The condominium entry hosts both a small kitchen and this credenza opposite. It is an elegant way to provide significant extra storage and serve as additional counter space. Jim Houston

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional slate floor entry hall remodel in Seattle with white walls

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.

A retired couple desired a valiant master suite in their “forever home”. After living in their mid-century house for many years, they approached our design team with a concept to add a 3rd story suite with sweeping views of Puget sound. Our team stood atop the home’s rooftop with the clients admiring the view that this structural lift would create in enjoyment and value. The only concern was how they and their dear-old dog, would get from their ground floor garage entrance in the daylight basement to this new suite in the sky? Our CAPS design team specified universal design elements throughout the home, to allow the couple and their 120lb. Pit Bull Terrier to age in place. A new residential elevator added to the westside of the home. Placing the elevator shaft on the exterior of the home minimized the need for interior structural changes. A shed roof for the addition followed the slope of the site, creating tall walls on the east side of the master suite to allow ample daylight into rooms without sacrificing useable wall space in the closet or bathroom. This kept the western walls low to reduce the amount of direct sunlight from the late afternoon sun, while maximizing the view of the Puget Sound and distant Olympic mountain range. The master suite is the crowning glory of the redesigned home. The bedroom puts the bed up close to the wide picture window. While soothing violet-colored walls and a plush upholstered headboard have created a bedroom that encourages lounging, including a plush dog bed. A private balcony provides yet another excuse for never leaving the bedroom suite, and clerestory windows between the bedroom and adjacent master bathroom help flood the entire space with natural light. The master bathroom includes an easy-access shower, his-and-her vanities with motion-sensor toe kick lights, and pops of beachy blue in the tile work and on the ceiling for a spa-like feel. Some other universal design features in this master suite include wider doorways, accessible balcony, wall mounted vanities, tile and vinyl floor surfaces to reduce transition and pocket doors for easy use. A large walk-through closet links the bedroom and bathroom, with clerestory windows at the high ceilings The third floor is finished off with a vestibule area with an indoor sauna, and an adjacent entertainment deck with an outdoor kitchen & bar.

This kitchen had a rather small island. By repurposing the old island with paint and adding an addition to it with a frame and farm legs, its now an elegant space for family to gather. Liz DelCasale, photographer

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.

Granite counters provide additional natural beauty to this log cabin. The hand hammered sink by Native Trails is complemented by the Kohler deck-mount bridge Parq faucet in Sovereign finish. Design by Rochelle Lynne Design, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada

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.

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

Reclaimed wormy chestnut steals the show in this kitchen remodel. The hand-planed, hand-pegged cabinetry and pantry door provide a warm, authentic backdrop. Our clients, a retired couple who enjoy hosting family gatherings with their grandchildren, longed for a space that would welcome a crowd. They desired an open plan to incorporate their bright sunroom that serves as their family room. The light from the sun room would change the existing dark kitchen dramatically. It was important to the couple that the kitchen work zones be tucked away for uninterrupted meal prep and clean up. Their wish list also included the addition of a wet bar area for more storage, home office needs, and entertaining. The white, transitional wet bar cabinetry compliments the chocolate brown chestnut beautifully. The homeowners have a flair for color and were inspired by pieces they collected in their travels leading them to choose red as an accent color along with Tuscan style seating for finishing touches. Matt Villano Photography

Stacy Zarin Goldberg photography
Inspiration for a transitional dining room remodel in DC Metro

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.

Robineve Interiors
Living room - large transitional open concept carpeted living room idea in Boise with yellow walls, a standard fireplace and a plaster fireplace

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