Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

This NYC apartment is a Batchelor’s dream pad. With a heavy focus on unique pieces and original art, this 2 bed / 2.5 bath home has much to boast about! Hidden doors, oversized mouldings, and upholstered walls only begin to describe some of the features added into this renovation. Due to unforeseen circumstances we were unfortunately not able to photograph this project upon completion. The images below are a mix of renders & pictures taken while on site. All art shown are the actual pieces curated from around the globe for this project. We wish you could see this space for real, but we hope you’ll settle for the 2nd best option. Please enjoy!

We titled this project Fortitude as a description of the incredible couple to whom it belongs. In August 2016 a large area of the state was devastated by a flood that shattered records not reached in over 30 years. This home was one of the many affected. After having to endure less than professional contractors and a some medical emergencies. the couple completed the project three years later. The beautiful images you see today are a testament to their extreme fortitude and perseverance amid trying circumstances. To those who never give up hope, the results are sweeter than you can imagine.

A new-construction, year-round vacation home was custom-built for a family to enjoy the natural beauty of West Marin, California. The home is sited on the beach, so understanding how to build on sand (instead of soil) and selecting the right materials that would withstand ongoing erosion from the ocean and salt air were both critical to the success of the project. Even in the most ideal circumstances climate can present challenges, but as this was a COVID-era project in a relatively remote location, we also faced supply chain issues and labor issues. Fortunately, we were able to draw on our decades of experience to identify solutions and work collaboratively with the geotechnical engineer, structural engineer, and subcontractors to ensure that everyone was aligned on the design vision and how we would achieve it. Our backgrounds as craftspeople and the project manager’s experience as an architect allowed our team to work in lockstep with the design team.

The class knob hardware adds to the theme of visual clarity in this bathroom. These knobs are an elegant touch when applied in the right circumstances.

You are walking quietly through the tall grass next to a wide river, brown and fast moving from fresh floods. The hot sun setting slowly overhead. Just as the sun begins to touch the horizon, the whole sky is brushed in a rich orange hue. You emerge from the grass to be greeted by your first sight of African lions in their natural habitat and a Serengeti sunset that will stay with you for the rest of your life. This was the moment that began this project, inspiring the client to recreate that moment for their sport hunting trophy room in their home. The goal was to be able to recreate that experience as closely as possible, while also ensuring that every mount in the collection had the ideal amount and type of light directed at it. Nature exhibits an infinite amount of unique color and light environments. From rich color in every hue and temperature, to light of all different intensities and quality. In order to deliver the client’s expectations, we needed a solution that can reflect the diverse lighting environments the client was looking to recreate. Using a Ketra lighting system, controlled through a Lutron HomeWorks QS system, tied in seamlessly to an existing Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, we were able to meet all of these challenges. Tying into the existing system meant that we could achieve these results in the space that the client was focused on without having to replace the whole system. In that focused space, creating dynamic lighting environments was central to several elements of the design, and Ketra’s color temperature settings enabled us to be extremely flexible while still providing high quality light in all circumstances. Using a large track system consisting of 30 S30 lamps, each individually addressed, we were able to create the ideal lighting settings for each mount. Additionally, we designed the system so that it can be set to match the unique warm standard Edison-style bulbs in the main chandelier, it can be set to a “Natural” mode that replicates the outdoor conditions throughout the day, or it can simulate the exact color temperature progression of that unforgettable Serengeti sunset. Control of the lighting environment and a smooth transition to the lighting systems in the rest of the home was also a priority. As a result, we installed 3 Lutron motorized shades in the space to account for ambient light, and 6 A20 lamps in an adjacent bar area to create a natural transition to the rest of the lighting system. This ensures that all of the lighting transitions, whether from the rest of the home to the trophy room or the trophy room to the outside, are continuous and smooth. The end result is an impressive and flexible display space with an added “wow factor” that is out of this hemisphere!

The modest kitchen was left in its original location and configuration, but outfitted with beautiful mahogany cabinets that are period appropriate for the circumstances of the home's construction. The combination of overlay drawers and inset doors was common for the period, and also inspired by original Evans' working drawings which had been found in Vienna at a furniture manufacturer that had been selected to provide furnishings for the Rose Eisendrath House in nearby Tempe, Arizona, around 1930.

Home offices have now become staples in most households around the world offering people a space to work and be productive day in and day out. How circumstances have changed! In this day and age, many do not have to leave their houses to reach their workplace. This particular office space was once an unused bedroom. Who wouldn’t appreciate calling this beautiful room their place of work? The impressive large window was the starting point in the design process. Identical custom built-ins house printers and office supplies. They were installed on both sides for added storage. Solid wood shelves supported by custom black metal brackets display fun memorabilia and ornaments. They also complete the symmetry look. One of the home owners’ requisites was to have a place for visitors to stay overnight. This beautiful chair opens into a one-person bed for convenience. A new light fixture, a double barn door, an area rug, two computer chairs, and two desk lamps complete the look. If you are fortunate enough to have your own office space in your home, kudos to you. Grab a coffee and get to work!

Ella Bell Photography
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Milwaukee

Cafe Imperial granite is shown in this project! Search "Cafe Imperial" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Putting up a sign in the yard and waiting for the right buyer to come along isn't always the easiest way to sell a house. The traditional process of selling your home can be slow, expensive and frustrating for many Springfield, OH homeowners. You may have to fix the house up, clean it out, show it, negotiate with buyers, wait for inspections, and hope the buyer's financing doesn't fall through. That can be a lot to manage, especially if you need to move quickly or work with a property that is no longer working for your situation. That’s why many homeowners now look for a faster option. If you want to sell your house fast for cash in Springfield, OH, then working with a local cash home buyer like Sell House Now Columbus can be a practical solution. The company works with homeowners in Columbus, Springfield and other parts of Ohio, providing a direct cash-buying process that helps sellers avoid repairs, agent commissions, closing delays and unnecessary stress. They buy houses as-is, and offer a simple selling process and possibly help with closing costs, according to the company’s website. Why Springfield, OH Homeowners Choose to Sell for Cash Every homeowner has their own reason for desiring a quick sale. Some are relocating for jobs and don’t have months to wait for a buyer.” Others may have inherited a property they don’t want to keep up. Some houses need a lot of work and the owner may not have the time, money or energy to do it all before listing. There are also situations of divorce, concerns about foreclosure, bad tenants, unpaid taxes, or simply a desire to move on without the hassle of a traditional sale. It makes sense to do a cash sale because it takes away a lot of the common roadblocks. Rather than waiting for mortgage approvals, appraisals, repair requests and lengthy negotiations, homeowners can receive a direct offer from a buyer who is ready, willing and able to purchase the property. At Sell House Now Columbus, sellers can request a fair cash offer and pick a closing timeline that suits them. The firm says homeowners can sell without agents, fees, repairs or cleaning, which can be a huge relief for anyone going through a stressful property situation. Selling as is No repairs or cleaning One of the biggest advantages of selling to a cash home buyer is the fact that you can sell the property as-is. This is good news because you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on fixing the roof, replacing flooring, repainting walls, updating the kitchen, repairing plumbing or improving kerb appeal to attract buyers. Buyers expect the home to look clean, updated and move-in ready in traditional sales. Issues discovered during the inspection can force the seller to lower the price or pay for repairs prior to closing. An as-is cash sale is a different process. The purchaser is taking the property “as is” and is offering based on the current condition. Sell House Now, Columbus, states that sellers are spared the hassle of repairs, daily showings and cleaning. They also say that unwanted items can be left behind and dealt with after purchase. This can save time and money for Springfield homeowners confronted with an older house, damaged property, rental cleanup or inherited home full of belongings. No Real Estate Agent Fees or Hidden Commissions When you sell your home, conventional real estate agents eat up a huge portion of your final proceeds through commission fees. You might have closing costs, staging costs, repair costs, inspection-related costs, photography fees and other costs that eat into what you actually walk away with. After deducting all expenses the final number is much lower than expected for some sellers. A direct cash sale makes the numbers simple. “Sell House Now, Columbus says they don’t charge commissions and their process is designed to help homeowners avoid listing fees and agent-related expenses.” This provides sellers more clarity up front. Instead of guessing what the final payout might be after months of negotiations and deductions, you can review a cash offer and decide if it meets your needs. Faster Closing Timeline for Springfield Homeowners When you need to sell fast, time is of the essence. A traditional home sale can take weeks or even months, depending on market conditions, buyer financing, inspections, appraisals and negotiations. Once you’ve accepted an offer, there is always the risk that the buyer’s loan may be delayed or denied. Delays can add additional pressure to a homeowner who needs cash fast, who needs to stop paying taxes or utilities, or who needs to relocate soon. Cash buyers are often faster than traditional buyers because they don’t rely on bank financing. Sell House Now Columbus says their process offers a competitive cash offer, a simple experience and Sellers can pick their closing day. That flexibility can be helpful if you need to close quickly or if you need extra time to make your next move. You don’t have to follow someone else’s schedule but can choose a plan that works better for your circumstances. Who Can Use Selling For Cash? Is your property stressing you out? Is it costing you money every month? If so then selling your House for cash in Springfield OH may be a good option. It can help homeowners who are behind on payments, tired of being landlords, dealing with code violations, handling probate property, in need of costly repairs, or just ready for a clean break. It can also be a benefit to those who do not live near the property and do not want to travel back and forth to manage repairs, contractors, cleaning and showings. And the best part is you don’t need to have a perfect house. Cash buyers often see the property as an investment and are willing to do repairs after the sale. This makes it easier for sellers who are stuck with a dated, vacant, damaged, or otherwise hard-to-list property. How it works Generally, the process begins with a call to discuss the property in general terms. After reviewing those details, Sell House Now Columbus can assess the home and make a cash offer. If the offer interests you, you can pick a closing date that suits you. You don’t have to accept and the offer can help you explore your options before making a final decision. This approach gives control to homeowners. You don’t have to go through months of listings, open houses, questionable buyers or last-minute repair demands. You can look at the cash offer and see if it solves your problem. Summary If you need to Sell your House fast for cash in Springfield, OH then a direct cash sale might be the easiest path forward. It gives homeowners a way to avoid repairs, agent commissions, delays and stress. Whether you’re looking to sell an inherited property, a damaged home, a rental you no longer want, or a life change that requires a quick sale, Sell House Now Columbus provides a simple option for homeowners that want speed and convenience. Selling a house should be no more difficult than dragging a heavy box up hill. A good cash buyer can make the process a lot lighter, faster and easier to manage. If you are a homeowner in Springfield and want to get a fair cash offer and an easy solution, Sell House Now Columbus can make the next step a lot easier.

This interior door model would be a perfect fit as a swing, pocket, bypass, bi-fold or barn door. In certain ancient cultures, a single vertical band of light was used to represent unflagging wisdom, keen discernment, and impeccable logic; a voice of reason shining through the fog of muddled circumstances. Listen, my friend, it seems to say, do not let external influences cloud your judgment. Any smoke-and-mirrors scheme must leave you unimpressed. No amount of honey-tongued poppycock can distract you, nor make you deviate from the path of your choosing. You are in control of the situation, and your decisions are solid because they are entirely your own, based on your experience and your ability to tell the difference between truth and falsehood. Pretty cool, isn’t it? The sheer elegance of this interior door is quite something.

Thompson Remodeling really enjoyed working with this Grand Rapids family to remodel their basement into a family space where they could showcase their favorite sports memorabilia and other memories from their home state of Maryland. After remodeling their previous home just 6 months earlier, circumstances required the family to move. One day upon returning to their new home, they found their basement flooded! Realizing they needed to act fast to repair the damage they contacted Thompson Remodeling to help. When discussing the design for the project, our clients told us how much they had loved the updates they made to their last home and were hoping to use similar warm tones and rustic materials. We looked at photos of that home for inspiration and developed a design that would serve as an entertaining and gathering space that would allow their fantastic collection of Maryland sports memorabilia to shine. Careful consideration was given on how to use every nook and cranny of space, as was the selection process for specific rustic materials that would contribute warmth and visual interest. We used Ghost Wood to create a rich accent wall in the tv viewing area. The fireplace is made of stacked tile that looks like stone and the mantel is a handpicked, old barn beam. The clients told our designer that they wanted to hang a Maryland flag in the basement so she found this fantastic flag made of distressed wood which was hung above the mantel. For the flooring, we selected a gorgeous vinyl plank for easy cleaning and maintenance. An existing closet area was used to create a lighted, built-in display area to house the family's prized autographed Baltimore Colts footballs and Baltimore Orioles baseballs. The bar has a full-size refrigerator, microwave and sink. There are plenty of cabinets and drawers for everything they need for hosting parties on game days. The countertops are a very cool, silver-toned textured laminate. The rusted, recycled corrugated metal bar was hand selected by the client. We installed a special outlet above the door at the end of the bar so that the Terps sign could be plugged in and hung there.

Brownie granite is shown in this project! Search "Brownie" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

You are walking quietly through the tall grass next to a wide river, brown and fast moving from fresh floods. The hot sun setting slowly overhead. Just as the sun begins to touch the horizon, the whole sky is brushed in a rich orange hue. You emerge from the grass to be greeted by your first sight of African lions in their natural habitat and a Serengeti sunset that will stay with you for the rest of your life. This was the moment that began this project, inspiring the client to recreate that moment for their sport hunting trophy room in their home. The goal was to be able to recreate that experience as closely as possible, while also ensuring that every mount in the collection had the ideal amount and type of light directed at it. Nature exhibits an infinite amount of unique color and light environments. From rich color in every hue and temperature, to light of all different intensities and quality. In order to deliver the client’s expectations, we needed a solution that can reflect the diverse lighting environments the client was looking to recreate. Using a Ketra lighting system, controlled through a Lutron HomeWorks QS system, tied in seamlessly to an existing Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, we were able to meet all of these challenges. Tying into the existing system meant that we could achieve these results in the space that the client was focused on without having to replace the whole system. In that focused space, creating dynamic lighting environments was central to several elements of the design, and Ketra’s color temperature settings enabled us to be extremely flexible while still providing high quality light in all circumstances. Using a large track system consisting of 30 S30 lamps, each individually addressed, we were able to create the ideal lighting settings for each mount. Additionally, we designed the system so that it can be set to match the unique warm standard Edison-style bulbs in the main chandelier, it can be set to a “Natural” mode that replicates the outdoor conditions throughout the day, or it can simulate the exact color temperature progression of that unforgettable Serengeti sunset. Control of the lighting environment and a smooth transition to the lighting systems in the rest of the home was also a priority. As a result, we installed 3 Lutron motorized shades in the space to account for ambient light, and 6 A20 lamps in an adjacent bar area to create a natural transition to the rest of the lighting system. This ensures that all of the lighting transitions, whether from the rest of the home to the trophy room or the trophy room to the outside, are continuous and smooth. The end result is an impressive and flexible display space with an added “wow factor” that is out of this hemisphere!

Great curb appeal, low maintenance, and cost effective was our marching orders on this project. We designed a nice and clean looking yard that has lots of Wow! factor and is easy to maintain. Our client wanted a secure walkway from front to back but one that is easy on the wallet. Utilizing man-made stone steps and retaining systems we were easily able to build that for them. We also added a cedar privacy screen under the walkout deck that is louvered so they can open or close it depending on the circumstances.

Bathroom - modern ceramic tile bathroom idea in San Francisco with light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet and white walls