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

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

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.

Karen Tropea
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

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.

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

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.

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

Photo: Hoi Ning Wong © 2014 Houzz
Photo of a mid-century modern landscaping in San Francisco.

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

Italian White Onyx Bar Clearstone™ is a specially formulated polyester resin based system, which is water clear and non-yellowing. It can be applied to many types of natural stone including marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and sandstone.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Karen Tropea
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

Karen Tropea
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.

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.

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

Karen Tropea
Inspiration for a traditional landscaping in Philadelphia.