Typical of bungalows and city lots, the footprint of this home was narrow with living spaces in front, bedrooms in back and kitchen centrally located. However, unlike most bungalows, the hall running from front to back have been closed off to, presumably, accommodate a walk-in pantry. Couple that with the fact that this circa 1925 bungalow had seen a lot of living – read boisterous children and remodeling trends like z-brick, soffits, and fluorescent overhead lighting – the kitchen was due for a major overhaul. Truly the hub of this house, the modest 11’ x 12’ kitchen was most in need of additional countertop space, convenient garbage/recycle bin, counter-depth refrigerator, storage aids, informal dining for two, and sound-proofing to enable this musically adept family to coexist despite varied schedules. Gone are the wall soffits, boxy overhead lighting, six-foot baseboard heat unit, extra deep refrigerator, refurbished cabinets, laminate countertops, z-brick wall covering, and makeshift door swags. Enter rich mahogany cabinets, roll and pull-out storage units, endcap spice storage, gorgeous granite tops, marble backsplash, LED lighting, acoustic insulation and solid-wood doors. Under the guise of such a handsome room, provisions such as a period style sink allow for more efficient use of corners with pull-out half-moon trays for storage. Redirecting the baseboard heat to a compact, toekick unit, means more cabinet and counter space – perfect for a baking and/or entertaining area removed from the basic work triangle. The eating area, also, doubles as a work station with drawers for office supplies and dedicated outlet for cable tv. Functional yet beautiful, this kitchen is at the ready as its owners look forward to their golden years. Designed by: The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com URL http://www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

SeaThru is a new, waterfront, modern home. SeaThru was inspired by the mid-century modern homes from our area, known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. This homes designed to offer more than the standard, ubiquitous rear-yard waterfront outdoor space. A central courtyard offer the residents a respite from the heat that accompanies west sun, and creates a gorgeous intermediate view fro guest staying in the semi-attached guest suite, who can actually SEE THROUGH the main living space and enjoy the bay views. Noble materials such as stone cladding, oak floors, composite wood louver screens and generous amounts of glass lend to a relaxed, warm-contemporary feeling not typically common to these types of homes. Photos by Ryan Gamma Photography

Alabama's first National Association Of Home Builders "Green Certified"home, designed by Bob Chatham and built by Jeremy Friedman. The cottage includes exposed rafter tails, Cypress board and batten siding with Cedar shake details. This home has 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a Gourmet Thermador Kitchen, Luxury master suite, Keeping room, Outdoor kitchen and Detached garage with a covered breeze way. Some of the Green Features include Waterfurnace Geothermal heating and Cooling with Desuperheater to heat Hot Water, Icynene Spray Foam Insulation, Integrity Wood Clad Windows, Reclaimed Heart Pine Flooring, McPhillips Reclaimed Cypress Entry, Reclaimed Pecan Mantle and Beams, Whole House Electrostatic air filter and remote timed ventilation, Vacuflo Central Vacuum, Distributed Audio, Dual Flush Toilets and low flow fixtures, Zip System wall sheathing and roof decking, Advanced Framing Techniques, Native draught tolerant landscaping, and much more.

This rooftop deck provides an oasis of tranquility in the heart of downtown Chicago. The raised vegetable garden is made out of cedar, and a cedar fence was built to hide the air conditioner on the roof. Photo by Barbara Rudolph

Alabama's first National Association Of Home Builders "Green Certified"home, designed by Bob Chatham and built by Jeremy Friedman. The cottage includes exposed rafter tails, Cypress board and batten siding with Cedar shake details. This home has 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a Gourmet Thermador Kitchen, Luxury master suite, Keeping room, Outdoor kitchen and Detached garage with a covered breeze way. Some of the Green Features include Waterfurnace Geothermal heating and Cooling with Desuperheater to heat Hot Water, Icynene Spray Foam Insulation, Integrity Wood Clad Windows, Reclaimed Heart Pine Flooring, McPhillips Reclaimed Cypress Entry, Reclaimed Pecan Mantle and Beams, Whole House Electrostatic air filter and remote timed ventilation, Vacuflo Central Vacuum, Distributed Audio, Dual Flush Toilets and low flow fixtures, Zip System wall sheathing and roof decking, Advanced Framing Techniques, Native draught tolerant landscaping, and much more.

Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

Our introduction to the Tahoe site was in late winter, on a clear sunny day with filtered light and long shadows through snow-laden fir and pine bows. It made a strong impression, stored for future consideration but the impetus for the design came soon after the spring snow melt. A powerful sense of horizontal layering of vegetation and various stages of decomposing downed timber on the two-acre site, juxtaposed with pine and fir trees and the dense canopy of the surrounding forest. The site is located near the historic 1960 Olympic Nordic track, situated on the edge of wetlands and seasonal streams. The homeowners were previous clients and dreamt of having a retreat in the Sierras away from their home base in Berkeley, CA. Among skiers, bike riders, hikers, and boaters, they found the ideal central location for their home base near Lake Tahoe. The home is organized as a series of linked spaces, each providing a unique sensory experience and connection to different parts of the site, both vertically and horizontally. The design includes extensive use of glass to create a true indoor/outdoor connection and maximize natural light. At the center of the site are two large fir trees, which the building respectfully wraps around in an L shape to create a focal point in the landscaped courtyard. A refined, context-driven palette of natural materials including cedar, oak, fir, and steel is used to harmoniously blend in among the surroundings. The construction includes advanced details such as thermally broken steel beams supporting layered roof planes engineered to hold snow rather than shed it. Designed to resist significant load, we exposed the steel structure as a recurring element in the interior spaces. The resulting columns and support beams contribute to the familiar design aspects of each room and provide a better understanding of how the building was constructed. The second floor features cantilevered volumes that reach out into the nearby evergreen limbs, likening the experience to being in a tree house. The house incorporates features such as radiant heating, solar panels, and operable windows for passive cooling. Fire safety measures include the use of naturally fire-resistant materials, a Class A roof construction, sprinklers, and drought-tolerant landscaping beyond the defensible space.

