We were approached by a client to undertake a design and install home automation system project for a beautiful home on the south coast of the Black Sea. The installation incorporated the Savant control system, enabling integration of Lutron lighting with lighting circuits, keypads and blinds. This also included audio distribution to audio zones with indoor and outdoor speakers and 5.1 Dolby Surround for the living room, and video distribution with zones of 4K video. The Savant system also integrated zones of heating and cooling, an automated door entry incorporating a doorstation and touchscreens controlling the electronic door lock, along with 4K security cameras and smart alarm system. 3 bedrooms were created, along with a kitchen, living room, lobby. A sea view terrace was created to give the apartment a stunning view of the Black Sea coast, delighting the client.

We were approached by our client to deliver an entertainment house as an extension to the client’s existing home. The client was provided with a very high standard of home automation, using the Savant control system to integrate Lutron lighting with lighting circuits, keypads and shutters. This also included audio distribution to audio zones with indoor speakers and video distribution to zones of 4K video. The Savant system also integrated zones of heating and cooling, and 4K security cameras. Delivering this entertainment house to a very high specification throughout, a bowling alley with a bar and lounge area was created, along with a car show room with car turntables and a lounge, a games room, a billiard room, and a TV room. Suffice to say, we delivered the perfect entertainment haven, delighting the client.

"This Beautiful modern house located in Lake Highlands across from white rock lake was not only had the perfect patio with an amazing view to the lake, and but also has a beautiful pool on the from of the house as well the only thing this needed to be a perfect 10 was a nice outdoor kitchen, we Built a 4’ 6”x 9’2” to be abe to install a Napoleon gas grill and a green egg, The spacious 28”depth counter allows perfectly the placement of utensils an food prepping and the GFCI USB with a dedicated circuit allow you to connect a blender, or a margaritaville machine while charging your devices, the 16” x110” bar top provides plenty of space to allow your guest to be able to sit and chat while food is getting ready.

Crestron-controlled recessed lighting and motorized window treatments in the dining room. Clean ceiling lines with no visible technology - every switch, shade, and circuit runs through a single Crestron system.

Inspiration for a timeless entryway remodel in Chicago

The extra large, Mt. Bross elk chandelier is a monumental mix of iron, antler, rawhide, and rock. At over 6′ tall and 6′ wide, its 19 candelabra bulbs will wash your room in amber light, and it has three down-lights (on a separate circuit) which illuminate a handcrafted rawhide dome that is surrounded by a large, translucent mica disc.* This fixture is approximately 76″ wide x 76″ tall, and it is constructed from naturally shed antlers found in the wild. No animals are harmed in this process.

We were approached by a client to undertake a design and install home automation system project for a beautiful home on the south coast of the Black Sea. The installation incorporated the Savant control system, enabling integration of Lutron lighting with lighting circuits, keypads and blinds. This also included audio distribution to audio zones with indoor and outdoor speakers and 5.1 Dolby Surround for the living room, and video distribution with zones of 4K video. The Savant system also integrated zones of heating and cooling, an automated door entry incorporating a doorstation and touchscreens controlling the electronic door lock, along with 4K security cameras and smart alarm system. 3 bedrooms were created, along with a kitchen, living room, lobby. A sea view terrace was created to give the apartment a stunning view of the Black Sea coast, delighting the client.

We were approached by a client to undertake a design and install home automation system project for a beautiful home on the south coast of the Black Sea. The installation incorporated the Savant control system, enabling integration of Lutron lighting with lighting circuits, keypads and blinds. This also included audio distribution to audio zones with indoor and outdoor speakers and 5.1 Dolby Surround for the living room, and video distribution with zones of 4K video. The Savant system also integrated zones of heating and cooling, an automated door entry incorporating a doorstation and touchscreens controlling the electronic door lock, along with 4K security cameras and smart alarm system. 3 bedrooms were created, along with a kitchen, living room, lobby. A sea view terrace was created to give the apartment a stunning view of the Black Sea coast, delighting the client.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

"This Beautiful modern house located in Lake Highlands across from white rock lake was not only had the perfect patio with an amazing view to the lake, and but also has a beautiful pool on the from of the house as well the only thing this needed to be a perfect 10 was a nice outdoor kitchen, we Built a 4’ 6”x 9’2” to be abe to install a Napoleon gas grill and a green egg, The spacious 28”depth counter allows perfectly the placement of utensils an food prepping and the GFCI USB with a dedicated circuit allow you to connect a blender, or a margaritaville machine while charging your devices, the 16” x110” bar top provides plenty of space to allow your guest to be able to sit and chat while food is getting ready.

A truly beautiful estate located in Highlands, NC. The home is totally controlled via Crestron Automation and has (160) controlled lighting circuits, (13) discreet audio zones, (1) 7.1 Theater Surround Sound System, & (1) 5.1 General viewing Surround Sound System. It boasts integrated integrated security and camera system as well as HVAC control. The home can be controlled via mobile devices (i.e. iPad, Cell Phone) locally or remotely. The home has a robust wireless and wired network and a cell phone extender for excellent cellular reception.

Sentinel stretches across the brow of a winding grade break high above the Napa Valley. This seasonal residence was conceived as an agrarian compound which draws inspiration from its agricultural roots and takes a leap forward in innovative construction and a modern expression of timber and steel craft. A gently curving gravel drive circuits the lower end of the vineyard, announcing the arrival on the property. The drive slowly straightens to align with the vineyard rows to the North and the long axis of the residential structures to the South. Three gable-end barn forms follow the ordered lines of the vineyard to one side, and on the other, hug the rock-lined edge of the forest. Flanked by main residence and guest residence on either side, the taller, middle barn structure steps back from the forest to form a broad terrace. An elegant trellised colonnade threads through the three buildings, providing shade and dappled light to the terrace – a private place for food and wine to be enjoyed overlooking the magnificent valley below.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

This piling home includes 2 x 6 load bearing walls with 16” deep floor trusses and LVL beams to provide additional structural resistance to hurricane conditions. All interior doors that access bedrooms and walk-in closets are 36” wide in order to accommodate ADA requirements. The master shower includes backing for the addition of owner installed grab bars. The storage area has been pre-wired for a 30 AMP circuit for an owner installed elevator. LED can lights and large windows provide an well lighted living space. The large front porch provides open outdoor space for relaxing. The home includes a 2-10 Home Builder’s Warranty. Full ground level bathroom not included in square footage. Enjoy water views from back covered porch. Large bedrooms, energy efficient and stunning finishes! Residence was designed and engineered by Eric Dickinson, P.E. Enfincia Engineering, PC and co designed with Annette McCleery Building Design. Photos and description provided by realtor, Brooke Rudd-Gaglie, Broker/REALTOR

Sentinel stretches across the brow of a winding grade break high above the Napa Valley. This seasonal residence was conceived as an agrarian compound which draws inspiration from its agricultural roots and takes a leap forward in innovative construction and a modern expression of timber and steel craft. A gently curving gravel drive circuits the lower end of the vineyard, announcing the arrival on the property. The drive slowly straightens to align with the vineyard rows to the North and the long axis of the residential structures to the South. Three gable-end barn forms follow the ordered lines of the vineyard to one side, and on the other, hug the rock-lined edge of the forest. Flanked by main residence and guest residence on either side, the taller, middle barn structure steps back from the forest to form a broad terrace. An elegant trellised colonnade threads through the three buildings, providing shade and dappled light to the terrace – a private place for food and wine to be enjoyed overlooking the magnificent valley below.

Sentinel stretches across the brow of a winding grade break high above the Napa Valley. This seasonal residence was conceived as an agrarian compound which draws inspiration from its agricultural roots and takes a leap forward in innovative construction and a modern expression of timber and steel craft. A gently curving gravel drive circuits the lower end of the vineyard, announcing the arrival on the property. The drive slowly straightens to align with the vineyard rows to the North and the long axis of the residential structures to the South. Three gable-end barn forms follow the ordered lines of the vineyard to one side, and on the other, hug the rock-lined edge of the forest. Flanked by main residence and guest residence on either side, the taller, middle barn structure steps back from the forest to form a broad terrace. An elegant trellised colonnade threads through the three buildings, providing shade and dappled light to the terrace – a private place for food and wine to be enjoyed overlooking the magnificent valley below.

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Seattle

Jay Mangum Photography
Small transitional detached shed photo in Raleigh

Our client commissioned us to design and install a very high standard home automation system for Field House, a stunning home in north London. The works involved implementing the Savant control system to integrate Lutron lighting with lighting circuits, keypads. This also included audio distribution with audio zones with indoor and outdoor speakers and 5.1 Dolby Surround, along with video distribution to zones of 4K video. The Savant system also integrated zones of heating and cooling, automated door entry with doorstation and touchscreens controlling the automated gates with 4K security cameras. Delivering Field House to a high specification, 5 Bedrooms with ensuites were created along with a kitchen, dining, conservatory, family room, living room, office, gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and private park. The Field House project was delivered to a very high specification standard and was well received by the client.