles of the beds recall the pattern of the exterior façade. Laptop work is accommodated by a small console desk with a chair clothed in burgundy. Acorn-shaped pendants, inviting bed linens and rugs, and undulating curtains, all in the warm white of the walls, form a nest for relaxation.

Our Clients, a retired couple with a dog, were first time renovators. They approached Sosna to renovate their outdated Shared Bathroom because they were embarrassed for guests to use it. The cluttered layout was difficult to navigate, and it lacked useful storage space. As well, there was no fan for proper ventilation. They were concerned about a renovation being messy, and disrupting their everyday lives, as they would be living in their home during construction. They also had a tight deadline that needed to be met. We completed this project on time, with great care taken so the family would be comfortable during the duration of construction. The Bathroom was given a fresh update with clean, modern tiles on the floor and shower walls, which were complimented with herringbone accent tiles. A glass shower door provided a more open and airy feel to the space. A stylish navy blue navy blue prefabricated vanity adorned with elegant gold hardware and a brushed nickel faucet, as well as a white freestanding cabinet, and wall mounted cabinet provided plenty of useful storage space. The Shared Bathroom was tied together with a blend of gold and brushed nickel hardware used throughout. As a result of the renovation, the couple now enjoys a fresh and modern Shared Bathroom that they take pride in showing to their guests. The addition of extra storage space has eliminated clutter, and everything has its place. The installation of a timer fan ensures proper ventilation. These updates have significantly improved the functionality of the Bathroom, creating a more comfortable and useful space for the family.

Inspiration for a mediterranean entryway remodel in Austin

A couple retiring early to a Lake District property asked us to modernise their kitchen and utility space. They wanted to keep the areas separate, with the utility serving as their working space for laundry and for storing their walking boots after long walks in the fells. For their kitchen, they chose a handleless Keller Bronx Kitchen in Wild Oak, finished in an Ultra Matt Mist light grey colour. This was beautifully paired with 20mm quartz worktops, featuring an undermounted sink and matching splashback panels. We aimed to give the room character while maintaining a modern appeal. The clients love the new drawer systems, finding everything easily accessible. The kitchen is visually pleasing and simple to keep clean. The clean design created plenty of clear worktop space, complemented by a Quooker tap for instant boiling water, adding a touch of luxury. Modern Siemens appliances, including an inductAir vented hob, were seamlessly integrated into the layout to ensure an efficient kitchen workflow. Through the door, the utility room features matching furniture but with handled doors, prioritising practicality. It includes a stainless steel sink with a pull-down spray tap, while compact laminate worktops and splashbacks proved an excellent choice for this space. An integrated utility unit for cleaning products and laundry was a useful addition, with the washer and tumble dryer built-in to keep the room organised. A small boot unit made from the same Keller furniture was designed to sit on when putting boots on, alongside coat hooks for outdoor wear. Both rooms were finished with LVT tile-effect flooring installed by our trusted partner tradesmen. The flooring creating a seamless flow between the rooms. We also added under-wall unit LED lighting in both rooms, complementing the recently updated ceiling lights.

A couple retiring early to a Lake District property asked us to modernise their kitchen and utility space. They wanted to keep the areas separate, with the utility serving as their working space for laundry and for storing their walking boots after long walks in the fells. For their kitchen, they chose a handleless Keller Bronx Kitchen in Wild Oak, finished in an Ultra Matt Mist light grey colour. This was beautifully paired with 20mm quartz worktops, featuring an undermounted sink and matching splashback panels. We aimed to give the room character while maintaining a modern appeal. The clients love the new drawer systems, finding everything easily accessible. The kitchen is visually pleasing and simple to keep clean. The clean design created plenty of clear worktop space, complemented by a Quooker tap for instant boiling water, adding a touch of luxury. Modern Siemens appliances, including an inductAir vented hob, were seamlessly integrated into the layout to ensure an efficient kitchen workflow. Through the door, the utility room features matching furniture but with handled doors, prioritising practicality. It includes a stainless steel sink with a pull-down spray tap, while compact laminate worktops and splashbacks proved an excellent choice for this space. An integrated utility unit for cleaning products and laundry was a useful addition, with the washer and tumble dryer built-in to keep the room organised. A small boot unit made from the same Keller furniture was designed to sit on when putting boots on, alongside coat hooks for outdoor wear. Both rooms were finished with LVT tile-effect flooring installed by our trusted partner tradesmen. The flooring creating a seamless flow between the rooms. We also added under-wall unit LED lighting in both rooms, complementing the recently updated ceiling lights.

Eagerly awaiting retirement, a New England-based client acquired a property in a former office building in central Lisbon. Artfully refurbished by Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos, the façade is composed of geometric strata of medium-gray panels alternating with weathered vertical staves. Our studio’s brief was to furnish and equip the interior of the vacation home to converse with the architecture, so family and friends visiting Lisbon would stay in an elegant, private setting, filled with locally-made and designer items. Upon entering, a small shelf and mirror function as a welcome valet. The corridor opens to a cozy living room with lambent afternoon light let in by large sliding doors. Just outside, the balcony sports a café table and chairs set for an aperitivo. An enveloping sofa, produced in Portugal, and an organic recliner, create an intimate lounge area facing a classic, modular media cabinet. An artisan-made wool ottoman adds a beat of color; the lights speak in plump opaline glass and thin black metal rods. The glass top of the dining table fades into the space, leaving its sculptural, marine blue base; in a play of textures, the upholstery of the dining chairs coordinates elegantly with the smoked glass. Tile, oak, and stainless steel come together in a custom kitchen island, with additional counter space and convenient storage. As the interior is replete with oiled oak in the floors, baseboards, doors, and cabinetry, matching wood furniture warms the bedrooms. The vertical spindles of the beds recall the pattern of the exterior façade. Laptop work is accommodated by a small console desk with a chair clothed in burgundy. Acorn-shaped pendants, inviting bed linens and rugs, and undulating curtains, all in the warm white of the walls, form a nest for relaxation.

Case Study 8 Interior Painting Bridgewater, NJ The homeowner was looking to update the painting throughout their beautiful two-story colonial so they could enjoy it for some time while contemplating retirement and a move. Our amazing paint crew spruced up the interior with all new paint colors throughout. Sherwin-Williams is our paint of choice - we use the best materials for amazing results! Client Said: “Protech is a great professional group to work with. They did an excellent job on our home project. They started the job on the scheduled day and were very organized in their approach to it. One of the hardest, honest, politest crew of craftsmen we’ve ever had in our home. They even did some repairs for me on a previous home project, no questions asked. Their repair was perfect and with no additional costs to me. Their fees for our home updates were reasonable and very fair. I will not hesitate to use them again for any future home projects!” Jerry J. Bridgewater, NJ

This thoughtfully-designed, newly-constructed, 1,600 square foot cottage blends timeless Modern Craftsman aesthetics with practical functionality, offering a spacious, light-filled retreat perfect for both day-to-day retirement living and entertaining friends and family. The home features an open-concept layout with a seamless flow between the great room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a welcoming and connected atmosphere. At the heart of the design is a large, covered screened room with a cozy stone fireplace, providing a comfortable indoor-outdoor living space year-round. Adjacent to the screened room is a generous waterside deck, ideal for outdoor entertaining. The deck is complete with a stone-surround outdoor fireplace and ample space for guests, making it the perfect spot to gather while enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the water. The layout includes a private primary bedroom and a second bedroom, both located on the main level for ease of living. The large, functional laundry and mudroom is conveniently situated with exterior access, helping to keep the home organized. It features a walk-in closet adjacent to the oversized two-car garage, providing additional storage and utility. This Modern Craftsman bungalow is designed to blend craftsmanship, comfort, and contemporary living, offering a beautiful and functional space for a modern lifestyle in a serene, natural setting.

The homeowners sought to turn their “weekend home” into their future “retirement home,” so in addition to aesthetic updating, this thoughtful renovation looked for options to help them age in place. Goals included improving functionality by extending the kitchen footprint, adding considerable storage and modernizing the look, feel and function of both the main-floor living space and primary suite in the loft. A minimalist design across the home embraces neutral coastal colours and materials to create an inviting, relaxing setting without overwhelming the compact space.

The homeowners sought to turn their “weekend home” into their future “retirement home,” so in addition to aesthetic updating, this thoughtful renovation looked for options to help them age in place. Goals included improving functionality by extending the kitchen footprint, adding considerable storage and modernizing the look, feel and function of both the main-floor living space and primary suite in the loft. A minimalist design across the home embraces neutral coastal colours and materials to create an inviting, relaxing setting without overwhelming the compact space.

Eagerly awaiting retirement, a New England-based client acquired a property in a former office building in central Lisbon. Artfully refurbished by Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos, the façade is composed of geometric strata of medium-gray panels alternating with weathered vertical staves. Our studio’s brief was to furnish and equip the interior of the vacation home to converse with the architecture, so family and friends visiting Lisbon would stay in an elegant, private setting, filled with locally-made and designer items. Upon entering, a small shelf and mirror function as a welcome valet. The corridor opens to a cozy living room with lambent afternoon light let in by large sliding doors. Just outside, the balcony sports a café table and chairs set for an aperitivo. An enveloping sofa, produced in Portugal, and an organic recliner, create an intimate lounge area facing a classic, modular media cabinet. An artisan-made wool ottoman adds a beat of color; the lights speak in plump opaline glass and thin black metal rods. The glass top of the dining table fades into the space, leaving its sculptural, marine blue base; in a play of textures, the upholstery of the dining chairs coordinates elegantly with the smoked glass. Tile, oak, and stainless steel come together in a custom kitchen island, with additional counter space and convenient storage. As the interior is replete with oiled oak in the floors, baseboards, doors, and cabinetry, matching wood furniture warms the bedrooms. The vertical spindles of the beds recall the pattern of the exterior façade. Laptop work is accommodated by a small console desk with a chair clothed in burgundy. Acorn-shaped pendants, inviting bed linens and rugs, and undulating curtains, all in the warm white of the walls, form a nest for relaxation.

The client approached us as he had a property that benefited from an elevated position and water views over the Georges River. The current home needed a change to the layout, additional bedrooms and living spaces that captured the magnificent views and catering for their retirement. The existing property had a garage, rumpus room and two terrace’s within the front setback along the boundary which needed to remain as part of the proposal as it would not be permissible to reinstate them under the current planning rules. The floor plan of the development is meticulous in providing for the needs of the client. As seniors in their 70’s we were keen to provide easy access on a steep sloping block. The driveway, lift and elevation of the main floor level adjacent to the rear garden has achieved this brilliantly. Enjoyment of the stunning views over the river was of paramount importance and this has been elegantly achieved. There are great views from all three terraces, the entire upper floor, including the master bedroom, the lift, the rear patio and rear garden. The highlight of this home, however, is the enthusiastic manner which, both the client and designer approached the picturesque views. Large double glazed windows and doors optimally located provide wonderful thermal efficiency and a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors whilst ensuring privacy from neighbouring sites. The light and airy feeling in this space is complemented with the natural coastal finishes prevalent throughout the home.

This one-acre property now features a trio of homes on three lots where previously there was only a single home on one lot. Surrounded by other single family homes in a neighborhood where vacant parcels are virtually unheard of, this project created the rare opportunity of constructing not one, but two new homes. The owners purchased the property as a retirement investment with the goal of relocating from the East Coast to live in one of the new homes and sell the other two. The original home - designed by the distinguished architectural firm of Edwards & Plunkett in the 1930's - underwent a complete remodel both inside and out. While respecting the original architecture, this 2,089 sq. ft., two bedroom, two bath home features new interior and exterior finishes, reclaimed wood ceilings, custom light fixtures, stained glass windows, and a new three-car garage. The two new homes on the lot reflect the style of the original home, only grander. Neighborhood design standards required Spanish Colonial details – classic red tile roofs and stucco exteriors. Both new three-bedroom homes with additional study were designed with aging in place in mind and equipped with elevator systems, fireplaces, balconies, and other custom amenities including open beam ceilings, hand-painted tiles, and dark hardwood floors. Photographer: Santa Barbara Real Estate Photography

Phil and Rocio, little did you know how perfect your timing was when you came to us and asked for a “small but perfect home”. Fertile ground indeed as we thought about working on something like a precious gem, or what we’re calling a NEW Jewel. So many of our clients now are building smaller homes because they simply don’t need a bigger one. Seems smart for many reasons: less vacuuming, less heating and cooling, less taxes. And for many, less strain on the finances as we get to the point where retirement shines bright and hopeful. For the jewel of a home we wanted to start with 1,000 square feet. Enough room for a pleasant common area, a couple of away rooms for bed and work, a couple of bathrooms and yes to a mudroom and pantry. (For Phil and Rocio’s, we ended up with 1,140 square feet.) The Jewel would not compromise on design intent, envelope or craft intensity. This is the big benefit of the smaller footprint, of course. By using a pure and simple form for the house volume, a true jewel would have enough money in the budget for the highest quality materials, net-zero levels of insulation, triple pane windows, and a high-efficiency heat pump. Additionally, the doors would be handcrafted, the cabinets solid wood, the finishes exquisite, and craftsmanship shudderingly excellent. Our many thanks to Phil and Rocio for including us in their dream home project. It is truly a Jewel! From the homeowners (read their full note here): “It is quite difficult to express the deep sense of gratitude we feel towards everyone that contributed to the Jewel…many of which I don’t have the ability to send this to, or even be able to name. The artistic, creative flair combined with real-life practicality is a major component of our place we will love for many years to come. Please pass on our thanks to everyone that was involved. We look forward to visits from any and all as time goes by." –Phil and Rocio Read more about the first steps for this Jewel on our blog. Reclaimed Wood, Kitchen Cabinetry, Bedroom Door: Pioneer Millworks Entry door: NEWwoodworks Professional Photos: Loren Nelson Photography

