An addition to a home designed by RBA several years ago, the added elements include a large family room with a swimming pool, spa, terrace and a sunken landscaped play area. Taking aesthetic cues from the original structure, which was laid out as a series of linked gable roof pavilions, the new 1,200 sf building addition invites natural light from multiple sides. The family room features a Doug Fir wood slat ceiling and radiantly heated slate floors, lending warmth to a space complete with an entertainment center and billiards table. A meticulous attention to detail is displayed in the rich custom cabinetry throughout, crafted from exotic ribbon mahogany. On one side of the room, an expansive multi-panel sliding door leads to a sun-drenched pool deck complete with a turquoise-blue tiled spa nestled under a wood framed canopy. Opposite the pool, and also accessible from the family room, is an intimate private courtyard - perfect for outdoor entertainment gathered around the communal dining table. The clients' displayed collection of vintage surf boards, heirlooms celebrating the family's Australian heritage, infuse these casual spaces with timeless appeal. The exterior materials of stucco-covered Rastra wall blocks and standing seam metal roofs, seamlessly blend the addition with the existing home - creating an inviting family-friendly compound within a lush park-like setting. Josh Partee AIAP, ASMP, LEED AP / Architectural Photographer

Failing appliances, poor quality cabinetry, poor lighting and less than ergonomic storage is what precipitated the remodel of this kitchen for a petite chef. The appliances were selected based on the features that would provide maximum accessibility, safety and ergonomics, with a focus on health and wellness. This includes an induction cooktop, electric grill/griddle, side hinged wall oven, side hinged steam oven, warming drawer and counter depth refrigeration. The cabinetry layout with internal convenience hardware (mixer lift, pull-out knife block, pull-out cutting board storage, tray dividers, roll-outs, tandem trash and recycling, and pull-out base pantry) along with a dropped counter on the end of the island with an electrical power strip ensures that the chef can cook and bake with ease with a minimum of bending or need of a step stool, especially when the kids and grandchildren are helping in the kitchen. The new coffee station, tall pantries and relocated island sink allow non-cooks to be in the kitchen without being underfoot. Extending the open shelf soffits provides additional illuminated space to showcase the chef’s extensive collection of M.A. Hadley pottery as well as much needed targeted down lighting over the perimeter countertops. Under cabinet lights provide much needed task lighting. The remodeled kitchen checks a lot of boxes for the chef. There is no doubt who will be hosting family holiday gatherings!

This narrow and steep staircase is the perfect addition to this North Vancouver residence. The clients now have full access down a previously unusable side of the house. The addition of plants along the edge help soften the transition between hardscape and softscape.

Rockaway Park - Legal Two Family Exclusive: PS 114 school district. One block from the beach. Two story brick home that was fully pointed 8 years ago. 3 bedrooms / one bath over 2 bedrooms / one renovated bath and kitchen. Original hardwood floors throughout are in pristine condition. Rear enclosed staircase leads to a full basement, giving both floors private access. This is ideal for setting up either unit as a duplex apartment. Three porches offer ample exterior access. Second floor offers a front and rear terrace. First floor offers a front porch. Full private driveway fits 5 cars. Two car garage. Walking distance to transportation, restaurants, shopping, houses of worship and the best beach in the Northeast. Offered at $789,000

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

It was a pleasure to help this single dad transform a previous French Country motif into a Handsome Space with Masculine Vibe. The homeowner loves the blues you find in the Caribbean so we used those as accent colors throughout the rooms. Entry We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Latte (SW6108) to add warmth. We accessorized the homeowner’s beautiful burl wood cabinet with vibrant artwork and whimsical Chinese horses. I always recommend task lighting in a Foyer, if possible, and the rectangular lamp shade is the perfect shape to fit on the small end of the cabinet. Powder Room I adore the Candace Olson wallpaper we used in the Powder Room. The blocks look like sections of wood. It works great with the existing granite. Other examples of wallpaper here and here. Great Room We touched every surface in this Great Room from painting the walls Nomadic Desert (SW6107) to painting the ceiling Double Latte (SW9108) to make the room feel cozier to replacing the carpet with this transitional style with striated pattern to painting the white built-ins. Furniture placement was a real challenge because the grand piano needed to stay without blocking the traffic flow through the space. The homeowner also wanted us to incorporate his chess table and chairs. We centered a small seating area in front of the fireplace utilizing two oversized club chairs and an upholstered ottoman with a wood tray that slides. The wood bases on the chairs helps their size not overpower the room. The velvet ottoman fabric with navy, azure, and teal blues is a showstopper. We used the homeowner’s wonderful collection of unique puzzle boxes to accessorize the built-ins. We just added some pops of blues, greens and silver. The homeowner loves sculptural objects so the nickel twig wall decor was the perfect focal point above the mantle. We opted not to add anything to the mantle so it would not distract from the art piece. We added decorative drapery panels installed on short rods between each set of doors. The homeowner was open to this abstract floral pattern in greens and blues! We reupholstered the cushions for the chess table chairs in a fun geometric fabric that coordinates with the panel fabric. The homeowner does not use this set of doors to access the deck so we were able to position the table directly in front of them. Kelly Sisler of Kelly Faux Creations worked her magic on the built-ins. We used Sherwin Williams’ Mega Greige (SW7031) as the base and then applied a heavy bronze glaze. It completely transformed the Great Room. Other examples of painting built-ins here and here. We hoped you enjoyed this Handsome Space with Masculine Vibe. It was quite a transformation!

