When Family comes first, you spend a lot of time surrounded by the family you were born into and the ones you “adopted” along the way. Some of your kids crawl, some walk on two legs and some on four. No matter how they get there, they always end up in the kitchen. This home needed a kitchen designed for an ever growing family. By borrowing unused space from a formal dining room, removing some walls while adding back others, we were able to expand the kitchen space, add a main level laundry room with home office center and provide much needed pantry storage. Sightlines were opened up and a peninsula with seating provides the perfect spot for gathering. A large bench seat provides additional storage and seating for an oversized family style table. Crisp white finishes coupled with warm rich stains, balances out the space and makes is feel like home. Meals, laundry, homework and stories about your day come to life in this kitchen designed for family living and family loving. Kustom Home Design specializes in creating unique home designs crafted for your life.

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

Free ebook, CREATING THE IDEAL KITCHEN Download now → http://bit.ly/idealkitchen This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

Saturday August 22, 10:00 to 11:30am | Boulder A Virtuous Garden, Far Beyond Form and Emptiness by Martin Mosko and Luke Sanzone of Marpa Design Studio, with David Barrett, Barrett Studio Architects The owner of this fascinating new home and garden worked closely with the landscape architect and architect to create a house, barn, and riding arena that were at once modern, comfortable, warm, and carefully attuned to the natural surroundings. The house was designed with the Japanese principle of “wabi sabi,” the appreciation of beauty in imperfection and the natural cycle of growth and decay. The wood used in the siding was reclaimed from old buildings and combined with native stone. This principle extends into the landscape with the use of old, well-tended trees carefully chosen and trimmed so that the scale of the garden is maintained with the distant views. The clean, simple lines of the patios and the pool, the use of glass and steel, the radial drifts of ground covers, and the small lawn are all part of this aesthetic. All planting is xeric and foliage color was considered as important as the color of the blooms in creating an integrated palette. CoreTen steel edging shapes the landscape close to the pool and patio, while the outer circle of the garden is shaped by land forms. The house and the landscape use similar materials, forms, and colors, making an integrated whole. The result is simple, elegant, and uplifting. Photo courtesy of Marpa Design Studio

Completed in 2015, this 4 BR, 2 1/2 bath was designed for a developer with a intolerably tight budget. Our simple solution employs a straightforward mix of flowing spaces borrowed from California great room houses with design elements found in more traditional residential design. The house is entered through a generous entry hall flanked by a formal Dining Room on one side and a Home Office/Den on the other. The far end of this Entry Hall deposits into a large Great Room and open kitchen that is this home's gathering and entertainment hub. A small alcove at the end of the kitchen allows for everyday meals while the island functions as this entire space's focal point. Completing the entertainment concept of this level is a covered porch accessed through a sliding door in the Family Room. The upper level is accessed via a stair at one end of the plan and is organized around a wide hallway that terminates in a tech space for kids. 3 generous children's bedrooms and an ample Master Suite with a view toward the Olympic Mountains complete this level. Finish selections throughout the house were purposely kept clean, light and simple. The exterior form of the house, while simple, allows for a variety of roof schemes that appeal to different price points in the marketplace. We also designed a bonus room option that can be accessed via the stair and resides over the garage.

This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

Completed in 2015, this 4 BR, 2 1/2 bath was designed for a developer with a intolerably tight budget. Our simple solution employs a straightforward mix of flowing spaces borrowed from California great room houses with design elements found in more traditional residential design. The house is entered through a generous entry hall flanked by a formal Dining Room on one side and a Home Office/Den on the other. The far end of this Entry Hall deposits into a large Great Room and open kitchen that is this home's gathering and entertainment hub. A small alcove at the end of the kitchen allows for everyday meals while the island functions as this entire space's focal point. Completing the entertainment concept of this level is a covered porch accessed through a sliding door in the Family Room. The upper level is accessed via a stair at one end of the plan and is organized around a wide hallway that terminates in a tech space for kids. 3 generous children's bedrooms and an ample Master Suite with a view toward the Olympic Mountains complete this level. Finish selections throughout the house were purposely kept clean, light and simple. The exterior form of the house, while simple, allows for a variety of roof schemes that appeal to different price points in the marketplace. We also designed a bonus room option that can be accessed via the stair and resides over the garage.

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Completed in 2015, this 4 BR, 2 1/2 bath was designed for a developer with a intolerably tight budget. Our simple solution employs a straightforward mix of flowing spaces borrowed from California great room houses with design elements found in more traditional residential design. The house is entered through a generous entry hall flanked by a formal Dining Room on one side and a Home Office/Den on the other. The far end of this Entry Hall deposits into a large Great Room and open kitchen that is this home's gathering and entertainment hub. A small alcove at the end of the kitchen allows for everyday meals while the island functions as this entire space's focal point. Completing the entertainment concept of this level is a covered porch accessed through a sliding door in the Family Room. The upper level is accessed via a stair at one end of the plan and is organized around a wide hallway that terminates in a tech space for kids. 3 generous children's bedrooms and an ample Master Suite with a view toward the Olympic Mountains complete this level. Finish selections throughout the house were purposely kept clean, light and simple. The exterior form of the house, while simple, allows for a variety of roof schemes that appeal to different price points in the marketplace. We also designed a bonus room option that can be accessed via the stair and resides over the garage.

This project consisted of a master bathroom renovation and an addition of an en-suite bath where we borrowed room from the mud room to make space for the bathroom. The master bath was made up of Signature cabinets in Pioneer door style with 3” stile and rail in a Smoke finish. The master bathroom vanity top is Caesarstone White Attica quartz. The tile included DalTile FM96 Equation Grey 12”x24” ceramic tile on the shower wall surround and in the niche back, Eleganza Manor Pebble 6”x36” on the bathroom floor and Maniscalco Botany Bay Pebbles on shower stall floor. MSI Harbor Gray subway tile was laid vertically as an accent band. The en-suite bathroom includes a Fabuwood vanity cabinet in Allure Galaxy door style in Nickel finish with a Caesarstone vanity top in White Attica. We installed Daltile Rittenhouse Square Arctic White 3”x6” ceramic tile on the shower walls with Cobblestone grout and installed a Dream Line Prism Neo Angle shower enclosure with clear glass and brushed nickel trim. The en-suite bathroom floor is DalTile AM36 Wanderlust 12”x24” ceramic tile with Cobblestone grout.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Completed in 2015, this 4 BR, 2 1/2 bath was designed for a developer with a intolerably tight budget. Our simple solution employs a straightforward mix of flowing spaces borrowed from California great room houses with design elements found in more traditional residential design. The house is entered through a generous entry hall flanked by a formal Dining Room on one side and a Home Office/Den on the other. The far end of this Entry Hall deposits into a large Great Room and open kitchen that is this home's gathering and entertainment hub. A small alcove at the end of the kitchen allows for everyday meals while the island functions as this entire space's focal point. Completing the entertainment concept of this level is a covered porch accessed through a sliding door in the Family Room. The upper level is accessed via a stair at one end of the plan and is organized around a wide hallway that terminates in a tech space for kids. 3 generous children's bedrooms and an ample Master Suite with a view toward the Olympic Mountains complete this level. Finish selections throughout the house were purposely kept clean, light and simple. The exterior form of the house, while simple, allows for a variety of roof schemes that appeal to different price points in the marketplace. We also designed a bonus room option that can be accessed via the stair and resides over the garage.

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

Completed in 2015, this 4 BR, 2 1/2 bath was designed for a developer with a intolerably tight budget. Our simple solution employs a straightforward mix of flowing spaces borrowed from California great room houses with design elements found in more traditional residential design. The house is entered through a generous entry hall flanked by a formal Dining Room on one side and a Home Office/Den on the other. The far end of this Entry Hall deposits into a large Great Room and open kitchen that is this home's gathering and entertainment hub. A small alcove at the end of the kitchen allows for everyday meals while the island functions as this entire space's focal point. Completing the entertainment concept of this level is a covered porch accessed through a sliding door in the Family Room. The upper level is accessed via a stair at one end of the plan and is organized around a wide hallway that terminates in a tech space for kids. 3 generous children's bedrooms and an ample Master Suite with a view toward the Olympic Mountains complete this level. Finish selections throughout the house were purposely kept clean, light and simple. The exterior form of the house, while simple, allows for a variety of roof schemes that appeal to different price points in the marketplace. We also designed a bonus room option that can be accessed via the stair and resides over the garage.

After 11 years on the Gull Lake chain in Nisswa, this couple decided to sell their cabin. Their current home has the lake view, pine trees and “up north” feel right here in Plymouth. The goal of this remodel was to incorporate some of the Nisswa cabin features into an “urban cabin”. The first step was, large windows were installed to take in the view of the lake. Some features borrowed from the cabin are the interior wood tongue & groove siding, ledge stone fireplace and scraped hickory flooring. Designer, Carol Kornak, reconfigured the appliance locations and reoriented the kitchen by added an island with eating space. And, a subtle but rewarding change occurred in the back hall. Often a bottleneck, the hallway to the garage was a catch-all for coats, boots, mail, etc. With a little design magic (by removing a wall, reducing pantry depth) and adding a boot bench and hooks for coats, the narrow hallway feels more spacious. To keep them organized there is a mail sorting and charging station hidden behind closed doors. Admittedly, the couple isn’t roughing it with their Wolf/Sub-Zero appliance package including refrigerator, wine cooler, cooktop, steam oven and warming drawer. The new cabinetry from Crystal Cabinet Works in rustic hickory and painted finish pairs beautifully with the two Cambria countertops and completes the transformation into the “Urban Cabin”. The only thing missing is the 2 ½ hour drive and the dock & boat. Luckily, Lake Minnetonka is only a short drive away.

So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge