Search results for "Additional retirement" in Home Design Ideas

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

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.
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Extensive remodel to an existing single-floor ranch-style house helped the owners achieve their dream home in which to retire and enjoy for many years. Among the notable improvements made to the original façade and floor plan, a family room addition at the front of the house and a new, more prominent entry, to greatly improve curb appeal.

The clients, a retired couple who wanted an updated kitchen for their 1980's home. Soffit's were removed and the wall cabinets were extended to the ceiling to add for additional storage. An appliance garage was added to the dead corner to allow storage for small appliances. The glass door wall cabinets were added to showcase the clients prized cobalt collection of glass. Added by the clients request was a peninsula table to allow for a workstation and for family dining. The Refrigerator and the Range was relocated for better function of the space. Solar shades were added to filter the afternoon light and add a little softness to the space.

ABOUT THIS PROJECT: On a tight timeline from the sale of their beachfront home, the Owner's purchased this premium 4000 sqft penthouse condo on the ocean at Jacksonville Beach with the need to update quickly.
FINISH WORK: The couple appreciated the pre-construction planning, drawings and construction which ended on time as promised for their move in date. Good projects are well thought out and reflected in the finished results.
THE UPDATE: The flooring is a mix of blond oak engineered planks and Italian travertine in the hallways along with new millwork/baseboards and trims. . As avid readers, new custom cabinetry entertainment/ media and bookcases were added and a full house paint-out was made with specialty finishes to the vestibule foyer. They valued their old home's pantry system, so we made a custom version to fit their new space and added lighting, a wine "cellar" with a eurocave and added an exercise room with additional soundproofing for those in residence below.
CONTRACTOR'S Note: This couple - a healthcare CEO and his wife, a retired teacher and college admissions director for Bolles- were such a delight to work with and know. You can't help but be refreshed and uplifted by their bright and joyful taste. - Matthew Winchenbach, CGC

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

This private residence, located in a planned community along Fort Loudoun Lake in Knoxville, Tennessee, is intended to be a forever home for the client couple and their family as the couple nears retirement.
Designed with family gatherings and lake views in mind, those entering the stone-clad cottage are greeted with immediate views of the water. Passing through an entry corridor and then through an oversized archway, the grand, vaulted living and dining areas flank the path to large sliding doors opening onto a covered veranda that overlooks the pool and lake beyond. The interior architecture is open and light, with two en suite master bedrooms on the main level and three guest suites tucked into the eaves over the garage.
The home’s furnishings are an eclectic mix of the homeowner’s unique collections, a blend of comfortable and curated. The exterior is monochromatic in color with shake siding and trim at the gable ends painted to complement the light tan and grays of the stone cladding, creating a French country feel. Custom-painted wood shutters and rich wood entry doors add additional character to the exterior.

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.

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

Are you looking for an investment property? Have you been considering buying a bungalow in Brampton? If so, then this post is for you. This article will discuss the benefits of purchasing a bungalow in Brampton and how it can be an excellent real estate investment.
The Appeal of Bungalows
Bungalows are an incredibly popular style of house for many reasons. For one thing, they tend to have large lots, making them ideal for people who want plenty of outdoor living space. They are also cozy and comfortable, with one level that makes them very easy to maintain and navigate. Bungalows often come with charming features such as fireplaces and bay windows that give them character and charm. In short, they make great starter homes or retirement residences—and excellent investments!
Buying Property in Brampton
Brampton is an attractive city for investors because it has consistently seen real estate values rise year after year. The city is home to more than 600,000 residents, making it the ninth-largest city in Canada by population. It's also a major economic centre with many large companies based there, which means plenty of job opportunities and potential buyers or renters if you do decide to invest in a property here.
In addition to being attractive to investors, Brampton is also attractive to prospective homeowners because it offers great amenities such as parks, shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues. All these things make Brampton an attractive place to live—which makes buying a bungalow here even more appealing!
Furthermore, there are many different types of bungalows available in Brampton—from traditional models with stunning architecture to modern designs with open floor plans—so no matter what kind of house you're looking for, you'll likely find something that fits your needs here. Furthermore, there are plenty of agents who specialize in selling bungalows in Brampton who can help guide you through the process.
Conclusion: Investing in a bungalow in Brampton is an excellent choice for real estate investors looking for both financial gain and personal satisfaction from their purchase. Its robust economy and high quality of life coupled with its wide variety of housing options available at affordable prices make investing here especially appealing. Whether you plan on renting out your property or living there yourself, investing in a bungalow will certainly be worth your while!

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

This Seward Park residence was reimagined for a retired architect returning to Seattle, blending bold design with practical function. The remodel retained only the original foundation, reinforcing it to support a brand-new second story. Vaulted ceilings and a glass railing system give the home an airy, open feel filled with natural light.
Inside, modern upgrades include a chef’s kitchen with a 48” range, built-in refrigerator, and smart storage throughout. Floating vanities make bathrooms easy to maintain, while thoughtful finishes add everyday convenience. Outside, new retaining walls, pervious pavers, and gravel pits provide stormwater management and off-street parking—all while enhancing curb appeal.
The result is a modern, stylish home designed for comfortable living and long-term resilience.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

After recently retiring and spending more time at home, Mercer Island resident, our client was ready to say goodbye to her home’s country kitchen and outdated rooms of 15 years. She was ready to enjoy a reinvigorated kitchen update!
We replaced the island with a custom-built island to match the perimeter cabinets’ style and we added a new beverage center near the kitchen’s entryway. The new, stunning, maple countertop on the island immediately grabs your attention and the new, quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash of the surrounding cabinets provides the perfect complement. In addition, there is now herringbone accent tiling located over the range and new plumbing with stainless steel sinks and matching faucets nearby. After some reconfiguration, the existing cabinets received a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to complete the kitchen upgrade.

Living room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed light wood floor living room library idea in Seattle with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

This Seward Park residence was reimagined for a retired architect returning to Seattle, blending bold design with practical function. The remodel retained only the original foundation, reinforcing it to support a brand-new second story. Vaulted ceilings and a glass railing system give the home an airy, open feel filled with natural light.
Inside, modern upgrades include a chef’s kitchen with a 48” range, built-in refrigerator, and smart storage throughout. Floating vanities make bathrooms easy to maintain, while thoughtful finishes add everyday convenience. Outside, new retaining walls, pervious pavers, and gravel pits provide stormwater management and off-street parking—all while enhancing curb appeal.
The result is a modern, stylish home designed for comfortable living and long-term resilience.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

ABOUT THIS PROJECT: On a tight timeline from the sale of their beachfront home, the Owner's purchased this premium 4000 sqft penthouse condo on the ocean at Jacksonville Beach with the need to update quickly.
FINISH WORK: The couple appreciated the pre-construction planning, drawings and construction which ended on time as promised for their move in date. Good projects are well thought out and reflected in the finished results.
THE UPDATE: The flooring is a mix of blond oak engineered planks and Italian travertine in the hallways along with new millwork/baseboards and trims. . As avid readers, new custom cabinetry entertainment/ media and bookcases were added and a full house paint-out was made with specialty finishes to the vestibule foyer. They valued their old home's pantry system, so we made a custom version to fit their new space and added lighting, a wine "cellar" with a eurocave and added an exercise room with additional soundproofing for those in residence below.
CONTRACTOR'S Note: This couple - a healthcare CEO and his wife, a retired teacher and college admissions director for Bolles- were such a delight to work with and know. You can't help but be refreshed and uplifted by their bright and joyful taste. - Matthew Winchenbach, CGC
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