Challenge: This prestigious Bridle Path kitchen suffered from poor lighting and functionality issues that prevented it from reaching its full potential. Our clients desired a luxury kitchen that would serve as both a functional workspace and an elegant entertaining hub, requiring us to address the lighting deficiencies while creating a sophisticated aesthetic worthy of this upscale neighborhood. Solution: We transformed this space into a luxury kitchen that balances exceptional functionality with breathtaking beauty. The design centers around the stunning Taj Mahal quartzite, whose naturally elegant patterns became the foundation for all other design decisions. By addressing the lighting challenges and incorporating warm finishes throughout, we created a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated. Highlights: • Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and backsplash - the jewel of the space with naturally beautiful and elegant patterns • Custom millwork cabinetry designed for both beauty and optimal functionality • High-end appliances seamlessly integrated into the sophisticated design • Warm finishes throughout that complement the quartzite's natural beauty • Expert craftsmanship by skilled local fabricators ensuring flawless installation Results: The transformed kitchen now serves as a stunning centerpiece of this Bridle Path home, where the Taj Mahal quartzite's natural elegance takes center stage. This project demonstrates our ability to solve functional challenges while creating luxury spaces that celebrate exceptional materials, proving that sometimes the most beautiful design solutions let natural beauty shine without unnecessary embellishment.

The homeowners wanted the living, dining, and the kitchen design to be a relaxed and functional for their young family, with open space that was fresh, innovative, architecturally artful, warm and informal. They expressed how they liked an “honest” blend of a simple modern design that had some industrial influences. After listening to the homeowner’s wishes, Mitra went to her drawing board and started exploring various design options that would meet their design needs. All while ensuring that the design concepts also addressed the many energy efficiency challenges facing this existing structure. After extensive study of the design solutions, to address all needs of this project, Mitra presented design solutions that had design flavors and simplicity of a modern farmhouse with the “honesty” of an industrial design. - Photo credit: Susan Teare

Modern Laneway KBC Developments + Iredale Architecture Photos | Alex Barrera | www.visualsbyalex.com
Photo of a small modern landscaping in Vancouver.

The first goal of this project was to address challenges with the home’s flooring and plumbing system. Additionally, the renovation of the guest and master bathrooms was required to meet the client’s preferences and enhance functionality. Ensuring that the new flooring and foundation repair solved the existing crack issue was a crucial aspect of the project. The remodel of the guest bathroom was aimed at making it more suitable for children’s use, while the overhaul of the master bathroom considered the overall style and functionality preferred by the client. Ultimately, the project aimed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of the client’s home while addressing the various renovation requirements.

Midcentury modern exterior house clad in Kelly Moore Swiss Coffee and Apple Hill. Bright front door is the highlight of the exterior in Kelly Moore Aqua Zing. Stainless steel backlit address numbers and sleek black sconces adorn the garage area.

Master Bedroom The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom-made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.

Home design - modern home design idea in Toronto

Another great project that incorporated many different aspects of landscaping. Intricate grading in relation to the property and surrounding areas, natural rock slaps and boulders, concrete borders, patios, fire pits, pergola, massive slab steps, retaining walls and great plantings!!! A great pleasure to design and build projects like these!!

Massive rock utilized in this project for both retaining walls and the waterfall in theme with the scale of the property and house.
Photo of a large traditional side yard stone walkway in Calgary.

Updated landscape to address lack of curb appeal in neighborhood. This landscape creates flow and interest throughout the property. A rock garden was installed in the back yard to address erosion and drainage issues at end of the back area.

This upper additional seating area takes advantage of a relatively unused portion of the yard that is behind the garage. A simple wood privacy screen has a gate on one section to carry through to the side yard.

Some photos of the project once complete and grown in for 2 seasons. Looks darn amazing!!!
Inspiration for a large backyard gravel patio remodel in Calgary with a fire pit and a gazebo

Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

When an expanding family outgrew its beloved A frame vacation home, chaos followed. Outdoor gear multiplied exponentially, while any organized spot to stow it did not. Expected amenities were non-existent for needs of the crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. SV Design addressed the lacking elements and added practicality, with style: the multigenerational family members and friends can now appreciate space for the variety of hobbies and interests they pursue. Having worked with Siemasko + Verbridge in the past, the family turned to SV once again knowing we would design solution to address the growing list of concerns. SV’s design of a three-story addition with a relatively small footprint was just what the home needed. A covered entry now provides the option of entering the main house or stopping off in the mud room to remove boots, drop off skis, and hang up wet clothes. Regardless of the way you enter the main house you will be greeted with a naturally lit, welcoming staircase of reclaimed white oak timber treads and steel stringers and rails. Each newel post is capped off with a polished granite sphere to pay homage to the Granite State in which the house resides. The open stair invites you up to a spacious family space for playing board games, listening to music, gazing at the stars, or just lounging about in the warm comfort of the home. Traveling downstairs from the main level is a new, kid friendly media room for popcorn and movies, or a little video game sibling competition. Perhaps the most striking new feature of the home is the custom designed Adirondack style bar built of varying tones of willow branches and bank. Topped off with a contrasting aged zinc counter, backsplash and shelf the bar is the perfect spot for the resident bar tender to mix up a tasty concoction for sitting by the crackling fire just steps away. This home will provide comfort and ease for the family to relax and enjoy their getaway for years to come.

DESIGN CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: To anyone who may be reading this project overview, I do hope you'll have the opportunity to have a look at the 'before' photo of this space. It's quite a transformation! Our clients purchased their condo at the beach several years ago. As shown in the 'before' photo, the owner's bedroom suite was a dark and dated space with unsightly paneled walls, heavy faux ceiling beams and outdated furniture. Everything felt cramped and cluttered throughout the condo, especially their primary bedroom . The client's vision for this space was for everything to have an airy and relaxed spa like feel. DESIGN SOLUTIONS PROVIDED: The entire condo was taken down to the stud. The faux beams were edited out and the ceiling raised. The heavy out-dated paneling was removed and replaced with fresh clean walls that were painted in a calming creamy tone throughout the entire condo. The awkwardly positioned windows were removed. New windows were then added with great attention to placement. On the main wall, windows were spaced to allow a queen sized bed to nest perfectly in between them. Richly textured honeycomb cellular shades were selected with a black out liner to tame the direct sun throughout the day. The homeowners have two dogs and a cat who love a visit to the beach as much as their 'humans'. All of our updated new furniture selections successfully addressed the client's quest for a 'pet friendly' environment. The existing dark and gloomy furniture was replaced with stylish updated pieces. Great thought was given to the size, scale and textiles used in this space. A custom upholstered bed with great architectural detailing was selected. It's richly textured easy-care fabric in a soft oatmeal tone created the perfect touch.

THE ENGLISH COUNTRY RANCH OPEN HOUSE 106 Chapel Grove Ct Wentzville Mo 63385 June 23, 2019 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm This address is not available on Google Maps yet. The neighboring address is 1333 Hepperman Rd. The new house is just to the left, and 50 yards south. Exterior Features: English Country Elevation with Veranda Oversized Auto Court 3 Car Garage Fully Sodded, Sprinkled and Landscaped Yard Covered Porch Kitchen: Tray Ceiling with Shiplap, Rustic Beams and Indirect Lighting V Groove Bead Board Lockers Custom Cabinets with Stacked 15” Top Cabinets Granite Counter Tops Custom Hood Under Cabinet Lighting Tile Back Splash Powder Room V Groove Bead Board with Antique Vanity Great Room: Custom Mantle and Bookcases Tray Ceiling with Rustic Beams

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house. All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items. Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry. - The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends. The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop. The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout. - Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry. The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window. A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway. With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

Addressing sound issues was a concern in a space as large as this. In order to combat the problem, I wrapped sound dampening materials in bold fabrics to address the issue as well as make a dramatic statement. Christian Williams

Before Photo. Tucked away mid century modern home. Modern concrete and metal address plate and mailbox, concrete walk, gravel drive, landscape lighting, plantings and fencing.