Perched in the foothills of Edna Valley, this single family residence was designed to fulfill the clients’ desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Much of the program and architectural forms were driven by the picturesque views of Edna Valley vineyards, visible from every room in the house. Ample amounts of glazing brighten the interior of the home, while framing the classic Central California landscape. Large pocketing sliding doors disappear when open, to effortlessly blend the main interior living spaces with the outdoor patios. The stone spine wall runs from the exterior through the home, housing two different fireplaces that can be enjoyed indoors and out. Because the clients work from home, the plan was outfitted with two offices that provide bright and calm work spaces separate from the main living area. The interior of the home features a floating glass stair, a glass entry tower and two master decks outfitted with a hot tub and outdoor shower. Through working closely with the landscape architect, this rather contemporary home blends into the site to maximize the beauty of the surrounding rural area.

On the top of these South Shore of Boston homeowner’s master bath desires was a fireplace and TV set in ledger tile and a stylish slipper tub strategically positioned to enjoy them! They also requested a larger walk-in shower with seat and several shelves, cabinetry with plenty of storage and no-maintenance quartz countertops. To create this bath’s peaceful feel, Renovisions collaborated with the owners to design with a transitional style in mind and incorporated luxury amenities to reflect the owner’s personalities and preferences. First things first, the blue striped wall paper was out along with the large Jacuzzi tub they rarely used. Designing this custom master bath was a delight for the Renovisions team. The existing space was large enough to accommodate a soaking tub and a free-standing glass enclosed shower for a clean and sophisticated look. Dark Brazilian cherry porcelain plank floor tiles were stunning against the natural stone-look border while the larger format textured silver colored tiles dressed the shower walls along with the attractive black pebble stone shower floor. Renovisions installed tongue in groove wood to the entire ceiling and along with the moldings and trims were painted to match the soft ivory hues of the cabinetry. An electric fireplace and TV recessed into striking ledger stone adds a touch of rustic glamour to the room. Other luxurious design elements used to create this relaxing retreat included a heated towel rack with programmable thermostat, shower bench seat and curbing that matched the countertops and five glass shelves that completed the sleek look. Gorgeous quartz countertops with waterfall edges was the perfect choice to tie in nicely with the furniture-style cream colored painted custom cabinetry with silver glaze. The beautiful matching framed mirrors were picturesque. This spa-like master bath ‘Renovision’ was built for relaxation; a soothing sanctuary where these homeowners can retreat to de-stress at the end of a long day. By simply dimming the beautifully adorned chandelier lighting, these clients enjoy the sense-soothing amenities and zen-like ambiance in their own master bathroom.

The client had partially remodeled the home a few years prior but said the kitchen did not have the right feel. In addition, its functionality was stunted by the layout. The two large ovens were shoved in a corner and inhibited the use of the nearby drawer space. Colors of the kitchen all blended together in a wash of cream. The countertops were marble and showing wear. Ultimately the client wanted a more functional kitchen, updated appearance, easy to use and something they would feel reflected the warmth of their family. Visually the new kitchen is stunning. It combines an old world feel with some modern twists. The custom stone hood and large stoves became a focal point in the kitchen. The antiqued red island softens the look of the stoves, compliments the moss tones of the ceiling beams and creates a warm touch in the heart of the kitchen. Perimeter counters are made of leathered Taj-Mahal granite, and the island is polished Typhoon Bordeaux granite. Above the island are hand blown glass pendants that give a little shimmer and sparkle to the old world feel. The Arabesque style handmade ceramic backsplash pulls together the tones from the cabinets, countertops and ceiling. As part of our environmentally conscious building, we used KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association) Environmental Stewardship Program certified cabinets and replaced all of the lighting with energy efficient lighting. Outcome is warm, highly functional and inviting space for family and friends to gather.

Completed in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square. We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.

Another happy client! Mafi International features magnificent rugs, hand-knotted in India and Nepal, and we have a showroom at the Seattle Design Center. We pride ourselves on our custom rug program. Mafi International is the Seattle Stickley authorized dealer! Clean lines and pureness of function make the Stickley Mission Collection truly timeless, and the look is as appropriate in today's homes as it was over a century ago. Possessing a distinguished pedigree yet uniquely modern, Mission furniture makes itself at home in every room of the house, telling the world that you appreciate sophisticated comfort and solid craftsmanship.

This kitchen had not been renovated since the salt box colonial house was built in the 1960’s. The new owner felt it was time for a complete refresh with some traditional details and adding in the owner’s contemporary tastes. At initial observation, we determined the house had good bones; including high ceilings and abundant natural light from a double-hung window and three skylights overhead recently installed by our client. Mixing the homeowners desires required the skillful eyes of Cathy and Ed from Renovisions. The original kitchen had dark stained, worn cabinets, in-adequate lighting and a non-functional coat closet off the kitchen space. In order to achieve a true transitional look, Renovisions incorporated classic details with subtle, simple and cleaner line touches. For example, the backsplash mix of honed and polished 2” x 3” stone-look subway tile is outlined in brushed stainless steel strips creating an edgy feel, especially at the niche above the range. Removing the existing wall that shared the coat closet opened up the kitchen to allow adding an island for seating and entertaining guests. We chose natural maple, shaker style flat panel cabinetry with longer stainless steel pulls instead of knobs, keeping in line with the clients desire for a sleeker design. This kitchen had to be gutted to accommodate the new layout featuring an island with pull-out trash and recycling and deeper drawers for utensils. Spatial constraints were top of mind and incorporating a convection microwave above the slide-in range made the most sense. Our client was thrilled with the ability to bake, broil and microwave from GE’s advantium oven – how convenient! A custom pull-out cabinet was built for his extensive array of spices and oils. The sink base cabinet provides plenty of area for the large rectangular stainless steel sink, single-lever multi-sprayer faucet and matching filtered water dispenser faucet. The natural, yet sleek green soapstone countertop with distinct white veining created a dynamic visual and principal focal point for the now open space. While oak wood flooring existed in the entire first floor, as an added element of color and interest we installed multi-color slate-look porcelain tiles in the kitchen area. We also installed a fully programmable floor heating system for those chilly New England days. Overall, out client was thrilled with his Mission Transition.

This is the first home of a young professional couple. Their main goal was to remodel their kitchen to create a more open feel. At the time the kitchen included a built in bench and table that was dated and nonfunctional. We worked together to create a new layout on our design software program. It was very helpful for our clients to see their new kitchen in 3-D drawings. We removed a bearing wall between the dining room and kitchen and opened it up for a breakfast bar contained in the peninsula. During demolition we found that there was no foundation under the floor joists in the concealed crawl space below the kitchen and no footings under the bearing wall. After addressing these discovered structural compromises we completed the project with no more surprises for this happy couple. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE: Certificate of Merit PROJECT: PNC, 500 Smithfield Street Call Center CLIENT: PNC Financial Services Group ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Gensler CONTRACTOR: Rycon Construction, Inc. ENGINEERS: Cenkner Engineering Associates PHOTOGRAPHER: Christopher Leonard of Gensler and Bob Carson of Rycon Construction DESCRIPTION: PNC Bank sought a partner to re-envision 500 Smithfield and transform the windowless former bank to a modern call center. Original windows were restored and reopened to bring natural light into the work, collaboration, and meeting spaces. Many wall finishes, including large marble slabs, were kept and integrated with the new finishes. Thoughtful programming completes the transformation of the former 1920s bank and creates a new benchmark in call centers for PNC. JURY COMMENTS: This project leverages the existing qualities of the building. The result is that this outstanding building will be retained as a vibrant use in the city.

Dining room - 1950s gray floor dining room idea in San Francisco with white walls

Adirondack Camp is a spirited interpretation of the local vernacular. Our clients had bought and extensively renovated a small old log cabin on a lake in the Adirondacks a couple of years before coming to us to help them expand the program with three additional bedrooms and bathrooms so that their whole family could be there together. The addition we designed took the form of a tower, with one bedroom and bathroom on each floor, connected to the old cabin by a hyphen which serves as the new entry. The tower is visually a vertical foil to the more horizontal cabin and gives the master bedroom on the top floor a lovely view through the pine trees to the lake. One inspiration for the tower was the old fire towers that patrol the Adirondack mountaintops. The tower was also a practical response to a limited area for expansion. Photography by Robert Benson

Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz Design: Mindi Kim
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in San Francisco

This kitchen had not been renovated since the salt box colonial house was built in the 1960’s. The new owner felt it was time for a complete refresh with some traditional details and adding in the owner’s contemporary tastes. At initial observation, we determined the house had good bones; including high ceilings and abundant natural light from a double-hung window and three skylights overhead recently installed by our client. Mixing the homeowners desires required the skillful eyes of Cathy and Ed from Renovisions. The original kitchen had dark stained, worn cabinets, in-adequate lighting and a non-functional coat closet off the kitchen space. In order to achieve a true transitional look, Renovisions incorporated classic details with subtle, simple and cleaner line touches. For example, the backsplash mix of honed and polished 2” x 3” stone-look subway tile is outlined in brushed stainless steel strips creating an edgy feel, especially at the niche above the range. Removing the existing wall that shared the coat closet opened up the kitchen to allow adding an island for seating and entertaining guests. We chose natural maple, shaker style flat panel cabinetry with longer stainless steel pulls instead of knobs, keeping in line with the clients desire for a sleeker design. This kitchen had to be gutted to accommodate the new layout featuring an island with pull-out trash and recycling and deeper drawers for utensils. Spatial constraints were top of mind and incorporating a convection microwave above the slide-in range made the most sense. Our client was thrilled with the ability to bake, broil and microwave from GE’s advantium oven – how convenient! A custom pull-out cabinet was built for his extensive array of spices and oils. The sink base cabinet provides plenty of area for the large rectangular stainless steel sink, single-lever multi-sprayer faucet and matching filtered water dispenser faucet. The natural, yet sleek green soapstone countertop with distinct white veining created a dynamic visual and principal focal point for the now open space. While oak wood flooring existed in the entire first floor, as an added element of color and interest we installed multi-color slate-look porcelain tiles in the kitchen area. We also installed a fully programmable floor heating system for those chilly New England days. Overall, out client was thrilled with his Mission Transition.