Contemporary Modern Eichler home built by Greenberg Construction in Palo Alto. The dwelling is designed by Alex Terry and it takes full advantage of the environment by using indoor-outdoor elements generously. The project consists of transforming a 1950’s existing Joseph Eichler home. Using a similar material palate the design utilizes the primary floor plan of the existing layout. Folding out the horizontal and vertical planes of the first story to form an extruded ribbon where a large central area and second floor bedroom wing inhabit. The main living space is situated on the ground floor connecting the front garden and rear pool area. Two existing bedrooms and office areas are reconfigured to become more transparent to the outside gardens. The second floor accommodates extended family with two bedrooms, bathrooms and sleeping porches. Photovoltaic panels, solar water heating and rain catchment systems are used to offset energy and water loads. Large overhangs provide sufficient shade during the warm months.

Studio Terrain recreated this outdoor entertaining after a major home extension. Taking advantage of sweeping 180 degree views of the Puget sound, Orca Pods, Humpback whales and the Olympic mountains, the design allows for maximum view corridors from the inside while still providing space for 40+ guests. Utilizing a louvered roof system and overhead heat for four seasons entertaining, the wood fired pizza oven provides a central gathering point year round. The lawn was engineered to the same specs as world class soccer fields providing fast draining lawn use in the wettest seasons. A clean concrete lawn edge is actually a hidden structural retaining wall with pin piles to stabilize the slope edge.

Studio Terrain recreated this outdoor entertaining after a major home extension. Taking advantage of sweeping 180 degree views of the Puget sound, Orca Pods, Humpback whales and the Olympic mountains, the design allows for maximum view corridors from the inside while still providing space for 40+ guests. Utilizing a louvered roof system and overhead heat for four seasons entertaining, the wood fired pizza oven provides a central gathering point year round. The lawn was engineered to the same specs as world class soccer fields providing fast draining lawn use in the wettest seasons. A clean concrete lawn edge is actually a hidden structural retaining wall with pin piles to stabilize the slope edge.

Every residence at Peloro condominium features: 9ft 4inch ceilings throughout; designer fixtures & appliances with contemporary styling; expansive floor-to-ceiling hurricane proof windows; European-style kitchen with elevated breakfast counter top; fire protection sprinkler system & smoke detectors; full-sized washer and dryer in every unit; high efficiency central air conditioning & heated system; large private balconies with breathtaking water & city views; marble flooring in all bathrooms; penthouses with private roof terraces & jacuzzi's; and pre-wired for cable and high speed internet.

In a separate wing on the second floor, a guest suite awaits. Entertaining guests and family members for a night or a few weeks has never been easier. With an oversized bedroom that sleeps four, spa bath, large living room and kitchen, this house contains the perfect guest suite. Designed to incorporate the clean lines captured throughout the house, the living room offers a private space and very comfortable sitting area. The cozy kitchen surrounded with custom made cabinetry, a hand cut glass backsplash featuring cooking terminology (“grill”,“simmer”) and black granite counters offers guests an opportunity to steal away for a quiet meal or a quick midnight snack. Privately tucked away off the back staircase and away from the main house, the only problem with this guest suite is that your in-laws may never want to leave. Exiting down the backstairs, you arrive in an expansive mudroom with built-in cubbies and cabinetry, a half bath, a “command center” entered through a sliding glass barn door and, something every pet owner needs, a dog wash!

Photo: Jason Snyder © 2014 Houzz Design: Luca Construction and Design
Example of a trendy dining room design in Other

colella construction inc
Example of a small cottage single-wall slate floor eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

This space defines the hub of the garden, I placed it in the corner so it is central to the ADU and the dining area/access from the house. The BBQ is now part of the social space. The raised planter and walls all are functions of design but also reflect my solution for the many grading levels on the neighboring perimeter spaces as well as grading within the former space and act to create floating bench and BBQ moments I programmed in. The concrete plinth is for extra seating/food or plant displays.

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in New Orleans

The homeowners' desire to keep as much natural light as possible led to centralizing many of this bathroom's functions. The shower, for example, is hidden behind the vanity shown in this photo. Photo by Normandy Remodeling

Custom straight-grain cedar sauna, custom straight oak cabinets with skirt back-lighting. 3-D tile vanity backsplash with wall mounted fixtures and LED mirrors. Light-projected shower plumbing box with custom glass. Pebble-inlaid and heated wood-tile flooring. Photo by Marcie Heitzmann

Large windows, sliding glass doors and French doors can cause quite a bit of heat gain in a home. Your traditional vertical blind can help a little, but there are much better solutions on the market today. Several companies now provide an energy efficient vertical cellular shade for large openings. Hunter Douglas’ Vertiglide can be purchased with the Architella fabric for the most energy efficiency or the Applause fabric for a more economical price. Other manufacturers such as Comfortex and Alta have similar vertical cellular shades that provide heat gain reduction. We work with clients in the Central Indiana Area. Contact us today to get started on your project. 317-273-8343