Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. This classic Connecticut home was bought by a growing family. The house was in an ideal location but needed to be expanded. Design Builders & Remodeling almost doubled the square footage of the home. Creating a new sunny and spacious master bedroom, new guestroom, laundry room, garage, kids bathroom, expanded and renovated the kitchen, family room, and playroom. The upgrades and addition is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated to the original footprint.

Bru’s House of Color was established in April 1961 by Charles “Bru” Baker, hence the name. The store is currently owned and operated by Ray & Darlene Wiemer who purchased the business in 2000. We have been serving the community in the same location since 1963. Each of our professionally trained staff members have been part of our family for a minimum of 10 years. We are a true professional paint store, not a paint department. Bru’s is your one-stop paint store for the professional or the “do it yourselfer”. We are here to assist you in any way we can: answering questions, determining proper products for each project, custom color matching as well as color consultations. “Big Box Store selection and prices.” In addition to all things paint, we are also able to provide custom window coverings– measuring and installation are part of our service. We can also bring our showroom to your home for a true professional consultation at no charge. “Our most important product is service, and our most important customer is you.”

Cliff Top Cottage Lac St. Pierre, Quebec The initial concept of creating a cottage incorporating a sculptural expression was requested directly by the client and property owner. The client’s deep design interest was also accompanied by an interest in creating something unique on this dramatic cliff-top site that overlooks Lac St. Pierre in Quebec. The outer form has a simplicity that establishes a counterpart to the roughness of the stone hillside. It sits atop the rocky edge and splays outwards to capture views. The main living spaces are split and slightly turned away towards views of the lake. The outdoor space left in between the two main living areas is a protected courtyard – complete with a terrace and pool. While the master suite is located on the main floor, additional bedrooms are located below and carved into the hillside, with views to the water. The interior is where the walls and ceilings undulate. They form an inner landscaped form that frames the lake views. Although the forms are prominent, the use of natural materials works to retain a softness and connection to the surrounding natural context. Wood, zinc and concrete work together to ground the design. Size: 3,400 sq.ft. This project is currently under construction.

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

Contemporary style kitchen, with floating marble island, hanging lights, dark brown cabinets, and plank wood flooring.
Trendy kitchen photo in Los Angeles

Our design for an apartment located in the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension in Manhattan addressed a number of challenges to unleash the potential of this 2.500-square-foot space in an elegant pre-war building. When purchased by our client, the property was in estate condition and needed extensive work, requiring demolition and a complete makeover of the living spaces, as well as the addition of contemporary climate control. Among the spatial and design challenges, the primary bathroom was exposed to the entry foyer of the apartment, and the dining room and kitchen were each closed-in and lacking light. The dining room’s promise as a bright, convivial space was fulfilled by adding double pocket doors opening to the living room, kitchen and foyer, establishing a seamless flow through the entertaining spaces while bringing in much-needed light. We designed a chic and modern solution for the primary bedroom’s lack of privacy, creating a walk-in closet that serves as a transitional vestibule in the bedroom, adding both visual intrigue and additional storage space while shielding the viewscape from the apartment entrance through the foyer to the bedroom. To add a three-zone central air conditioning system, we took advantage of the kitchen facing an interior courtyard, placing the air conditioning condensers here, which also satisfied landmark property restrictions. The climate control system was accomplished without lowering ceiling heights. Finally, we worked with the client to choose classic finishes and fixtures that reflect and enhance the historic nature of the property, and are also contemporary and timeless. These include unlacquered brass hardware, herringbone oak flooring with a stencil border, black-and-white bathrooms, and paneling, trim, and moldings that are simple and elegant. POP Architecture was the architect for the project, and Godwin Construction was the general contractor.

Bru’s House of Color was established in April 1961 by Charles “Bru” Baker, hence the name. The store is currently owned and operated by Ray & Darlene Wiemer who purchased the business in 2000. We have been serving the community in the same location since 1963. Each of our professionally trained staff members have been part of our family for a minimum of 10 years. We are a true professional paint store, not a paint department. Bru’s is your one-stop paint store for the professional or the “do it yourselfer”. We are here to assist you in any way we can: answering questions, determining proper products for each project, custom color matching as well as color consultations. “Big Box Store selection and prices.” In addition to all things paint, we are also able to provide custom window coverings– measuring and installation are part of our service. We can also bring our showroom to your home for a true professional consultation at no charge. “Our most important product is service, and our most important customer is you.”

Not far from the Maine coastline, this renovation project showcases the power of creative reimagining. With an elevated deck in need of replacement, the clients envisioned a new space that would fill with sunshine and offer them the potential to nurture plants throughout the year. Offering full-service design and construction, Sunspace stepped in to make it happen. The Sunspace team began by replacing the existing deck structure, creating a solid, raised, insulated foundation that would receive the greenhouse addition. A high-quality aluminum frame was chosen for its durability and sleek lines, blending with the home's existing architecture and fitting snugly into the corner of the exterior walls. The generous use of insulated glass floods the interior with natural light while maintaining a comfortable growing environment all year round. Functionality within a small space is key in this design. Venting windows in the lower sections and operable roof vents ensure proper airflow and temperature control, essential for a thriving plant collection. The interior is thoughtfully finished with planting benches and shelving to establish an organized, inviting workspace. And with direct access from the home, a trip to the greenhouse is an effortless escape for the clients, a world of vibrant growth never further than a few steps away.

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Photo: Flickr user mazola_jr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

Cliff Top Cottage Lac St. Pierre, Quebec The initial concept of creating a cottage incorporating a sculptural expression was requested directly by the client and property owner. The client’s deep design interest was also accompanied by an interest in creating something unique on this dramatic cliff-top site that overlooks Lac St. Pierre in Quebec. The outer form has a simplicity that establishes a counterpart to the roughness of the stone hillside. It sits atop the rocky edge and splays outwards to capture views. The main living spaces are split and slightly turned away towards views of the lake. The outdoor space left in between the two main living areas is a protected courtyard – complete with a terrace and pool. While the master suite is located on the main floor, additional bedrooms are located below and carved into the hillside, with views to the water. The interior is where the walls and ceilings undulate. They form an inner landscaped form that frames the lake views. Although the forms are prominent, the use of natural materials works to retain a softness and connection to the surrounding natural context. Wood, zinc and concrete work together to ground the design. Size: 3,400 sq.ft. This project is currently under construction.

Innovation and esthetics merge in this stunning cutting edge kitchen. White oak floors and custom-stained rift cut white oak cabinets establish the airy scheme. A variety of closure devices were chosen: touch latches on the tall cabinets except for the polished chrome handles on the refrigeration columns; beveled top edges with black backing for contrast on the pot drawers; and low-profile chrome edge pulls for cabinets on the island. The first technology update is the cooktop: the knobs are separate, and are set into the oversized marble counter edge. Another surprise is the marble countertop fronts on either side of the cooktop: they’re actually drawers with beveled top edges that disappear when closed. An additional upgrade is the electrical sockets (without switch plates) that are set flush into the tall cabinet sides. Both tall sections flanking the cooktop have retractable doors: at left is a coffee station; at right is storage for serving pieces and pantry items. Boldly veined marble adds organic pattern in several applications: countertops; the double-waterfall island; the back of the island; and the recessed vent hood front. Polished stainless steel is the cooktop alcove’s backsplash, reflecting the entire kitchen when viewed from the adjoining family room.

Bru’s House of Color was established in April 1961 by Charles “Bru” Baker, hence the name. The store is currently owned and operated by Ray & Darlene Wiemer who purchased the business in 2000. We have been serving the community in the same location since 1963. Each of our professionally trained staff members have been part of our family for a minimum of 10 years. We are a true professional paint store, not a paint department. Bru’s is your one-stop paint store for the professional or the “do it yourselfer”. We are here to assist you in any way we can: answering questions, determining proper products for each project, custom color matching as well as color consultations. “Big Box Store selection and prices.” In addition to all things paint, we are also able to provide custom window coverings– measuring and installation are part of our service. We can also bring our showroom to your home for a true professional consultation at no charge. “Our most important product is service, and our most important customer is you.”

This detached garage is designed as a complete Craftsman composition in its own right, sited near the main home but reading as an independent structure. A front-gabled roof with deep overhangs and exposed bracket detailing under the eaves establishes the Craftsman character, with the gable face shingled above a board-and-batten base to give the elevation a clear two-part rhythm. A wide glazed overhead door anchors the front, its divided-light panels bringing daylight into the bay while keeping the face from reading as a blank door. A stone or masonry water table wraps the base, grounding the building and adding durability at grade. The garage is set into a sloped site, with a stepped retaining wall and guardrail at left managing the grade change and defining the approach. The existing home is visible at right, close enough to relate but with the garage standing on its own as a finished, intentional building rather than a bare utility structure.

The client fell in love with this site in the wooded hills of northwest Portland. They desired a single-story, Pacific Northwest Modern home with a grand central space that captures views into the valley. The home would include four bedrooms; a large central space with kitchen; dining and entertainment areas; a small theatre; a large, covered deck; and a three-car garage. Part of the allure of the site was the dramatic slope, which in some areas was as steep as 20%. The layout works the 4,300 sf structure into the site, by following the swails of the hillside. In addition to establishing a comfortable lay in the land, this strategy limits excavation and fill. The drive reveals the dramatic forms of the home through its arching approach.

Bru’s House of Color was established in April 1961 by Charles “Bru” Baker, hence the name. The store is currently owned and operated by Ray & Darlene Wiemer who purchased the business in 2000. We have been serving the community in the same location since 1963. Each of our professionally trained staff members have been part of our family for a minimum of 10 years. We are a true professional paint store, not a paint department. Bru’s is your one-stop paint store for the professional or the “do it yourselfer”. We are here to assist you in any way we can: answering questions, determining proper products for each project, custom color matching as well as color consultations. “Big Box Store selection and prices.” In addition to all things paint, we are also able to provide custom window coverings– measuring and installation are part of our service. We can also bring our showroom to your home for a true professional consultation at no charge. “Our most important product is service, and our most important customer is you.”