This rambler’s small kitchen was dysfunctional and out of touch with our client’s needs. She desired a larger footprint without an addition or expanding the footprint to stay within a realistic budget for her homes size and neighborhood. The existing kitchen was “boxed-in” at the back of the house. The entrance from the hallway was very narrow causing congestion and cramping the cook. In the living room the existing fireplace was a room hog, taking up the middle of the house. The kitchen was isolated from the other room’s downstairs. The design team and homeowner decided to open the kitchen, connecting it to the dining room by removing the fireplace. This expanded the interior floor space. To create further integration amongst the spaces, the wall opening between the dining and living room was also widened. An archway was built to replicate the existing arch at the hallway & living room, giving a more spacious feel. The new galley kitchen includes generous workspaces and enhanced storage. All designed for this homeowners’ specific needs in her kitchen. We also created a kitchen peninsula where guests can sit and enjoy conversations with the cook. (After 5,6) The red Viking range gives a fun pop of color to offset the monochromatic floor, cabinets and counters. It also plays to her Stanford alumni colors. One of our favorite and most notable features of this kitchen is the “flip-out” window at the sink. This creative solution allows for an enhanced outdoor living experience, without an expansive remodel or addition. When the window is open the party can happen inside and outside with an interactive experience between spaces. The countertop was installed flush to the window, specifically designed as a cocktail/counter rail surface.

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography

Our clients wanted their home to be host to charity functions, community events, and their family and friends, as well as a showcase for their eclectic and colorful art collection featuring works by local Oakland artists. Oh, and when they moved in, they did the work to register the house as an Oakland Historical Landmark. The fact that the couple was looking to upgrade their living room in the Hollywood Regency style (which is known for bold colors, shiny metallics, luxe fabrics, and an eye to mixing opulence with comfort while holding true to the glamor of 1930s Hollywood) made this project all the more inspiring and fun for me and my team. John recalls, “We wanted a place that was glamorous, and compelling, so that people who visit would be excited and inspired by it!” Our mission was to bring the very grand living room with its high ceilings and leaded glass bay windows to the next level for the family (including grown children Tom and Mandela) and their guests — ranging in number from 6 to 60 or more, on any given day or night. The Hollywood Regency aesthetic was a perfect canvas for mixing and matching with the couple’s significant and hyper-local pop art collection, including pieces by famed Oakland artists Mel Ramos and K-Dub. Kim and John’s personal views and aesthetics, together with their vibrant art collection, called for a bold design that is more funky and eclectic overall than many owners of historic homes like this tend to prefer. I mean, don’t get me wrong; many of our clients like to do something a little daring, and often they opt for elements of glam. However, John and Kim agreeing to our specification of a pair of peacock blue sofas — that is no small commitment to audacious color! Another furnishing element I love from this project is the custom-designed birds-eye-maple and antique glass inset bar — on wheels, which allows flexibility: a bartender can serve a large party from behind it or it can be turned around for use as self-service for a more intimate gathering. My team and I couldn’t be more proud to have created a design that inspires and supports this family so that they may continue to make significant contributions to their causes and community.

What do bugs, lack of space, chilly evenings or bad weather have in common? Not one of them can cause these homeowners to think twice about hosting a backyard barbecue! With a space like this, you have the freedom to host parties, outdoor movie nights, or a simple family dinner without blinking an eye. Building from the ground up, we were able to configure this design to include everything the homeowners wanted – a space to grill and chill, a screened in porch to give protection from all nature has to offer & ample space to enjoy dining outside. Using quality products to last a lifetime is key when doing it right– and with Timbertech Pecan decking & Keylink aluminum railing it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum!

