A large but ill functioning kitchen gets a new layout to help a young family with two small boys better navigate the space. A long peninsula blocked direct access into the kitchen, so an island was created to allow for direct flow from the upstairs and living areas, while still accommodating enough seating for entertaining guests. More counter top surface area was provided alongside the range for ease of use, and storage features like pull out trash bins, lazy susans, and built in appliances create a chef worthy work space. A mix of warm cabinetry finishes compliment and highlight that warm veins of the Antico marble countertops and backsplash. A fresh modern space for a truly modern family!

Limited space and steep terrain made this back yard virtually unusable. This design includes WOLF PVC in Amberwood field and Rosewood accent. The deck not only provides an outdoor living space but also bridges the gap from the back door to the patio with fire feature that was excavated into the side of the hill. Massive trees and granite ledge rock made this project not only a challenging design but also a challenging build. Due to topographic restraints helical stairs were fabricated on site with custom glue lam stringers. Access requirements for the client were to have access to both side yards, driveway and newly constructed patio. The faux bluestone steps lead up from the driveway and CST Pavers and Block wall were used to create built-in seating surrounding the fire pit and multiple areas to dine, entertain and relax. The faux bluestone steps lead up from the driveway to the patio featuring curved wall and built-in seating in CST Pavers and block wall surround patio and built in fire feature. Picture frame PVC skirting provides the finished look to this great space.

Historic restoration of a classic 1908 Craftsman bungalow in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Los Angeles by Tim Braseth of ArtCraft Homes, completed in 2013. Originally built as a 2 bedroom 1 bath home, a previous addition added a 3rd bedroom and 2nd bath. Vintage detailing was added throughout as well as a deck accessed by French doors overlooking the backyard. Renovation by ArtCraft Homes. Kitchen by Ikea. Staging by ArtCraft Collection. Photography by Larry Underhill.

This project is a new 5,900 sf. primary residence for a couple with three children. The site is slightly elevated above the residential street and enjoys winter views of the Potomac River. The family’s requirements included five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room, family room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, lower level recreation room, exercise room, media room and numerous storage spaces. Also included was the request for an outdoor terrace and adequate outdoor storage, including provision for the storage of bikes and kayaks. The family needed a home that would have two entrances, the primary entrance, and a mudroom entry that would provide generous storage spaces for the family’s active lifestyle. Due to the small lot size, the challenge was to accommodate the family’s requirements, while remaining sympathetic to the scale of neighboring homes. The residence employs a “T” shaped plan to aid in minimizing the massing visible from the street, while organizing interior spaces around a private outdoor terrace space accessible from the living and dining spaces. A generous front porch and a gambrel roof diminish the home’s scale, providing a welcoming view along the street front. A path along the right side of the residence leads to the family entrance and a small outbuilding that provides ready access to the bikes and kayaks while shielding the rear terrace from view of neighboring homes. The two entrances join a central stair hall that leads to the eat-in kitchen overlooking the great room. Window seats and a custom built banquette provide gathering spaces, while the French doors connect the great room to the terrace where the arbor transitions to the garden. A first floor guest suite, separate from the family areas of the home, affords privacy for both guests and hosts alike. The second floor Master Suite enjoys views of the Potomac River through a second floor arched balcony visible from the front. The exterior is composed of a board and batten first floor with a cedar shingled second floor and gambrel roof. These two contrasting materials and the inclusion of a partially recessed front porch contribute to the perceived diminution of the home’s scale relative to its smaller neighbors. The overall intention was to create a close fit between the residence and the neighboring context, both built and natural. Builder: E.H. Johnstone Builders Anice Hoachlander Photography

Michelle Ruber
Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Remodeled bathroom, planning for the future with an accessible shower. Double swinging shower doors. Recessed mirrors/medicine cabinets. Slide out storage on vanity ends. Douglas Wade Photography

A kitchen designed to be highly functional from wheelchair height is as handsome as it is accessible. Wall cabinets lower and rise with the press of a button on the base cabinets. The island has a cooktop with leg room under and a retractable butcher block shelf for food prep. Base cabinets have pull-out trays with electrical outlets for small appliances. To the right of the refrigerator, all of the pantry shelves pull out for easy access. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts.

Remodeled bathroom, planning for the future with an accessible shower. Double swinging shower doors. Recessed mirrors/medicine cabinets. Slide out storage on vanity ends. Douglas Wade Photography

This South Minneapolis family bathroom was pretty groovy before Castle arrived! Old shiny wallpaper, outdated and crumbling tile and an inefficient floor plan were not serving this growing family any longer. A new floor plan opened up the natural light to the entire bathroom and allowed a much-desired double vanity to be installed. The homeowners wanted direct access from their master bedroom as well, so a new door opening was created for easier access without disturbing the rest of the household. A bright space was important to the homeowners, so a solar tube was installed with an integral bath fan. The old window was converted to more private glass block, and a wall of mirror was added to reflect natural light throughout the space and to make the space feel bigger. A fresh, transitional color scheme was chosen with timeless materials like marble and white.

Handicap accessible bathroom.

This South Minneapolis family bathroom was pretty groovy before Castle arrived! Old shiny wallpaper, outdated and crumbling tile and an inefficient floor plan were not serving this growing family any longer. A new floor plan opened up the natural light to the entire bathroom and allowed a much-desired double vanity to be installed. The homeowners wanted direct access from their master bedroom as well, so a new door opening was created for easier access without disturbing the rest of the household. A bright space was important to the homeowners, so a solar tube was installed with an integral bath fan. The old window was converted to more private glass block, and a wall of mirror was added to reflect natural light throughout the space and to make the space feel bigger. A fresh, transitional color scheme was chosen with timeless materials like marble and white.

This is an example of a landscaping in Boston.

This South Minneapolis family bathroom was pretty groovy before Castle arrived! Old shiny wallpaper, outdated and crumbling tile and an inefficient floor plan were not serving this growing family any longer. A new floor plan opened up the natural light to the entire bathroom and allowed a much-desired double vanity to be installed. The homeowners wanted direct access from their master bedroom as well, so a new door opening was created for easier access without disturbing the rest of the household. A bright space was important to the homeowners, so a solar tube was installed with an integral bath fan. The old window was converted to more private glass block, and a wall of mirror was added to reflect natural light throughout the space and to make the space feel bigger. A fresh, transitional color scheme was chosen with timeless materials like marble and white.

This Louisville, Kentucky, Residential Kitchen Remodel displays a mix of surfaces and textures. Custom glass countertop is paired with butcher block, warm-white painted cabinets, black and stainless appliances and a stone- tile back splash for a transitional kitchen design that is both sophisticated and accessible. This galley kitchen is a more traditional, french country design, elevated by the clever surprise of the custom, blue green glass counter top. Cast and Fused glass is machine edged, hand polished and back painted; Fabrication by J.C. Moag Glass, located in Jeffersonville, Indiana and servicing Ketuckiana and the Ohio valley area. J.C. Moag Co. and their installation team, Hot Rush Glass, make and install kitchen/ bathroom countertops and bars to a builder or client's specifications. photo credits: jcmoag

A kitchen designed to be highly functional from wheelchair height is as handsome as it is accessible. Wall cabinets lower and rise with the press of a button on the base cabinets. The island has a cooktop with leg room under and a retractable butcher block shelf for food prep. Base cabinets have pull-out trays with electrical outlets for small appliances. To the right of the refrigerator, all of the pantry shelves pull out for easy access. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts.

Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Atlanta

A kitchen designed to be highly functional from wheelchair height is as handsome as it is accessible. Wall cabinets lower and rise with the press of a button on the base cabinets. The island has a cooktop with leg room under and a retractable butcher block shelf for food prep. Base cabinets have pull-out trays with electrical outlets for small appliances. To the right of the refrigerator, all of the pantry shelves pull out for easy access. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts.

This aging in place design was well thought out by the clients for future needs. An add on ramp can be added to the low profile shower base by Onyx for roll in capability, blocking was installed behind the finished walls to accommodate future grab bars and a folding seat, all the shower controls are ADA compliant, and the frameless door has the necessary clearance for accessibility. DT

Staircase photo in Boston