In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

We changed the dated old tile inset above the fireplace and used a new stone mosaic mini tile that updated the look without having to tear out the entire stone wall. We used the same deco tile around the inset of the firebox and on the riser on the hearth. This achieved a new and stylish look without the big budget it would have taken to replace the entire wall tiles. Then we added dark wood floors to create a contrast to the tile wall.

Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The detailed plans for this bathroom can be purchased here: https://www.changeyourbathroom.com/shop/felicitous-flora-bathroom-plans/ The original layout of this bathroom underutilized the spacious floor plan and had an entryway out into the living room as well as a poorly placed entry between the toilet and the shower into the master suite. The new floor plan offered more privacy for the water closet and cozier area for the round tub. A more spacious shower was created by shrinking the floor plan - by bringing the wall of the former living room entry into the bathroom it created a deeper shower space and the additional depth behind the wall offered deep towel storage. A living plant wall thrives and enjoys the humidity each time the shower is used. An oak wood wall gives a natural ambiance for a relaxing, nature inspired bathroom experience.

This once dated and incredibly cut-up home got a custom remodel from floor to ceiling that changed ceilings and windows, knocked down walls, and moved rooms into other areas for an amazing light, bright, and open contemporary retreat.

The client was excited to purchase a home in the beautiful resort of Sandestin, but was not pleased with the dark interiors, heavy mouldings, tile floors, dated fixtures and heavy feel of the interior of the home. We solved their problems by completely renovating the interiors. Ceilings were raised, floors were replaced, cabinetry and fixtures were replaced and a problem area in the living room was solved. They now have the open, clean, airy beach home of their dreams and I couldn't be more pleased with how this home turned out for them. anthony vallee

The old bathroom had a recessed tub deck, that took up too much floor space. We replaced it with a freestanding bath to open up the space, and allow for better movement around the bathing area. Above the tub is one of the main focal points of this bathroom, the mirror. The was a mid-project change, that the customer really wanted. To make this work we quickly priced, ordered, adjusted the template date, so that we could seamlessly execute this change within the time period of their original schedule. Though this was a little extra work for us, we were more than happy to do it, as this last minute change by the homeowner produced some stunning results!! Joel Hess

APLD 2022 Award Winning Landscape Design. We designed and installed this dramatic living wall / vertical garden to add a welcoming focal point, and a great way to add living beauty to the large front house wall. The wall includes a variety of succulents, grass-like and cascading plants some with flowers, (some with flowers, Oxalis, Heuchera designed to provide long cascading "waves" with appealing textures and colors. The dated walkway was updated with large geometric concrete pavers with polished black pebbles in between, and a new concrete driveway. Water-wise grasses flowering plants and succulents replace the lawn. This updated modern renovation for this mid-century modern home includes a new garage and front entrance door and modern garden light fixtures. We designed and installed this dramatic living wall / vertical garden to add a welcoming focal point, and a great way to add plant beauty to the large front wall. A variety of succulents, grass-like and cascading plants were designed and planted to provide long cascading "waves" resulting in appealing textures and colors. The dated walkway was updated with large geometric concrete pavers with polished black pebbles in between, and a new concrete driveway. Water-wise grasses flowering plants and succulents replace the lawn. This updated modern renovation for this mid-century modern home includes a new garage and front entrance door and modern garden light fixtures.

This creative transitional space was transformed from a very dated layout that did not function well for our homeowners - who enjoy cooking for both their family and friends. They found themselves cooking on a 30" by 36" tiny island in an area that had much more potential. A completely new floor plan was in order. An unnecessary hallway was removed to create additional space and a new traffic pattern. New doorways were created for access from the garage and to the laundry. Just a couple of highlights in this all Thermador appliance professional kitchen are the 10 ft island with two dishwashers (also note the heated tile area on the functional side of the island), double floor to ceiling pull-out pantries flanking the refrigerator, stylish soffited area at the range complete with burnished steel, niches and shelving for storage. Contemporary organic pendants add another unique texture to this beautiful, welcoming, one of a kind kitchen! Photos by David Cobb Photography.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped marble floor and white floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Diego with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and marble countertops

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

A modern mountain renovation of an inherited mountain home in North Carolina. We brought the 1990's home in the the 21st century with a redesign of living spaces, changing out dated windows for stacking doors, with an industrial vibe. The new design breaths and compliments the beautiful vistas outside, enhancing, not blocking.

A modern mountain renovation of an inherited mountain home in North Carolina. We brought the 1990's home in the the 21st century with a redesign of living spaces, changing out dated windows for stacking doors, with an industrial vibe. The new design breaths and compliments the beautiful vistas outside, enhancing, not blocking.

Huge transitional master gray tile and marble tile marble floor, gray floor and vaulted ceiling freestanding bathtub photo in Houston with gray walls and a hinged shower door

A charming 1920s colonial had a dated dark kitchen that was not in keeping with the historic charm of the home. The owners, who adored British design, wanted a kitchen that was spacious and storage friendly, with the feel of a classic English kitchen. Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped her client, while architect Greg Lewis redesigned the home to accommodate a larger kitchen, new primary bath, mudroom, and butlers pantry. Photos Adam Macchia. For more information, you may visit our website at www.studiodearborn.com or email us at info@studiodearborn.com.

This is a perfect example of Redesign. The Client's Living Room was very dated and the furniture layout did not work. We changed the furniture layout, reupholstered the old chairs and "shopped" the Client's home for some additional pieces. The only thing purchased was custom draperies. Photo taken by Katherine Spicer

This country house was previously owned by Halle Berry and sits on a private lake north of Montreal. The kitchen was dated and a part of a large two storey extension which included a master bedroom and ensuite, two guest bedrooms, office, and gym. The goal for the kitchen was to create a dramatic and urban space in a rural setting. Photo : Drew Hadley

Inspiration for a 1950s one-story mixed siding and two-car multicolored garage remodel in New Orleans

This tremendous transformation from a dated Mediterranean to a Miami-modern trophy home spared no expense. Re-designing the roof lines and changing the configuration of the home allowed for a more efficient use of space while creating a gracious family floorplan.