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

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

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

Key Features: Luxurious Upholstery: The plush vinyl upholstery vinyl provides a luxurious look and feel, reminiscent of classic theater seating. The deep red color adds a touch of drama and excitement, setting the stage for a captivating movie experience. (Keywords: upholstered door, theater door, vinyl door, padded door) Classic Diamond Tufting: The meticulously crafted diamond tufting adds a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication, creating a focal point that's both stylish and comfortable. (Keywords: tufted door, button tufted door, decorative door) Unique Easy View Window: The circular window, as seen in Jennifer's door, allows for a sneak peek into the theater beyond, building anticipation and adding a touch of classic theater charm. Customize the window with your family name, theater name, or a design of your choice. (Keywords: window door, porthole door, custom lettering) Statement Hardware: The half-moon handle provides a comfortable grip and adds a touch of vintage flair, complementing the overall design. (Keywords: art deco door handle, half moon handle, unique door hardware) Customizable Options: As demonstrated by Jennifer's door, we specialize in creating custom home theater doors tailored to your exact specifications. Choose from a variety of colors, upholstery materials, hardware options, and window designs to create a door that perfectly matches your home theater aesthetic. (Keywords: custom door, bespoke door, personalized door) Durable Construction: Crafted with a solid wood core and high-quality materials, these doors are built to last and provide years of enjoyment. The solid core construction also offers enhanced sound dampening for a more immersive viewing experience. (Keywords: solid core door, soundproof door, durable door) Single or Double Door Options: Whether you prefer a single, impactful entrance or a grand double door design, we can create the perfect solution for your space. (Keywords: single door, double door)

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

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.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

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.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This design is in a house that almost didn’t happen. After two decades of cherished memories within its walls, the decision to sell their comfortable, albeit aging, home and embark on the ambitious journey of building their dream house felt like a natural progression for the homeowners.. Their current house, a testament to years of family life, had served them well, but the vision of a custom-built sanctuary, tailored to their every desire, had long captured their imaginations. With floor plans finalized and the lot secured, they confidently listed their established home, anticipating a smooth transition to their future home. However, the real estate market, it seemed, had other plans. Almost immediately after their listing went live, a wave of instability swept through the local market. Multiple offers, which initially seemed promising, began to unravel for various reasons, leaving the homeowners in a state of mounting frustration and doubt. Each failed negotiation chipped away at their optimism, leading them to confide in their builder that they were seriously considering withdrawing from the new house project altogether. It felt as though their dream was slipping through their fingers, a beautiful vision that might remain just that – a dream. Just as they were steeling themselves to pull their current home off the market, a ray of hope emerged. A remarkable buyer, seemingly out of nowhere, submitted a robust and appealing offer. The timing was uncanny, a lifeline thrown at the eleventh hour. With the offer now ratified and the wheels of their existing home's sale finally turning, the couple’s focus shifted back to their dream home. The builders, who had patiently weathered their wavering commitment, were now on track to complete the project. And so, in May of 2025, the keys to their meticulously crafted dream home were finally handed over. The following month, the homeowners joyfully moved into their new sanctuary, a testament to their perseverance and the unexpected turn of events that ultimately made their vision a reality.

This project was done for a professional couple who had two children and a grandchild move back home due to the Pandemic. We helped the family add over 600 SF to their living space that they desperately needed. The home is a brick home built in the 1980s. The area we had to work with was an atrium (We don’t see many of those these days!) and a garage that would be closed in. They needed an additional room & storage space including a mechanical room for the AC that would service this area and expanded office space. The primary difficulties were making the project not look like a closed garage and reframing the roof that had a valley that terminated at the atrium. We were able to raise + level the floor of the garage so that it was equal to the rest of the home. We also matched windows put into the garage to other windows on the front of the house creating design continuity. Often when we do garage conversions, we uncouple the drive way from the house to avoid the closed in garage appearance. Unfortunately, on this project that was not possible because of the need for maximum parking. But with the design consistency, the conversion appears seamless with the house. The roof framing turned out to be more problematic than we had anticipated because the garage roof had been created with trusses whereas the rest of the roof had been traditionally framed. That combined with the open atrium falling in the roof valley made the infill framing a challenge. Ultimately, we were able to fill in the roof over the atrium so that it looks like it was always there. Where there had once been a garage door, there was now a bedroom wall with two large windows. In addition to the two large windows, light-colored paint and flooring also contributed to the brightness of the new space. The bedroom has a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. On the other side, we created a large storage space for the family to use since they no longer have their garage for storage.

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.

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.”

After more than a decade in their new Alexandria home, our clients decided their kitchen was ready for a major refresh, both in form and function. The original stained wood cabinets and granite countertops had served them well, but the traditional design no longer fit with their evolving style which had become less formal and more transitional. The homeowners liked the idea of two-toned kitchen cabinets, so we opted for a combination of pure white and charcoal gray for dramatic contrast. Brushed gold fixtures and statement brass pulls add warmth and sophistication. The distinctive marble counters are a showstopper, with unique veining and striking color variation, from blue to gray to ochre. The shimmering blue-gray backsplash unites the entire space. The overall goal was to create an expansive entertaining kitchen that could accommodate our clients’ large gatherings of family and friends, and provide them with several zones for prepping, serving, seating, and socializing. Also high on the clients’ wish list: a more generous island, professional appliances, and better storage. We expanded the island in two directions to allow for comfortable seating at the counter with plenty of room for a table in the breakfast nook. An expandable bar height table in the adjacent dining area offers even more flexibility for eating and socializing. We designed a custom hutch which has a multitude of storage options and functionality – open display shelves, roll-outs, drawers, extra counter/serving space, as well as a beverage fridge and appliance garage/coffee center. On the opposite side of the kitchen, we replaced a small pantry closet with a furniture style built-in that took advantage of underutilized space. Anticipating issues with supply chain, we opted to use a local cabinet maker on this project which allowed us to fully customize the cabinets for optimal functionality. Other stand-out features include a Thermador appliance package, workstation farmhouse sink, ‘touch’ faucet, hot+cold water dispenser, and hidden toe-kick storage. Our clients now have a beautiful, cohesive space that reflects their personal style and fulfills their dream of a having an expansive kitchen where they can cook and entertain for years to come.