The new front walk of Tierra y Fuego terra-cotta with inset Arto ceramic tiles winds through fragrant drifts of Lavender, Cistus 'Little Miss Sunshine', and Arctotis 'Pink Sugar'. A pair of 'Guardsman' Phormium stand sentry at the front porch. Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan.

Birchwood Construction had the pleasure of working with Jonathan Lee Architects to revitalize this beautiful waterfront cottage. Located in the historic Belvedere Club community, the home's exterior design pays homage to its original 1800s grand Southern style. To honor the iconic look of this era, Birchwood craftsmen cut and shaped custom rafter tails and an elegant, custom-made, screen door. The home is framed by a wraparound front porch providing incomparable Lake Charlevoix views. The interior is embellished with unique flat matte-finished countertops in the kitchen. The raw look complements and contrasts with the high gloss grey tile backsplash. Custom wood paneling captures the cottage feel throughout the rest of the home. McCaffery Painting and Decorating provided the finishing touches by giving the remodeled rooms a fresh coat of paint. Photo credit: Phoenix Photographic

Step into the realm of modern sophistication with our contemporary bedroom decor. The design centers around the captivating allure of large mirrors, reflecting natural light and expanding the visual space. A sleek floating shelf adds a touch of minimalistic elegance, offering a stylish platform to display curated decor and personal treasures. Immerse yourself in the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal as you relax and rejuvenate in this contemporary sanctuary. Experience the transformative power of thoughtful design, where simplicity meets refinement, creating a bedroom ambiance that is both visually striking and harmoniously balanced.

The "Wantagh Additions & Alterations" project is a stunning transformation that encompasses the living room, dining area, exterior, fireplace, and more. Each space has been thoughtfully redesigned to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. The living room boasts cozy, inviting decor, perfect for relaxation and gatherings. The dining area is elegantly furnished, offering a warm and welcoming ambiance. The exterior improvements enhance curb appeal, reflecting modern yet timeless architecture. Finally, the fireplace serves as a charming focal point, adding warmth and character to the home. Experience the seamless integration of style and comfort in this remarkable renovation.

The white kitchen with a blue island and the white bathroom with a wood vanity offer a harmonious blend of classic elegance and natural warmth, each room having its distinct character while maintaining an overall cohesive design theme. White Kitchen with Blue Island: The kitchen features a predominantly white color scheme, creating a bright and open atmosphere. The white cabinetry, often with classic shaker-style doors or a clean and minimalist design, provides a timeless backdrop that exudes cleanliness and purity. The white cabinetry is a symbol of elegance and simplicity. At the center of the kitchen, a blue island takes center stage, serving as a striking focal point. The blue hue, whether soft and coastal or vibrant and energetic, adds a touch of personality and visual interest to the space. The island is not only aesthetically appealing but also a functional workspace and a gathering place for family and friends. Countertops, made from materials such as light-colored quartz or granite, harmonize with the white cabinets while offering a practical and easy-to-maintain workspace. Backsplashes may also incorporate blue hues, creating a cohesive and coordinated design. The kitchen's flooring, often light-colored tiles or hardwood, complements the cabinetry and countertops while enhancing the overall brightness of the room. Pendant lights with contemporary designs provide both functional lighting and a decorative element, adding to the modern and stylish ambiance. White Bathroom with Wood Vanity: In the bathroom, a serene white color scheme takes center stage. The white walls and fixtures create a clean and refreshing ambiance. The focal point of the room is the wood vanity, which introduces a touch of natural warmth and organic beauty to the space. The wood vanity may feature a rich, natural grain pattern, adding character and depth to the room. The vanity top is often made of materials like marble or quartz in light or neutral tones, providing a practical and visually appealing surface for daily grooming routines. The combination of white and wood in the bathroom design creates a sense of balance and tranquility. A large mirror above the vanity enhances the functionality of the space and contributes to the open and airy feel. Pendant or sconce lighting fixtures may be installed to provide effective illumination while adding a touch of elegance and style. Natural light filters in through windows, enhancing the brightness and serenity of the bathroom. The wood vanity in a white bathroom creates a calming and balanced atmosphere, offering a refreshing and inviting environment for daily rituals and self-care. In both the kitchen and bathroom, the integration of contrasting elements—white and blue in the kitchen, and white and wood in the bathroom—creates a design that is both visually pleasing and practical. The result is two distinct spaces that share a common theme of elegance and warmth, making them welcoming and functional areas in a home.