Completed in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square. We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.

Here is an example of one of my refacing projects. We used Showplace Wood Products- Renew program! The old existing cabinet were Red Oak wood in the standard Honey Wheat color. The client 's want Cherry cabinets to match their Cherry wood furniture in the dining and living room areas. So we chose Showplace's Pendleton (Shaker) Door Style, in Cherry wood with Sienna stain. This is another option instead of going with new cabinets that can often help save you money, time and it gives you the option of keeping your existing counters and back splash. We always have the option of adding any new cabinetry that we need to make the space more functional.

Architectural Resource is extremely excited to share with you the 'River View' house. This very special remodeling project was the first remodeling project in S.E. Michigan to achieve Emerald Certification (the highest level possible) in the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) National Green Building Certification Program. This home combines smart, sustainable design; advanced construction techniques; and integrated solar panels for renewable energy capture. The result… our clients received a Credit for net excess electrical production in July of 2014, the hottest July on record to date! This state of the art remodel and addition project includes a new two-story addition, master suite and kitchen remodel, and a view of the Huron River valley that one reporter exclaimed was "the most beautiful view in Ann Arbor!" -Beth Singer Photography

Here is an example of one of my refacing projects. We used Showplace Wood Products- Renew program! The old existing cabinet were Red Oak wood in the standard Honey Wheat color. The client 's want Cherry cabinets to match their Cherry wood furniture in the dining and living room areas. So we chose Showplace's Pendleton (Shaker) Door Style, in Cherry wood with Sienna stain. This is another option instead of going with new cabinets that can often help save you money, time and it gives you the option of keeping your existing counters and back splash. We always have the option of adding any new cabinetry that we need to make the space more functional.

This surround room in the Vaquero community in Westlake was built with young teens in mind. The homeowners wanted a gathering place for their children to entertain their friends. This was a perfect collaboration between our clients, their designer, and UltraMedia. With a clear understanding of the end goal, we added just enough technology to make this space the chosen place for the kids to hang out on weekends. This theater lounge was acoustically treated to create an ideal balance of function and visual appeal. The wavy walls add a distinct touch of contemporary design, while providing perfect sound diffusion. The Wolf Cinema video projector displays a brilliant image onto a Screen Innovations Black Diamond screen. The Triad 7.1 in-wall speaker system delivers excellent sound detail and visceral "oomph." A custom-programmed RTI remote allows the system to be easily operated. Photo credit: UltraMedia, Inc.

LAD DC HOUSE TYPE: APARTMENT, INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNITURES LOCATION: ROME, LARGO ELVEZIA PROGRAM: 300 m² INTERIOR DESIGN: Simone Lanaro DESIGN: 2014 COMPLETED: 2014 CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL The task only regarded the interior furnishing: the customer bought the house after renovation in classic style and contacted us “in media res” to complete the flat. Only two architectural changes were possible: a bathroom and the entrance, which we had the chance to open and connect with the living room. The project theme is the use of brass in several furniture’s details. Appliques, abat-jour, mirrors and candlesticks are by Selezioni Domus http://www.selezionidomus.it/ Black coffee table and black consolle are by Mario Consolo http://www.consolomario.it/ Table, chairs, sofas, armchairs, coffee table and all the other furnitures were designed by LAD. The lithograph in the living room is by Hans Hartung; The photographs in the library are courtesy of Simone Bergantini.

Architectural Resource is extremely excited to share with you the 'River View' house. This very special remodeling project was the first remodeling project in S.E. Michigan to achieve Emerald Certification (the highest level possible) in the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) National Green Building Certification Program. This home combines smart, sustainable design; advanced construction techniques; and integrated solar panels for renewable energy capture. The result… our clients received a Credit for net excess electrical production in July of 2014, the hottest July on record to date! This state of the art remodel and addition project includes a new two-story addition, master suite and kitchen remodel, and a view of the Huron River valley that one reporter exclaimed was "the most beautiful view in Ann Arbor!" -Beth Singer Photography