This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

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?

Our client, a vivacious and active professional needed a functional, yet charming place for her groomer to attend to the adorable little fellow pictured. This dog grooming room was the perfect solution – the warm, well-designed cabinetry provide ample storage. Wall mounted shelving supplies easy access to shampoo while the farmhouse sink and spacious stainless steel countertop grant space for clipping daffodils from the garden. The wall tiles adorned with silhouettes of pups add a final delightful touch. Photograph by Cecil Cole.

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 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.

Single story living at its finest, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath home features over 2000 square feet of first floor living space. The well-appointed kitchen which boasts a large granite island with ample seating, opens to the spacious great room and the elegant dining room. The master suite is expansive and exquisite, featuring a walk-in closet, additional closet, dressing area, and master bath. The home is flexible in its design, allowing a choice of a private study or quiet retreat off the master suite. This home has an optional second floor that offers another bedroom, loft, and full bath, adding almost 600 square feet of living space.

Nestled in a charming historic neighborhood, this cottage retains its original front, preserving its timeless curb appeal. The active family that owns it needed additional space, and with a modest addition and thoughtful redesign of the layout, the home now offers ample room for creating cherished memories. The renovation seamlessly blends the old with the new, providing a perfect balance of historic charm and modern functionality.

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.

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.

The client approached us with a clear vision in mind for their kitchen in Fraserburgh: an open-plan, modern design that would accommodate their large family. Essential to this vision was the integration of an island, complete with a secondary eating area. This space was not only to be visually appealing but also functionally efficient, as it would need to cater to family gatherings and daily activities. The desire for ample seating and a spacious table, along with additional specific storage solutions, set the stage for our design choices. Drawing inspiration from the client's requirements, we opted for the Nolte Feel range, complemented by Silver MatrixArt handleless trims. The primary colour for the furniture was chosen as white, with a contrasting accent in Feel Lava to add a touch of modern sophistication. To further enhance the open feel, we made structural modifications: the existing kitchen window was lowered to usher in more natural light and provide an improved viewing angle. Additionally, the entrance to the sun lounge was broadened to foster a more expansive atmosphere. A kitchen's functionality is determined largely by its worktops and appliances. For this space, we used a sturdy 40mm thick Nolte Silver Ash worktop, providing both durability and style. In terms of appliances, we decided upon NEFF's range, which included a single oven, combination microwave, induction hob, and ceiling extraction, ensuring the client's culinary needs were well catered for. Recognising the family's unique requirements, we introduced several bespoke features. The Blanco Metra sink in Tartufo and the Quooker Fusion Square Stainless Steel instant boiling water tap combined functionality with modern aesthetics. With the client's large family in mind, we constructed a matching Nolte table and a built-in seating bench replete with storage drawers, maximising both seating and storage. Additionally, a custom-built unit for log storage was designed, mirroring the style of the kitchen, to serve their log-burning stove. The flooring, using Quickstep Arte, tied everything together, adding a touch of elegance to the room. Experience your dream kitchen with us. Reach out today to start your bespoke kitchen journey.

home that caters to an outdoor, active lifestyle, with all the amenities that complete a space made for entertaining. Shingle shakes, board and batten, and stone come together on the exterior, exuding a casual elegance. This rustic cottage is part of a golf course community and was designed to allow homeowners to get the most out of their surroundings. The living space, with its vaulted ceiling, maximizes sweeping views of the fairway, and the garage includes space for the family’s personal golf cart. A spacious patio and screened porch connected to the dining area make outdoor living convenient and comfortable. The open kitchen includes island seating and a walk-in pantry. The main floor master suite is easily accessible and boasts lovely views of the surrounding flora. The upper level of the home makes a family-oriented lifestyle easy with two guest suites. Each bedroom has private access to its own bathroom and includes ample closet space for children or guests. Whether for a family, entertaining or simply relaxing, the Stockton is a home that accommodates with style. Photographer: Visbeen Architects, Inc. Builder: Falcon Custom Homes

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.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

As the heart of the home, we knew the kitchen was going to be the hub of activity so we wanted to design a space that was both extremely functional and pleasing to the eye. By utilizing custom-built light systems, we were able to create sleek task lighting in kitchen work areas without sacrificing style. The custom-designed vent hood wood beams in the ceiling added a touch of warmth while the cool color palette opened up the space and balanced the design. Storage was a necessity for our clients so we included ample cabinetry in the kitchen, an island with functional storage space on three sides, and an oversized butler’s pantry with rolling ladder for easy use.

Efficient organization, ample storage, and space for additional features. Extras include a dedicated coffee station, concealed storage for small appliances with a lift-up door, pull-out drawers for oils and knives, and two blind corner pull-outs that maximize the use of every available space.

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.

With our client being a baker, having a beautiful new kitchen that is also functional was very important. The original kitchen cabinets and the adjoining wall to the dining room were removed, creating a large, open space filled with natural light. We installed Wellborn white shaker-style cabinets, light natural Quartzite countertops, and Monogram stainless steel appliances to transform the kitchen into a bright, inviting area for the whole family to enjoy. To ensure the space stays well-lit at all times, we incorporated multiple ceiling lights, under-cabinet lighting, motion-activated toe-kick lighting, and a custom island fixture, providing ample brightness day or night. The clients desired enough countertop space to accommodate several cookie sheets at one time, as well as seating for five. The oversized island met both needs, with a thoughtfully designed layout that maximized the available space. The new slate flooring seamlessly blended the kitchen with the existing white oak floors, while fresh paint colors completed the cohesive and inviting palette.

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.

The T40 Features: 1. SPACIOUS SHALLOW END BENCH SEAT Want to take a break from the action and hang out with some friends? This seating area is properly sized to accommodate the whole family. 2. LARGE SHALLOW END FOR SOCIALIZING AND PLAY The problem with most deep end pools is the tiny shallow end, which is where most people gather. The T40 shallow end is 30% larger than the industry standard deep end pool. 3. OPEN POOL INTERIOR Want plenty of room to float and frolic? The rectangular design of the T40 provides ample room for all of your pool activities. 4. DEEP END SEATS / EXIT POINTS When using deep end pools, people love to jump in, exit, and repeat. The deep end seats of the T40 provide a place to get in and out, as well as take a rest. 5. MASSIVE 8' 6" DEEP END Looking for lots of water? The T40 is 6" deeper than most of the fiberglass deep end pools on the market. 6. AUTOMATIC COVER FRIENDLY The rectangular design of the T40 allows cover tracks to be hidden beneath the pool coping, protecting them and keeping them out of sight. This customer has their Backyard Oasis furnished with both patio furniture, tables and loungers in addition to the shrubbery that ascetically hides the Equipment Pad. Their Pool is trimmed with Marmiro Stone Travertine Coping. It has a Slide, Basketball Hoop, Ledge Lounger Jets, and a Handicap Accessible entry point.