Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen. Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room. An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space. Zachary Seib Photography

This attic build out in a historic Milwaukee area residence created an expansive master suite for the homeowners. Utilizing the previously unfinished space added immense value and habitable square footage in this home. Gray walls, crisp white trim, and the angles of the roof lines nod toward the contemporary, while rich wood floors and exposed Cream City brick add the perfect touch of warmth. A round shower, finished with glass mosaic tiles and a sleek glass door modernize the space. The opposing claw-foot tub and ceramic wall tiles are reminders of the home's historical nature. A cozy seating area and sleeping alcove creates a serene retreat on the home's upper level.

The space opens up into the large great room, featuring a roomy and functional kitchen and snack bar with an entertainment bar and ample pantry storage, as well as a cozy family room and dining area.

The clients in this charming ranch home had a wish for an updated kitchen that felt a part of the home by blending into the existing space. Their existing eat-in kitchen, while spacious, lacked the character of the rest of the home. Rich woods and earth tones filled the cozy rooms leaving the outdated kitchen uninspired. Supple cherry tones of the new cabinetry and alluring cashmere hues in the one-o-a-kind granite countertops wrap you in warmth and invite you to take a seat at the grand island. Turned posts and arched trim details throughout draw your eyes around this timeless kitchen. Zachary Seib Photography

A spacious layout was achieved by taking down the wall between the cramped U-shaped kitchen and the under-utilized dining room. Removing this wall provide the wide open space needed for additional cabinet space as well as a large stone island with seating. The kitchen is now far more functional for the clients' modern lifestyle following the removal of soffits around the perimeter, which allowed for full height cabinetry and full size appliances. A bench seat was built around the large picture window for taking in views of their well-manicured back yard. Zachary Seib Photography

On Rail St, our client came to us with a clear vision: to honor the home’s midcentury heritage while introducing a more modern, globally influenced sensibility. Originally designed in 1956 by George Saunders—an International Style architect and former Tulane professor—the home had great bones, but it needed a thoughtful transformation. We focused on the kitchen, living room, entryway, and backyard, blending clean lines with rich material detail. To help realize their vision, we partnered with Bali-based Azula Designs to assure that international hands touched this space. In the kitchen, Euro-style slab cabinetry conceals the appliances for a seamless, minimalist look. A custom island and dramatic 14-foot bookmatched stone wall create a sculptural centerpiece, with floating stone shelves lit from beneath for soft ambient glow. We embedded Prado flush outlets directly into the stone to preserve its uninterrupted surface. To maintain open sightlines, we installed a downdraft range, eliminating the need for an overhead hood. A new floor-to-ceiling window floods the space with light and deepens the connection to the outdoors. Underfoot, hand-troweled concrete overlay floors in a warm bone tone bring texture and cohesion to the kitchen and living spaces. The original stone chimney and walls were refinished in charcoal limewash, adding depth and a lived-in patina. And in a bold move, we replaced a rear hallway with a 27-foot glass curtain wall—transforming it into a light-filled art gallery corridor that opens to courtyard. ​ Just three doors down sits 15 Tern Street, a sister home also designed by Saunders for the Shalett family. That lineage is deeply personal—multiple generations of the Shaletts lived in both homes— with 1 Rail previously featured in the Preservation Resource Center’s Mid Mod NOLA tour. Led by Sorrell Brown of Rellestate Renovations, alongside architect Michael Bosio and assistant architect Kevin Michniok—all Tulane alumni—this project brings a Tulane family legacy into its next chapter, staying true to our client’s vision every step of the way.

Spacious 6.3 cu. ft. capacity oven combines team and convection cooking for gourmet quality results. The convection system cooks food quickly and evenly while steam helps to preserve texture, appearance and taste.

