We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Bathroom - modern bathroom idea in Los Angeles

Having an eye for great interior design yet no clue on where to start or how to narrow down their aesthetic vision, a young family turned to Décor Aid to bring their drab pre-war Upper West Side apartment to life. With two young daughters in tow, our clients were looking for high style décor grounded in practicality and function – namely for their foyer, living room, dining room, and den. Armed with a variety of inspiration from traditional to ultra-modern, they knew that they wanted their apartment’s interior design to look put together and thought through, but were short on a concise design direction. In comes Décor Aid interior designer Gabrielle G. to revive their stark home with inspired design. After their initial in-home consultation, Gabrielle honed in on key decorative touchstones the couple had interest in and compiled a list of must-haves as an aesthetic foundation for the home. Starting with fresh coats of pure white paint to liven up and brighten each room, Gabrielle took advantage of the apartments closed floor plan and gave each room it’s own design signature rather than having to ensure that everything flowed together – in turn, giving her more freedom. Save for a china cabinet and formal dining table, Gabrielle was tasked with sourcing furnishings and accessories and went for clean simplicity as the couple also expressed that they’d like to have pieces that can move with them as their family grows while also being conducive for family life. As you can see, the space is grounded with soothing neutrals so Gabrielle brought in pops of color and texture through accessories and abstract art for a sophisticated yet casual vibe. The end result boasts concise design and pulled together everyday glamor for this modern family home that our clients adore, and so do we.

Our creative direction was rooted in the idea of elevated mid-century modern, softened through a feminine, expressive lens. From the beginning, we knew this wasn’t about recreating a retro look — it was about reinterpreting the mid-century spirit in a way that felt deeply personal to the client. Clean lines and classic architecture set the foundation, but our palette introduced warmth, optimism, and personality through blush tones, buttery yellow accents, soft woods, and brushed brass. ‍ We leaned into rounded silhouettes, vintage-inspired lighting, and low-profile furniture that invited comfort without sacrificing style. Every selection — from the sculptural chandelier to the pastel cabinetry — was meant to feel intentional yet relaxed. The creative direction focused on balance: honoring the home’s historic character while introducing a fresh softness that made each space feel like a reflection of her current chapter — joyful, grounded, and entirely hers.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

CLIENT GOALS This spectacular Victorian was built in 1890 for Joseph Budde, an inventor, patent holder, and major manufacturer of the flush toilet. Through its more than 130-year life, this home evolved with the many incarnations of the Haight District. The most significant was the street modification that made way for the Haight Street railway line in the early 1920s. At that time, streets and sidewalks widened, causing the straight-line, two-story staircase to take a turn. In the 1920s, stucco and terrazzo were considered modern and low-maintenance materials and were often used to replace the handmade residential carpentry that would have graced this spectacular staircase. Sometime during the 1990s, the entire entry door assembly was removed and replaced with another “modern” solution. Our clients challenged Centoni to recreate the original staircase and entry. OUR DESIGN SOLUTION Through a partnership with local artisans and support from San Francisco Historical Planners, team Centoni sourced information from the public library that included original photographs, writings on Cranston and Keenan, and the history of the Haight. Though no specific photo has yet to be sourced, we are confident the design choices are in the spirit of the original and are based on remnants of the original porch discovered under the 1920s stucco. Through this journey, the staircase foundation was reengineered, the staircase designed and built, the original entry doors recreated, the stained glass transom created (including replication of the original hand-painted bird-theme rondels, many rotted decorated elements hand-carved, new and historic lighting installed, and a new iron handrail designed and fabricated.

This young couple was ready to make some changes to their master bedroom. They already laid a great foundation for me: beautiful wall color, carpet and trim. We just needed to update their furnishings and make this space feel more like them. They requested a bedroom that was more classic than trendy and a space that feels relaxing and spa-like. I started with the big pieces. I know they liked the light, upholstered bed look, which is awesome because I get so many clients who shy away from this option for fear of it getting dirty. Next up were the case pieces: dresser, night stands, high boy. I know a lot of designers who favor designing a bedroom with non-matching sets, but in this case, I thought opting for matching nightstands and dressers was the most classic choice and will stand the test of time best. They also a requested an area for the wive to do her make up and hair separate from the bathroom with ample light. I found a vanity, replaced the matching stool with an accent chair in a grey ikat print and used a pair of existing lamps. Extra seating is provided at the end of the bed on a tufted grey bench. The inverted pleat drapes are custom made with black out lining. Accessories and wall art were added to infuse personality and warm up the space.

