Photo: Heather Banks © 2015 Houzz
Trendy living room photo in Austin

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Specs Overview: - 3000sf SFR - 7 bedroom, 7 bathroom - Net zero energy - Passive solar heating/cooling design - Insulation: R-29 walls & R-45 ceiling - Air Sealing: 0.59ACH - HERS Index: -4 - Certifications: DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certified, ENERGY STAR certified, EPA Indoor airPLUS certified, anticipated Built Green 5-star certified Mechanical: - Ventilation: Fantech Hero 250 with built in HEPA filter. Built-in humidity, temperature, and CO2 - Heating/Cooling: Chilltrix CX-34; hydronic radiant floor heating downstairs and 2 fan coil unit - PV: 10.32kW solar array with Tesla Powerwall 3 backup battery Selections: - Hardie lap, panel and shingle siding - T&G cedar soffits - Taylor Metal Easylock aluminum roofing with Alumiguard coating in Zinc Gray - Hemlock trim & doors - VOC and formaldehyde-free hickory flooring -- Vintage Natural Hickory Northern Solid Sawn - Locally made custom cherry shaker cabinets - Quartzite countertops -- MSI Calcatta Abezzo - LED lighting - WaterSense plumbing fixtures - ENERGY STAR appliances and induction range - Balanced range hood - No/Low-VOC finishes - Triple pane, Low-E coated, argon-filled locally manufactured vinyl windows

Designing our 3rd home for this long-standing client was a real treat when she moved to a big, bright, newly built home in Celina. Being entrusted with every aspect from the floor to the ceiling, down to the last accessory we filled this home with color, comfort and casual elegance. The client was ready for some out of the box thinking and more progressive design ideas from where she’d been in the past. The moody media room, jewel box home office and color pops in the family room exemplify how a home can evoke many different emotions and represent all of the different styles that appeal to her. The backyard is now a relaxing paradise with covered lounging space, an expansive pool, a putting green and a firepit area for intimate fireside chats. Home is now the haven the client anticipated we would create for her and told us she has to sometimes pinch herself to remind her that all this is really hers!

Designing our 3rd home for this long-standing client was a real treat when she moved to a big, bright, newly built home in Celina. Being entrusted with every aspect from the floor to the ceiling, down to the last accessory we filled this home with color, comfort and casual elegance. The client was ready for some out of the box thinking and more progressive design ideas from where she’d been in the past. The moody media room, jewel box home office and color pops in the family room exemplify how a home can evoke many different emotions and represent all of the different styles that appeal to her. The backyard is now a relaxing paradise with covered lounging space, an expansive pool, a putting green and a firepit area for intimate fireside chats. Home is now the haven the client anticipated we would create for her and told us she has to sometimes pinch herself to remind her that all this is really hers!

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Specs Overview: - 3000sf SFR - 7 bedroom, 7 bathroom - Net zero energy - Passive solar heating/cooling design - Insulation: R-29 walls & R-45 ceiling - Air Sealing: 0.59ACH - HERS Index: -4 - Certifications: DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certified, ENERGY STAR certified, EPA Indoor airPLUS certified, anticipated Built Green 5-star certified Mechanical: - Ventilation: Fantech Hero 250 with built in HEPA filter. Built-in humidity, temperature, and CO2 - Heating/Cooling: Chilltrix CX-34; hydronic radiant floor heating downstairs and 2 fan coil unit - PV: 10.32kW solar array with Tesla Powerwall 3 backup battery Selections: - Hardie lap, panel and shingle siding - T&G cedar soffits - Taylor Metal Easylock aluminum roofing with Alumiguard coating in Zinc Gray - Hemlock trim & doors - VOC and formaldehyde-free hickory flooring -- Vintage Natural Hickory Northern Solid Sawn - Locally made custom cherry shaker cabinets - Quartzite countertops -- MSI Calcatta Abezzo - LED lighting - WaterSense plumbing fixtures - ENERGY STAR appliances and induction range - Balanced range hood - No/Low-VOC finishes - Triple pane, Low-E coated, argon-filled locally manufactured vinyl windows

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Customer Testimonial "My wife and I had a book collection that had outgrown the inexpensive bookcases that had followed us from our small downtown apartment to our new home in Over-The-Rhine. After researching different possibilities on the internet, we contacted Greg to discuss having built-in bookcases installed in our library/office, which is a fairly narrow space where we had little room to spare. Greg was very friendly and professional in the initial meeting, and provided helpful suggestions for the project while being completely amenable to our initial vision. Once we agreed upon the design, Greg gave a very reasonable price, and provided us with a very workable timeline as to when he could complete the project in his shop and have them installed. On the day of the installation, Greg's team was able to quickly transfer the four bookcases up a staircase with some fairly tight turns. Amazingly, there was no damage to the walls, stairs, or bookcases in the process (a complication that I was fully anticipating based on the layout of our home). The complete installation, including electrical work and painting, was accomplished very quickly. My wife and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out, and the library has become our favorite room in the house. Greg's craftsmanship, professionalism, and friendliness throughout the project were extremely refreshing. His artistic vision really sets him apart. We're already considering using him for a future project!" - Hannah and Andy Photography by Michael Schneider