This alcove shower without barriers was created to be handicap accessible. The large glass block window with the Travertine Marble sill brings in great natural light. The Copper Rust Tumbled stone floor brings great color and visual interest to the area. The corner bench topped with Travertine Marble in concert with the grab bars located on the walls around the shower add safety. The wall are covered in the LaRiserva 25 cm x 40 cm Taupe Ceramic Tile.

Catch the Willows Beach vibe from this beautifully updated Oak Bay character home located 2 blocks from Estevan Village! This fully landscaped corner lot property offers a 5 bed/2 bath home on 2 levels, awesome outdoor living areas & a detached 2 car garage. Main level gourmet kitchen with Wolf gas range, Frigidaire wall fridge, beautiful granite counters & casual dining area. Formal living & dining rooms with character features including oak hardwood floors & coved ceilings. The main level also has a primary bedroom with built-in storage & a 4-piece bathroom beside, and an office/bedroom off the entry foyer. Downstairs has 3 large bedrooms, 5-piece bathroom, separate laundry, and a large media room with direct access to the backyard patio. Outdoor entertaining flows seamlessly onto multi-level decks leading from kitchen to hot tub to beautifully designed concrete patio. Sunny, level, fully fenced backyard offers complete privacy & easy garage access. Need more space - stairs to the attic provides additional storage or potential master suite! Come see this beautiful home in Oak Bay’s best family neighbourhood! | Karen Love (250)-727-5868 | RE/MAX Island Properties & www.KarenLove.com |

Full top floor of beautiful brownstone on coveted Hudson Street block directly across from Steven’s Park with seasonal NYC views. This elegant 2 bedroom, 1 bath home features open living space with exposed brick, hardwood floors, gas fireplace, central air conditioning & laundry in home. Master bedroom with double closets and great light, updated bath with pedestal sink and additional basement storage. Easy access to Hoboken’s world-class waterfront, shopping, dining, parks and transportation. Rental parking only 1 block away.

Blocks from the beach, this ADU feels like an oasis in Santa Monica. The design of the ADU was centered around the concept of flexibility. With a 2-bed, 2-bath layout, the the ADU could allow for roommates or caregivers living in the ADU permanently, or could be used as an extension of the main house for music studio space and pool parties. Tucked away in the layout is also an owner's storage space, as the ADU replaced the garage. Additionally, the layout considered accessibility as a concern, allowing for wheelchair access into the first floor public spaces and downstairs bedroom and bathroom. Ultimately, this ADU is a dream come true--offering flexibility for multiple uses in an efficient yet serene package that maximizes the usability (and resale value!) of the property.

The Castello Main level: 2294 Sq Ft Basement: 2226 Sq Ft Total: 4520 Sq Ft The Castello Stretch out and find comfort in this imaginatively designed home with a creative flair. The living areas are designed for easy flow and access whether you’re entertaining or just relaxing at home, and the beautiful outdoor views are everywhere. The barrel vault ceiling in the Grand room continues out to the rear covered patio. The kitchen takes in extra light with a glass-block wall, and its double-island design creates plenty of counter space for multiple chefs or cook-time mingling. The dining room offers an optional built-in credenza/desk, and optional matching hutches let you display your beautiful china and crystal or showcase your art objects. The master suite is set off by a quiet hallway that delivers seclusion as well as access to the five-piece bath and walk-in closet. Down the corridor, the main floor also offers a flexible room that could be used as a study or an activity space for projects. The Castello’s unique approach is similar to the Como except what is a separate casita in the Como is now part of the main home with an optional bath. It is perfect as a guest room or office, a painting or pottery studio, and anything else your imagination and interests desire The Optional upstairs loft option can incorporate a powder room and includes a balcony with a lovely view above the entry courtyard, and the spacious downstairs provides a large flexible space that can be optionally designed to your specific needs.

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen was a cramped room that functioned as a workout room and laundry room. By changing some wall space, closing in a door and removing a closet the new space has great storage and is more open and functional for a quick workout. In the family room the fireplace was re-tiled with a concrete looking porcelain tile topped off with a rustic beam mantle. Combined with new home furnishings to make the most of a small space this new family room is both functional and a great place for the couple to spend time with each other on a daily basis and to entertain guest and a new space has been created with the feel of a comfortable cozy space for all to enjoy. Contractor: CairnsCraft Remodeling Designer: Bonnie Bogley Catlin Photogtapher: Jon Upson

FOLD DOWN BENCH, MOEN SLIDER BAR
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Austin

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Rockaway Park - Legal Two Family Exclusive: PS 114 school district. One block from the beach. Two story brick home that was fully pointed 8 years ago. 3 bedrooms / one bath over 2 bedrooms / one renovated bath and kitchen. Original hardwood floors throughout are in pristine condition. Rear enclosed staircase leads to a full basement, giving both floors private access. This is ideal for setting up either unit as a duplex apartment. Three porches offer ample exterior access. Second floor offers a front and rear terrace. First floor offers a front porch. Full private driveway fits 5 cars. Two car garage. Walking distance to transportation, restaurants, shopping, houses of worship and the best beach in the Northeast. Offered at $789,000

Arrive & see the uninterrupted valley views! RECENTLY RENOVATED custom-built rancher style family home in prestigious BECKWITH PARK. Featuring HUGE panels of large windows & skylights allowing an abundance of natural light. Renovated several items incl pristine sanded & refinished modern stained oak floorings. Kitchen is an entertainer's dream with new quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, & breakfast bar where you can eat & enjoy the incredible views. Freshly painted living room & office, PLUS lower level has been drywalled & painted. Main level master includes separate access to the deck, & a spa like ensuite glass block art deco features. Also, an office/den/family room & 2 other large bedrooms & bathrooms, one that lives like a 2nd master bedroom with an en-suite or would be a great SUITE as it has its own exterior access! Down has bonus room that easily can be converted into a 1/2 bedroom or 3rd possible SUITE. Also featuring a big garage, private courtyard garden & a wrap-around balcony that will take your breath away! | Karen Love* (250) 727-5868 | www.KarenLove.com RE/MAX Alliance |

This 10,000 sf townhouse sits on one of Manhattan’s most beautiful Upper East Side streets and so the goal of the project was to return the house to its original grandeur. Previously a Kips Bay designer showcase house, the rooms were each designed in a differing style and therefore the lack of cohesion and flow made the house seem choppy. In addition, much of the interior was superficial in the sense that plumbing fixtures were not all connected, walls were “false walls” built in front of existing and much of the construction had to be rebuilt. The scope included creating a large gourmet kitchen in the rear of the ground floor by closing off the winding corridor and creating a new door opening centered on the main entry hall with a paneled arched pocket door mimicking the original detailing of the parlor floor. The kitchen has a Calacatta Gold stone center island and dinning area flanked by counters that run the length of the east and west walls with glass front upper cabinets. A built-in buffet on the south wall anchors the space. A mud room, with access to the delivery entrance and additional storage space was added off the kitchen. A new slim profile steel and glass French door provides access to a new steel rear deck and stairs to the rear yard. On the second floor, a new tile floor was added throughout and RRA designed new stone mantle pieces fabricated from England in the living and dining rooms. On the 3rd floor, a new wall was constructed in the 11’ wide central hallway to allow a new 135 sf master closet with custom designed built-in storage units and accessories. This concept was carried through to the 4th floor on a smaller scale and 4 new storage closets were added in the hallway. The existing bathroom on the 4th Floor was gutted and redesigned including a new 5’x5’ extra deep soaking tub and new fixtures. Silver travertine tiles were used throughout to give the room a durable, waterproof finish while also providing a warm, luxurious feel. The 5th floor was converted into a playroom and TV room for the family’s two young children and was outfitted with chalkboard paint along the entire east wall in the play area and a bold color block wall treatment in the TV room. A new cork floor was installed for durability and resilience to lots of activity yet providing a soft and sustainable floor treatment for its intended user. A full laundry room was also created floor with new cabinetry, plumbing, and floor and wall tile. Additionally, 3 full baths and a powder room were refitted with tumbled travertine tiles on the top two floors. The exterior of the building was refurbished and new lighting and painted doors and frames were installed in accordance with Landmark designation. An additional challenge on the project was that a previously built extension on the PH level was illegally overbuilt and the property had received a violation. A 9 month process of filing drawings, completing zoning analyses and meetings with the DOB Commissioners ensued to get the extension approved allowing us to obtain a permit for the remainder of the work and complete the Certificate of Occupancy. In spite of the complex process and scattered program, the completed townhouse has a cohesive aesthetic throughout, with upgraded amenities befitting this grand representation of elite New York living.

Upswing cabinet doors, side hinged oven doors and lots of drawers make this kitchen accessible for the 5'-4" cook.
Example of a large trendy u-shaped cork floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops