Steps from Riverside Park, the existing apartment had previously not been renovated for 30 years and was in dire need of a complete overhaul. StudioLAB was presented with the challenge of re-designing the space to fit a modern family’s lifestyle today with the flexibility to adjust as they evolve into their tomorrow. The existing formal closed kitchen and dining room were combined and opened up to allow the owners to entertain in an open living environment and allow natural light to permeate throughout different exposures of the apartment. Bathrooms were gutted, enlarged and reconfigured. Central air conditioning was added with minimal ducting as to be hidden and not seem clunky. Built-in bookshelves run the length of the perimeter walls below windows, concealing radiators and providing extra valuable storage in every room. A neutral color palette, minimalist details, and refined materials create a warm, modern atmosphere. Light brown oak veneered archways as well as LED cove ceilings are used to separate programmatic spaces visually without the use of physical partitions. A charcoal stained cube built-in was designed with in the foyer to create deep storage while continuing into the kitchen to hide the built-in refrigerator and pantry visually connecting the two spaces. The family’s two children share one large bedroom in order to create a playroom in the other which can also serves as a guest room when needed. The master bedroom features a full height grey stained ash veneered wall unit that serves as the predominant clothes storage. A panel housing the TV slides to reveal more clothes storage behind. To utilize the exiting formal maid’s room behind the kitchen, a small study and powder room were created that house laundry machines as well.

Patio - traditional patio idea in Chicago

1st place 2013 Sherwin Williams Emerald Design Challenge, as seen in STIR magazine, special issue 2013
Example of an eclectic medium tone wood floor dining room design in Dallas

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped gray floor kitchen pantry remodel in Nashville with open cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and brown countertops

Inspiration for a large transitional galley light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in Kansas City with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Andrew Pogue Photography
Trendy open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Austin with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Powder rooms can be challenging, the space is limited and they can be somewhat dark to photograph, lighting is a challenge. This image uses two additional lights just outside the door. Copyright Carl Mayfield Photography

Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Atlanta

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Chicago.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped ceramic tile kitchen pantry remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and flat-panel cabinets

New skylights are double insulated with safety glass. The challenge was the technical work required to install a vaulted skylight. All new trims, baseboards and doors in the redone living room. All new, modern lighting was installed. Heated du chateau flooring was added. Bruce Damonte Photography

Upon moving to a new home, this couple chose to convert two small guest baths into one large luxurious space including a Japanese soaking tub and custom glass shower with rainfall spout. Two floating vanities in a walnut finish topped with composite countertops and integrated sinks flank each wall. Due to the pitched walls, Barbara worked with both an industrial designer and mirror manufacturer to design special clips to mount the vanity mirrors, creating a unique and modern solution in a challenging space. The mix of travertine floor tiles with glossy cream wainscotting tiles creates a warm and inviting feel in this bathroom. Glass fronted shelving built into the eaves offers extra storage for towels and accessories. A oil-rubbed bronze finish lantern hangs from the dramatic ceiling while matching finish sconces add task lighting to the vanity areas. This project was featured in Boston Magazine Home Design section entitiled "Spaces: Bathing Beauty" in the March 2018 issue. Click here for a link to the article: ​ https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2018/03/27/elza-b-design-bathroom-transformation/ Photography: Jared Kuzia

Christa Sorauf and Gregorie Bylenga
Living room - contemporary living room idea

A lower level patio allows a lot of flexibility because railing is not required. When an HOA limits a deck size, it can be challenging to come up with a creative design. We fabricated custom benches and flowerboxes to add function and beauty while staying within the confines of the space allowed. Our thanks to D & L Photography for the wonderful pictures.

The combination of natural stone walls and hedges assisted with the challenging site grading and was an opportunity to create the desired ‘secret’ garden feel.

Photo: Stacy Levin © 2015 Houzz
Deck - contemporary deck idea in Los Angeles

Natural light meets conventional light with a pleasing finished result. The radiant glow from the fire set apart from the deck in the paver below, mirrors the outdoor lighting design as well as the soft conventional light glowing from the household interior. The function of safety on a stairway has become the artist brush for lighting design. The illumination of this grand staircase is striking, resulting in a focal point to the project. Here light welcomes the guest providing a setting to spend social hours

Inspiration for a timeless pool remodel in Atlanta