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

This lower level renovation started out as a simple project. The family wanted to install a home theater in their unfinished basement. Initially it was only going to be a space with a home theater where they could occasionally watch a movie or a sporting event. Once the theater design was complete, the clients embraced the elegance of the custom cherry wood cabinetry, columns and wainscoting. In addition, by having all of the audio video components hidden out of sight, the room would have a serene, peaceful ambience. The theater design enticed the clients to finish off the rest of the basement. A bar area was designed with an antique bar, and a lounge area with a fireplace was also constructed. As the layout evolved and the placement of the bar was resolved a perfect area for a wine cellar became evident. Once the clients realized how comfortable the space would be, they understood that they would probably be spending more time in the basement than they originally anticipated. This thought led them to want two large flat panel TVs on the walls in the bar area so they could watch several events at the same time. They love the theater. The 110” screen and quality audio video system is a constant source of entertainment for the entire family. They use the entire basement frequently as a gathering point for family and friends.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A 6,000 square foot 2-story new home complex in Milpitas was designed to facilitate the owners’ large business parties and gatherings, to have rooms for the kids to come back to upstairs, and a ground floor master suite with a huge walk-in closet. Several separate structures make up the dwelling: The main house, 3-car garage with carport for overflow parking, and a separate entertainment and recreation building separated by a courtyard from the main house. The business activities include gatherings in the hundreds of people, so parking was maximized and guests can flow in through a separate gate to party in the courtyard and recreation building. Inside this structure is a wet bar, billiard room, workout gym and home theater. The main house ground floor has formal and informal living rooms, open kitchen and master suite with views and expansive windows in every direction. The house is sited on the crestline of a hill with views of the San Francisco Bay and private golf course below. The indoor-outdoor aspect of the house is further accentuated with outside living and dining areas. High ceilings and expansive glass walls dissolve the sense of enclosure taking advantage of the site’s openness and privacy. The owner’s suite is downstairs in anticipation of aging-in-place, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and four bathrooms plus a sitting area lounge and casual TV loft area. The house sits on one acre at the top of a low hill range overlooking Milpitas. The city was very cognizant of the importance of keeping a low profile at this crestline and required extensive story poles and photo evidence of the proper height and siting so as not to be seen from certain selected vantage points. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: JCD Builders Inc. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Morf Chang Landscape Architecture / ODS Architecture PHOTOGRAPHS: Paul Dyer Photography

In California's Central Coast, custom homes require interior design that evolves with occupants, especially retired families aiming to age gracefully. At Timely Designs, we craft functional, high-end modern living spaces through a collaborative process, ensuring every detail reflects a unique vision for a enduring haven. Our journey begins by understanding clients' current desires and future comfort. For this master bathroom, retired clients wanted a space that would serve them beautifully as they aged. The "organic, embracive, earthy" palette created a tranquil atmosphere, while a meticulous space plan optimized flow and accessibility. Elements like the walk-in shower, freestanding tub, and double vanity were strategically placed for ease of movement, anticipating future mobility needs without sacrificing luxury or charm. This foresight is a hallmark of professional expertise, ensuring long-term usability. Material selection focused on premium elements for a serene, spa-like experience. Light-toned, veined stone tile in the shower and around the tub offered luxurious calm, integrating with the home's elegance. The vanity provided ample storage, maintaining an airy feel. Every surface was chosen for aesthetics, longevity, and ease of maintenance, crucial for aging-in-place. Stone slab surround, rich accents, and elegant brass fixtures exemplified our commitment to timeless beauty and practical durability. Strategic lighting and thoughtful furnishings ensured functionality and invitation. A layered lighting scheme incorporated ambient, task, and accent lighting. Large windows maximized natural light, connecting the bathroom to the Central Coast landscape. Selections were chosen for comfort and safety, including non-slip elements and accessible features. Each selection harmonized with the overall design, balancing modern aesthetics with classic details. This project highlights the essential role of an experienced interior designer in custom home builds, especially for long-term living. We offer a holistic perspective, anticipating future needs, and possess expertise in accessible design and material longevity. We act as a critical partner, proactively solving challenges and saving clients time, stress, and resources. Ultimately, we integrate practicality with unparalleled style, transforming a house into a dream home for every chapter of life. At Timely Designs, we believe homes should evolve with occupants, offering comfort, beauty, and unwavering functionality. This master bathroom transformation proves how thoughtful design creates a stunning, lifelong space. We craft personalized havens where Central Coast families can thrive and create lasting memories. Ready to transform your home into a personalized sanctuary? Contact Timely Designs today for a consultation on your custom residential design project. Let’s design for your life, beautifully.

After years of dedication and anticipation, our clients embarked on their dream renovation project as they approached retirement. Their vision? A cozy yet elegant space nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Ipswich, MA. With the help of Betsy at Hutton Home Design, our skilled team, and many trade partners, our client’s vision became a reality. We built them a custom, one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) over the garage of their daughter and son-in-law's home. The heating and cooling system consisted of mini split units. We cantilevered the second floor to add space to the kitchen, making the room seem larger. We created a functional and beautiful space within the zoning constraints of 900 square feet. All the while, careful consideration was given to scale and ensuring the addition looked like an extension of the existing home. The completed renovation exceeded all expectations, providing the couple with a perfect haven when they embark on their retirement journey.  The newly renovated space boasts: Shared foyer with white oak stairs and floors throughout Custom kitchen with hickory island, vaulted ceilings with white oak beam and access to their shared deck Living room with gas fireplace Convenient laundry space Spacious bathroom with curbless shower and custom vanity Bright bedroom with his and her closets Plenty of storage via a pantry, laundry closet, coat closet and cleaning supply closet

Questions for Contractors and Qualities to Look for: If you have been considering a kitchen renovation or building a new addition to your house, finding the right contractor that works with YOUR expectations is extremely important. Sometimes the architect, friend or associate will refer a contractor and if and when they do, be prepared to ask these questions. How quickly will you respond to my emails or phone calls? Will you let me know ahead of time what the hidden costs are? How often have you finished a project on schedule? How large is your crew and are the sub-trades appropriate for my scope of work? Then there are some great qualities to look for…are they listening to you? Did they show up on time and therefore reliable? Is the builder anticipating the challenges associated with your renovation and offering solutions for you to consider? Positive and can do attitude? And of course, always ask for 3-5 referrals of similar scope of work, proper permits, licenses and insurance. Vanco Construction shows up on time, responds quickly, are great problem solvers and care about your bottom line and schedule. We build as if it is our own home. Call us when you are ready. (973) 994-0616.

After years of dedication and anticipation, our clients embarked on their dream renovation project as they approached retirement. Their vision? A cozy yet elegant space nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Ipswich, MA. With the help of Betsy at Hutton Home Design, our skilled team, and many trade partners, our client’s vision became a reality. We built them a custom, one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU) over the garage of their daughter and son-in-law's home. The heating and cooling system consisted of mini split units. We cantilevered the second floor to add space to the kitchen, making the room seem larger. We created a functional and beautiful space within the zoning constraints of 900 square feet. All the while, careful consideration was given to scale and ensuring the addition looked like an extension of the existing home. The completed renovation exceeded all expectations, providing the couple with a perfect haven when they embark on their retirement journey.  The newly renovated space boasts: Shared foyer with white oak stairs and floors throughout Custom kitchen with hickory island, vaulted ceilings with white oak beam and access to their shared deck Living room with gas fireplace Convenient laundry space Spacious bathroom with curbless shower and custom vanity Bright bedroom with his and her closets Plenty of storage via a pantry, laundry closet, coat closet and cleaning supply closet

Customer Testimonial "My wife and I had a book collection that had outgrown the inexpensive bookcases that had followed us from our small downtown apartment to our new home in Over-The-Rhine. After researching different possibilities on the internet, we contacted Greg to discuss having built-in bookcases installed in our library/office, which is a fairly narrow space where we had little room to spare. Greg was very friendly and professional in the initial meeting, and provided helpful suggestions for the project while being completely amenable to our initial vision. Once we agreed upon the design, Greg gave a very reasonable price, and provided us with a very workable timeline as to when he could complete the project in his shop and have them installed. On the day of the installation, Greg's team was able to quickly transfer the four bookcases up a staircase with some fairly tight turns. Amazingly, there was no damage to the walls, stairs, or bookcases in the process (a complication that I was fully anticipating based on the layout of our home). The complete installation, including electrical work and painting, was accomplished very quickly. My wife and I couldn't be happier with how everything turned out, and the library has become our favorite room in the house. Greg's craftsmanship, professionalism, and friendliness throughout the project were extremely refreshing. His artistic vision really sets him apart. We're already considering using him for a future project!" - Hannah and Andy Photography by Michael Schneider

This lower level renovation started out as a simple project. The family wanted to install a home theater in their unfinished basement. Initially it was only going to be a space with a home theater where they could occasionally watch a movie or a sporting event. Once the theater design was complete, the clients embraced the elegance of the custom cherry wood cabinetry, columns and wainscoting. In addition, by having all of the audio video components hidden out of sight, the room would have a serene, peaceful ambience. The theater design enticed the clients to finish off the rest of the basement. A bar area was designed with an antique bar, and a lounge area with a fireplace was also constructed. As the layout evolved and the placement of the bar was resolved a perfect area for a wine cellar became evident. Once the clients realized how comfortable the space would be, they understood that they would probably be spending more time in the basement than they originally anticipated. This thought led them to want two large flat panel TVs on the walls in the bar area so they could watch several events at the same time. They love the theater. The 110” screen and quality audio video system is a constant source of entertainment for the entire family. They use the entire basement frequently as a gathering point for family and friends.