Photo by Mike Casey Cramped, uncomfortable, and out of date: when the owners of this home approached us about renovating their kitchen and adjoining sunroom, these were high on their list of complaints. OPENING UP THE KITCHEN Our plan kept the kitchen in the same location but took down the walls between both the dining room and the sunroom to create an expansive multi-purpose space with spectacular views to conservation land along the back of the property. We removed the powder room and in its place created a window-lined hallway to the living room—opening up direct access between these two previously disconnected spaces. We then built a new half bath between these two rooms, with a door along the back hallway. The result is a more private powder room that is easier to access than before. Significantly improved cabinetry provides ample storage for both human and canine needs. An island countertop is functional and pleasant, enabling the owners to prep for and clean up from dinner all while enjoying the view of the woods behind their house. CREATING COMFORT We also completely rebuilt the sunroom, thickening the framing to allow for extra insulation and raising the roof to accommodate a higher ceiling and tall windows that let in as much natural light as the skylights they replaced, but much less of the solar gain that had made the room so intolerable in the summer. We improved visual connections between spaces and admitted more natural light by converting the framing of the main stairway from full to half walls. We also insulated the attic and replaced an aging, inefficient central air conditioning system with ductless minisplit heat pumps, which can also be used as supplemental heat. All in all, this was our kind of project: we made the home more attractive, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient—all over the course of a single, well-integrated project.

Hoping to make better use of their large backyard, these homeowners contacted us for the wooden retreat of their dreams! With an outdoor swim spa, custom outdoor structure, and two fire pits, this luxury landscape provides the perfect "getaway." Features that are unique to this property include a gorgeous palm tree, a crusher cone fire pit, and a custom-designed covered structure. The dog run was also added in such a place to be accessible from the enlarged deck, allowing for easy canine access. Our clients are thrilled with their new backyard space! With it checking off each item on their list, they can now enjoy their outdoor entertaining space for years to come!

Matt Francis Photos
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized coastal ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and beige countertops

The Living Room portion of the T shaped Gathering Space features a Wood Burning Fireplace with Blue Stone surround and Black, Pine Paneling in a Chevron Pattern. Custom, Built-in Knotty Pine shelving Units to the left and right of the fireplace act as a showcase for more of the homeowner's treasures as well as creating a wood bin and cozy napping spot for the canine inhabitant of this home. Trapezoidal, Picture and Casement windows come together in the gable wall assembly for another view of the river and Northwoods beauty outside. The custom canoe light fixture suspended from the decorative timber ridge beam was salvaged from the owner's previous cabin. Antique door panels with stained glass were hung as Pantry Doors. Floor tile from the adjacent Entryway have been used as a tile hearth and to finish the floor of the firewood and dog bed areas. Another Owner find cast-iron fireback was laid into the tile hearth in front of the fireplace.

Traditional style in a birch with stain. Glass lantern backsplash Designed by Sticks 2 Stones Cabinetry Lori Douthat @ downtoearthphotography
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped slate floor eat-in kitchen photo in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, porcelain backsplash, white appliances and a peninsula

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Situated in rural east Templeton is the Santa Barbara style estate that is the Castillo Residence. It exemplifies the classic nature of old world Spain, sporting massive timber trusses, authentic terra cotta tile flooring and pristine white washed walls. The entry to the residence is suitably grand, with a sweeping stair case up to a landing that overlooks the antique wood front door. The house boasts lofty ceilings in the great room, and a two story library complete with spiral stair case. This house was not only designed to suit its human residents but also its canine residents, and they have their own room off of the 5-car garage at the lower level. The master suite occupies a full wing of the residence, at a mere 1,700 square feet, providing space for a master sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and sprawling walk in closets with laundry facilities. There are a plethora of outdoor living spaces, including a full outdoor kitchen, reflecting pool water feature and massive covered porches overlooking the Templeton countryside.

Complete Garage Makeover. Restored concrete floor to eradicate canine urine odor that permeated the floor. Painted the walls and ceiling. Added new LED lighting. Custom designed all storage solutions, design includes HandiWall for hanging garden accessories, pet grooming station, 33 inch deep storage cabinets sized for 22 roughneck totes, seat for comfortably removing shoes, HandiWall for pet accessories and jackets, shoe storage and three cabinets with bottom drawer for storing golf clubs, accessories and shoes. Materials: Weekend Getaway cabinet material, taupe HandiWall and snap down diamond pattern floor in colors to match customer automobiles.

This garden was designed for maximum flower power in the front yard and for a family with five dogs in the back yard. While the front yard was densely planted and spills over with colors, we left ample space for the dogs to run in the large back yard. By developing an entertainment patio with a red fire pit and a gabion water feature for our human clients roughly in the middle of the yard, we had enough space to design a full “racetrack” for the canine clients. Back yard planting is held to a minimum and clustered around the human spaces, while mulch, boulders & low walls for directing the traffic flow define the paths for the dogs. A sports turf grade lawn allows for further ample exercise and is calming to (human) eyes when seen from the house.

The BarK Puplick House, a play on words for ‘Public House,’ is the picturesque pub for the canine community. Just a short ‘pup crawl’ away is fido’s watering hole, posh nosh, and inn for relaxation. Built with timeless materials and craftsmanship, this ‘Gastropup’ fuses industrial decor with town & country charm. The industrial lighting and steel casement window captures the essence of city life, while shutters, traditional millwork, and floral & plaid textiles express the countryside’s beauty.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Inspired by our beloved canine companions, this fetching pillow in 100% cotton features a wonderful hand-print of Bailey, a happy pup decked out in his holiday hat against a snow-inspired geometric background. Finished with piping and a hidden-zipper closure. Reverses to hand-printed geometric pattern. Includes a feather/down insert. Company C LLC

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Detroit

Situated in rural east Templeton is the Santa Barbara style estate that is the Castillo Residence. It exemplifies the classic nature of old world Spain, sporting massive timber trusses, authentic terra cotta tile flooring and pristine white washed walls. The entry to the residence is suitably grand, with a sweeping stair case up to a landing that overlooks the antique wood front door. The house boasts lofty ceilings in the great room, and a two story library complete with spiral stair case. This house was not only designed to suit its human residents but also its canine residents, and they have their own room off of the 5-car garage at the lower level. The master suite occupies a full wing of the residence, at a mere 1,700 square feet, providing space for a master sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and sprawling walk in closets with laundry facilities. There are a plethora of outdoor living spaces, including a full outdoor kitchen, reflecting pool water feature and massive covered porches overlooking the Templeton countryside.

Complete Garage Makeover. Restored concrete floor to eradicate canine urine odor that permeated the floor. Painted the walls and ceiling. Added new LED lighting. Custom designed all storage solutions, design includes HandiWall for hanging garden accessories, pet grooming station, 33 inch deep storage cabinets sized for 22 roughneck totes, seat for comfortably removing shoes, HandiWall for pet accessories and jackets, shoe storage and three cabinets with bottom drawer for storing golf clubs, accessories and shoes. Materials: Weekend Getaway cabinet material, taupe HandiWall and snap down diamond pattern floor in colors to match customer automobiles.

Situated in rural east Templeton is the Santa Barbara style estate that is the Castillo Residence. It exemplifies the classic nature of old world Spain, sporting massive timber trusses, authentic terra cotta tile flooring and pristine white washed walls. The entry to the residence is suitably grand, with a sweeping stair case up to a landing that overlooks the antique wood front door. The house boasts lofty ceilings in the great room, and a two story library complete with spiral stair case. This house was not only designed to suit its human residents but also its canine residents, and they have their own room off of the 5-car garage at the lower level. The master suite occupies a full wing of the residence, at a mere 1,700 square feet, providing space for a master sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and sprawling walk in closets with laundry facilities. There are a plethora of outdoor living spaces, including a full outdoor kitchen, reflecting pool water feature and massive covered porches overlooking the Templeton countryside.

Situated in rural east Templeton is the Santa Barbara style estate that is the Castillo Residence. It exemplifies the classic nature of old world Spain, sporting massive timber trusses, authentic terra cotta tile flooring and pristine white washed walls. The entry to the residence is suitably grand, with a sweeping stair case up to a landing that overlooks the antique wood front door. The house boasts lofty ceilings in the great room, and a two story library complete with spiral stair case. This house was not only designed to suit its human residents but also its canine residents, and they have their own room off of the 5-car garage at the lower level. The master suite occupies a full wing of the residence, at a mere 1,700 square feet, providing space for a master sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and sprawling walk in closets with laundry facilities. There are a plethora of outdoor living spaces, including a full outdoor kitchen, reflecting pool water feature and massive covered porches overlooking the Templeton countryside.