Our clients wanted their home to be host to charity functions, community events, and their family and friends, as well as a showcase for their eclectic and colorful art collection featuring works by local Oakland artists. Oh, and when they moved in, they did the work to register the house as an Oakland Historical Landmark. The fact that the couple was looking to upgrade their living room in the Hollywood Regency style (which is known for bold colors, shiny metallics, luxe fabrics, and an eye to mixing opulence with comfort while holding true to the glamor of 1930s Hollywood) made this project all the more inspiring and fun for me and my team. John recalls, “We wanted a place that was glamorous, and compelling, so that people who visit would be excited and inspired by it!” Our mission was to bring the very grand living room with its high ceilings and leaded glass bay windows to the next level for the family (including grown children Tom and Mandela) and their guests — ranging in number from 6 to 60 or more, on any given day or night. The Hollywood Regency aesthetic was a perfect canvas for mixing and matching with the couple’s significant and hyper-local pop art collection, including pieces by famed Oakland artists Mel Ramos and K-Dub. Kim and John’s personal views and aesthetics, together with their vibrant art collection, called for a bold design that is more funky and eclectic overall than many owners of historic homes like this tend to prefer. I mean, don’t get me wrong; many of our clients like to do something a little daring, and often they opt for elements of glam. However, John and Kim agreeing to our specification of a pair of peacock blue sofas — that is no small commitment to audacious color! Another furnishing element I love from this project is the custom-designed birds-eye-maple and antique glass inset bar — on wheels, which allows flexibility: a bartender can serve a large party from behind it or it can be turned around for use as self-service for a more intimate gathering. My team and I couldn’t be more proud to have created a design that inspires and supports this family so that they may continue to make significant contributions to their causes and community.

What do bugs, lack of space, chilly evenings or bad weather have in common? Not one of them can cause these homeowners to think twice about hosting a backyard barbecue! With a space like this, you have the freedom to host parties, outdoor movie nights, or a simple family dinner without blinking an eye. Building from the ground up, we were able to configure this design to include everything the homeowners wanted – a space to grill and chill, a screened in porch to give protection from all nature has to offer & ample space to enjoy dining outside. Using quality products to last a lifetime is key when doing it right– and with Timbertech Pecan decking & Keylink aluminum railing it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum!

Originally built in 1859 by Justice William J. Robertson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this home has elements of both the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles which were taken into consideration during the design process. The project consisted of three main components: a basement renovation, a new screened in porch and a new two car garage. For the basement renovation we removed the original brick floor which was causing moisture issues and replaced them with an insulated, colored concrete slab. The end result: a previously unusable space was transformed into a family room with a complete guest suite and an exercise room. In the guest bedroom, low ceilings due to existing duct work were strategically wrapped with stained pine tongue and groove creating a cozy sleeping nook. In the bathroom, subway tiles and lightly stained wood are the background to a livelier tile accent in the shower and around the vanity. The family room features floor to ceiling millwork piece that has several storage cubbies; some with doors to conceal and others open for display. The screened porch is located at the back of the house overlooking a new stone patio at the lower level yard. The new porch takes cues from the existing sun room by matching materials, colors, and proportion. The new porch off the living room allows the clients to sit and relax while staying close to their children when inside or playing in the yard. The garage was built using the same material palette and style of the house but set back so as to not to detract from the main house. With large sliding barn doors on the back, it opens up to a manicured lawn allowing the garage to double as a pavilion for outdoor entertaining and yard parties. Alloy worked with Water Street Studio, a local architectural landscaping firm, to create more inviting and usable spaces for the children and adults to enjoy. Andrea Hubbel Photography

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

A roof is a very important, as well as expensive, feature of your home. Maintaining your roof is one of the best ways to protect you, your family and all you keep under that roof. Atlas Protects™ is more than a slogan as the company, with decades of experience, has the products and advice to help you reduce roof maintenance. Atlas Roofing StormMaster® Slate and Shake shingles have high performance features that can help resist the many hazards that a roof can face each year. This strength means you, the homeowner, may face fewer maintenance issues. Master The Storms Underwriter’s Laboratory, UL 2218 is a national standard rating system for impact resistance that rates roofing materials from Class 1 through 4. A Class 4 rating indicates the highest level of impact resistance. Atlas StormMaster® Shake and StormMaster® Slate shingles have both earned Class 4 ratings. These shingles are strong enough to earn the Class 4 rating because they are manufactured with Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS), a rubberized polymer that gives them incredible flexibility and durability. The rubber-like quality gives StormMaster® shingles the highest protection against impact from hail, which can fracture shingles. StormMaster® shingles are also high wind-rated which helps resist blown off shingles. Loss of shingles due to high velocity wind could lead to wind-driven rain flooding a house. StormMaster® Slate and Shake come with a Limited Wind Warranty that protects a roof up to 130 mph. Black streaks on a roof not only look dirty, but also make a house appear old and reduce its curb appeal. Black streaks are the result of algae growth. Atlas StormMaster® shingles are built with the power of Scotchgard™ Protector, which helps a roof retain its color for years by resisting those black streaks. Atlas certifies this by having regular third-party laboratory testing to ensure an even spread of the Scotchgard™ protective copper granules. Both lines of StormMaster® are backed by an Atlas Lifetime Limited Warranty against the black streaks caused by algae. The Final Word In Warranties StormMaster® shingles are warranted against manufacturing defects with the exclusive Atlas Lifetime Limited Warranty for 20 years. That is the length of the Premium Protection Period for the initial non-prorated labor and material coverage of every new StormMaster® Slate roof installed with the Atlas Signature Select® System. StormMaster® shingles give a house what it needs most; an incredibly impressive appearance and security that shelters everything and everyone under the roof. Read more about the full line of StormMaster® shingles.

What do bugs, lack of space, chilly evenings or bad weather have in common? Not one of them can cause these homeowners to think twice about hosting a backyard barbecue! With a space like this, you have the freedom to host parties, outdoor movie nights, or a simple family dinner without blinking an eye. Building from the ground up, we were able to configure this design to include everything the homeowners wanted – a space to grill and chill, a screened in porch to give protection from all nature has to offer & ample space to enjoy dining outside. Using quality products to last a lifetime is key when doing it right– and with Timbertech Pecan decking & Keylink aluminum railing it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum!

What do bugs, lack of space, chilly evenings or bad weather have in common? Not one of them can cause these homeowners to think twice about hosting a backyard barbecue! With a space like this, you have the freedom to host parties, outdoor movie nights, or a simple family dinner without blinking an eye. Building from the ground up, we were able to configure this design to include everything the homeowners wanted – a space to grill and chill, a screened in porch to give protection from all nature has to offer & ample space to enjoy dining outside. Using quality products to last a lifetime is key when doing it right– and with Timbertech Pecan decking & Keylink aluminum railing it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum!

What do bugs, lack of space, chilly evenings or bad weather have in common? Not one of them can cause these homeowners to think twice about hosting a backyard barbecue! With a space like this, you have the freedom to host parties, outdoor movie nights, or a simple family dinner without blinking an eye. Building from the ground up, we were able to configure this design to include everything the homeowners wanted – a space to grill and chill, a screened in porch to give protection from all nature has to offer & ample space to enjoy dining outside. Using quality products to last a lifetime is key when doing it right– and with Timbertech Pecan decking & Keylink aluminum railing it also helps to keep maintenance to a minimum!

Mid-sized trendy brick townhouse exterior photo in London

Lease Terms • 1/2 month security deposit required. • Tenants are required to obtain sufficient insurance to cover personal belongings against loss or damage from any cause and for third party liability. • Quiet and responsible tenants preferred. • Reference and credit checks required. • No smoking.

Janis Nicolay http://janisnicolay.com/
Trendy dark wood floor foyer photo in Vancouver

This rambler’s small kitchen was dysfunctional and out of touch with our client’s needs. She desired a larger footprint without an addition or expanding the footprint to stay within a realistic budget for her homes size and neighborhood. The existing kitchen was “boxed-in” at the back of the house. The entrance from the hallway was very narrow causing congestion and cramping the cook. In the living room the existing fireplace was a room hog, taking up the middle of the house. The kitchen was isolated from the other room’s downstairs. The design team and homeowner decided to open the kitchen, connecting it to the dining room by removing the fireplace. This expanded the interior floor space. To create further integration amongst the spaces, the wall opening between the dining and living room was also widened. An archway was built to replicate the existing arch at the hallway & living room, giving a more spacious feel. The new galley kitchen includes generous workspaces and enhanced storage. All designed for this homeowners’ specific needs in her kitchen. We also created a kitchen peninsula where guests can sit and enjoy conversations with the cook. (After 5,6) The red Viking range gives a fun pop of color to offset the monochromatic floor, cabinets and counters. It also plays to her Stanford alumni colors. One of our favorite and most notable features of this kitchen is the “flip-out” window at the sink. This creative solution allows for an enhanced outdoor living experience, without an expansive remodel or addition. When the window is open the party can happen inside and outside with an interactive experience between spaces. The countertop was installed flush to the window, specifically designed as a cocktail/counter rail surface.