Caroline and Rich's backyard was lacking any clearly defined spaces for their many expected outdoor activities. Their new hot tub deck and surrounding built in seating create a space to soak in the their new hot tub and for friends and family to gather around the soakers without getting wet themselves. Space to heat up after a dip when in their windy backyard was necessary too, thus the space for a firetable and added seating flank a large deck-topped boulder feature. The family's new outdoor dining pavillion has ample space for large group get together, as well as serving for everyday lunches without having to shift any of the outdoor office setup. A built in grill and bench create an ideal stopping point for this structure, which is built right up to a rear utility easement. Fortunately only a bit of upligthing is needed to perfect a grove of existing bamboo that fills the space between this backstop and their back fence!

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

This remodeled kitchen features a modern and spacious design with high-quality materials and sleek finishes. The layout showcases warm wood cabinetry that provides ample storage space and complements the stainless steel appliances, including a large double-door refrigerator and a high-end gas stove with red accents on the knobs. The countertops are a mix of polished stone and marble, enhancing the visual appeal of the kitchen while providing a durable surface for cooking and meal preparation. The backsplash behind the stove area is a unique textured design in a light gray pattern, adding a contemporary touch to the space. The central area of the kitchen is well-lit, thanks to recessed ceiling lights and a large window above the sink, which allows natural light to pour in. A modern pendant light fixture hangs above the countertop, illuminating the surrounding area and contributing to the elegant atmosphere. The kitchen’s open layout ensures smooth traffic flow and makes it easy to transition between cooking, dining, and entertaining. The overall aesthetic is both functional and inviting, making it a perfect place for family gatherings and culinary activities

A couple relocating to Lisbon found a property in a recently upgraded building with open layouts and modernized features. Our studio was entrusted to bring elegant comfort to the interior with carefully curated, custom-designed furniture and decor. From a blank canvas, the home was enlivened with walnut furnishings by Portuguese producers, warm-hued textiles in botanical motifs, and accents of delicate brass lighting. The entryway leads toward a spacious living room, where hand-woven rugs delineate areas for different activities. The first features a dining collection with upholstered shell chairs that comfortably envelop end-of-evening conversation. Midway, a daybed and display shelving system nestled under the lowered ceiling offer an intimate, yet versatile space. Stepping into the lounge, theatrical curtains reveal the pastel medley of Lisbon’s built landscape, the river, and hills in the distance. The dialogue of the room continues around a multi-tiered center table and featherweight pendant: a Brazilian modernist armchair faces a bespoke tufted-leather sofa, its throw cushions tailored to the palette of the media cabinet. Outside, the balcony’s slate lacquered dining set caters to convivial meals. Private appreciation is found in a pair of leisurely chairs adjacent to the bedroom, with a side table quoting the terracotta background. The main suite is endued with a crafted spindle bed dressed in deep blue linens and a lively made-to-measure embroidered bedspread. White Estremoz marble nightstands were designed to organize reading material and provide cable management. Circular ceramic lamps and bedside tables complement an ample upholstered bed to accommodate guests, and a floating console offers a discreet solution for remote meetings.

This colonial-style duplex home offers a blend of simplicity and functionality, making it an ideal space for both living and recreation. Its rectangular shape maximizes space efficiency, while a screened front porch provides a welcoming entrance. The rear features three-car garages for added convenience. Inside, the foyer leads to a formal living room with a fireplace, a library, and a formal dining room, all seamlessly connected to the kitchen and butler's pantry. The minimalist theme carries through to the kitchen island. The master bedroom boasts a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom with a separate tub and shower, plus double vanity sinks. The main floor also includes a futuristic powder room, a keeping room, and access to the patio and lanai at the back. Upstairs, three more bedrooms, four baths, a utility space, storage, and a media room offer ample options for leisure activities. Overall, this home offers convenience and affordability without compromising on amenities.

Sometimes we like it traditional! This family that is very active in their community, needed a kitchen that will endure a lot of traffic, and have ample storage for oversized cookware and serving pieces, to be able to accommodate the weekly Shabbos Kiddish that they host. Can you spot the hiding place for the huge cholont pot?

Spanning a generous footprint, this terraced outdoor living space offers the perfect setting for the entire family to effortlessly bring their indoor activities outside. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen and spacious dining area provide ample room for leisurely meals to be enjoyed throughout long summer days. Above the oversized fireplace, an all-weather TV creates an ideal spot for watching the big game and cheering on their favorite teams. For those seeking a quieter retreat, just a few steps down leads to a cozy firepit, where conversations flow freely amidst the warmth of the fire and the beauty of surrounding pollinator gardens

This expansive backyard serves as a family's ultimate entertainment destination. Beginning with the spacious outdoor cabana, complete with a covered spa, it offers a central gathering spot for connectivity. Adjacent to the cabana, the pool provides a refreshing escape from the day's heat. To the right, a sprawling lawn offers ample space for activities from morning until night. Additionally, children can enjoy themselves with the basketball court and play structure conveniently situated along the property line. Designed with large gatherings in mind, this space promises endless enjoyment for all.

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

The kitchen cabinets project embraces a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, with a focus on creating a serene atmosphere. Rounded cabinets crafted from light pigmented oak form the backbone of the kitchen's design, infusing the space with a warm and inviting ambiance. The choice of light pigmented oak not only adds a touch of natural elegance but also complements the abundance of natural light that floods into the house, further enhancing the feeling of serenity. A soft color scheme is carefully curated to seamlessly blend with the light oak cabinets, creating a cohesive and soothing visual palette throughout the kitchen. Soft hues such as pale blues, gentle greens, or muted creams are incorporated into the walls, backsplash, and accents, adding depth and tranquility to the space. Central to the kitchen design is the island, intelligently sectioned into two levels. This feature not only maximizes functionality but also serves as a focal point for social gatherings and moments with loved ones. The lower level of the island provides ample space for food preparation and cooking activities, while the elevated section offers a comfortable dining area or a cozy spot for gathering, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection. Whether it's a casual family breakfast, a lively dinner party, or simply a quiet moment shared with loved ones, the versatile design of the kitchen island ensures that it remains the heart of the home, adaptable to any occasion. With its rounded cabinets, light pigmented oak finish, and thoughtfully designed layout, this kitchen exudes a timeless charm and a tranquil atmosphere, inviting occupants to unwind and savor life's simple pleasures.

A clean, transitional home design. This home focuses on ample and open living spaces for the family, as well as impressive areas for hosting family and friends. The quality of materials chosen, combined with simple and understated lines throughout, creates a perfect canvas for this family’s life. Contrasting whites, blacks, and greys create a dramatic backdrop for an active and loving lifestyle.

These young, active homeowners had three primary goals: 1) open the kitchen and better integrate it into the flow of the home, 2) incorporate simple and minimal cabinetry to provide ample storage without filling every inch of space, and 3) accommodate a wide and practical range of luxury appliances. Photo Credits: Vic Moss, Moss Photography

This home remodel for a young family with toddlers focused on creating a modern, open-concept design with a neutral color palette. The interior features a spacious layout for easy movement, ample natural light, and sleek, minimalist finishes. Outside, we designed a safe, engaging space with a play area, garden, and comfortable seating, all tailored to support an active family lifestyle. Safety and functionality were prioritized with child-proofing, eco-friendly materials, and smart storage solutions, creating a beautiful, family-friendly environment that grows with the family.

This project is an example of lake living at its finest! This landscape remodel project at a home situation on an inland lake reimagined a backyard that had been a mashup of various decking projects into a cohesive, sophisticated yet relaxed look. The flagstone patio provides ample room for outdoor furniture and activities. The round fire pit at the water's edge accented with a knee wall that also serves as permanent seating for the family and their guests. We handled all design, demolition, and construction work on this project. Photo Credit: View 366 LLC

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

A top of the line granite composition sink is tops in modern design. This elegant kitchen renovation represents the best trends in efficiency, sustainability and functionality. A redesign of the space puts new appliances in a more functional working triangle. The large island, with space for barstools, is friendly to social interaction. Overall, neutral colors and styles, along with custom woodworking, make the space timeless. It’s also sustainable and forward-thinking: No particle board was used in these cabinets, so there are no VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Wood materials were sourced in North America and made locally in Melbourne, Florida. Energy-saving technology includes dimmable LED light panels, which make the translucent, recycled-glass backsplashes glow under wall cabinets. LED under-cabinet lights are controlled separately, and there is motion-sensor-activated LED toe-kick lighting around the cabinets' base. A pop-up electrical outlet serves the desk. The desk has a security box that opens only with the owner’s fingerprint. There’s ample storage, and materials are easy to clean and maintain. From the family dining area, where children can do their homework, to the kitchen’s universal, accessible design, this space is comfortable and practical for all ages - a place to grow and live well.

www.margaretcanfield.com Geneva National is a private gated community. .Located 90 miles from downtown Chicago, and just 35 miles from Milwaukee, Geneva is a town of 4,000 located in southeastern Wisconsin.Geneva is home to a number of lakes and pristine wilderness areas, which offer residents ample opportunity to enjoy all the area has to offer. The crown jewel, however, is Geneva Lake, located just minutes away in Lake Geneva. The lake is one of the largest in the state, and is a popular destination for summer aquatic recreation, offering boating, skiing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, beach going, and numerous activities for visitors of all ages. The Next Door Pub, a local favorite for over 40 years, serves traditional pub fare and Pizza just minutes from downtown Geneva.

This classical-style house seamlessly blends timeless design elements with modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for a single-family residence on flat land. With its two-story layout and symmetrical features such as columns and evenly spaced walls, this home exudes elegance and balance. The grand central porch, adorned with a stylish domed roof and a glamorous door at the center, offers a warm welcome to all visitors. Upon entering, a double-height rotunda creates a breathtaking interior space that organizes the house's functions efficiently. The main floor boasts various entertainment areas, including a study room, a family gathering space connected to the rear porch, a living room, and a dining room. The open kitchen space, complete with a kitchen island and eating bar, is perfect for culinary enthusiasts. The master bedroom on this floor is a luxurious retreat, featuring a master bath, two dressing rooms, and a dedicated makeup room for added convenience. Upstairs, four additional bedrooms provide ample accommodation space, along with a gym for exercise enthusiasts and a sports room for recreational activities. The spacious front and back porches allow plenty of natural light to flood the interior and facilitate excellent air circulation. Overall, this home's architecture caters to those who cherish quality time with friends and family, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication.

This remodeled kitchen features a modern and spacious design with high-quality materials and sleek finishes. The layout showcases warm wood cabinetry that provides ample storage space and complements the stainless steel appliances, including a large double-door refrigerator and a high-end gas stove with red accents on the knobs. The countertops are a mix of polished stone and marble, enhancing the visual appeal of the kitchen while providing a durable surface for cooking and meal preparation. The backsplash behind the stove area is a unique textured design in a light gray pattern, adding a contemporary touch to the space. The central area of the kitchen is well-lit, thanks to recessed ceiling lights and a large window above the sink, which allows natural light to pour in. A modern pendant light fixture hangs above the countertop, illuminating the surrounding area and contributing to the elegant atmosphere. The kitchen’s open layout ensures smooth traffic flow and makes it easy to transition between cooking, dining, and entertaining. The overall aesthetic is both functional and inviting, making it a perfect place for family gatherings and culinary activities.