History: Client was given a property, that was extremely difficult to build on, with a very steep, 25-30' drop. They tried to sell the property for many years, with no luck. They finally decided that they should build something on it, for themselves, to prove it could be done. No access was allowed at the top of the steep incline. Client assumed it would be an expensive foundation built parallel to the hillside, somehow. Program: The program involved a level for one floor living, (LR/DR/KIT/MBR/UTILITY) as an age-in-place for this recently retired couple. Any other levels should have additional bedrooms that could also feel like a separate AirBnB space, or allow for a future caretaker. There was also a desire for a garage with a recreational vehicle and regular car. The main floor should take advantage of the primary views to the southwest, even though the lot faces due west. Also a desire for easy access to an upper level trail and low maintenance materials with easy maintenance access to roof. The preferred style was a fresher, contemporary feel. Solution: A concept design was presented, initially desired by the client, parallel to the hillside, as they had originally envisioned. An alternate idea was also presented, that was perpendicular to the steep hillside. This avoided having difficult foundations on the steep hillside, by spanning... over it. It also allowed the top, main floor to be farther out on the west end of the site to avoid neighboring view blockage & to better see the primary southwest view. Savings in foundation costs allowed the installation of a residential elevator to get from the garage to the top, main living level. Stairs were also available for regular exercise. An exterior deck was angled towards the primary SW view to the San Juan Islands. The roof was originally desired to be a hip style on all sides, but a better solution allowed for a simple slope back to the 10' high east side for easier maintenance & access, since the west side was almost 50' high! The clients undertook this home as a speculative, temporary project, intending for it to add value, to sell. However, the unexpected solution, and experience in living here, has them wanting to stay forever.

We built the original, multi-sided Deltec home for this client in 2009. After a few years, they asked us to add on a traditionally-constructed expansion of two stories, plus 3 third-story tower. Over time, we've constructed a pottery/art studio, a kiln house, storage building, and most recently, a 1,200 sq. ft. Deltec shop to house tools for the owner’s hobby—welding. The secluded compound is far, far off the beaten path, at the end of a one-lane mountain road. Their retirement lifestyle and decorating tastes are traditional casual.

This thoughtfully-designed, newly-constructed, 1,600 square foot cottage blends timeless Modern Craftsman aesthetics with practical functionality, offering a spacious, light-filled retreat perfect for both day-to-day retirement living and entertaining friends and family. The home features an open-concept layout with a seamless flow between the great room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a welcoming and connected atmosphere. At the heart of the design is a large, covered screened room with a cozy stone fireplace, providing a comfortable indoor-outdoor living space year-round. Adjacent to the screened room is a generous waterside deck, ideal for outdoor entertaining. The deck is complete with a stone-surround outdoor fireplace and ample space for guests, making it the perfect spot to gather while enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the water. The layout includes a private primary bedroom and a second bedroom, both located on the main level for ease of living. The large, functional laundry and mudroom is conveniently situated with exterior access, helping to keep the home organized. It features a walk-in closet adjacent to the oversized two-car garage, providing additional storage and utility. This Modern Craftsman bungalow is designed to blend craftsmanship, comfort, and contemporary living, offering a beautiful and functional space for a modern lifestyle in a serene, natural setting.

The homeowner is a retired professional and a passionate home chef who desired to have the finest in luxury appliances. They interviewed several large design build firms that just didnt listen to them. After approaching our company they discovered we were a perfect fit as we listened to their specific remodeling needs and were not concerned about making the sale. This couple entertains large crowds of people and their kitchen was tiny and outdated for their needs. We opened up the wall between the kitchen and dining room, removed an awkward drop ceiling, added square footage to the kitchen and dining room spaces. Finally adding exterior sliding door with a La Cantina Bi-Fold door. We moved and installed a new sink window at the wall between the kitchen and dining room. The new configuration allowed for more working area as well as much needed additional kitchen storage. An integrated flush Subzero Refrigerator and Freezer are the perfect for this home owners entertaining needs. The island features a Miele Range with and island sink, the second sink is a necessity for this Chef. The details are not overlooked in the cabinetry with the beveled door by Ovation Cabinetry available exclusively at Signature Designs Kitchen Bath in San Diego.

The homeowner is a retired professional and a passionate home chef who desired to have the finest in luxury appliances. They interviewed several large design build firms that just didnt listen to them. After approaching our company they discovered we were a perfect fit as we listened to their specific remodeling needs and were not concerned about making the sale. This couple entertains large crowds of people and their kitchen was tiny and outdated for their needs. We opened up the wall between the kitchen and dining room, removed an awkward drop ceiling, added square footage to the kitchen and dining room spaces. Finally adding exterior sliding door with a La Cantina Bi-Fold door. We moved and installed a new sink window at the wall between the kitchen and dining room. The new configuration allowed for more working area as well as much needed additional kitchen storage. An integrated flush Subzero Refrigerator and Freezer are the perfect for this home owners entertaining needs. The island features a Miele Range with and island sink, the second sink is a necessity for this Chef. The details are not overlooked in the cabinetry with the beveled door by Ovation Cabinetry available exclusively at Signature Designs Kitchen Bath in San Diego.