The interior of this house is very modern while the exterior was decidedly frumpy. The owners wanted to transform it so it was worthy of the interior and they were not afraid to push the boundaries to get what they wanted. So we added elements not typically found on homes like the steel awnings which are designed to provide shade to west windows and provide a place for outdoor lighting. The address monument makes the house more 3 dimensional.

A modern exterior renovation to this mid-century home. The siding was updated with new paint, stonework, and modern address detail.
Mid-sized 1950s brown two-story mixed siding house exterior idea

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.

Outdoor Patio with Chandelier and concrete from the 1940's. We decided to stay with the architecture of the home. 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.

This is the new entry to the home. It features shoshugibon siding from Delta Millworks.
Mid-sized eclectic slate floor and blue floor entryway photo in Chicago with black walls and an orange front door

Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone with limestone address block
Example of an exterior home design in Detroit

Wine Cellar Construction: Proper wine cellar construction is vital to assuring the health of your wine. An ideal environment for your wine cellar must be constructed according to certain specifications which address the insulation, vapor barrier, mold resistant wall board and the exterior grade door. This will guarantee that your wine cellar cooling will be able to provide the proper temperature. Having a wine cellar humidifier installed will keep the proper humidity levels and prevent possible moisture damage to areas adjacent to the wine cellar. Vanco Construction knows your local building codes and will be able to have all your concerns addressed before the construction process begins. Give us a call at (973) 994-0616 to discuss.

What an awesome project!! Our client wanted us to design and build a complete custom backyard that had to match up with the existing rock on the house. They wanted warm natural cedar accents throughout as well that carried from the mantle on the massive outdoor fireplace over to the outdoor kitchen and privacy screens & gates. We finished with stainless steel cabinets, Dacor inset grill, 40" firebox, as well as fridge. Our client also wanted us to overlay rock onto the parging at the rear of the house to tie it all in. The project was capped off with natural rock accent boulders and an address rock as well as custom aluminum fencing and large trees for privacy. We added concrete edge and exposed aggregate patio to create an extremely cozy area for socializing and relaxing that has great curb appeal!!

Inspiration for a timeless patio remodel in Calgary

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.

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. Visual Comfort pendant light pair strikes over the large island.

During construction, our client notified us of a water leak in their wine cellar (they thought had been caused by our work). After investigation, it was found to be ground-water intrusion. This space was a crawl-space – the prior builder had moved dirt to create it, without addressing the water level or drainage. The home’s post and beam construction, along with non-treated lumber was found buried in the un-removed dirt (this eventually could lead to a major failure). To remedy the dirt was excavated, a new concrete footing installed, and sump pump system and water sensors were installed to address future drainage. The expansive wine collection was saved, and no bottles were harmed during construction.

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 condo we addressed the layout and making changes to the layout. By opening up the kitchen and turning the space into a great room. With the dining/bar, lanai, and family adding to the space giving it a open and spacious feeling. Then we addressed the hall with its too many doors. Changing the location of the guest bedroom door to accommodate a better furniture layout. The bathrooms we started from scratch The new look is perfectly suited for the clients and their entertaining lifestyle.

Sheila Pyzik
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional shade backyard brick formal garden in Milwaukee.

The Setup For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners wanted to transform their large, T-shaped bathroom into a functional, multi-purpose sanctuary. The existing layout was inefficient, with a bulky built-in tub, a closed-off shower, and an awkward footprint that limited practical use. This remodel also presented a unique challenge – the homeowners wanted to use the space for workouts as well. The design needed to maximize the large open area in the middle of the T, providing enough room for yoga and light free-weight exercises while maintaining the bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality. Design objectives: Expand and brighten the shower area without major layout changes Replace the oversized built-in tub with a sleek freestanding alternative Create a flexible space for workouts while maintaining the bathroom’s design integrity Address cold flooring with added comfort solutions Enhance lighting for both beauty and functionality Incorporate storage for workout equipment and everyday essentials Integrate natural elements to accommodate the homeowners’ love of plants The Remodel Design challenges to be solved: Shower Expansion – The homeowners want a more open, spa-like shower but don’t want to dramatically alter the footprint. Workout Integration – Balancing fitness functionality with a serene bathroom design will require creative layout adjustments. Storage Solutions – With workout gear to stow away, the space needs discrete and versatile storage options. Lighting – Enhancing both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the large space. Cold Floors – Positioned above the garage, the bathroom tends to feel colder than the adjacent primary bedroom. A solution is needed to add warmth and comfort during use, without the need to reconfigure the home’s overall heating system. The Renewed Space Design solutions: Spa-Like Shower Expansion – Removing a wall and replacing it with glass transformed the shower into an open, airy retreat, allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. A curved black river rock floor and neutral linear wall tiles add warmth and texture, while carefully placed niche lighting enhances the tranquil, luxurious atmosphere. Workout-Friendly Layout – A custom full-length mirror was strategically placed to accommodate multiple uses, creating a fitness studio-like experience for yoga or light weight training. The mirror’s size and positioning allow for clear visibility during workouts, while also enhancing the room by adding light and a greater sense of depth. Custom Storage Solutions – A custom cabinet with a wood top was crafted to discreetly store workout equipment, preserving the clean, open feel of the space. Its design not only enhances functionality but also creates a sense of symmetry, bringing visual balance and cohesion to the overall layout. Enhanced Lighting – Replacing the shower wall with glass, installing a full-length mirror, and incorporating vanity mirrors with built-in lighting dramatically brighten the space. LED strip lighting under the cabinets, along the tub half wall, and in both the side and shower niches adds layered illumination, enhancing both function and ambiance. Heated Floors – Installing heated flooring provides consistent warmth and comfort year-round, enhancing the space for both workouts and daily routines. A European-style towel warmer brings additional warmth and a touch of luxury, elevating the overall experience. Final Thoughts: This transformed bathroom blends luxury with intentional design. By addressing the homeowners’ needs – from workout flexibility to spa-inspired details – the space now serves multiple purposes without compromise. The warm cabinetry, black accents and thoughtful lighting tie the design together, while the curved textures and plant-friendly ledge add a personalized touch. This bathroom is now a bright, welcoming sanctuary for daily routines and mindful moments.

Address Rock, Feature Boulder
Design ideas for a traditional front yard driveway in Calgary for summer.

Two Flame Ginnala Maples, with frame the front door and as they mature, provide a canopy to walk under.
Design ideas for a modern landscaping in Boise.

Up close to outdoor home address, with grey & white painted exterior, large garage door, and long cement driveway.
Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Los Angeles