Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

The Cordoba is a stunning model home in Cortile Estates at Mediterra. Built by London Bay Homes, named America’s Best Builder in 2008, the Cordoba features a stone façade reminiscent of the Italian countryside. This fully furnished three bedroom plus study home features over 5,300 square feet of living space. A relaxing interior courtyard in the center of the house is perfect for entertaining, as well as a formal dining room with a wine cellar and a second catering kitchen. The Italian-influenced architecture carries over to the interior design that features stone walls and wood beams throughout the home. Large window areas capture magnificent vistas of the nearby lake and golf course beyond. The second-floor bonus room is perfect for entertaining friends over a game of billiards. The grand two-story home also includes a private study. Enjoy the view from outdoor living area with a kitchen, bathroom, pool and spa. This home showcases a wide array of unique design features throughout its 9,516 sq. ft. total area. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

The goal of this bath was to create a spa-like feel. Opting for the dominant color of white accented by sage green contributed to the successful outcome. A 54” white vanity with double sinks topped with Carrera marble continued the monochromatic color scheme. The Eva collection of Moen brand fixtures in a brushed nickel finish were selected for the faucet, towel ring, paper holder, and towel bars. Double bands of glass mosaic tile and niche backing accented the 3x6 Brennero Carrera tile on the shower walls. A Moentrol valve faucet was installed in the shower in order to have force and flow balance.

The Cordoba is a stunning model home in Cortile Estates at Mediterra. Built by London Bay Homes, named America’s Best Builder in 2008, the Cordoba features a stone façade reminiscent of the Italian countryside. This fully furnished three bedroom plus study home features over 5,300 square feet of living space. A relaxing interior courtyard in the center of the house is perfect for entertaining, as well as a formal dining room with a wine cellar and a second catering kitchen. The Italian-influenced architecture carries over to the interior design that features stone walls and wood beams throughout the home. Large window areas capture magnificent vistas of the nearby lake and golf course beyond. The second-floor bonus room is perfect for entertaining friends over a game of billiards. The grand two-story home also includes a private study. Enjoy the view from outdoor living area with a kitchen, bathroom, pool and spa. This home showcases a wide array of unique design features throughout its 9,516 sq. ft. total area. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

The Cordoba is a stunning model home in Cortile Estates at Mediterra. Built by London Bay Homes, named America’s Best Builder in 2008, the Cordoba features a stone façade reminiscent of the Italian countryside. This fully furnished three bedroom plus study home features over 5,300 square feet of living space. A relaxing interior courtyard in the center of the house is perfect for entertaining, as well as a formal dining room with a wine cellar and a second catering kitchen. The Italian-influenced architecture carries over to the interior design that features stone walls and wood beams throughout the home. Large window areas capture magnificent vistas of the nearby lake and golf course beyond. The second-floor bonus room is perfect for entertaining friends over a game of billiards. The grand two-story home also includes a private study. Enjoy the view from outdoor living area with a kitchen, bathroom, pool and spa. This home showcases a wide array of unique design features throughout its 9,516 sq. ft. total area. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Originally built to house a garage, workshop and wood storage, this simple structure has been gently re-imagined into a unique guesthouse with a rustic accents and modern comforts. The exterior retains the classic barn appearance, with the addition of carefully placed windows and industrial-looking Corten steel siding. The introduction of a large dormer to the center of the structure was a simple move, but provided multiple functions: • breaks up the 8’-0” ceiling on the main floor, letting in additional daylight and providing visual relief to the otherwise low ceiling • creates circulation space with the rustic steel stair and bridge • utilizes reclaimed wood siding on the ceiling and walls, contrasting with white drywall and clean bright finishes • visually connects the two upstairs bedrooms with the main floor The focus of the interior was to preserve and accentuate the barn features as much as possible, and have a warm and cozy, energy efficient guest house. Programming included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, dining area, farmhouse kitchen and pantry, living room and laundry room. Materials and furnishes were selected to create a clean, comfortable and inviting interior with a rustic edge. The exposed steel beam was left unfinished showing its existing wear and tear, and the new steel stair was left raw to eventually age and match the beam. Durable and economical oak floors were used throughout. Traditional subway tile and penny rounds contrast with the modern, clean lines of the kitchen and bathrooms. A custom sliding barn door adds texture to the kitchen and closes off the pantry and laundry room from the space. Furniture was a mix of new and existing, which makes the spaces both familiar and comfortable. All in all, there is a timeless look to the end product; a traditional farmstead structure has definitely been giving a great new lease on life. Andrew Pogue

The Cordoba is a stunning model home in Cortile Estates at Mediterra. Built by London Bay Homes, named America’s Best Builder in 2008, the Cordoba features a stone façade reminiscent of the Italian countryside. This fully furnished three bedroom plus study home features over 5,300 square feet of living space. A relaxing interior courtyard in the center of the house is perfect for entertaining, as well as a formal dining room with a wine cellar and a second catering kitchen. The Italian-influenced architecture carries over to the interior design that features stone walls and wood beams throughout the home. Large window areas capture magnificent vistas of the nearby lake and golf course beyond. The second-floor bonus room is perfect for entertaining friends over a game of billiards. The grand two-story home also includes a private study. Enjoy the view from outdoor living area with a kitchen, bathroom, pool and spa. This home showcases a wide array of unique design features throughout its 9,516 sq. ft. total area. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

An empty-nester couple in a quiet, hilly neighborhood, found themselves ready to remodel their 2nd floor master suite as they had often dreamed of. The original tract home layout and street façade left something to be desired with no framed views, a cramped master bath, and minimal storage & ventilation. ENRarchitects composed a new addition over the garage, in front of the original gable, which features a large picture window with operable sashes. The features include a vaulted ceiling Master Bath, a spacious, glass-enclosed shower & bench, a luxurious spa, “His & Her” walk-in closets, and a bonus attic storage. All the house baths were also updated, with the upstairs bath getting a new lavatory skylight. New accent windows frame the Master Bed. Now the Master Bath is flooded with natural light, ventilation and views of the hills beyond, either directly, or as reflected in the lavatory mirrors. The collaboration with the Owners was a huge success in the selections of materials, fixtures and colors.

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.