ASID Design Excellence First Place Residential – Kitchen and Bathroom: Michael Merrill Design Studio was approached three years ago by the homeowner to redesign her kitchen. Although she was dissatisfied with some aspects of her home, she still loved it dearly. As we discovered her passion for design, we began to rework her entire home--room by room, top to bottom.

Transitional master gray tile drop-in bathtub photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and marble countertops

The challenge for this project was that, while the homeowner desired all of the luxury amenities of a deluxe master bath, space was extremely limited. Therefore efficient space planning was critical in achieving the final design. Use of custom painted cabinetry and carrara marble countertops were the basis for this compact yet luxurious bathroom design. Careful attention was given to the tone of the finishes in order to keep this eastern-exposure bathroom light and bright. White trim and crown moulding was used in contrast to the putty colored walls. In keeping with the era of the home, a hand-glazed white ceramic subway tile was used in the soaking tub alcove. Nickel plated bath, lavatory, tub and shower fixtures in the vintage style were used alongside modern amenities such as recessed halogen lighting, electric towel warmers and radiant-heated tile flooring.

Custom cabinetry by Warmington & North Architect: Hoedemaker Pfeiffer Photography: Haris Kenjar
Inspiration for a timeless u-shaped kitchen pantry remodel in Seattle with open cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops and white backsplash

Careful attention to planting design makes this bluestone stairway a pleasant ascent to the upper yard.

Photo by Scharper Photography
Photo of a traditional stone garden path in Boston.

Trendy bathroom photo in Miami

The Art of Turning a House into a Home Remodeling or custom-creating elements of the home to suit the client’s taste is an art – one of which Bentz has delicately mastered. With careful attention to detail, W.A. Bentz Construction can steer any project in the right direction, from complete interior and exterior home renovations to deck or room additions. Each member of the W.A. Bentz Construction team is licensed, insured and experienced at all facets of home renovations. They can advise on a variety of building topics such as: which projects are likely to increase the value of a home; whether or not a building permit is needed; and which design ideas work well for the space. They also take careful precautions throughout the building process to protect the home and ensure maximum security. With over 35 years of experience plus access to a vast network of top subcontractors in the area, Bentz and his team flawless manage each project so that it’s completed on time, on budget, and to the client’s expectations.

The Art of Turning a House into a Home Remodeling or custom-creating elements of the home to suit the client’s taste is an art – one of which Bentz has delicately mastered. With careful attention to detail, W.A. Bentz Construction can steer any project in the right direction, from complete interior and exterior home renovations to deck or room additions. Each member of the W.A. Bentz Construction team is licensed, insured and experienced at all facets of home renovations. They can advise on a variety of building topics such as: which projects are likely to increase the value of a home; whether or not a building permit is needed; and which design ideas work well for the space. They also take careful precautions throughout the building process to protect the home and ensure maximum security. With over 35 years of experience plus access to a vast network of top subcontractors in the area, Bentz and his team flawless manage each project so that it’s completed on time, on budget, and to the client’s expectations.

Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, an island and black countertops

After many years of careful consideration and planning, these clients came to us with the goal of restoring this home’s original Victorian charm while also increasing its livability and efficiency. From preserving the original built-in cabinetry and fir flooring, to adding a new dormer for the contemporary master bathroom, careful measures were taken to strike this balance between historic preservation and modern upgrading. Behind the home’s new exterior claddings, meticulously designed to preserve its Victorian aesthetic, the shell was air sealed and fitted with a vented rainscreen to increase energy efficiency and durability. With careful attention paid to the relationship between natural light and finished surfaces, the once dark kitchen was re-imagined into a cheerful space that welcomes morning conversation shared over pots of coffee. Every inch of this historical home was thoughtfully considered, prompting countless shared discussions between the home owners and ourselves. The stunning result is a testament to their clear vision and the collaborative nature of this project. Photography by Radley Muller Photography Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services

Photo Credit: Tom Crane
Example of a large classic rooftop rooftop outdoor kitchen deck design in Philadelphia

Photos by Michael Hunter
Mid-sized elegant enclosed medium tone wood floor living room library photo in Dallas with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

Large transitional u-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor dedicated laundry room photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, wood countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer, shaker cabinets, multicolored walls and beige countertops

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

This master bath in a condo high rise was completely remodeled and transformed. Careful attention was given to tile selection and placement. The medicine cabinet display was custom design for optimum function and integration to the overall space. Various lighting systems are utilized to provide proper lighting and drama. Mitchell Shenker, Photography

The compact footprint and efficient, cockpit-like, interior spaces serve their functions well without gratuity. A rooftop photovoltaic solar panel system offsets power consumption, and careful attention to natural day lighting and ventilation combined with a high efficiency radiant floor heating system help make the house a modest energy user. photo credit - John Ellis

Example of a large farmhouse attached two-car garage design

Transitional kitchen photo in London