We lovingly named this project our Hide & Seek House. Our clients had done a full home renovation a decade prior, but they realized that they had not built in enough storage in their home, leaving their main living spaces cluttered and chaotic. They commissioned us to bring simplicity and order back into their home with carefully planned custom casework in their entryway, living room, dining room and kitchen. We blended the best of Scandinavian and Japanese interiors to create a calm, minimal, and warm space for our clients to enjoy.

The former primary bathroom consisted of two small rooms with doors everywhere—so chaotic and cramped that we removed everything and started over. This required relocating plumbing and HVAC returns as well. To expand the original shower stall, we borrowed a small closet from an adjacent bedroom, creating a much larger footprint.

Classic New England materials such as fieldstone, cobblestone and bluestone compliment this extended cape. The combination of evergreen groundcover, boxwoods, and flowering hydrangea provide an elegant entry. Working on a historically valued home in Andover, it was important to us to elevate the presentation of the front entry in a way that complements the architecture. Originally, the chaotic landscape simply did not do justice for the home, designed by renowned architect, Royal Barry Wills. Simplifying landscape elements aided in transforming a confusing and dysfunctional arrival sequence into one of elegance and clarity. Thoughtfully orchestrated bluestone walkways create a clear hierarchy of movement between two front doors; subtle bluestone steppers in the lawn lead to the owner’s private entry while a bold bluestone path sweeps through planting beds to guide guests to the main entrance.

Children’s dreams will live here. So, it is the life that will settle here. The room of the youngest son is also minimalistic and spacious. The wallpapers are designed by Serhii Makhno. At first, the father made chaotic blues spots on the craft paper, and then, the walls were painted by famous Ukrainian artist and ceramist, Serhii Radko. These are traditional themes of his works — animals and birds that live in Ukraine and symbolize family.

View of nature leading back to man. As one moves further away from the house it becomes more natural and chaotic, but as one moves towards the home a more formal, traditional sense of space occurs. notice the new outdoor kitchen to the left of the upper level living room. Photos by John Kish

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

Jeffrey Court The Press - Features classic mosaic designs that are simple, clean and fresh. Chapter 14 is a simple, yet impactful line rich in historical inspiration that touches every major metropolitan area. Inspired by newsrooms from the early 1900’s where the environment was chaotic but the architecture and design was simple, clean, and fresh – just like the news coming off the press.

Classic New England materials such as fieldstone, cobblestone and bluestone compliment this extended cape. The combination of evergreen groundcover, boxwoods, and flowering hydrangea provide an elegant entry. Working on a historically valued home in Andover, it was important to us to elevate the presentation of the front entry in a way that complements the architecture. Originally, the chaotic landscape simply did not do justice for the home, designed by renowned architect, Royal Barry Wills. Simplifying landscape elements aided in transforming a confusing and dysfunctional arrival sequence into one of elegance and clarity. Thoughtfully orchestrated bluestone walkways create a clear hierarchy of movement between two front doors; subtle bluestone steppers in the lawn lead to the owner’s private entry while a bold bluestone path sweeps through planting beds to guide guests to the main entrance.

Organized drawers: save time searching for the exact utensil by keeping things neat and easy to find. Inserts and dividers add structure to drawers eliminating chaotic clumps of utensils. Great way to neatly tuck away your tools.

Kitchen in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Trailside View Residence | Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of. Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic. Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation. Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

Jeffrey Court The Press - Features classic mosaic designs that are simple, clean and fresh. Chapter 14 is a simple, yet impactful line rich in historical inspiration that touches every major metropolitan area. Inspired by newsrooms from the early 1900’s where the environment was chaotic but the architecture and design was simple, clean, and fresh – just like the news coming off the press.

Tired of their outdated and chaotic master bath, this CT couple wanted to create a relaxing at-home spa with an enlarged steam shower, a soaking tub, and a soothing natural Zen aesthetic. With a clear vision of the inviting retreat these homeowners desired, design team Barry Miller & Rachel Peterson of Simply Baths, Inc. transformed the space.

Dining Room in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Trailside View Residence | Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of. Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic. Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation. Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

The former primary bathroom consisted of two small rooms with doors everywhere—so chaotic and cramped that we removed everything and started over. This required relocating plumbing and HVAC returns as well. To expand the original shower stall, we borrowed a small closet from an adjacent bedroom, creating a much larger footprint.

Bedroom in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Trailside View Residence | Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of. Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic. Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation. Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

The owner wanted her master suite to be a daily retreat, a place to get away and relax in her tub. The existing bathroom didn't have a tub and two small closets that opened into the cramped space. An extensive collection of jewelry and shoes overflowed chaotically into the bathroom. In the master bedroom a small desk tucked into a corner by a third small closet took up valuable real estate. The master bath and bedroom were gutted and reconfigured. The closets moved out of the bathroom, and by stealing space above the stairwell and the aforementioned desk nook, a large walk in closet with built in storage was designed at one end of the bedroom. An additional wall of cabinets that houses the TV also serves as a place for shoes and accessory storage. In the new master bath, a new tiled walk in shower with a frameless shower door, and a freestanding bathtub give the room a much more spacious feel. Luxe finishes like marble, handmade tiles, and sleek custom cabinetry add to the spa like feel of the new master bath. A new custom makeup vanity adds even more storage, and the full length mirror disguises another storage cabinet. At the end of the day, the client loves to soak in the tub as she looks out over the treetops in this second story master suite retreat.

Living Room in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Trailside View Residence | Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of. Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic. Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation. Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

In this backyard space, the design challenge was to bring the essence of the California Mountains to Redondo Beach. As this client is an avid outdoorsman, he wanted to bring the a feel of the Sierra Nevada mountains, his happy place, home to create his very own backyard mountain retreat. Our team sourced materials that one would find in the mountains of California whilst keeping a lounge feel in mind for the secondary design criteria, a retreat. In this retreat, we created four distinct areas: the lounging area with covered pergola, fire pit area with built-in seating bench and overhead trellis complete with carnival lighting, central waterfall, and barbeque area with picnic table and overhead carnival lighting. We built a 10” x 10” rugged pergola was built out of sustainably sourced pine. The massive posts feel as though large pine trees were harvested right out of the California Mountains and crafted right on-site. The pergola was built with a retractable shade cloth so the sun can be let in for warmth in open during the colder months. The pergola and the other hard-scaped areas in the backyard were covered with a mix of gray granite and charcoal pavers. This color selection is reminiscent of the colors in California granite. Walking north from the pergola toward the fire pit area there is a mass planting of deer grasses, assortment of ferns and California coffee berries planted to mimic California Chaparral. At the other edge of this chaparral garden, sits the Cresta Boulder fire pit. Boulders were used to create this fire pit to harness the feeling of being outdoors in the wilderness. The boulders were locally sourced out of the Sierra Nevada mountain range for authenticity. In order to frame the space we installed a trellis and off the trellis runs carnival lights for night time parties. Just beyond the fire pit sits a granite boulder water fall. The waterfall is placed so that wherever you are in the yard you can see and hear the tranquil sounds of the babbling water as it circulates and recycles. The barbeque area is nestled against the backdrop of a dark green fernleaf podocarpus hedge. During the day, birds and butterflies traverse the native foliage and at night the sounds of the fire pit dance in harmony with the gentle sounds of water falling down granite pebbles making this backyard a true retreat from the chaotic noise of the city.

A renovation prompted by a fire might initially seem chaotic, but it presents an opportunity for a complete home transformation. Envision a fusion of classic white shaker aesthetics with a medium-stained island, evoking a sense of enduring sophistication. This revamp aims to strike a harmonious balance between a cozy and stylish ambiance.