This contemporary new residence near the ocean in Ft. Lauderdale, FL is partially clad with a unique wall panel system fabricated from RHEINZINK’s PROTECT LINE of architectural zinc. The PROTECT LINE has a clear coating that provides durable surface protection in aggressive climates. The transparent coating slows down the aging process and preserves the initial appearance of the zinc. Approximately 1,000 sq. ft. of PROTECT LINE blue-grey RHEINZINK was fabricated by Architectural Innovative Metals, Inc. (AIM), Dallas, into AIM’s Ingot Design Series wall panel system. The Ingot Design Series is a pressure-equalized system that offers superior design flexibility and durability in both dry joint and rain screen applications. The RHEINZINK panels were prominently installed as column covers, elevator shaft façade and accent panels. According to AIM project manager Chance Johnson, “This is a high-end residence and the use of the RHEINZINK was perfect for the contemporary design and the applications. Our Ingot Design Series is a one piece, modular unit with no extrusions or additional clips. It’s a great system.” The RHEINZINK panels were installed by Allied Roofing & Sheet Metal, Ft. Lauderdale. The distributor was Old Country Millworks (OCM), Los Angeles. The residence was built by A.V.I. Contractors, Inc., Weston, FL. RHEINZINK America, Inc. led the introduction of architectural zinc in North America and continues to offer one of the industry’s most reliable, trusted brands. Architects and contractors are supported by unparalleled customer service, technical assistance and installer training. RHEINZINK is readily available through an established network of qualified distributors and systems partners across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ideal for roofing, façade and gutter applications, RHEINZINK is environmentally friendly, 100% recyclable and offers a potential lifespan of 100 years or more. For more information on RHEINZINK, call 781-729-0812 or visit www.rheinzink.us.

Our client on Spyglass Lane in El Cerrito wanted to enjoy the views from his home and have protection from wind and sun. The existing decks were small and in poor shape. He contacted a neighbor with a similar view, for whom we had built a deck 12 years ago, which is where we got involved. The architect, Paul Burgin, and my client were both fans of modernist architect Richard Neutra's exterior home designs, so Paul drafted a preliminary design with this in mind. Mellor Remodeling assisted in Cost Planning between the architect and my client, pricing various design and material options (and suggesting cost savings where possible) and we created a design that fit the budget. The completed deck project now overloks a golf course and has a neighborhood community property on both sides. This fortunate siting will preserve the 180 degree view indefinitely. Mellor Remodeling has been thoughtfully transforming homes for the past 25 years. The Bay Area architecture, local building codes, historical construction medthods, the topography and climate all make for a great fit for the talents of Mellor Remodeling. We specialize in listening, then cost planning and then performing.

This attic build out in a historic Milwaukee area residence created an expansive master suite for the homeowners. Utilizing the previously unfinished space added immense value and habitable square footage in this home. Gray walls, crisp white trim, and the angles of the roof lines nod toward the contemporary, while rich wood floors and exposed Cream City brick add the perfect touch of warmth. A round shower, finished with glass mosaic tiles and a sleek glass door modernize the space. The opposing claw-foot tub and ceramic wall tiles are reminders of the home's historical nature. A cozy seating area and sleeping alcove creates a serene retreat on the home's upper level.

Our client on Spyglass Lane in El Cerrito wanted to enjoy the views from his home and have protection from wind and sun. The existing decks were small and in poor shape. He contacted a neighbor with a similar view, for whom we had built a deck 12 years ago, which is where we got involved. The architect, Paul Burgin, and my client were both fans of modernist architect Richard Neutra's exterior home designs, so Paul drafted a preliminary design with this in mind. Mellor Remodeling assisted in Cost Planning between the architect and my client, pricing various design and material options (and suggesting cost savings where possible) and we created a design that fit the budget. The completed deck project now overloks a golf course and has a neighborhood community property on both sides. This fortunate siting will preserve the 180 degree view indefinitely. Mellor Remodeling has been thoughtfully transforming homes for the past 25 years. The Bay Area architecture, local building codes, historical construction medthods, the topography and climate all make for a great fit for the talents of Mellor Remodeling. We specialize in listening, then cost planning and then performing.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional ceramic tile mudroom remodel in Milwaukee with beige walls

