In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

Our clients for this Silicon Valley remodel wanted us to enlarge their existing kitchen by expanding into their adjacent dinette and family room area and address heat and glare issues caused by the afternoon sun at the rear of the residence. Our remodel eventually addressed almost all of the ground floor rooms. In addition we coordinated the addition of new windows throughout the house and “refreshed” the front entry and rear façade. We expanded the kitchen into the dinette area by creating an informal bar area to replace their existing dinette area. We increased indoor-outdoor flow by creating a wall of French doors and windows at the rear which included solar shading integrated into the rear wall by means of a system of interior wall panels defined by carefully laid out reveals. We created a dropped ceiling between the kitchen and the family room to define the bar counter area. A new, minimalist fireplace design replaced the existing brick fireplace. Wenge-colored cabinets and soft putty-colored walls in the dining/family room create a serene overall unity to the space. At the front entry, new doors, hardware and lighting brought this Mid-century rancher into the 21st Century. Photos by Mark Brand.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

Featuring hand turned legs and an integrated, inset end grain sinker cypress cutting board. Photos by Jason Kruppe
Large trendy ceramic tile and white floor eat-in kitchen photo in New Orleans with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Kitchen - kitchen idea in New Orleans

Photo: Elliott Johnson
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in San Luis Obispo with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

At 35+ years, this Ft Worth lake-home is wearing it’s age very well. To freshen up the surrounding landscaping and supporting elements, our clients dreamed of an avant garde look for both the front and backyard outdoor living space that tied together. One Specialty designed a re-imagined driveway, address monument, welcoming area and Xeriscape landscaping for the front. We constructed a multi-level deck made with Trex, complete with an outdoor kitchen and outdoor bar in the backyard, resulting in multiple vignettes for entertaining which are fully wheelchair accessible. To see before photos and more information on this project: http://www.onespecialty.com/lake-retreat/

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to work out space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to work out space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one in the basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a workout space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos