This Mid-Century home had been updated except for the kitchen and master bath. After a few years of being empty nesters, and with the neighborhood turning over drastically to infill property in the millions, this couple decided the time was right to update the last remaining rooms. Starting in the Kitchen Taking a dark, u-shaped kitchen out of the past and updating it for the future, was a dream come true for this family. They knew what they wanted in order to entertain their large extended family, which included their three kids; plus, his family, consisting of nine children, spouses, and now grandchildren. Requirements of an open space to hang out and help out, a banquet for food presentation without obstruction, bright and clean, easy storage, a place for her mother’s china decanters, and an instant hot for tea were all part of the “must haves” for this kitchen. We also needed to work around the homeowners’ existing appliances since many of them were practically new. Vaulted ceilings, lots of high windows, and large openings to other spaces in the house, were challenges that only a galley style kitchen could address. Blending and lacing the hardwood floor with new flooring required both the new and existing to be sanded down and refinished. This provided a coherent look to the entire first floor of this home. Matching casings, baseboards and base shoe helped to make the updates look fresh, but original to the house. In the kitchen, choosing the sandstone slate finish on our Wellborn Maple select series cabinets kept the space soft; but really opened it, making the space lighter and brighter. The Harmony style door choice blended with the décor in the rest of the house, while also giving straight clean lines the homeowner desired. Grounding the row of cabinets with their refrigerator and a pantry cabinet, gave symmetry to this side of the kitchen. On the opposite side, a built-in pantry cabinet mirrors the refrigerator. A row of drawer cabinets expanded the storage and banquet space, to lay out food for entertaining. Also added were some much-needed wall cabinets with glass inserts to mirror the windows and keep the space open. This also allowed the taller canister to be displayed and admired. A few smaller shelves were added above the window space, to house the smaller canisters so loved by the homeowner. An artist by trade, this homeowner added two narrow cabinets to the side of the pantry and the side of the refrigerator panel to house and create easy access to the various spices her husband loves to use while cooking. She painted them to blend with Wellborn’s Sandstone finish. The Caesarstone countertop with a 3cm eased edge in London Gray has a small pattern that is subtle and interesting. Cutting down the Caesarstone to 2 cm and carrying the same London Gray pattern up the backsplash area, lended to the clean lines and easy cleaning this homeowner requested. Choosing chrome plumbing fixtures from Moen’s Brantford line is timeless choice. Chrome is always popular and yet in today’s market, also very trendy. The Brantford faucet has a pull-down spray and one side handle, leaving space for the all-important request of a Transcape hot water dispenser, also in chrome. Scraping away the past included smoothing out the popcorn ceiling. Adding LED slope cans to the vaulted ceilings provided the necessary task lighting to elevate these homeowners’ joy of cooking. Removing the dated “popcorn look” enhanced the clean and spacious feel created by the architecture of the ceiling. Adding Top Knob chrome hardware was the final element that tied the kitchen all together. Master Bathroom The original dated Master Bathroom had dark cabinets, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a small shower stall that provided barely enough room for even a child to shower. Removing the Jacuzzi tub that was never used, opened this floor plan to a grand shower that is comfortable and spacious. For easy cleaning, these homeowners opted for a panel system in their shower. Onyx shower walls with a shower seat and recess wide shower caddy were installed in place of the old Jacuzzi style tub. The large panels were quite a challenge for our team, with an eight foot door and vaulted ceilings; but they were determined not to have a seam. These seamless panels are beautiful and very easy to clean. Keeping with the original floor plan, a double sink vanity from Wellborn’s select line with the Harmony door style in a pebble finish was installed. New Kohler Caxton under mount sinks were installed, along with the Moen Kinsley 8” wide spread faucets in chrome. Matching Kingsley 18” grab bars were added to the shower area, along with the Kohler Brantford fixed shower head and handheld slide bar. The countertop was a beautiful Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina with an eased edge and 4” back and side splash. Matching Kinsley towel hooks were added, along with mirrors the homeowner purchased and we installed for her. Top Knobs chrome cabinet hardware finished the look along with a beautiful tile floor AO Mira 1224-S Silver Maple laid in a broken joint pattern. Matching marble sills were added on top of the knee walls and threshold in the doorway. A 3/8” frameless custom shower door with fixed panels surrounded the shower creating an open airy feel to the space. Not shown: Kohler’s Wellworth highline toilet with a slow-close seat replaces the original toilet. The original shower stall became a space used to house a stackable washer and dryer, a top a safety pan and drain to slop sink in the basement. There was even enough room for small shelving to provide storage for laundry essentials. Adding a louver door keeps the laundry area behind the scene and opens the master area to multiple tasks needed. Master Bedroom Fireplace This homeowner really missed a bedroom fireplace they had in a previous home. Since we were going to be working on their master bathroom anyway; was there a way to create a fireplace without making it feel too odd in their large bedroom area? They had purchased a ventless gas fireplace and they had their original television as well. Challenged by windows, a vaulted ceiling and the natural light streaming from the back window; this divided wall was created, keeping the lighting from the other side of the room and providing a dressing area opposite the fireplace. This was a perfect idea since the closets are now in the dressing area and the creative wall houses the fireplace and TV for cold winter nights of snuggling to a movie. Better yet, the fireplace and TV are all on remote control!

