We enhanced the previous attempt to create a dry river bed by expanding its width, oversized boulders and new plantings.
Inspiration for an eclectic partial sun backyard driveway in Houston.

The catalytic 36 Elite wood burning fireplace, heats like a furnace and always attracts admiring glances. It features high efficiency cheery flames and Posi-Pressure™ heating through a quiet, remotely located 388 CFM fan which circulates the heat throughout the home. The 36 Elite also has an optional firescreen so you can use your fireplace with the doors open when you are not using the Elite to heat. After you’ve taken one look you can see why this is the only wood fireplace line that can be called extraordinary.

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Sometimes it take a few tries to get a space to work how you want it to and that’s exactly what happened with this Hinsdale client. Their desire for a family friendly, open floor plan had them reworking an opening between the kitchen and family room and relocating some pantry cabinets in an attempt to make their home’s flow more suitable to their lifestyle. After living with this small change for a few years, they decided that a full kitchen remodel was really what was needed to make their home function the way they desired. They came in with the stereotypical “sketch on a napkin” done by an architect friend, and we proceeded to make that design come to life with a few tweaks along the way. The space was quite unique and also a bit challenging because of its multiple angled walls. While interesting, angles can be a challenge when trying make a space functional. The new kitchen has a great lineup of large appliances, including a large built-in fridge, steam oven and Galley workstation, which is a large prep sink that utilizes several inserts such as strainers and cutting boards and acts as a very large prep space. The new induction cooktop is easy to keep clean and a microwave drawer in the island is located away from the main prep space for convenient access. The main perimeter has tons of countertop space, with additional prep space available at the island and a slightly raised peninsula for casual meals and nice homework spot for the couple’s teenaged children. The kitchen also included a large shallow depth pantry and a large counter height desk area for keeping track of paperwork. The weathered finish on the cabinets and custom metal hood are a nice juxtaposition to the more sleek glass mosaic backsplash and waterfall countertops. The pendants and cabinet hardware provide modern details that provide an overall casual yet sophisticated feel in this transitional design. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

A Young couple appartment in Trakai became black and white loft. The greatest attention we paid to functional multipurpose spaces and architectural context. After new apartment planning was made, second level and roof windows were built. We attempted to create a cozy, artistic and romantic atmosphere including industrial design accents. It was left a lot of free space for clients future needs and self realisation. Photos: www.andstep.com

This angle shows the entire project with very small original home to the far left, the boxy first addition - left, and "water tower"/stair tower center. We attempted to keep the building forms as authentic as possible for a ranch country home.

Vorrath Woodworks completely refurbished these Swedish made mid century modern swivel base club chairs. The new East Indian rosewood veneers are even more stunning than the original. Someone attempted a refinish job on the original wood using an orbital sander and left the backs destroyed. We purchased new veneer to bring these beauties back to their original glory. All new foam and fabric round out the restoration job.

This is painted as part of Tree series. I chose Aspen for their lovely white trunks and flower-like leaves. The artwork has been accepted to be displayed in the juried show. Painted on premier quality canvas stretched on a 1.5 thick frame, using artist grade oil paints, the work is a humble attempt to bring focus on the beauty of nature. Painting is sealed with acrylic varnish and sides are painted black. It is unframed and hangs with d-link and wire assembly. It can be framed as needed. The painting is shipped with certificate of authenticity and care instructions. About Artist About the Artist Bhavna is a San Francisco based independent artist who tries to make a difference through her passion for arts and portraiture. More info at https://bhavnamisra.com/ Email: bhavna.misra@gmail.com

A family that spends a lot of time in and around their beautiful saltwater pool, did not have a place in their home that provided them a visual or physical connection. They also lacked any storage for all their pool “stuff”. With small children and a love for entertaining, they needed a room that served and supported their watery lifestyle. We took over an empty and unused notch along the back of the house adjacent to the pool patio to create a new bright and airy pool house. The new out building attempts to unify 4 areas; an existing deck, an upper master bedroom balcony, a lower lawn, and the pool itself, and provide the missing storage. By locating the pool house at the juxtaposition of these areas, the new room was able to provide a new expanded rooftop balcony for the master, anchor and define the dining and barbeque deck, extend and connect to the pool and patio, and create a new access to integrate the lower lawn – and carve out the much needed storage for the variety of pool toys and equipment. The building itself is 400 sf with bath, laundry, storage, mechanical, kitchen, and living. A single new secure connection is made into the house through the existing mudroom. Clad with crisply detailed ship lap cedar, it draws on the existing material palate of the house and nods to the boat aesthetic in expression and efficiency. With pocketing glass walls the pool house is both the utility building needed, and an expansion of the vibrant pool scene itself, inside and outside, along the poolside. Photographer: Brandon Stengelwww.farmkidstudios.com Location: Edina, MN Completed: 2013 Project Team: Ben Awes AIA, Principal-In-Charge Bob Ganser AIA Christian Dean AIA Nate Dodge

In this project, an attempt was made to show the architecture in the gentle spirit of the warm life of the family members, and the design of the details was done in coordination with the employer's furniture. One of the most important demands of the project employer is originality, splendor and minimal design.

After two attempts with two contractors this is what they wanted. I photographed this very comfortable bathroom. John Gerson
Inspiration for a large modern master multicolored tile and ceramic tile travertine floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink and quartzite countertops

A sloping site afforded expansive views over a long valley that extends all the way back down into the city. Making the home "of the hill" as opposed to "on the hill" was a key part of the design, attempting to integrate the home into the surrounding landscape.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

An indoor custom concrete kitchen countertop by Trueform Concrete. Totally customizable; from size, shape, color, and finish.
Example of a large trendy dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with a drop-in sink, concrete countertops and two islands

Previn consisted of scraping grass down to dirt with a bobcat then work began on the deck. Posts were set, frame was built, and decking was put into place. After the deck was finished, a pergola was built on top of the structure, everything was pressure washed, then later stained. After the deck was stained, we dug out the rest of the area around the pool (not shown), all the way to the front in attempts to make a circle around the pool. A square was dug out of the ground, and butter sticks were put into place, barrier was put into place, and the fire pit constructed. Liner was placed down throughout the entire project site, and mulch was placed in both the back of the pool (not shown) from the back and side fence, circling the pool, and up to the deck. Cypress trees were planted around the pool, and various bushes along the mulch edge up against the deck by the ramp. Pavers were set into place to create a path around the patio and shadow rock was brought in, and spread all throughout remaining project area. In short: Demoed job site, added deck, added fire pit, added butter sticks, placed down liner, added metal edging, created borders, planted cypress trees, planted bushes, added mulch, added pavers, added shadow rock.

Pony wall from entry replaced an open iron rail. New wider wall provides privacy at entry, a display area for artwork and a more secure feeling in the living room. Before this new wall was built, the stairway was 8' wide. It was an attempt at grandeur, but left those traveling them feeling small and a bit lost in the too wide stairway. By reducing the scale of the stairway the path became more inviting. A bit counter intuitive, but sometimes you feel your way to good design.

The project site is a three story apartment building with a full basement, which had recently been subject to an apartment fire. Four separate residential units were contained in the structure, including one two bedroom unit and three single bedroom units. A laundry room/basement and a pair of lofts were also housed within the building. The result of the blaze and the subsequent water damage from attempts to extinguish it left the interior of the building primarily gutted. All interior finishes, fixtures, stairways, mechanical and electrical systems were destroyed beyond repair. The exterior of the building was charred in some places, and destroyed completely in others. The project location, the City of San Rafael, determined that due to the extent of the damage to the structure, the resulting project would be considered a “new building”. Our first task was to review the current building code and apply the current regulations to the existing structure (originally built in the early 1900’s) and bring it up to current code. We performed occupant load calculations, a code summary, square footage calculations and egress code analysis for each floor/use. This information was then compiled in order to determine how the project could legally be designed within the current code, all while minimizing modifications to the existing structure. Once all data had been analyzed, the new floor plans were organized and laid out in a manner which retained the heritage of the original building while remaining true to current code. The site was revised to allow for code compliant parking areas while retaining the family friendly outdoor spaces inherent in the original design. The foundation was reinforced, and the building structure as a whole was strengthened to cope with modern seismic loads. Spray foam insulation, low E glazing, skylights, ceiling fans, high efficiency HVAC, etc…were all added to make the building more efficient and environmentally friendly. The use of Class “A” materials, fire separations (both vertical and horizontal) and a commercial sprinkler system were employed in order to avoid any future fires. Reconstruction of the project was recently completed in the summer of 2014. Photos by B. James

Family room - large transitional open concept dark wood floor family room idea in Los Angeles with beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv