Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

To reimagine his loft in the heart of Hoboken, his Décor Aid project manager took on the challenge from the ground up. By pairing him with the best construction service providers in New Jersey, his project manager oversaw a powerful transformation that would meld the kitchen and living areas with timeless dark finished wooden flooring. For the kitchen, our renovation experts reimagined the space with updated contemporary cabinetry, high-shine matte appliances, a stone and tile backsplash, and marble countertops. Décor Aid interior designer Nicolina E. was brought in to enhance his existing furnishings while changing the overall mood of the loft by switching the original moody color palette of deep reds and dark blues with a fresh coat of paint in a brighter and more soothing eggshell hue. She introduced color into the space by taking cues from his classic Oriental rug – a family heirloom, as a foundation. Accessories and additional furnishings featuring light and airy blues, beiges, and creams were brought in to add life to his existing couch. For a touch of personality new artwork, decorative extras and a modern, multi-dimensional entertainment center were sourced to fill a large empty wall. From basic to refined, this was a quick home refresh handled with ease and a considered finessing of some of our client’s cherished furnishings.

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine - zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! "The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings," says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. "We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore." The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. On the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. "The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today," says Lisha. "The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!"

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

To reimagine his loft in the heart of Hoboken, his Décor Aid project manager took on the challenge from the ground up. By pairing him with the best construction service providers in New Jersey, his project manager oversaw a powerful transformation that would meld the kitchen and living areas with timeless dark finished wooden flooring. For the kitchen, our renovation experts reimagined the space with updated contemporary cabinetry, high-shine matte appliances, a stone and tile backsplash, and marble countertops. Décor Aid interior designer Nicolina E. was brought in to enhance his existing furnishings while changing the overall mood of the loft by switching the original moody color palette of deep reds and dark blues with a fresh coat of paint in a brighter and more soothing eggshell hue. She introduced color into the space by taking cues from his classic Oriental rug – a family heirloom, as a foundation. Accessories and additional furnishings featuring light and airy blues, beiges, and creams were brought in to add life to his existing couch. For a touch of personality new artwork, decorative extras and a modern, multi-dimensional entertainment center were sourced to fill a large empty wall. From basic to refined, this was a quick home refresh handled with ease and a considered finessing of some of our client’s cherished furnishings.

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine - zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! "The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings," says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. "We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore." The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. On the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. "The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today," says Lisha. "The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!"

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine - zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! "The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings," says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. "We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore." The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. On the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. "The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today," says Lisha. "The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!"

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine - zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! "The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings," says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. "We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore." The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. On the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. "The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today," says Lisha. "The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!"

Located in a wooded setting which backs up to a golf course, The Woods is a vacation condo community in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. The owners asked us to create a comfortable modern design that would appeal to golfers and also families visiting relatives in the area. This complete renovation brought the design from 80's basic to rustic transitional. Colors and design elements echo the natural area surrounding the property. SKP Design was involved in multiple aspects of this project. Our services included: space planning for kitchen and both bathrooms selecting finishes for walls, floors, trim, cabinets and countertops reviewing construction details and electrical plans specification of plumbing fixtures, appliances and accent lighting furniture layout, specification and purchasing fireplace design and stone selection reviewing branding and signage ideas In the great room, wrought iron accents are featured in a new staircase handrail system. Other metal accents are found in the new chandelier, barstools and the legs of the live edge coffee table. An open area under the staircase was enclosed with recessed shelving which gives a focal point to the dinette area. Recessed built-in cabinets near the fireplace store TV technology and accessories. The original tiled hearth was replaced by poured concrete with stone accents. A queen sleeper sofa from Edgecomb provides additional sleeping. Fabrics and upholstery throughout the condo were selected for durability and cleanability. Basic white laminate kitchen cabinets were replaced with beautiful dark stained wood. Floor tile is a wood-look porcelain from Daltile called Saddle Brook. Countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are solid surface Corian Quartz (formerly called DuPont Zodiaq). Broadloom carpet is from Durkan. The first floor bedroom is Mona Vista pattern from Modesto Collection; all other carpet is Inviting Spaces pattern from Timeless Compositions. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams 7647 Crushed Ice. The main floor bedroom has a custom headboard mounted on a feature wall with plaid wallcovering. A freestanding vanity with undermount sink was added to the alcove area, creating space for a larger walk-in tiled shower with custom bench. On both levels, backlit mirrors highlight the sink areas. The upstairs bath has a blue tile feature wall and vessel sink. A fiberglass bathtub surround was removed and replaced by a custom tiled shower. Vinyl wallcovering from D.L. Couch provides a focal point behind the king headboard in the loft bedroom. A twin sleeper chair adds an extra bed.

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine - zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! "The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings," says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. "We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore." The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. On the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. "The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today," says Lisha. "The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!"

Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

This Houston kitchen remodel and whole-house redesign was nothing less than a time machine - zooming a 40-year-old living space into 2017! "The kitchen had formica countertops, old wood cabinets, a strange layout and low ceilings," says Lisha Maxey, lead designer for Outdoor Homescapes of Houston and owner of LGH Design Services. "We basically took it down to the studs to create the new space. It even had original terrazzo tile in the foyer! Almost never see that anymore." The new look is all 2017, starting with a pure white maple wood for the new kitchen cabinetry and a 13-foot butcher block island. The china hutch, beam and columns are walnut. The small kitchen countertop (on fridge side) is Corian. The flooring is solid hickory with a natural stain. The backsplash is Moroccan blue glass. On the island, Outdoor Homescapes added a small, stainless steel prep sink and a large porcelain sink. All finishes are brushed stainless steel except for the pot filler, which is copper. "The look is very transitional, with a hearty mix of antiques the client wanted incorporated and the contemporary open concept look of today," says Lisha. "The bar stools are actually reclaimed science class stools that my client picked up at a local fair. It was an awesome find!"