Example of a minimalist home design design in Seattle

This project was completed for clients who wanted a comfortable, accessible 1ST floor bathroom for their grown daughter to use during visits to their home as well as a nicely-appointed space for any guest. Their daughter has some accessibility challenges so the bathroom was also designed with that in mind. The original space worked fairly well in some ways, but we were able to tweak a few features to make the space even easier to maneuver through. We started by making the entry to the shower flush so that there is no curb to step over. In addition, although there was an existing oversized seat in the shower, it was way too deep and not comfortable to sit on and just wasted space. We made the shower a little smaller and then provided a fold down teak seat that is slip resistant, warm and comfortable to sit on and can flip down only when needed. Thus we were able to create some additional storage by way of open shelving to the left of the shower area. The open shelving matches the wood vanity and allows a spot for the homeowners to display heirlooms as well as practical storage for things like towels and other bath necessities. We carefully measured all the existing heights and locations of countertops, toilet seat, and grab bars to make sure that we did not undo the things that were already working well. We added some additional hidden grab bars or “grabcessories” at the toilet paper holder and shower shelf for an extra layer of assurance. Large format, slip-resistant floor tile was added eliminating as many grout lines as possible making the surface less prone to tripping. We used a wood look tile as an accent on the walls, and open storage in the vanity allowing for easy access for clean towels. Bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors add an elegant yet homey feel that was important for the homeowner. A pivot mirror allows adjustability for different users. If you are interested in designing a bathroom featuring “Living In Place” or accessibility features, give us a call to find out more. Susan Klimala, CKBD, is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and particularly enjoys helping her clients with unique needs in the context of beautifully designed spaces. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Seattle

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This project started out as a kitchen remodel but ended up as so much more. As the original plan started to take shape, some water damage provided the impetus to remodel a small upstairs hall bath. Once this bath was complete, the homeowners enjoyed the result so much that they decided to set aside the kitchen and complete a large master bath remodel. Once that was completed, we started planning for the kitchen! Doing the bump out also allowed the opportunity for a small mudroom and powder room right off the kitchen as well as re-arranging some openings to allow for better traffic flow throughout the entire first floor. The result is a comfortable up-to-date home that feels both steeped in history yet allows for today’s style of living. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This project was completed for clients who wanted a comfortable, accessible 1ST floor bathroom for their grown daughter to use during visits to their home as well as a nicely-appointed space for any guest. Their daughter has some accessibility challenges so the bathroom was also designed with that in mind. The original space worked fairly well in some ways, but we were able to tweak a few features to make the space even easier to maneuver through. We started by making the entry to the shower flush so that there is no curb to step over. In addition, although there was an existing oversized seat in the shower, it was way too deep and not comfortable to sit on and just wasted space. We made the shower a little smaller and then provided a fold down teak seat that is slip resistant, warm and comfortable to sit on and can flip down only when needed. Thus we were able to create some additional storage by way of open shelving to the left of the shower area. The open shelving matches the wood vanity and allows a spot for the homeowners to display heirlooms as well as practical storage for things like towels and other bath necessities. We carefully measured all the existing heights and locations of countertops, toilet seat, and grab bars to make sure that we did not undo the things that were already working well. We added some additional hidden grab bars or “grabcessories” at the toilet paper holder and shower shelf for an extra layer of assurance. Large format, slip-resistant floor tile was added eliminating as many grout lines as possible making the surface less prone to tripping. We used a wood look tile as an accent on the walls, and open storage in the vanity allowing for easy access for clean towels. Bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors add an elegant yet homey feel that was important for the homeowner. A pivot mirror allows adjustability for different users. If you are interested in designing a bathroom featuring “Living In Place” or accessibility features, give us a call to find out more. Susan Klimala, CKBD, is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and particularly enjoys helping her clients with unique needs in the context of beautifully designed spaces. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Tuscan wine cellar photo in Dallas

The Aerius - Modern Craftsman in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Upon opening the 8ft tall door and entering the foyer an immediate display of light, color and energy is presented to us in the form of 13ft coffered ceilings, abundant natural lighting and an ornate glass chandelier. Beckoning across the hall an entrance to the Great Room is beset by the Master Suite, the Den, a central stairway to the Upper Level and a passageway to the 4-bay Garage and Guest Bedroom with attached bath. Advancement to the Great Room reveals massive, built-in vertical storage, a vast area for all manner of social interactions and a bountiful showcase of the forest scenery that allows the natural splendor of the outside in. The sleek corner-kitchen is composed with elevated countertops. These additional 4in create the perfect fit for our larger-than-life homeowner and make stooping and drooping a distant memory. The comfortable kitchen creates no spatial divide and easily transitions to the sun-drenched dining nook, complete with overhead coffered-beam ceiling. This trifecta of function, form and flow accommodates all shapes and sizes and allows any number of events to be hosted here. On the rare occasion more room is needed, the sliding glass doors can be opened allowing an out-pour of activity. Almost doubling the square-footage and extending the Great Room into the arboreous locale is sure to guarantee long nights out under the stars. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Ron Blunt Photography
Dining room - coastal dining room idea in DC Metro

Open concept kitchen - large southwestern l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, two islands, multicolored countertops, an undermount sink and brown backsplash

Bathroom - transitional master beige tile and stone tile ceramic tile, gray floor and double-sink bathroom idea in Austin with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a built-in vanity

The kitchen has a lot of glass surfaces thanks to which a lot of light enters the room. In addition, the large number of doors and windows allows fresh, clean air to easily enter the kitchen. The kitchen island with an integrated sink, white countertops and some beautiful chairs around them is an eye-catcher. In the quiet corner of the kitchen, there is a stylish dining table that allows the owners to talk peacefully and receive guests warmly. Don’t hesitate to make your home look attractive with our professional interior design team!

Photo of a coastal full sun gravel and wood fence raised garden bed in Portland Maine.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz Design: Eddie Lee
Eclectic living room photo in New York

5) 12’ by 7’ L-shaped walk behind wet bar with custom stained and lacquered, recessed paneled, maple/cherry, front bar face, ‘Aristokraft’ raised or recessed panel, cherry base cabinetry (www.aristokraft.com ) with room for owner supplied refrigerator, ice machine, beer tap, etc. and (2) level granite slab countertop (level 1 material allowance with standard edge- http://www.capcotile.com/products/slabs) and 5’ back bar with Aristokraft brand recessed or raised panel cherry base cabinets and upper floating shelves ( http://www.aristokraft.com ) with full height ‘Thin Rock’ genuine stone ‘backsplash’/wall ( https://generalshale.com/products/rock-solid-originals-thin-rock/ ) or mosaic tiled ($8 sq. ft. material allowance) and granite slab back bar countertop (level 1 material allowance- http://www.capcotile.com/products/slabs ), stainless steel under mount entertainment sink and ‘Delta’ - http://www.deltafaucet.com/wps/portal/deltacom/ - brand brushed nickel/rubbed oil bronze entertainment faucet; 6) (2) level, stepped, flooring areas for stadium seating constructed in theater room; 7) Theater room screen area to include: drywall wrapped arched ‘stage’ with painted wood top constructed below recessed arched theater screen space with painted, drywall wrapped ‘columns’ to accommodate owner supplied speakers;

Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in Other

Master suite addition to an existing 20's Spanish home in the heart of Sherman Oaks, approx. 300+ sq. added to this 1300sq. home to provide the needed master bedroom suite. the large 14' by 14' bedroom has a 1 lite French door to the back yard and a large window allowing much needed natural light, the new hardwood floors were matched to the existing wood flooring of the house, a Spanish style arch was done at the entrance to the master bedroom to conform with the rest of the architectural style of the home. The master bathroom on the other hand was designed with a Scandinavian style mixed with Modern wall mounted toilet to preserve space and to allow a clean look, an amazing gloss finish freestanding vanity unit boasting wall mounted faucets and a whole wall tiled with 2x10 subway tile in a herringbone pattern. For the floor tile we used 8x8 hand painted cement tile laid in a pattern pre determined prior to installation. The wall mounted toilet has a huge open niche above it with a marble shelf to be used for decoration. The huge shower boasts 2x10 herringbone pattern subway tile, a side to side niche with a marble shelf, the same marble material was also used for the shower step to give a clean look and act as a trim between the 8x8 cement tiles and the bark hex tile in the shower pan. Notice the hidden drain in the center with tile inserts and the great modern plumbing fixtures in an old work antique bronze finish. A walk-in closet was constructed as well to allow the much needed storage space.

Example of a minimalist medium tone wood floor living room design in Los Angeles with white walls

Contractor: Kevin F. Russo Interiors: Anne McDonald Design Photo: Scott Amundson
Inspiration for a coastal brown wood house exterior remodel in Portland with a black roof