THE SETUP Sam’s client had lived in her downtown townhome home for less than a year when she decided to remodel the spacious second level. This open area consisted of three sections: a TV and fireplace zone, a sparsely furnished dining area, and a dominant central kitchen. The kitchen featured a long back wall with three segmented sections and a massive island housing the cooktop. She found the kitchen’s functionality lacking and its presence overwhelming – it dominated the entire floor, regardless of where you stood. Design objectives: - Reconfigure key kitchen elements (sink, cooktop, oven) while minimizing the kitchen’s visual impact - Optimize the kitchen’s back wall, eliminating existing dead space - Create a purposeful, well-defined dining area - Establish a distinct, comfortable living area - Reuse existing appliances and flooring - Maintain an overall modern design aesthetic THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Redesign the island to reduce its overwhelming presence - Create a comfortable, dedicated living room within the available space - Establish a distinct, inviting dining area within spatial constraints - Enhance kitchen functionality and style without dominating the entire floor THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: - Sam created raised end caps for the island. This separated the kitchen from adjacent living and dining areas while focusing the kitchen’s functionality. The new sink location offers ample workspace, allowing the cook to interact with guests seated at the island. The redesigned island also provides additional storage. - For the living area, Sam opted for a functional-yet-minimalist approach. Large-format tile creates a natural stone look for the fireplace and TV wall. The recessed TV and extended fireplace shelf maintain a sleek profile. - Artistic wallpaper adds depth and texture, while the intentional lack of extensive shelving keeps the space open and distinct. - Sam transformed the dining area’s blank wall into a feature, adding a unique dry bar with counter space, open shelves, cabinet storage and a beverage fridge. - - - Wallpaper behind and above the bar contributes to the area’s personality. A mirror adds depth while pendant lights add style and visual interest. Relocating the cooktop to the back wall facilitates hidden ventilation, reducing visual clutter. Sam balanced transitional and modern elements for a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The digital control panel on the convection cooktop maintains a sleek look, while the wall oven is now at an easy-to-use height. ----- Mirrored base cabinet fronts and a paneled fridge prevent cabinetry monotony. The redesign has delighted Sam’s client, achieving her main goal of creating a more inviting and visually appealing space. Each section now has its own visual personality and functionality while harmonizing within a monochromatic palette. The entire floor offers wow-factor pop upon first glance, with each area maintaining its distinct character while contributing to a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

The "Wantagh Additions & Alterations" project is a stunning transformation that encompasses the living room, dining area, exterior, fireplace, and more. Each space has been thoughtfully redesigned to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. The living room boasts cozy, inviting decor, perfect for relaxation and gatherings. The dining area is elegantly furnished, offering a warm and welcoming ambiance. The exterior improvements enhance curb appeal, reflecting modern yet timeless architecture. Finally, the fireplace serves as a charming focal point, adding warmth and character to the home. Experience the seamless integration of style and comfort in this remarkable renovation.

This striking arrangement of natural boulders and drought-tolerant plants that not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in controlling erosion. Complementing the boulders, a selection of drought-tolerant plants is thoughtfully integrated into the design. These plants, with their diverse textures and colors, create a vibrant landscape that thrives in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Ornamental grasses rise alongside the boulders, adding height and movement, while flowering plants provide splashes of color that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Groundcover is used to fill in gaps, preventing soil erosion while also softening the edges of the boulders. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of hardscape and softscape that draws the eye along the driveway, making the journey more visually engaging while ensuring that the landscape remains sustainable and functional. This design approach not only beautifies the property but also promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing water usage and preventing soil loss.

The term “industrial” evokes images of large factories with lots of machinery and moving parts. These cavernous, old brick buildings, built with steel and concrete are being rehabilitated into very desirable living spaces all over the country. Old manufacturing spaces have unique architectural elements that are often reclaimed and repurposed into what is now open residential living space. Exposed ductwork, concrete beams and columns, even the metal frame windows are considered desirable design elements that give a nod to the past. This unique loft space is a perfect example of the rustic industrial style. The exposed beams, brick walls, and visible ductwork speak to the building’s past. Add a modern kitchen in complementing materials and you have created casual sophistication in a grand space. Dura Supreme’s Silverton door style in Black paint coordinates beautifully with the black metal frames on the windows. Knotty Alder with a Hazelnut finish lends that rustic detail to a very sleek design. Custom metal shelving provides storage as well a visual appeal by tying all of the industrial details together. Custom details add to the rustic industrial appeal of this industrial styled kitchen design with Dura Supreme Cabinetry. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

This is an example of a farmhouse drought-tolerant front yard concrete paver landscaping in Orange County.

THE SETUP Sam’s client had lived in her downtown townhome home for less than a year when she decided to remodel the spacious second level. This open area consisted of three sections: a TV and fireplace zone, a sparsely furnished dining area, and a dominant central kitchen. The kitchen featured a long back wall with three segmented sections and a massive island housing the cooktop. She found the kitchen’s functionality lacking and its presence overwhelming – it dominated the entire floor, regardless of where you stood. Design objectives: - Reconfigure key kitchen elements (sink, cooktop, oven) while minimizing the kitchen’s visual impact - Optimize the kitchen’s back wall, eliminating existing dead space - Create a purposeful, well-defined dining area - Establish a distinct, comfortable living area - Reuse existing appliances and flooring - Maintain an overall modern design aesthetic THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Redesign the island to reduce its overwhelming presence - Create a comfortable, dedicated living room within the available space - Establish a distinct, inviting dining area within spatial constraints - Enhance kitchen functionality and style without dominating the entire floor THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: - Sam created raised end caps for the island. This separated the kitchen from adjacent living and dining areas while focusing the kitchen’s functionality. The new sink location offers ample workspace, allowing the cook to interact with guests seated at the island. The redesigned island also provides additional storage. - For the living area, Sam opted for a functional-yet-minimalist approach. Large-format tile creates a natural stone look for the fireplace and TV wall. The recessed TV and extended fireplace shelf maintain a sleek profile. - Artistic wallpaper adds depth and texture, while the intentional lack of extensive shelving keeps the space open and distinct. - Sam transformed the dining area’s blank wall into a feature, adding a unique dry bar with counter space, open shelves, cabinet storage and a beverage fridge. - - - Wallpaper behind and above the bar contributes to the area’s personality. A mirror adds depth while pendant lights add style and visual interest. Relocating the cooktop to the back wall facilitates hidden ventilation, reducing visual clutter. Sam balanced transitional and modern elements for a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The digital control panel on the convection cooktop maintains a sleek look, while the wall oven is now at an easy-to-use height. ----- Mirrored base cabinet fronts and a paneled fridge prevent cabinetry monotony. The redesign has delighted Sam’s client, achieving her main goal of creating a more inviting and visually appealing space. Each section now has its own visual personality and functionality while harmonizing within a monochromatic palette. The entire floor offers wow-factor pop upon first glance, with each area maintaining its distinct character while contributing to a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

The "Wantagh Additions & Alterations" project is a stunning transformation that encompasses the living room, dining area, exterior, fireplace, and more. Each space has been thoughtfully redesigned to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. The living room boasts cozy, inviting decor, perfect for relaxation and gatherings. The dining area is elegantly furnished, offering a warm and welcoming ambiance. The exterior improvements enhance curb appeal, reflecting modern yet timeless architecture. Finally, the fireplace serves as a charming focal point, adding warmth and character to the home. Experience the seamless integration of style and comfort in this remarkable renovation.

