This modern traditional home's fireplace had no mantel. Ordinarily, we would remove some of the tile to attach everything and recess the edges of the mantel inside, but with the way it had been installed cutting into the tile would have caused the whole thing to crumble and collapse. We had to scribe a hanging ledger and fit the mantel to the tile and secure it in a way that would wear for many years to come.

Dock had been declared a hazard to navigation by Alabama Power after being damaged by storms. They also declared it a non-compliant structure because it had been added onto over the years making it too large and unsafe. We worked with the power company to determine the best way to bring the dock into compliance and still make the homeowner happy with the new configuration. We ended up removing (1) lift bay, and a large party area that was collapsing. we also had to remove 15 pilings down to the lake bottom.

This modern traditional home's fireplace had no mantel. Ordinarily, we would remove some of the tile to attach everything and recess the edges of the mantel inside, but with the way it had been installed cutting into the tile would have caused the whole thing to crumble and collapse. We had to scribe a hanging ledger and fit the mantel to the tile and secure it in a way that would wear for many years to come.

This project was completed for clients who wanted a comfortable, accessible 1ST floor bathroom for their grown daughter to use during visits to their home as well as a nicely-appointed space for any guest. Their daughter has some accessibility challenges so the bathroom was also designed with that in mind. The original space worked fairly well in some ways, but we were able to tweak a few features to make the space even easier to maneuver through. We started by making the entry to the shower flush so that there is no curb to step over. In addition, although there was an existing oversized seat in the shower, it was way too deep and not comfortable to sit on and just wasted space. We made the shower a little smaller and then provided a fold down teak seat that is slip resistant, warm and comfortable to sit on and can flip down only when needed. Thus we were able to create some additional storage by way of open shelving to the left of the shower area. The open shelving matches the wood vanity and allows a spot for the homeowners to display heirlooms as well as practical storage for things like towels and other bath necessities. We carefully measured all the existing heights and locations of countertops, toilet seat, and grab bars to make sure that we did not undo the things that were already working well. We added some additional hidden grab bars or “grabcessories” at the toilet paper holder and shower shelf for an extra layer of assurance. Large format, slip-resistant floor tile was added eliminating as many grout lines as possible making the surface less prone to tripping. We used a wood look tile as an accent on the walls, and open storage in the vanity allowing for easy access for clean towels. Bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors add an elegant yet homey feel that was important for the homeowner. A pivot mirror allows adjustability for different users. If you are interested in designing a bathroom featuring “Living In Place” or accessibility features, give us a call to find out more. Susan Klimala, CKBD, is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and particularly enjoys helping her clients with unique needs in the context of beautifully designed spaces. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel

This new primary suite closet is part of a larger remodeling project that also involved a new primary bathroom, an additional bathroom and a large kitchen. The master suite remodel included converting a long and narrow master bath, a large closet and two awkward baths into a true primary bath oasis. The closet was moved to a new location. The goal was to create a modern his and hers closet that offered thoughtful organization while maximizing the storage potential of the space. Other needs included space for hampers, a place to iron and a designated space for Indian saris without natural light. Design challenges: -Arranging everything: hanging bars, drawers, shoe storage and safes Design solutions and nice touches: -Bench in front of the window with shoe storage in drawers -Two floor-to-ceiling mirrors -Two tall closet cabinets for storing saris -She is shorter so hanging clothes on her side are easier to reach -Plenty of drawer storage -Two hampers behind doors -Island in the middle for more storage, with a countertop handy for daily dressing assistance, folding, packing, etc. -Outlet inside island for collapsible ironing board -Fully accessorized with valet rods, belt pull-outs -Rotating tie hangers

A favourite place to gather after dark is the comfy lounge area around the stone clad fire table. The large shade umbrella can stay up spring and fall to reflect the heat or be collapsed in summer to enjoy the stars. Being located in the country near Lake Simcoe and away from city lights means the night skies are spectacular!

Brick paver patio and diagonal Trex deck stairs in front of the custom SCREENEZE screened porch-EZE-Breeze sunroom design.
Inspiration for a timeless porch remodel in DC Metro

In the evening the deck is a popular spot for al fresco dining with the table being conveniently located between the kitchen walkout and the premium stainless steel Weber barbecue. The large moveable and collapsible umbrella can be opened as needed to provide protection from mid-day sun or passing showers.

Screened porch and sunroom hybrid design as seen from beyond the new sitting wall.
This is an example of a traditional porch design in DC Metro.

Multi-Functional Space – A Murphy bed folds into the wall and can then function as a dining space. Features like this make this DADU functional for anything from an art studio or expandable party space, to guest quarters or a quiet place to escape for cat naps. Every design choice was made with an uber- flexible space in mind.

Jason Schmidt
Living room - mid-sized contemporary enclosed light wood floor and brown floor living room idea in New York with white walls, a bar and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a modern deck remodel in Hawaii

Example of a trendy beige one-story gable roof design in San Diego

If you are anything like me you are always looking for serving areas. I designed these collapsible tray tables based on a vintage baggage stand concept. We have them throughout the house and quite frankly, I can’t image not having them… I use them in so many ways. Here one makes the perfect place to showcase desert. Not only does this leave the host or hostess free to do less hopping between courses but it also provides another place for a holiday vignette. Holiday styling ideas from my collaboration with Bradshaws in Stratford Ontario Canada.

This new primary suite closet is part of a larger remodeling project that also involved a new primary bathroom, an additional bathroom and a large kitchen. The master suite remodel included converting a long and narrow master bath, a large closet and two awkward baths into a true primary bath oasis. The closet was moved to a new location. The goal was to create a modern his and hers closet that offered thoughtful organization while maximizing the storage potential of the space. Other needs included space for hampers, a place to iron and a designated space for Indian saris without natural light. Design challenges: -Arranging everything: hanging bars, drawers, shoe storage and safes Design solutions and nice touches: -Bench in front of the window with shoe storage in drawers -Two floor-to-ceiling mirrors -Two tall closet cabinets for storing saris -She is shorter so hanging clothes on her side are easier to reach -Plenty of drawer storage -Two hampers behind doors -Island in the middle for more storage, with a countertop handy for daily dressing assistance, folding, packing, etc. -Outlet inside island for collapsible ironing board -Fully accessorized with valet rods, belt pull-outs -Rotating tie hangers

This mid-century modern party pad exudes an untouchable spirit of Beverly Hills leaning back to the 60s and jumping forward to today’s smart home living. The house, located in the esteemed Trousdale Estates, is all about lifestyle and with a full Savant Systems integration, there is not a space forgotten. Escape to the dedicated home theater where the 140” screen will dominate or make a drink and take in the view of LA from the pool. Collapse the house walls, let the TVs down and you can bet that this place is anything but boring.

This Scripps Ranch Home Remodel incorporates a transitional design style with some fun pops of color and unique custom artwork. If you're looking to remodel your home, give us a call at (619) 296-0846!

Photo copyright, Darren Setlow | @darrensetlow | darrensetlow.com
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Portland Maine

This mid-century modern party pad exudes an untouchable spirit of Beverly Hills leaning back to the 60s and jumping forward to today’s smart home living. The house, located in the esteemed Trousdale Estates, is all about lifestyle and with a full Savant Systems integration, there is not a space forgotten. Escape to the dedicated home theater where the 140” screen will dominate or make a drink and take in the view of LA from the pool. Collapse the house walls, let the TVs down and you can bet that this place is anything but boring.