Inspired by the client’s frequent trips to Martha’s Vineyard, this renovation project’s primary goal was to create a landscape complimentary of this Colonial Revival style home, reminiscent of Edgartown, Massachusetts. The front landscape was specifically designed to offer expansive views of a layered horizontal foundation planting that nestled itself around the base of the home, allowing the home itself to be the star of the show. Flowering borders that rotate with the seasons create a strong foreground while a clipped yew hedge forms the barrier needed to separate the billowing panicle hydrangeas in the background. The axial design of the herringbone front walk, punctuated by a bluestone transitional space and formal cast limestone urn, create an axis by which all other landscape elements are symmetrically mirrored. Desiring a rear entertainment space separated from the adjacent 4 car garage and recreational lawn, a series of intimate gathering spaces were designed to include Edgartown inspired architectural features that would establish the character of the garden while setting the backdrop for a robust mix of perennials, grasses, hedges and annuals. Mimicking the pattern and detail previously established on the stone base of the home, individually hand chiseled pieces of Valders veneer were used to construct the garden walls. Reclaimed street pavers border a reconfigured bluestone patio and create a garden walk that separates the garden into 4 equal quadrants; each section of the walk connecting itself to a prominent feature of the garden. The central paver transition space is backed by a concentric hedge of low growing boxwoods, delineating annual and perennial. The relocation of an arbor, in conjunction with a new evergreen hedge, creates the desired partition between relaxed conversation and open lawn activities. A brick masonry water feature with reclaimed 1916 antique cast iron tub anchors the garden and terminates the perennial adorned paver walk opposite the home’s fireplace centered within the main seating area. Whether spending an evening with friends or a quiet moment alone, this quaint garden space offers our clients the perfect ambiance to pause and reflect on life’s special treasures.

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

Historic 1913 North Shore Farmhouse Gets Complete Makeover 1913 Glenview, IL Farmhouse Glenview, Il. (December 10, 2013) — A century-old Glenview home successfully completed it’s extensive exterior restoration courtesy of Chicagoland home exterior company A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. Originally built in 1913, the house is a two-story framed farmhouse. View Entire Story >> http://bit.ly/1bvHPnT “These are the types of projects our company loves performing,” said Bo Mikuta, president of A.B. Edward. “When we met with the client we discussed the scope of the remodel, reviewed a list of project changes, and put together a workable budget, and we were very excited to be chosen as the sole contractor.” Remodeling this farmhouse required a myriad of exterior services, all provided by the one contractor. A.B. Edward rebuilt the porch entirely and restored the brick foundation. A.B. Edward also installed GAF roofing shingles, Pella windows, and James Hardie lap and shake siding. The complete list of services performed for the farmhouse’s renovation include the following: - GAF Roofing Shingles - James Hardie Siding - Pella Windows - Aluminum Gutter Gards - Custom Garage Doors - Wall Insulation - Masonry Chimney Rebuild - Electrical Installation / Repair - Carpentry Deck and Porch Build - Restoration of Brick Foundation Owner Megan McClug said: “How do you describe the work of successfully reviving a piece of history over 100 years old? Some might call it a miracle. We call it experience, talent and attention to detail. The exterior of our 100-year old farmhouse needed every bit of attention to make it an energy efficient and secure home for our young family. It was important to us to find a local-community company and also one with deep know-how about remodeling exteriors. A.B. Edward is the definition of an exterior home specialist, and our experience working with them was simply the best. A.B. Edward gave us a detailed construction contract and they were attentive to every change, addition and question we raised during both the bidding and finalization. Their entire crew worked very hard and were extremely efficient and clean. They also completed our project on time and within budget! A.B. Edward replaced our home’s roof, 22 windows, insulated the walls, new siding, gutters, garage door, and demolished and built a new porch within 3 months.” The Glenview farmhouse was built in 1913. It went on the market in 1961 with a non-conforming apartment on the second floor. A.B. Edward completed the exterior restoration in four months. A.B. Edward has been family owned and operated since it began business in 2003. Serving the Chicagoland area’s home exterior needs, A.B. Edward is located in Wheeling, IL, and can be contacted at (847) 827-1605 or info@abedward.com. “We are so happy with the look and feel of our remodeled exterior home. Thank you to everyone at AB Edward! ### About A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc. Since 2003 A.B. Edward Enterprises, Incorporated has been providing Chicagoland homeowners with products and installations in the home exteriors industry. A.B. Edward has an unblemished A+ Better Business Bureau Rating, and is a repeat winner of the Angie’s List Super Service Award. A.B. Edward is a certified installer of the market’s top leading products including GAF, DaVinci, North Shore Prime, Greenstone Slate, Waldun Shake, James Hardie, Mastic, Pella, Velux, Marvin, Jeld-wen, Simonton, Advanced, and more. Today, the family-owned and operated business proudly employs more than 30 people, and their services go well beyond roofing to include masonry, insulation, decks, exterior painting, stucco, carpentry and more.

Toronto's Premier Luxury Custom Home Builders We are a Toronto based, developer, builder and custom home specialist serving Toronto & Greater Toronto Area clients., toronto luxury home builders, toronto luxury homes, toronto custom homes, luxury custom homes, luxury design, luxury homes, huge homes, design, luxury amenities, elevator, luxury staircase, As a Tarion registered builder we stick to the highest of the standards in all of our developments making it a home for life for our clients. Our philosophy is to craft homes that welcome those who enter, designed for people & not for our egos. Our aim is to design & build the buildings of the future. Services Provided Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Custom Home, Demolition, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Foundation Construction, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, House Framing, House Plans, Land Surveying, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Project Management, Roof Waterproofing, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Waterproofing

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Our client spared no expense on this beautiful project, using massive rock slab steps on both sides of the house leading to the expansive back yard. The front utilizes natural rock for accents, address rock, and raised planters. We also used concrete edge as well as imported a 20mm aggregate from a quarry in BC for the beds to better match the house. A large paver patio in the back is the foundation for the gas custom fire pit and a dry river bed at the low spot carries any sheet drainage out the back to the natural area outside the property.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography