This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Milwaukee with a shed roof

In this Doylestown attic, we installed faux white oak beams along the knee walls to address the challenge of the large bow in the roof. Due to the tight space caused by baffles and insulation, we used the faux beams to conceal the wiring for the ceiling fan and light fixtures. Enlarging the high window allowed abundant natural light in, along with the operable skylight, making it the sunniest, most refreshing room in the house.

Example of a trendy bathroom design in New York

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Los Angeles

Who wouldn't fall in love with the Water Street building, and the elegant industrial vibe? The light that floods in through the floor-to-ceiling windows makes this a perfect spot to entertain and host friends from California or adult kids who visit. The location can't be beat--these clients ride their bikes to meet friends for lunch or a tour through the Hirschhorn. We knocked down a wall to open the kitchen, and added modern furnishings punctuated by splashes of deep orangey-red. High contrast and lots of rich textures can be found throughout this urban loft. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

view of kitchen with dining room beyond photo by Sara Terranova
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Kansas City with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, a double-bowl sink and blue backsplash

Example of a beach style family room design in Santa Barbara

This clean cut kitchen stemmed from the design challenge to place a contemporary kitchen in a traditional Tudor style house in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Our client was a self-described city person living in the country - who wanted an urban contemporary feeling incorporated into her home. She says she waited many years to find the right design team who understood her vision! Not wanting to ignore the beautiful 50 year old oaks outside her window, Advance Design transformed her traditional kitchen into an urban kitchen utopia with the use of texture and earthy finishes keeping with the feel of the existing home. Dura Supreme Bria frameless cabinets with a soft pillowed door works to incorporate a woodsy feel in shades of grey textured foil appropriately called “Twig”. Aluminum framed opaque glass doors are hinged with a lift up Aventos hinge for a contemporary twist and a super-functional opening. Brushed nickel hardware in various sizes keeps with the clean line feel. To keep the design organic and “fit it in” with the rest of the house, we covered the floor with a natural looking travertine porcelain laid on a 45 degree angle simulating a more traditional feel in a neutral tone of silvery-brown. The backsplash is clean and crisp with large Carrera marble tiles in a brick pattern, and a splash of energy from a vertical marble and glass mosaic accent. We then finished off the look with clean Cambria Torquay countertops portraying minimal patterning to keep the work surfaces feeling uncluttered and open. Other areas of the home were addressed to “blend” the style in with lightly distressed grey tone hardwood floors and a “matching” renovated powder room displaying contemporary features to compliment the nearby kitchen’s style. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley. The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic. We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws. The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year. Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley. The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic. We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws. The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year. Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

When the Owners approached Goggans Architecture about renovation of a 90’s era oceanfront house, it was clear there would be a lot more to the renovation than mere updates and remedying deferred maintenance. One of the most significant issues was how to integrate an outdoor pool given the pool had to be within the building envelope, and the house was already abutting the setback on its ocean side. A second significant challenge was how to provide a roof top deck over a pitched roof house with an attic, that was functional and attractive. Finally, creating better access from the parking area to the kitchen was a priority. Goggans Architecture addressed the placement of a pool by creating a walled courtyard at the front, or landward side, of the house. The pool was placed on one side of the entry walkway, while its composition was balanced by a parterre garden on the other side of the walkway. The roof top deck was resolved by adding a new staircase and passageway through former attic space. By using a motorized roof hatch, the Owners could ascend to the roof deck which perched just below the roof ridge, hidden from view from the street. Relocating an underneath stair from one side of the house to a point that was closer to the kitchen resolved the access issue. These strategic moves created other opportunities, such as expansion of the master bathroom to a portion of the front porch, while allowing an exterior stair from the bath directly to the pool. Other enhancements included placement of a large folding door in the Great room, renovation and expansion of the kitchen and exterior decks, reorganization, and replacement of the fenestration, updating all baths and interior and exterior finishes. The extensive renovation reflects the holistic approach of Goggans Architecture, marrying landscape architecture, architecture, and interiors.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in San Francisco

This entry’s design was inspired by the feel of an English manor. The challenge with a large home-site was creating a home design including multiple buildings and outdoor structures that flowed together and felt cohesive. The main function of the outdoor living space was to address this challenge. • The home includes a main house, guest house, outdoor leaving area, gazebo, and separate garage connected by trellised walkways. Large concrete tiles separated by grass create walkways between focal points. A large rock wall with focal niches balances the guest house. • A trellised pathway connects the main house with separate outbuildings. • A long wading pool is anchored by a stone wall points the way to a scenic outdoor living area. • A covered living area was designed on the edge of the property to take advantage of the stunning views and tie the guest house and pool together. A rectangular open firepit gives guests a stunning setting in which to relax. • Rock pathways and gardens edge the property, uniting and connecting the various spaces. • Landscape lighting adds to the overall glow setting off the old world setting. • Each living area was designed to connect and flow with the overall design while taking advantage of the spectacular views. • For a complete tour of this property: http://epprighthomes.com/videos/12th-century-manor-house/

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures. The Galley Sink dresser features many options neatly tucked away into a custom arrangement for ease of access while entertaining.