Troy Theis
Example of a cottage entryway design in Minneapolis

Inspiration for a shabby-chic style gravel patio remodel in DC Metro with a pergola

Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Orange County

Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in Minneapolis

Living room - mid-sized traditional formal and enclosed vinyl floor living room idea in Chicago with yellow walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The Indio Residence, located on an ocean side bluff in Shell Beach, is a clean, contemporary home. Taking cues from the Florin Residence, an earlier project completed for the same client, the Indio Residence is much larger with additional amenities to meet the client’s needs. At the front door, guests are greeted by floor to ceiling glass with views straight out to the ocean. Tall, grand ceilings throughout the entry and great room are highlighted by skylights, allowing for a naturally lit interior. The open concept floor plan helps highlight the custom details such as the glass encased wine room and floor to ceiling ocean-facing glass. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the master suite and guests rooms are located on opposite wings of the home. Ideal for entertaining, this layout allows for maximum privacy and shared space alike. Additionally, a privately accessed caretakers apartment is located above the garage, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and ocean facing deck.

This elegant interior captures the warmth and authenticity of Santa Fe Style Architecture, blending exposed vigas, white plaster walls, and handcrafted details with abundant natural light from expansive glass doors that open to a serene courtyard. Rooted in the traditions of Adobe Architecture, the design emphasizes balance and harmony while seamlessly accommodating contemporary living. The integration of historic craftsmanship with modern comfort reflects the principles of Historic Preservation Santa Fe, ensuring that cultural heritage is celebrated while the home remains functional and inviting. As a thoughtful example of Custom Residential Design Santa Fe, this space highlights contextual sensitivity, artistry, and a connection between indoor and outdoor living. Guided by the expertise of a Santa Fe Architect, the design achieves both timeless elegance and enduring comfort.

The Indio Residence, located on an ocean side bluff in Shell Beach, is a clean, contemporary home. Taking cues from the Florin Residence, an earlier project completed for the same client, the Indio Residence is much larger with additional amenities to meet the client’s needs. At the front door, guests are greeted by floor to ceiling glass with views straight out to the ocean. Tall, grand ceilings throughout the entry and great room are highlighted by skylights, allowing for a naturally lit interior. The open concept floor plan helps highlight the custom details such as the glass encased wine room and floor to ceiling ocean-facing glass. In order to maintain a sense of privacy, the master suite and guests rooms are located on opposite wings of the home. Ideal for entertaining, this layout allows for maximum privacy and shared space alike. Additionally, a privately accessed caretakers apartment is located above the garage, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and ocean facing deck.

Great room | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Augusta plan in Arizona! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. A beautiful ranch-style model home, the Augusta boasts a master suite with a spacious walk-in closet and master bath, as well as two additional bedrooms with a shared full bath. An open kitchen with a large center island overlooks both an inviting dining room and great room—each with direct access to a relaxing covered patio. Additional highlights of the Augusta plan include a 3-car garage with storage space and a conveniently located laundry room with a coat closet.

Destined to be without equal, this showpiece property designed by architect Batter Kay of Del Mar blends clean, crisp geometry an essential when creating beauty in form. Steel framing and extensive use of glass in the 2-story, open-concept residence fosters a sleek and modern design aesthetic. The high-volume entry space with floor-to-ceiling glass provides a strong indoor/outdoor connection with the large private outdoor spaces. The main level gallery consists of the combined dining room, living room with 2-story fireplace, elegant bar and sprawling chef’s kitchen. The chef’s kitchen features professional appliances, gorgeous Jurassic green countertops, breakfast room, and adjoining family room all with walls of glass opening to the private patios. Completing the residence are bonus/game room, office, 4 additional bedrooms and a master suite with dual closets, fireplace and incredible bath adorned in marble. Additional highlights include a 4-car garage, built-in sound system, detached 2 bedroom guest house. The design of the house is a contemporary masterpiece… and the grounds are magnificent. A 660 vine working vineyard, Gold Medal winning Bordeaux style wine in 2011. Tennis court, lap pool, greenhouse, cutting garden, fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden, blueberry patch, a ½ acre maze – yes, a real maze such as you would see in England, a labyrinth- astoundingly tranquil and a beehive with an Italian Queen who makes the most delectable honey. Pathways wind through this magical retreat and glorious views to sweep you away are breathtaking. Photos by Warmfocus and SD Aerial Media

This turn of the century Bernal Heights cottage underwent a complete remodel and addition. Highlights include a new glass roll-up door in the office/studio and ipe decking used both inside and out providing a seamless transition to the outdoor area.

The adage “good things come in small packages” was never more true than in the remodeling of this home’s small bathrooms. First, a powder room was renovated with a dynamic three dimensional wall decorated with chipped marble. A wall hung pedestal sink and embedded lighting create an ultra-modern appeal. A second floor bathroom was gutted and redesigned to allow for a large walk-in shower. Marble walls, a tile floor, a rain shower head and a glass entry provide a spa-like feel. A marble countertop adorned with a white furniture-quality vanity and improved lighting are additional highlights. While they were at it, the homeowners also redid the mudroom to create additional storage, a bench and locker storage. The added counter and back splash above washer and dryer make doing laundry and folding a lot easier.

Study | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Augusta plan in Arizona! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. A beautiful ranch-style model home, the Augusta boasts a master suite with a spacious walk-in closet and master bath, as well as two additional bedrooms with a shared full bath. An open kitchen with a large center island overlooks both an inviting dining room and great room—each with direct access to a relaxing covered patio. Additional highlights of the Augusta plan include a 3-car garage with storage space and a conveniently located laundry room with a coat closet.

Project Spotlight: Stunning 700 Sq. Ft. Home Addition by BMR Belmax Remodeling At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we recently completed an extensive 700 sq. ft. home addition project that redefined both style and functionality for our clients. This comprehensive project not only expanded the home but also upgraded its overall design and livability. From structural work to interior finishes, we handled every detail with precision and care. Project Overview Structural Upgrades and Expansion: The project began with the removal of an old deck to make way for a new addition seamlessly integrated into the existing structure. To achieve an open-concept design, we removed a section of the kitchen wall and installed a robust metal beam supported by two metal columns. This structural element ensured the second floor and roof were securely supported. New Spaces Added: Kitchen Remodeling: Installed custom kitchen cabinets with stunning white quartz countertops for a clean, modern look. Integrated a large peninsula, creating additional workspace and seating. Added recessed lighting for a bright and functional cooking area, along with new high-end appliances. Bathroom Addition: Designed and built a new bathroom featuring a walk-in shower with glass doors, a double vanity, and elegant recessed lighting. Installed new mirrors, a toilet, and high-quality fixtures to create a luxurious space. Dining Room and Bedroom: Built a spacious new dining room directly connected to the kitchen, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Added a cozy new bedroom with modern lighting and finishes for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Laundry Room Remodel: Upgraded the laundry room to maximize efficiency with new plumbing, electrical systems, and updated finishes. Exterior Upgrade: Built a brand-new deck adjacent to the new addition, offering an outdoor space perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work: Completed all necessary upgrades to ensure the new addition was seamlessly connected to the home’s existing systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Key Features and Design Highlights Open-concept design achieved through structural engineering with a metal beam and column system. High-end kitchen finishes, including quartz countertops, recessed lighting, and a large peninsula. Luxurious bathroom design with modern amenities like a walk-in shower and double vanity. A new deck addition that enhances outdoor living space. Stylish and functional spaces tailored to the homeowners’ needs. The Result The 700 sq. ft. addition has transformed this home into a spacious, modern, and functional retreat. The open-concept kitchen and dining area create a welcoming space for gatherings, while the upgraded bedroom and bathroom offer comfort and style. The new deck perfectly complements the addition, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Ready to expand and enhance your home? Contact BMR Belmax Remodeling today to turn your vision into reality!

The adage “good things come in small packages” was never more true than in the remodeling of this home’s small bathrooms. First, a powder room was renovated with a dynamic three dimensional wall decorated with chipped marble. A wall hung pedestal sink and embedded lighting create an ultra-modern appeal. A second floor bathroom was gutted and redesigned to allow for a large walk-in shower. Marble walls, a tile floor, a rain shower head and a glass entry provide a spa-like feel. A marble countertop adorned with a white furniture-quality vanity and improved lighting are additional highlights. While they were at it, the homeowners also redid the mudroom to create additional storage, a bench and locker storage. The added counter and back splash above washer and dryer make doing laundry and folding a lot easier.

Home office from condo renovation in Upper West Side, Manhattan. ABOUT THE RENOVATION Very often, getting what you want is simply about timing. After years of owning her Upper West Side co-op in Lincoln Square and making various small renovations along the way, our client decided to go all-out and advance with her dream renovation after being eased into the significant decision by our full-service design-build approach, extensive pre-planning process, out of the box design strategy, and thorough estimate. The results of this stunning renovation speak for themselves. SPACIOUS CENTERPIECE KITCHEN With many condos in Manhattan, the kitchen is the home’s focal point. In this case, the client’s goal was to reinvigorate this critical space via a classic interior design style with modern and contemporary touches. Beyond introducing updated appliances and pendant lighting, we added immaculate natural stone countertops and backsplash, along with opaque Tribeca shaker cabinets throughout the space. TWO BATHROOMS, TWICE AS NICE When the opportunity to add a bathroom to your Manhattan condo presents itself, you take advantage. Part of our renovation of this USW condo included an additional bathroom, in addition to a total overhaul of the ensuite bathroom. For the main bath, we turned the dreary old space into a soft and elegant sanctuary that’s warming as the sunlight beaming in, thanks to the sleek nickel-finish fixtures and custom marble tile. In the newly-created guest bathroom, we delivered an upscale, timeless design incorporating gleaming subway tiles, bold brass fixtures, and exquisite deco hexagon flooring. PERMA-WFH OFFICE WITH CUSTOM MURPHY BED & STORAGE After being thrust into a permanent work from home schedule due to the pandemic, our client decided to incorporate more of a formal home office space into her guest bedroom - a space where she also required additional storage. The problem was she didn't want to give up the practicality of a spare bedroom. To maintain the added bedroom availability and also provide a proper office space, we created a custom Murphy bed and desk area with custom millwork for enhanced organization with a perfectly narrow personal desk area nestled to the left of the large built-in. ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS - We Incorporated Various Square/hexagon Features Throughout The Space, Per Client Preference - Laundry Relocation For Added Space And Preference

Project Spotlight: Stunning 700 Sq. Ft. Home Addition by BMR Belmax Remodeling At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we recently completed an extensive 700 sq. ft. home addition project that redefined both style and functionality for our clients. This comprehensive project not only expanded the home but also upgraded its overall design and livability. From structural work to interior finishes, we handled every detail with precision and care. Project Overview Structural Upgrades and Expansion: The project began with the removal of an old deck to make way for a new addition seamlessly integrated into the existing structure. To achieve an open-concept design, we removed a section of the kitchen wall and installed a robust metal beam supported by two metal columns. This structural element ensured the second floor and roof were securely supported. New Spaces Added: Kitchen Remodeling: Installed custom kitchen cabinets with stunning white quartz countertops for a clean, modern look. Integrated a large peninsula, creating additional workspace and seating. Added recessed lighting for a bright and functional cooking area, along with new high-end appliances. Bathroom Addition: Designed and built a new bathroom featuring a walk-in shower with glass doors, a double vanity, and elegant recessed lighting. Installed new mirrors, a toilet, and high-quality fixtures to create a luxurious space. Dining Room and Bedroom: Built a spacious new dining room directly connected to the kitchen, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Added a cozy new bedroom with modern lighting and finishes for a warm, inviting atmosphere. Laundry Room Remodel: Upgraded the laundry room to maximize efficiency with new plumbing, electrical systems, and updated finishes. Exterior Upgrade: Built a brand-new deck adjacent to the new addition, offering an outdoor space perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work: Completed all necessary upgrades to ensure the new addition was seamlessly connected to the home’s existing systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Key Features and Design Highlights Open-concept design achieved through structural engineering with a metal beam and column system. High-end kitchen finishes, including quartz countertops, recessed lighting, and a large peninsula. Luxurious bathroom design with modern amenities like a walk-in shower and double vanity. A new deck addition that enhances outdoor living space. Stylish and functional spaces tailored to the homeowners’ needs. The Result The 700 sq. ft. addition has transformed this home into a spacious, modern, and functional retreat. The open-concept kitchen and dining area create a welcoming space for gatherings, while the upgraded bedroom and bathroom offer comfort and style. The new deck perfectly complements the addition, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Ready to expand and enhance your home? Contact BMR Belmax Remodeling today to turn your vision into reality!

Patio for outdoor living | Visit our website to see where we’re building the Augusta plan in Arizona! You’ll find photos, interactive floor plans and more. A beautiful ranch-style model home, the Augusta boasts a master suite with a spacious walk-in closet and master bath, as well as two additional bedrooms with a shared full bath. An open kitchen with a large center island overlooks both an inviting dining room and great room—each with direct access to a relaxing covered patio. Additional highlights of the Augusta plan include a 3-car garage with storage space and a conveniently located laundry room with a coat closet.

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.