As the designer behind this master bathroom transformation, my mission was clear: to breathe new life into an outdated and dimly lit space while catering to my client's distinct desires. The project was marked by the client's unwavering commitment to enhancing functionality privacy and preserving the owner’s cherished MTI tub, all while adhering to the unalterable presence of existing windows. FEATURES: 1. A glass pass-through between rooms allows natural light to flow freely, promoting a sense of openness. 2. The ceiling-mounted sliding glass door hardware elevates the shower experience with taller glass panels and effortless operation. 3. Accessibility and safety were paramount, resulting in a zero-entry shower, strategically placed grab bars, and an 'assist' TP holder. 4. To cater to varying preferences, a main showerhead and hand shower were accessible for standing and bench use. 5. A shared glass door between rooms eliminated the inconvenience of cumbersome door swings. 6. Privacy was enhanced through gradient glass etching, ensuring comfort and tranquility. 7. The digital shower system allowed for personalized controls, accommodating the unique preferences of the couple. Creating a private bath around the existing MTI tub initially seemed insurmountable. However, innovative thinking led to a transformative solution. The drop-in tub was ingeniously converted into a free-standing tub with a narrow quartz deck adorned with a captivating mother-of-pearl mosaic tile surround. A floating walnut shelf at the tub's end introduced practicality and organic beauty. Black plumbing fixtures were chosen to accentuate the mesmerizing depth of the mother-of-pearl mosaic tile. Horizontal book-matched walnut vanities introduced warmth and character, seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoor view. The white quartz countertop is a refreshing contrast to the intricate finishes, lending a touch of sophistication. The ceiling light over the tub, akin to the icing on a cake, added a final note of elegance. To meet the client's need for increased storage, the vanities have pullouts & roll-outs. These thoughtful additions ensured effortless access to personal care products. LED-lit medicine cabinets not only provided excellent lighting but also served as storage for everyday essentials. Vanity toe kick lighting is thoughtfully designed with a motion sensor at the entry, providing a guiding path to the water closet. Particularly valued during nighttime, this feature prevents unnecessary lights from illuminating, preserving the tranquility of those in bed.

The clients in this charming ranch home had a wish for an updated kitchen that felt a part of the home by blending into the existing space. Their existing eat-in kitchen, while spacious, lacked the character of the rest of the home. Rich woods and earth tones filled the cozy rooms leaving the outdated kitchen uninspired. Supple cherry tones of the new cabinetry and alluring cashmere hues in the one-o-a-kind granite countertops wrap you in warmth and invite you to take a seat at the grand island. Turned posts and arched trim details throughout draw your eyes around this timeless kitchen. Zachary Seib Photography

Our homeowner had dreamt about one day redoing her beyond outdated kitchen since they day her husband carried her over the threshold. Vinyl flooring used for a backsplash, dingy carpeting, laminate with no sheen left to speak of and mismatched cabinetry…. it was time to make it happen. A year’s worth of planning later, her time capsule became one dreamy kitchen. Functionality reigns supreme in this small, but efficient kitchen where every cabinet has a story to tell and a place to store it. Countertop space to the right of the stove was an added necessity for function and safety. The raised snack bar is perfect for day to day meals and the lowered countertop was a must for this petite baker. A new lighting plan includes recessed lights, under-cabinet and accent lights, while new lighting fixtures reflect the client’s sense of style. Dingy brick patterned carpet was removed making way for new hardwood floors toothed in from the dining room. An airy palette gained some weight with the use of larger details; the oversized hood, beefy turned posts, prominent apron front sink and a grouping of tall cabinets on the refrigerator wall. Glass cabinet fronts, shiny beveled subway tile, and granite countertops allow light to dance around the space. Zachary Seib Photography

As the designer behind this master bathroom transformation, my mission was clear: to breathe new life into an outdated and dimly lit space while catering to my client's distinct desires. The project was marked by the client's unwavering commitment to enhancing functionality privacy and preserving the owner’s cherished MTI tub, all while adhering to the unalterable presence of existing windows. FEATURES: 1. A glass pass-through between rooms allows natural light to flow freely, promoting a sense of openness. 2. The ceiling-mounted sliding glass door hardware elevates the shower experience with taller glass panels and effortless operation. 3. Accessibility and safety were paramount, resulting in a zero-entry shower, strategically placed grab bars, and an 'assist' TP holder. 4. To cater to varying preferences, a main showerhead and hand shower were accessible for standing and bench use. 5. A shared glass door between rooms eliminated the inconvenience of cumbersome door swings. 6. Privacy was enhanced through gradient glass etching, ensuring comfort and tranquility. 7. The digital shower system allowed for personalized controls, accommodating the unique preferences of the couple. Creating a private bath around the existing MTI tub initially seemed insurmountable. However, innovative thinking led to a transformative solution. The drop-in tub was ingeniously converted into a free-standing tub with a narrow quartz deck adorned with a captivating mother-of-pearl mosaic tile surround. A floating walnut shelf at the tub's end introduced practicality and organic beauty. Black plumbing fixtures were chosen to accentuate the mesmerizing depth of the mother-of-pearl mosaic tile. Horizontal book-matched walnut vanities introduced warmth and character, seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoor view. The white quartz countertop is a refreshing contrast to the intricate finishes, lending a touch of sophistication. The ceiling light over the tub, akin to the icing on a cake, added a final note of elegance. To meet the client's need for increased storage, the vanities have pullouts & roll-outs. These thoughtful additions ensured effortless access to personal care products. LED-lit medicine cabinets not only provided excellent lighting but also served as storage for everyday essentials. Vanity toe kick lighting is thoughtfully designed with a motion sensor at the entry, providing a guiding path to the water closet. Particularly valued during nighttime, this feature prevents unnecessary lights from illuminating, preserving the tranquility of those in bed.

In a classic traditional home in the heart of Valley Village a new young family was moving in. The goal was to preserve the traditional feel but to get the modern comfort of a new and functional kitchen. The first thing we did was to relocate the sink for the unusable corner to the vast open space of the bay window once reserved for the tiny breakfast nook. The wall to the dining room was removed to create a greater sensation of space with a peninsula to act as an additional breakfast bar and large surface for prep/cooking. The remainder of the wall was taken over by large floor to ceiling pantries and a fridge enclosed in the middle for the built-in feeling. only two upper cabinets with floating shelves in between assist in the spacious feeling of this once tight galley kitchen. The custom-made hood from Hoodsly was stained to match the new shelves and once installed additional molding was installed above to cover the gap between it and the ceiling. The Teal color of the cabinets with the white quartz, limestone look tile flooring and white ceramic subway tile are a great contrast to the warm colors of the natural wood of the shelves and hood finish. The final touch was the brushed gold plumbing fixtures and pull to compliment the stained maple wood.

On Rail St, our client came to us with a clear vision: to honor the home’s midcentury heritage while introducing a more modern, globally influenced sensibility. Originally designed in 1956 by George Saunders—an International Style architect and former Tulane professor—the home had great bones, but it needed a thoughtful transformation. We focused on the kitchen, living room, entryway, and backyard, blending clean lines with rich material detail. To help realize their vision, we partnered with Bali-based Azula Designs to assure that international hands touched this space. In the kitchen, Euro-style slab cabinetry conceals the appliances for a seamless, minimalist look. A custom island and dramatic 14-foot bookmatched stone wall create a sculptural centerpiece, with floating stone shelves lit from beneath for soft ambient glow. We embedded Prado flush outlets directly into the stone to preserve its uninterrupted surface. To maintain open sightlines, we installed a downdraft range, eliminating the need for an overhead hood. A new floor-to-ceiling window floods the space with light and deepens the connection to the outdoors. Underfoot, hand-troweled concrete overlay floors in a warm bone tone bring texture and cohesion to the kitchen and living spaces. The original stone chimney and walls were refinished in charcoal limewash, adding depth and a lived-in patina. And in a bold move, we replaced a rear hallway with a 27-foot glass curtain wall—transforming it into a light-filled art gallery corridor that opens to courtyard. ​ Just three doors down sits 15 Tern Street, a sister home also designed by Saunders for the Shalett family. That lineage is deeply personal—multiple generations of the Shaletts lived in both homes— with 1 Rail previously featured in the Preservation Resource Center’s Mid Mod NOLA tour. Led by Sorrell Brown of Rellestate Renovations, alongside architect Michael Bosio and assistant architect Kevin Michniok—all Tulane alumni—this project brings a Tulane family legacy into its next chapter, staying true to our client’s vision every step of the way.

Ron Ressler
Inspiration for a rustic exterior home remodel in Detroit