This Mid-Century home had been updated except for the kitchen and master bath. After a few years of being empty nesters, and with the neighborhood turning over drastically to infill property in the millions, this couple decided the time was right to update the last remaining rooms. Starting in the Kitchen Taking a dark, u-shaped kitchen out of the past and updating it for the future, was a dream come true for this family. They knew what they wanted in order to entertain their large extended family, which included their three kids; plus, his family, consisting of nine children, spouses, and now grandchildren. Requirements of an open space to hang out and help out, a banquet for food presentation without obstruction, bright and clean, easy storage, a place for her mother’s china decanters, and an instant hot for tea were all part of the “must haves” for this kitchen. We also needed to work around the homeowners’ existing appliances since many of them were practically new. Vaulted ceilings, lots of high windows, and large openings to other spaces in the house, were challenges that only a galley style kitchen could address. Blending and lacing the hardwood floor with new flooring required both the new and existing to be sanded down and refinished. This provided a coherent look to the entire first floor of this home. Matching casings, baseboards and base shoe helped to make the updates look fresh, but original to the house. In the kitchen, choosing the sandstone slate finish on our Wellborn Maple select series cabinets kept the space soft; but really opened it, making the space lighter and brighter. The Harmony style door choice blended with the décor in the rest of the house, while also giving straight clean lines the homeowner desired. Grounding the row of cabinets with their refrigerator and a pantry cabinet, gave symmetry to this side of the kitchen. On the opposite side, a built-in pantry cabinet mirrors the refrigerator. A row of drawer cabinets expanded the storage and banquet space, to lay out food for entertaining. Also added were some much-needed wall cabinets with glass inserts to mirror the windows and keep the space open. This also allowed the taller canister to be displayed and admired. A few smaller shelves were added above the window space, to house the smaller canisters so loved by the homeowner. An artist by trade, this homeowner added two narrow cabinets to the side of the pantry and the side of the refrigerator panel to house and create easy access to the various spices her husband loves to use while cooking. She painted them to blend with Wellborn’s Sandstone finish. The Caesarstone countertop with a 3cm eased edge in London Gray has a small pattern that is subtle and interesting. Cutting down the Caesarstone to 2 cm and carrying the same London Gray pattern up the backsplash area, lended to the clean lines and easy cleaning this homeowner requested. Choosing chrome plumbing fixtures from Moen’s Brantford line is timeless choice. Chrome is always popular and yet in today’s market, also very trendy. The Brantford faucet has a pull-down spray and one side handle, leaving space for the all-important request of a Transcape hot water dispenser, also in chrome. Scraping away the past included smoothing out the popcorn ceiling. Adding LED slope cans to the vaulted ceilings provided the necessary task lighting to elevate these homeowners’ joy of cooking. Removing the dated “popcorn look” enhanced the clean and spacious feel created by the architecture of the ceiling. Adding Top Knob chrome hardware was the final element that tied the kitchen all together. Master Bathroom The original dated Master Bathroom had dark cabinets, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a small shower stall that provided barely enough room for even a child to shower. Removing the Jacuzzi tub that was never used, opened this floor plan to a grand shower that is comfortable and spacious. For easy cleaning, these homeowners opted for a panel system in their shower. Onyx shower walls with a shower seat and recess wide shower caddy were installed in place of the old Jacuzzi style tub. The large panels were quite a challenge for our team, with an eight foot door and vaulted ceilings; but they were determined not to have a seam. These seamless panels are beautiful and very easy to clean. Keeping with the original floor plan, a double sink vanity from Wellborn’s select line with the Harmony door style in a pebble finish was installed. New Kohler Caxton under mount sinks were installed, along with the Moen Kinsley 8” wide spread faucets in chrome. Matching Kingsley 18” grab bars were added to the shower area, along with the Kohler Brantford fixed shower head and handheld slide bar. The countertop was a beautiful Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina with an eased edge and 4” back and side splash. Matching Kinsley towel hooks were added, along with mirrors the homeowner purchased and we installed for her. Top Knobs chrome cabinet hardware finished the look along with a beautiful tile floor AO Mira 1224-S Silver Maple laid in a broken joint pattern. Matching marble sills were added on top of the knee walls and threshold in the doorway. A 3/8” frameless custom shower door with fixed panels surrounded the shower creating an open airy feel to the space. Not shown: Kohler’s Wellworth highline toilet with a slow-close seat replaces the original toilet. The original shower stall became a space used to house a stackable washer and dryer, a top a safety pan and drain to slop sink in the basement. There was even enough room for small shelving to provide storage for laundry essentials. Adding a louver door keeps the laundry area behind the scene and opens the master area to multiple tasks needed. Master Bedroom Fireplace This homeowner really missed a bedroom fireplace they had in a previous home. Since we were going to be working on their master bathroom anyway; was there a way to create a fireplace without making it feel too odd in their large bedroom area? They had purchased a ventless gas fireplace and they had their original television as well. Challenged by windows, a vaulted ceiling and the natural light streaming from the back window; this divided wall was created, keeping the lighting from the other side of the room and providing a dressing area opposite the fireplace. This was a perfect idea since the closets are now in the dressing area and the creative wall houses the fireplace and TV for cold winter nights of snuggling to a movie. Better yet, the fireplace and TV are all on remote control!

Design ideas for a mid-sized farmhouse shade backyard concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco.

Huge elegant enclosed carpeted home theater photo in Other with a projector screen

A family of five, who lives in a prestigious McLean neighborhood, was looking to renovate and upgrade their 20-year-old kitchen. Goals of the renovation were to move the cooktop out of the island, install all professional-quality appliances, achieve better traffic flow and update the appearance of the space. The plan was to give a French country look to this kitchen, by carrying the overall soft and creamy color scheme of main floor furniture in the new kitchen. As such, the adjacent family room had to become a significant part of the remodel. The back wall of the kitchen is now occupied by 48” professional range under a custom wood hood. A new tower style refrigerator covered in matching wood panels is placed at the end of the run, just create more work space on both sides of the stove. The large contrasting Island in a dark chocolate finish now offers a second dishwasher, a beverage center and built in microwave. It also serves as a large buffet style counter space and accommodate up to five seats around it. The far wall of the space used to have a bare wall with a 36” fireplace in it. The goal of this renovation was to include all the surrounding walls in the design. Now the entire wall is made of custom cabinets, including display cabinetry on the upper half. The fireplace is wrapped with a matching color mantel and equipped with a big screen TV. Smart use of detailed crown and trim molding are highlights of this space and help bring the two rooms together, as does the porcelain tile floor. The attached family room provides a casual, comfortable space for guest to relax. And the entire space is perfect for family gatherings or entertaining.

After completion: Flagstone patio planted with a mixture of thyme varieties and irrigated with subsurface drip throughout creates an inviting space for entertaining. Raised beds built from redwood are planted with a mixture of cool-season vegetable crops. An espalier Meyer lemon will eventually cover the bare wall space. Boarder plantings consist of perennials, California natives, and Mediterranean shrubs.

Example of a large classic marble floor and white floor sunroom design in Jacksonville with a standard ceiling

The client’s brief was to create a space reminiscent of their beloved downtown Chicago industrial loft, in a rural farm setting, while incorporating their unique collection of vintage and architectural salvage. The result is a custom designed space that blends life on the farm with an industrial sensibility. The new house is located on approximately the same footprint as the original farm house on the property. Barely visible from the road due to the protection of conifer trees and a long driveway, the house sits on the edge of a field with views of the neighbouring 60 acre farm and creek that runs along the length of the property. The main level open living space is conceived as a transparent social hub for viewing the landscape. Large sliding glass doors create strong visual connections with an adjacent barn on one end and a mature black walnut tree on the other. The house is situated to optimize views, while at the same time protecting occupants from blazing summer sun and stiff winter winds. The wall to wall sliding doors on the south side of the main living space provide expansive views to the creek, and allow for breezes to flow throughout. The wrap around aluminum louvered sun shade tempers the sun. The subdued exterior material palette is defined by horizontal wood siding, standing seam metal roofing and large format polished concrete blocks. The interiors were driven by the owners’ desire to have a home that would properly feature their unique vintage collection, and yet have a modern open layout. Polished concrete floors and steel beams on the main level set the industrial tone and are paired with a stainless steel island counter top, backsplash and industrial range hood in the kitchen. An old drinking fountain is built-in to the mudroom millwork, carefully restored bi-parting doors frame the library entrance, and a vibrant antique stained glass panel is set into the foyer wall allowing diffused coloured light to spill into the hallway. Upstairs, refurbished claw foot tubs are situated to view the landscape. The double height library with mezzanine serves as a prominent feature and quiet retreat for the residents. The white oak millwork exquisitely displays the homeowners’ vast collection of books and manuscripts. The material palette is complemented by steel counter tops, stainless steel ladder hardware and matte black metal mezzanine guards. The stairs carry the same language, with white oak open risers and stainless steel woven wire mesh panels set into a matte black steel frame. The overall effect is a truly sublime blend of an industrial modern aesthetic punctuated by personal elements of the owners’ storied life. Photography: James Brittain

Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. was chosen to assist with the new designs and renovations. This large, classic-styled home featured beautiful moldings, cabinetry, and craftsmanship, but was in need of an update. Although the windows were beautiful on their own, they looked too bare without window treatments. Gray linens were chosen with a contrasting accent band and the chrome rods with crystal finials blended well with the other accents. The new draperies define the space while adding softness and drama. A massive area rug completes the look and adds warmth and elegance to this beautiful formal living room. The clients wanted a formally dressed living room with comfortable, elegant furniture to accommodate entertaining multiple guests. The scale of this space allows for many furniture groupings. The furnishings were sized to fit the space perfectly and the fabrics were chosen with daily use and easy-cleaning in mind. The many layers of textured and printed fabrics add visual interest and emulate the clients’ collective style. The clients love the new furnishings in their living room. “We were at loss for how to make it look elegant, beautiful, and yet functional. Arlene got the style of the space.” Design Connection, Inc. provided AutoCAD drawings, all furniture, area rugs, paint colors, lighting, and accessories. Visit our website to see more of our projects: https://www.designconnectioninc.com/

The espaliered apple fence has become a dense wall of leaves, hiding a multitude of ripening fruit. The multi-stem trees in the back ground are River Birch (Betula nigra 'Heritage'). Photo by Rob Cardillo

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....

Designed for good energy... Our client was looking to create a space for retreat, tranquility, serenity. The existing space was somewhat funky without balance and made it difficult to feel good. Working within an existing courtyard space, we were limited. No matter, our goal was to remedy this outdoor courtyard/sunset balcony space. Our idea was to keep the space cozy but create destination spaces where you can lay down in the grass and look up at the stars. Walk bare foot atop the different hardscape surfaces, reclaimed brick patio & walkway, Silvermist flagstone, terra cotta tiles & tiffway bermuda. The idea of sitting in front of a magical rock island stone fireplace reading a book, sharing conversation with family & friends gives us warm feelings. Bubbling water features dance through out this space creating sounds of trickling brooks you could only hear if you were in a far far away place. The courtyard walls disappear, with plants and trees wrapping there arms around our client while relaxing under a 45 year old ascalone olive tree. A healing garden was the finished product, so much, its a space that you don't ever want to leave....