Photo by Mike Casey The owners of this 1960s ranch house loved their house but it wasn't configured to meet their needs. The house had only two small bedrooms for the family of four, and there was no casual living space for parents and kids to hang out separately. Neither we nor the clients wanted to increase the home's energy usage. It was a tall order: could we increase the home's size without increasing its energy footprint? ADDING FUNCTIONALITY We built two small additions, one at the front of the home and one off the side adjacent to the two existing bedrooms. These new spaces provided an additional bedroom on the main level as well as a new stair down to the basement. At basement level, the additions yielded a guest room, a full bathroom and a laundry area. The existing basement, which is now easily accessible from the main floor, was refinished as a casual family room. The architect designed the new spaces to be spare and bright, replicating the mid-century aesthetic. Every detail—from the open stair, to the light maple floors, to the detailing of the bathroom vanity—echoes the vintage and character of the original home. INTEGRATING ENERGY AND DESIGN The key to meeting this challenge was a rigorous and integrated planning process with early-stage energy modeling accompanying design. As the architect (Anita Rogers) worked out the space plan, the energy consultant (Mike Duclos) analyzed how various scenarios could be combined with envelope and mechanical packages to not only hold the line on energy use but improve performance. We anticipate the plan we settled on will save 25% annually over pre-project energy use.

We Transform your Outdoor Space into the Garden of your Dreams Our talented and creative team will ensure that your property reflects your tastes and preferences. We will beautify your outdoor area by providing a parking area for your kids or install a spacious patio where you can host parties for your family or friends while enjoying the beautiful weather. We will analyze your soil, study its features, the availability of light and shade, and then decide the appropriate layout and the plants most suitable for your garden. Our experienced team is skilled in soft landscaping work like planting, levelling and hard landscaping skills like paving, installation of lights, or constructing flower beds. We provide hedging and pruning for plants to ensure they are healthy and have a long life. We discard spent blooms and remove diseased branches of plants so that they grow to their maximum potential.

This growing family was looking for a larger, more functional space to prep their food, cook and entertain in their 1910 NE Minneapolis home. A new floorplan was created by analyzing the way the homeowners use their home. Their large urban garden provides them with an abundance of fresh produce which can now be harvested, brought in through the back door, and then cleaned in the new Kohler prep sink closest to the back door. An old, unusable staircase to the basement was removed to capture more square footage for a larger kitchen space and a better planned back entry area. A mudroom with bench/shoe closet was configured at the back door and the Stonepeak Quartzite tile keeps dirt from boots out of the cooking area. Next in line of function was storage. The refrigerator and pantry areas were moved so they are now across from the prep and cooking areas. New cherry cabinetry in the Waverly door style and floating shelves were provided by Crystal Cabinets. Finally, the kitchen was opened up to the dining room, creating an eat-in area and designated entertainment area. A new Richlin vinyl double-hung pocket window replaced the old window on the southwest wall of the mudroom. The overall style is in line with the style and age of the home. The wood and stain colors were chosen to highlight the rest of the original woodwork in the house. A slight rustic feel was added through a highlight glaze on the cabinets. A natural color palette with muted tones – brown, green and soft white- create a modern fresh feel while paying homage to the character of the home and the homeowners’ earthy style.

Kitchen - kitchen idea in Boston

Dining room - transitional dining room idea in Dallas

Tuscan single front door photo in San Diego with a dark wood front door

This growing family was looking for a larger, more functional space to prep their food, cook and entertain in their 1910 NE Minneapolis home. A new floorplan was created by analyzing the way the homeowners use their home. Their large urban garden provides them with an abundance of fresh produce which can now be harvested, brought in through the back door, and then cleaned in the new Kohler prep sink closest to the back door. An old, unusable staircase to the basement was removed to capture more square footage for a larger kitchen space and a better planned back entry area. A mudroom with bench/shoe closet was configured at the back door and the Stonepeak Quartzite tile keeps dirt from boots out of the cooking area. Next in line of function was storage. The refrigerator and pantry areas were moved so they are now across from the prep and cooking areas. New cherry cabinetry in the Waverly door style and floating shelves were provided by Crystal Cabinets. Finally, the kitchen was opened up to the dining room, creating an eat-in area and designated entertainment area. A new Richlin vinyl double-hung pocket window replaced the old window on the southwest wall of the mudroom. The overall style is in line with the style and age of the home. The wood and stain colors were chosen to highlight the rest of the original woodwork in the house. A slight rustic feel was added through a highlight glaze on the cabinets. A natural color palette with muted tones – brown, green and soft white- create a modern fresh feel while paying homage to the character of the home and the homeowners’ earthy style.

Donald Pell Farm. Designed by Donald Pell. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Photo of a farmhouse landscaping in Philadelphia.

Mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor family room photo in Orange County with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Photo of a landscaping in Denver.

This project was a complete renovation of an existing Craftsman style bungalow house. The existing house was a 2-storey Craftsman style bungalow. The first floor had low ceilings typical of the "New Orleans basement". Upon speaking with our client and analyzing how she used the spaces, we proposed to raise the ceiling of the "basement" in order to maximize the efficiency of the layout and re-designate the first floor as the main living space.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

Over the years, my jobs have involved collaborating with homeowners, business owners, architects and contractors analyzing and designing plans for new construction and remodels, renovating kitchens, designing fireplaces, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and furnishings. But even more important than the design, I believe the ability to communicate all the ideas and concepts of the design to the various trades people involved is critical to achieving the end results my clients and I envision. My 35 years in the business as well as my academic background in design have given me the ability to confidently provide this service. Give me a call, I'd love to hear from you and discuss your project.

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

The proposal analyzes the site as a series of existing flows or “routes” across the landscape. The negotiation of both constructed and natural systems establishes the logic of the site plan and the orientation and organization of the new home. Conceptually, the project becomes a highly choreographed knot at the center of these routes, drawing strands in, engaging them with others, and propelling them back out again. The project’s intent is to capture and harness the physical and ephemeral sense of these latent natural movements as a way to promote in the architecture the wanderlust the surrounding landscape inspires. At heart, the client’s initial family agenda--a home as antidote to the city and basecamp for exploration--establishes the ethos and design objectives of the work. Photography - Bruce Damonte

Over the years, my jobs have involved collaborating with homeowners, business owners, architects and contractors analyzing and designing plans for new construction and remodels, renovating kitchens, designing fireplaces, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and furnishings. But even more important than the design, I believe the ability to communicate all the ideas and concepts of the design to the various trades people involved is critical to achieving the end results my clients and I envision. My 35 years in the business as well as my academic background in design have given me the ability to confidently provide this service. Give me a call, I'd love to hear from you and discuss your project.

Photography by Caryn B. Davis Located in the Cornfield Point area of Old Saybrook along Long Island Sound, this project brought a classic, yet forgotten beach house back to life. Through a little detective work and some creative ingenuity, we restored and enhanced the exterior to it’s former glory and transformed the interior to a highly efficient and functional home all the while uplifting its quaint cottage charm. On the exterior, we recreated a wonderful, airy front porch with cozy bench seats that look out to the water. The white cedar shingle siding is pre-bleached with a subtle flair at the bottom and a delicate break at mid-elevation. The asphalt shingles are not only beautifully matched with the siding, but offer superior reflective qualities to dissipate the heat of the summer sun. On the interior, we joined the front seasonal porch with the family room to form a larger, open living and dining space with paneled walls and ceilings anchored by the original round stone fireplace. In the rear, we carefully crafted a galley kitchen and laundry space with an adjacent first floor master suite. The diminutive house and property posed multiple practical and regulatory challenges which were overcome by a strong team effort, due diligence, and a commitment to the process. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Michael Biondo
Inspiration for a timeless dark wood floor enclosed dining room remodel in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

We Transform your Outdoor Space into the Garden of your Dreams Our talented and creative team will ensure that your property reflects your tastes and preferences. We will beautify your outdoor area by providing a parking area for your kids or install a spacious patio where you can host parties for your family or friends while enjoying the beautiful weather. We will analyze your soil, study its features, the availability of light and shade, and then decide the appropriate layout and the plants most suitable for your garden. Our experienced team is skilled in soft landscaping work like planting, levelling and hard landscaping skills like paving, installation of lights, or constructing flower beds. We provide hedging and pruning for plants to ensure they are healthy and have a long life. We discard spent blooms and remove diseased branches of plants so that they grow to their maximum potential.