Architect: AMDG ARCHITECT Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography
Inspiration for a coastal bathroom remodel in Grand Rapids

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

Our client reached out to Finesse, Inc. looking for a pet sanctuary for their two cats. A design was created to allow the fur-babies to enter and exit without the assistance of their humans. A cat door was placed an the exterior wall and a 30" x 80" door was added so that family can enjoy the beautiful outdoors together. A pet friendly turf, designed especially with paw consideration, was selected and installed. The enclosure was built as a "stand alone" structure and can be easily dismantled and transferred in the event of a move in the future. Rob Kramig, Los Angeles

The homeowners had a very large and beautiful meadow-like backyard, surrounded by full grown trees and unfortunately mosquitoes. To minimize mosquito exposure for them and their baby, they needed a screened porch to be able to enjoy meals and relax in the beautiful outdoors. They also wanted a large deck/patio area for outdoor family and friends entertaining. We constructed an amazing detached oasis: an enclosed screened porch structure with all stone masonry fireplace, an integrated composite deck surface, large flagstone patio, and 2 flagstone walkways, which is also outfitted with a TV, gas fireplace, ceiling fan, recessed and accent lighting.

Play swing over padded Synthetic Lawn
Inspiration for a modern kids' room remodel in New York

These photos were provided to me, by my client, for referral purposes. The wall on the left of the window is drywall placed DIRECTLY OVER BRICK. The client had an issue with the brick wall having a few slight crack in it [not structural], and wanted to find a solution that would both preserve the room size and eliminate the sight of cracks in the wall.

The soft treatment style of the Hunter Douglas Vignettes and the drapery panels helps to soften the structured architecture of this bay window area.
Elegant kids' room photo in Other

Congratulations to the family that allowed us to transform their kitchen space! We managed to complete this remodel - just in time for them to bring a beautiful baby girl into this world! It was quite an amazing experience to design and remodel this home with our new Medallion Cabinetry product line. The main area of cabinetry features our Gold Line in Park Place door style, in the color Sea Salt with Pewter Highlight. Their new 7ft island is our Appaloosa Peppercorn with matching island legs. New Vista managed this project from start to finish, including all permits required by the local building department. The previous 20ft wall had been located from the area of the remaining post to the window to the right of the sink, shown in these photos. Proper removal of this wall did require a structurally sound weight load transfer in the attic. Safety comes first! Also included: Granite counters, new appliances, brick style backsplash, flooring, gas line/plumbing/electrical relocation, can lighting and new plumbing fixtures. Our CAD drawings are proving to be incredibly helpful in the design process of our remodels, allowing customers to really SEE what they can do with the space they have! This project had closed without any change orders and the total time encompassed exactly 8wks - from demolition to final inspection!

Emily Gilbert Photography
Huge transitional living room photo in Bridgeport with white walls and a standard fireplace

Designed new open and bright Living room and created an accent TV wall with Black Dekton and electric fireplace! From the Kitchen dividing wall which was a structure column we made a beautiful accent wall with white Dekton stone.

Kids garden swing set
Minimalist kids' room photo in New York

Morningside Architects, LLP Structural Engineers: Structural Consulting Co., Inc. Interior Designer: Lisa McCollam Designs LLC. Contractor: Gilbert Godbold Photos: HAR

Blue play swing
Inspiration for a modern kids' room remodel in New York

Red swing
Kids' room - kids' room idea in New York

The homeowners had a very large and beautiful meadow-like backyard, surrounded by full grown trees and unfortunately mosquitoes. To minimize mosquito exposure for them and their baby, they needed a screened porch to be able to enjoy meals and relax in the beautiful outdoors. They also wanted a large deck/patio area for outdoor family and friends entertaining. We constructed an amazing detached oasis: an enclosed screened porch structure with all stone masonry fireplace, an integrated composite deck surface, large flagstone patio, and 2 flagstone walkways, which is also outfitted with a TV, gas fireplace, ceiling fan, recessed and accent lighting.

Amazing transformation of a young couples home. Just in time for their beautiful, new, baby girl’s arrival. We cantilevered 2 feet into an area of a 3 season room built over a deck. A structural beam was installed to bump the sink area the 2 feet out. While the kitchen was under renovation, they also decided to finish the 3 season room and make It their new family/play room. Now this open space is inviting and allows them to entertain with a full view into the living space while cooking. This elegant new kitchen will be used for years to come with their growing family. DREAM…DESIGN…LIVE

Congratulations to the family that allowed us to transform their kitchen space! We managed to complete this remodel - just in time for them to bring a beautiful baby girl into this world! It was quite an amazing experience to design and remodel this home with our new Medallion Cabinetry product line. The main area of cabinetry features our Gold Line in Park Place door style, in the color Sea Salt with Pewter Highlight. Their new 7ft island is our Appaloosa Peppercorn with matching island legs. New Vista managed this project from start to finish, including all permits required by the local building department. The previous 20ft wall had been located from the area of the remaining post to the window to the right of the sink, shown in these photos. Proper removal of this wall did require a structurally sound weight load transfer in the attic. Safety comes first! Also included: Granite counters, new appliances, brick style backsplash, flooring, gas line/plumbing/electrical relocation, can lighting and new plumbing fixtures. Our CAD drawings are proving to be incredibly helpful in the design process of our remodels, allowing customers to really SEE what they can do with the space they have! This project had closed without any change orders and the total time encompassed exactly 8wks - from demolition to final inspection!

Gibeon Photography
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Other

Kids' room - modern kids' room idea in New York