Planning a Modern Kitchen Remodel Every successful kitchen remodeling project begins with careful planning. Before construction starts, it is important to evaluate the existing layout, cabinet storage, lighting conditions, appliance placement, and how the kitchen connects to surrounding living spaces. For this project, the primary design goals included: Creating a brighter open concept kitchen Improving functionality and circulation Increasing pantry and cabinet storage Maximizing natural light with skylight integration Creating a clean and timeless design aesthetic The final layout centered around a large kitchen island that functions as both a workspace and gathering area. Open concept kitchens remain highly desirable because they improve communication between living areas while helping the home feel larger and more connected. Importance of Natural Light Natural lighting plays a major role in modern kitchen remodeling. In this renovation, the skylight significantly improved brightness throughout the space and helped create a softer, more inviting atmosphere during the day. Combined with recessed lighting and pendant fixtures above the island, the layered lighting design provides both functional task lighting and balanced ambient illumination. Construction and Material Selection Kitchen remodeling projects require coordination between multiple construction trades including demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and finish carpentry. Bi-Color Kitchen Remodel Design One of the standout features of this project is the bi-color kitchen remodel design. The warm natural wood island creates contrast against the surrounding white cabinetry while maintaining a clean and balanced appearance. This approach helps: Add visual depth to the kitchen Create separation between functional zones Prevent the space from feeling overly monochromatic Introduce warmth into modern kitchen designs The oversized island also provides additional storage, countertop workspace, and seating opportunities for everyday use and entertaining. Countertops, Cabinetry, and Finishes The kitchen includes: Quartz countertops with waterfall-style edges Custom shaker-style cabinetry Stainless steel appliances Modern pendant lighting Wide plank engineered hardwood flooring Full-height backsplash surfaces The neutral color palette was selected to create a timeless appearance while allowing flexibility for future décor and furniture changes. Pantry Kitchen Renovation Storage planning is one of the most important aspects of kitchen remodeling. The pantry kitchen renovation focused on improving organization and accessibility while maximizing usable storage space. Modern pantry systems help homeowners: Reduce countertop clutter Improve kitchen organization Store small appliances more efficiently Increase long-term functionality Thoughtful storage design can significantly improve the daily usability of a kitchen without increasing square footage. Real Estate Value and Long-Term Benefits Kitchen remodeling remains one of the highest-value residential renovation projects in the Bay Area real estate market. A professionally designed open concept kitchen can improve buyer perception, increase property appeal, and modernize outdated layouts. Features such as large islands, skylights, pantry storage, and bi-color cabinetry continue to remain highly desirable among homeowners and future buyers alike. Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes Some common mistakes homeowners should avoid include: Insufficient lighting design Poor circulation planning Limited storage solutions Choosing low-durability materials Overcrowded layouts Inadequate electrical preparation Working with experienced remodeling professionals can help avoid costly design and construction issues later in the process. Common Questions How long does a kitchen remodel usually take? Most kitchen remodeling projects take approximately 6–12 weeks depending on the project scope, inspections, material lead times, and structural modifications. Do kitchen remodels require permits? Permits are often required when plumbing, electrical, structural, or layout changes are involved. Requirements vary depending on the city and scope of work. What is a bi-color kitchen remodel? A bi-color kitchen remodel uses two cabinet finishes or tones to create visual contrast and a more customized design appearance. Does an open concept kitchen increase home value? Open concept kitchens are highly desirable because they improve functionality, natural lighting, and overall flow throughout the home. Conclusion A well-planned kitchen remodeling project combines thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and durable materials to create a space that is both functional and visually appealing. Features such as skylight integration, open concept layouts, pantry kitchen renovations, and bi-color cabinetry continue to remain popular among Bay Area homeowners seeking timeless and practical kitchen designs. Careful planning, professional coordination, and attention to detail are essential for creating a kitchen that performs well aesthetically and functionally for many years. -------> If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project, consulting with an experienced contractor can help simplify the design and construction process while avoiding costly mistakes. Book a consultation: calendly.com/lemonremodeling

THE SETUP Sam’s client had lived in her downtown townhome home for less than a year when she decided to remodel the spacious second level. This open area consisted of three sections: a TV and fireplace zone, a sparsely furnished dining area, and a dominant central kitchen. The kitchen featured a long back wall with three segmented sections and a massive island housing the cooktop. She found the kitchen’s functionality lacking and its presence overwhelming – it dominated the entire floor, regardless of where you stood. Design objectives: - Reconfigure key kitchen elements (sink, cooktop, oven) while minimizing the kitchen’s visual impact - Optimize the kitchen’s back wall, eliminating existing dead space - Create a purposeful, well-defined dining area - Establish a distinct, comfortable living area - Reuse existing appliances and flooring - Maintain an overall modern design aesthetic THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Redesign the island to reduce its overwhelming presence - Create a comfortable, dedicated living room within the available space - Establish a distinct, inviting dining area within spatial constraints - Enhance kitchen functionality and style without dominating the entire floor THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: - Sam created raised end caps for the island. This separated the kitchen from adjacent living and dining areas while focusing the kitchen’s functionality. The new sink location offers ample workspace, allowing the cook to interact with guests seated at the island. The redesigned island also provides additional storage. - For the living area, Sam opted for a functional-yet-minimalist approach. Large-format tile creates a natural stone look for the fireplace and TV wall. The recessed TV and extended fireplace shelf maintain a sleek profile. - Artistic wallpaper adds depth and texture, while the intentional lack of extensive shelving keeps the space open and distinct. - Sam transformed the dining area’s blank wall into a feature, adding a unique dry bar with counter space, open shelves, cabinet storage and a beverage fridge. - - - Wallpaper behind and above the bar contributes to the area’s personality. A mirror adds depth while pendant lights add style and visual interest. Relocating the cooktop to the back wall facilitates hidden ventilation, reducing visual clutter. Sam balanced transitional and modern elements for a contemporary yet comfortable feel. The digital control panel on the convection cooktop maintains a sleek look, while the wall oven is now at an easy-to-use height. ----- Mirrored base cabinet fronts and a paneled fridge prevent cabinetry monotony. The redesign has delighted Sam’s client, achieving her main goal of creating a more inviting and visually appealing space. Each section now has its own visual personality and functionality while harmonizing within a monochromatic palette. The entire floor offers wow-factor pop upon first glance, with each area maintaining its distinct character while contributing to a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

This striking arrangement of natural boulders and drought-tolerant plants that not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a crucial role in controlling erosion. Complementing the boulders, a selection of drought-tolerant plants is thoughtfully integrated into the design. These plants, with their diverse textures and colors, create a vibrant landscape that thrives in Santa Fe’s arid climate. Ornamental grasses rise alongside the boulders, adding height and movement, while flowering plants provide splashes of color that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Ground cover is used to fill in gaps, preventing soil erosion while also softening the edges of the boulders. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of hard scape and soft scape that draws the eye along the driveway, making the journey more visually engaging while ensuring that the landscape remains sustainable and functional. This design approach not only beautifies the property but also promotes environmental stewardship by minimizing water usage and preventing soil loss.

Project Airstream is a stylish 50' X 8' underground shelter built and designed for a young family of four. Behind these solid walnut doors hides the guts of this incredible home 20' underground. Underground Shelters are quite an engineering feat. Some owners are fine seeing all the tubes, wires, equipment and such but for these homeowners it wasn't visually appealing. Mrs. client decided she would rather take her chances above ground than live in the dark, dank steel infested, tiny submarine her husband had bought. Enter... Robeson Design It was our job to perform a miracle on this scary proposition... PROJECT AIRSTREAM Challenge: Tiny 8' round Kitchen Curved walls, floor and ceiling Limited storage space available No Windows No Way out! Mr. Client contacted us after finding us on YouTube. His question.. Have you ever designed a home 20' underground? WHAT??? Did you say "Underground" ? Heres how we did it... (Tiny 8' round Kitchen) Used a reflective mirror tile to cover the wall above the sink and prep area providing light, reflection and an illusion of space. Light grey paint with dark walnut stained woodwork provided a visually appealing contrast. Minimalist low profile chrome and stainless appliances and plumbing fixtures. Ran the flooring: striped carpet and vinyl flooring, horizontally to emphasize the width. (Curved walls, floor and ceiling) Design custom furniture and built-in pieces with rounded sides to fit the tube perfectly. Furniture pieces convert for multiple uses... we call it our "Transformer Furniture" (Limited storage space available) Hidden storage in, below, beneath, above and atop without you even knowing it :-) Its functional AND fashionable all at the same time. (No Windows) Commissioned a hand painted mural in selected areas adding color, texture, visual interest and most important an illusion of perspective that takes your eye beyond the 8' steel walls. (No Way out!) Heck, Project Airstream turned out so Amazing... why would you ever want to leave :-) MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

This sleek, contemporary dining room showcases a modern and sophisticated design. The room has a clean and streamlined aesthetic, characterized by smooth surfaces, minimalistic décor, and an overall sense of elegance. The combination of sleekness and contemporary design elements creates a visually appealing and up-to-date space. One of the notable features in this dining room is the presence of kul grilles vent covers, all finished in Brushed Chrome. The vent covers play a prominent role in both the functionality and aesthetic of the room. As part of the ventilation system, these covers ensure proper air circulation and temperature control, contributing to a comfortable dining experience. The choice of a Brushed Chrome finish for the vent covers adds a touch of refinement and modernity to the overall design. The brushed texture of the chrome finish provides a subtle visual interest, creating depth and dimension in the room. Moreover, the metallic appearance of the brushed chrome finish complements various color schemes and interior styles, making it a versatile choice for this contemporary dining room. Overall, the sleek and contemporary dining room with vent covers in a Brushed Chrome finish demonstrates a thoughtful and stylish approach to interior design. The combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal showcases a commitment to creating a comfortable and visually pleasing dining experience. The Brushed Chrome finish adds a touch of sophistication, enhancing the overall modernity of the space.

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina