Located in Menlo Park, California, this 3,000 sf. remodel was carefully crafted to generate excitement and make maximum use of the owner’s strict budget and comply with the city’s stringent planning code. It was understood that not everything was to be redone from a prior owner’s quirky remodel which included odd inward angled walls, circular windows and cedar shingles. Remedial work to remove and prevent dry rot ate into the budget as well. Studied alterations to the exterior include a new trellis over the garage door, pushing the entry out to create a new soaring stair hall and stripping the exterior down to simplify its appearance. The new steel entry stair leads to a floating bookcase that pivots to the family room. For budget reasons, it was decided to keep the existing cedar shingles. Upstairs, a large oak multi-level staircase was replaced with the new simple run of stairs. The impact of angled bedroom walls and circular window in the bathroom were calmed with new clean white walls and tile. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography.

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

photo by Tim Lee
This is an example of a traditional vinyl fence landscaping in Boston.

For our client, who had previous experience working with architects, we enlarged, completely gutted and remodeled this Twin Peaks diamond in the rough. The top floor had a rear-sloping ceiling that cut off the amazing view, so our first task was to raise the roof so the great room had a uniformly high ceiling. Clerestory windows bring in light from all directions. In addition, we removed walls, combined rooms, and installed floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding doors in sleek black aluminum at each floor to create generous rooms with expansive views. At the basement, we created a full-floor art studio flooded with light and with an en-suite bathroom for the artist-owner. New exterior decks, stairs and glass railings create outdoor living opportunities at three of the four levels. We designed modern open-riser stairs with glass railings to replace the existing cramped interior stairs. The kitchen features a 16 foot long island which also functions as a dining table. We designed a custom wall-to-wall bookcase in the family room as well as three sleek tiled fireplaces with integrated bookcases. The bathrooms are entirely new and feature floating vanities and a modern freestanding tub in the master. Clean detailing and luxurious, contemporary finishes complete the look.

This project was a complete gut remodel of the owner's childhood home. They demolished it and rebuilt it as a brand-new two-story home to house both her retired parents in an attached ADU in-law unit, as well as her own family of six. Though there is a fire door separating the ADU from the main house, it is often left open to create a truly multi-generational home. For the design of the home, the owner's one request was to create something timeless, and we aimed to honor that.

This beautiful brand new construction by Spinnaker Development in Irvine Terrace exudes the California lifestyle. With approximately 4,525 square feet of living space on over 13,300 square foot lot, this magnificent single story 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home is complete with custom finish carpentry, a state of the art Control Four home automation system and ample amenities. The grand, gourmet kitchen opens to the great room, while a formal dining and living room with adjacent sun room open to the spectacular backyard. Ideal for entertaining, bi-fold doors allow indoor and outdoor spaces to flow. The outdoor pavilion with chef’s kitchen and bar, stone fireplace and flat screen tv creates the perfect lounge while relaxing by the sparkling pool and spa. Mature landscaping in the park like setting brings a sense of absolute privacy. The secluded master suite with custom built-in cabinetry, a walk in closet and elegant master bath is a perfect retreat. Complete with a butler’s pantry, walk in wine cellar, top of the line appliances and a 3 car garage this turnkey custom home is offered completely furnished.

Wainscott South New Construction. Builder: Michael Frank Building Co. Designer: EB Designs SOLD $5M Poised on 1.25 acres from which the ocean a mile away is often heard and its breezes most definitely felt, this nearly completed 8,000 +/- sq ft residence offers masterful construction, consummate detail and impressive symmetry on three levels of living space. The journey begins as a double height paneled entry welcomes you into a sun drenched environment over richly stained oak floors. Spread out before you is the great room with coffered 10 ft ceilings and fireplace. Turn left past powder room, into the handsome formal dining room with coffered ceiling and chunky moldings. The heart and soul of your days will happen in the expansive kitchen, professionally equipped and bolstered by a butlers pantry leading to the dining room. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the family room with wainscotted 20' ceilings, paneling and room for a flatscreen TV over the fireplace. French doors open from here to the screened outdoor living room with fireplace. An expansive master with fireplace, his/her closets, steam shower and jacuzzi completes the first level. Upstairs, a second fireplaced master with private terrace and similar amenities reigns over 3 additional ensuite bedrooms. The finished basement offers recreational and media rooms, full bath and two staff lounges with deep window wells The 1.3acre property includes copious lawn and colorful landscaping that frame the Gunite pool and expansive slate patios. A convenient pool bath with access from both inside and outside the house is adjacent to the two car garage. Walk to the stores in Wainscott, bike to ocean at Beach Lane or shop in the nearby villages. Easily the best priced new construction with the most to offer south of the highway today.

photography by Rob Karosis
Enclosed kitchen - coastal l-shaped enclosed kitchen idea in Portland Maine with subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and white backsplash

Inspiration for a transitional light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in Austin with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island, shaker cabinets, paneled appliances and black countertops

this kitchen was custom built to our design by Shaw Builders who was also the GC. Photos are by Nancy Hill.
Elegant open concept kitchen photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and paneled appliances

This remarkable renovation turned a 1950s kitchen into a modern culinary marvel. The unique design features a second island where guests can mingle and snack without hindering the chef. In the tradition of New England beachfront homes, huge bay windows offer a stunning view of the lake, and most appliances (including the Subzero refrigerator and Wolf warming drawer) are hidden within the cabinetry to maintain clean lines. Crisp white walls and furnishings contrast with dark walnut floors, an embossed tin ceiling, and countertops in Calcutta Gold marble and Cohiba antiqued granite

French country farmhouse kitchen remodel in Simi Valley, Ca. All upper cabinets were removed in favor of brand new custom built open shelving, supported by scroll iron corbels. Brand new farmhouse sink with champagne brass faucet, crystal chandelier, and champagne brass cabinet pulls. Stainless steel appliances, brand new Quartz countertop, and subway tile backsplash. Sink: Villeroy & Bosch. Franke MHK 110-28 Manor House 27-5/8" x 19-3/4" Single Basin Farmhouse Fireclay Kitchen Sink Faucets: DeltaModel # 9197-CZ-DST. Cassidy Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Champagne Bronze Subway Tile: Walker Zanger Cafe "milk" Counter top: Caiman Quartz Veratino. Installed by Custom Kitchen Counters Inc., San Fernando, contact: Abel Fabric: P. Kaufman Batik Indigo Shelf brackets: House of Antique Hardware, Antique White Scroll Shelf Bracket - 8 1/8" x 12" Pulls: Belwith Keeler Annapolis Collection Pull, 3" C/C - Sherwood Antique Brass Chandelier above sink: Birch Lane, Evelynne Crystal Chandelier Fire back: Antique-Fireback.com http://www.firebacks.net/ Range: GE dual oven slide n range Range Hood: VentAHood MODEL NUMBER: XRH18-130 Dishwasher: Bosch

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This kitchen was part of a whole house renovation. The house, a foreclosure property, was gutted and remodeled by Streetscape Design. The kitchen, originally a small peninsula kitchen, was opened up to the family room and the dining room, giving the house a more open feel. Benjamin Moore's "Fieldstone" was hand selected for the cabinets by designer, Susan Klimala, CKD, along with white carrera marble and simple white subway tile, reflecting a casual beachy feel that was carried throughout the house. Professional grade appliances, vintage style ceiling fixtures and nickel hardware complete the look. The new homeowners are enjoying life in their brand new "old" house. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photographed by Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Photographer: Tom Crane
Example of a large classic formal and open concept carpeted living room design in Philadelphia with beige walls, no tv, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Master bath in a private home in Brooklyn New York, apartment designed by Eric Safyan, Architect, with Green Mountain Construction & Design
Example of a classic walk-in shower design in New York with a pedestal sink

41 West Coastal Retreat Series reveals creative, fresh ideas, for a new look to define the casual beach lifestyle of Naples. More than a dozen custom variations and sizes are available to be built on your lot. From this spacious 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom model, to larger 4 and 5 bedroom versions ranging from 3,500 - 10,000 square feet, including guest house options.

Matthew Niemann Photography
Example of a transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops, quartz countertops and white cabinets