Example of a large classic brown floor living room design in Chicago with beige walls

Here in Florida, we’re blessed with great weather year-round. So it’s no surprise that outdoor entertaining areas are an extremely popular way to enhance outdoor living. When our clients requested an update to their existing outdoor kitchen while they were away on vacation, we were ready to hit the ground running. While their beautiful 2-story home on a golf course had a pool and covered lanai area, the existing outdoor kitchen just didn’t function well for their needs. Mainly, they craved additional counter space and more seating. And, as avid football fans, with a son playing on a renown Division 1 college team, they also wanted a large screen TV to watch games. After all, what better way to share game day excitement than at a barbecue with family and friends? A Bigger, Better Kitchen Layout Our brilliant design team came up with a much larger, u-shaped outdoor kitchen layout for increased functionality. The extra base cabinets provided plenty of storage as well as a foundation for additional countertop space. Adjacent to the sink, we added a 24” outdoor refrigerator to keep food and beverages chilled, and the high top bar allowed for more seating around the perimeter. For cooking, our clients selected a much larger Lynx grill and side burner to replace the original grill. While the kitchen was already set up for a grilling area, it required a hood, so we built and installed a custom hood for proper ventilation. Then, we added a large screen TV above the hood for easy viewing. Finishing Touches To softly illuminate the entire space at night, we installed additional recessed light fixtures into the ceiling and under the grill hood. We also tied the Cypress wood ceiling and the crown molding together into the design with a luxurious cabinet stain. Along with these finishing touches, we added a decorative travertine stone backsplash behind the grill and homogenized the front face of the bar for a polished, matching look. Ventilation Challenges With the outdoor kitchen lanai located directly under a second-floor living area, we had expected to tuck away ventilation ductwork between the second-level floor joists and the exterior wall running parallel to the grill hood. However, upon further investigation, we discovered the second floor joist system, in fact, ran perpendicular to the grill hood. In short, we needed a new way to hide the venting without compromising the original design. Our team came up with an inspired solution: Construction of a false wall behind the outdoor kitchen allowed us to run ductwork without creating a visible chase for the vent, thus maintaining a symmetrical look on both sides of the grill and decorative hood. Exceeding Expectations In the end, we didn’t just meet our clients’ needs for a beautiful outdoor kitchen update – we exceeded them. As planned, we completed the new outdoor kitchen while they were out of town. But when our clients returned from vacation, they were so impressed with the results (and the stress-free design/build experience) that they promptly hired us for another extensive remodel – a stunning home addition!

Graham Syed
Inspiration for a contemporary entryway remodel in Seattle with a blue front door

This modern, industrial basement renovation includes a conversation sitting area and game room, bar, pool table, large movie viewing area, dart board and large, fully equipped exercise room. The design features stained concrete floors, feature walls and bar fronts of reclaimed pallets and reused painted boards, bar tops and counters of reclaimed pine planks and stripped existing steel columns. Decor includes industrial style furniture from Restoration Hardware, track lighting and leather club chairs of different colors. The client added personal touches of favorite album covers displayed on wall shelves, a multicolored Buzz mascott from Georgia Tech and a unique grid of canvases with colors of all colleges attended by family members painted by the family. Photos are by the architect.

Garden makeovers by Shirley Bovshow in Los Angeles. Glowing ornamental grasses and other low water plants enhance the natural style gardens surrounding this pool makeover expertly crafted by Southern California Landscape. Why start from scratch if you can "recreate" a pool scape that you will love for a fraction of the price. See the transformation: http://edenmakersblog.com/?p=533 Photo by Shirley Bovshow EdenMakersBlog.com

Dining room - traditional dining room idea in Birmingham

Built in 1887 by Charles Burt Sumner, one of the founders of Pomona College, this Queen Anne-style Victorian home had fallen into neglect and disrepair. The College hired us to restore the home to its original grandeur in 1992. We even managed to uncover the original paint scheme and replicate the historic colors.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2013 Houzz
Example of a trendy dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in New York with white walls

Stuart Wade, Envision Web If you are looking for a lifestyle change, whether it is retirement or just a new way of life, Clarkesville is the perfect location. Recently named "The Friendliest Town" by Blue Ridge Country Magazine, Clarkesville prides itself on its rich hospitality. A lively and friendly small town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; Clarkesville is a thriving small town like the ones you remember from your childhood. Clarkesville is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle and become part of a friendly community. Come for a visit and you may never want to leave! Unique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants are all within walking distance on Washington Street's tree lined brick sidewalks in Downtown Clarkesville... Our historic buildings, relaxing benches and quaint charm make Clarkesville a thoroughly enjoyable place to live and visit. Numerous popular events and festivals take place downtown throughout the year. The heart of Appalachian culture and heritage, Clarkesville annually hosts the Mountain Laurel Festival - the oldest festival of its type in Georgia. From golfing to bird watching, Clarkesville's outdoor recreation includes two award-winning championship golf courses; the picturesque Sam Pitts Park and Mary Street Park, the Clarkesville Greenways Trail, hiking, biking and fishing. The scenic Soque River plays a unique role, as it is the only river in the state to begin and end in the same county. Stocked with trophy trout, the Soque River has been touted "The best fly-fishing east of the Mississippi" by fly fishing enthusiasts. Brigadoon Lodge and Blackhawk Fly Fishing have played host to visitors from all over the country- including celebrities! Arts and music abound in Downtown! Catch a live show at our Historic Habersham Community Theater, located downtown, which has been providing entertainment to our community for nearly 75 years. Dance the night away at the Grant Street Music Room, the live music venue located at the Old Clarkesville Mill, or grab a bite from our downtown restaurants and enjoy the live music offered weekly! If history is your passion, Clarkesville is certainly the place for you! With a rich and notable past spanning hundreds of years, Clarkesville is unique because of its historic homes and significant architecture. The Historic Mauldin House serves as the Visitors Center and is an example of the once common, now rare, Victorian cottages in Clarkesville. The small farmhouse, adjacent to downtown, includes a historic millinery shop and Big Holly Cabin, a one-room, hand-hewn cabin built in the early 19th century. One block away is the Old Clarkesville Cemetery, an outdoor museum recording Clarkesville history. Guided evening tours with theatrical reenactments are held on the third Friday of each month from April - November. For education, Clarkesville sits proudly in the middle of two colleges: Piedmont College and North Georgia Technical College. Founded in 1897, Piedmont College is a comprehensive liberal arts institution and also offers a variety of career-oriented majors, including education, business and nursing. Total enrollment is approximately 2,800 students on campuses in Demorest and Athens. North Georgia Technical College is a public, residential, multi-campus, two-year technical college whose mission is to provide quality technical education, adult education, continuing education, and business and industry training to individuals who can benefit from these programs and services. These efforts improve the quality of life of individuals by preparing them to succeed as literate and technically competent members of the workforce and by promoting the economic growth and development of the Northeast Georgia region. The college offers both traditional and distance learning courses that lead to the certificate, the diploma, and the associate degree.

We began with a structurally sound 1950’s home. The owners sought to capture views of mountains and lake with a new second story, along with a complete rethinking of the plan. Basement walls and three fireplaces were saved, along with the main floor deck. The new second story provides a master suite, and professional home office for him. A small office for her is on the main floor, near three children’s bedrooms. The oldest daughter is in college; her room also functions as a guest bedroom. A second guest room, plus another bath, is in the lower level, along with a media/playroom and an exercise room. The original carport is down there, too, and just inside there is room for the family to remove shoes, hang up coats, and drop their stuff. The focal point of the home is the flowing living/dining/family/kitchen/terrace area. The living room may be separated via a large rolling door. Pocketing, sliding glass doors open the family and dining area to the terrace, with the original outdoor fireplace/barbeque. When slid into adjacent wall pockets, the combined opening is 28 feet wide.

Photo: Kristin Laing © 2018 Houzz
Example of an eclectic bedroom design in Austin

Example of a trendy bathroom design in Seattle

This unique contemporary home was carefully sited in a large meadow overlooking a magnificent brook that is a haven for wildlife. The open floor house plan connects to a granite terrace, which overlooks a 60' gunite lap pool. Ipe deck landings connect the home to the pool terrace and create a seamless visual connection to the preservation area beyond. Classic New England materials such as natural stone and grey granite are used in a contemporary pattern to tie into the materials used on the homes exterior.

Kathryn MacDonald Photography
Example of a dining room design

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse brown two-story wood exterior home remodel in Boston

Spacious and distinct exterior living spaces such as porches and balconies flow from within and reach out onto the landscape. Robin Hill
Inspiration for a contemporary white two-story exterior home remodel in Miami

Located in a historic neighborhood, this property features an Italian Revival home on a compact lot. The owners have lovingly restored the exterior, and we created a garden that feels both fresh and timeless. The design maximizes the site with a sparkling pool and a series of spaces for entertaining, relaxing and play. Generous custom tile work, a new pergola and gates, and iron lights and railings all elevate the design and extend the graciousness of the home’s interior into the new outdoor spaces.

Stuart Wade, Envision WebIf you are looking for a lifestyle change, whether it is retirement or just a new way of life, Clarkesville is the perfect location. Recently named "The Friendliest Town" by Blue Ridge Country Magazine, Clarkesville prides itself on its rich hospitality. A lively and friendly small town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; Clarkesville is a thriving small town like the ones you remember from your childhood. Clarkesville is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle and become part of a friendly community. Come for a visit and you may never want to leave! Unique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants are all within walking distance on Washington Street's tree lined brick sidewalks in Downtown Clarkesville... Our historic buildings, relaxing benches and quaint charm make Clarkesville a thoroughly enjoyable place to live and visit. Numerous popular events and festivals take place downtown throughout the year. The heart of Appalachian culture and heritage, Clarkesville annually hosts the Mountain Laurel Festival - the oldest festival of its type in Georgia. From golfing to bird watching, Clarkesville's outdoor recreation includes two award-winning championship golf courses; the picturesque Sam Pitts Park and Mary Street Park, the Clarkesville Greenways Trail, hiking, biking and fishing. The scenic Soque River plays a unique role, as it is the only river in the state to begin and end in the same county. Stocked with trophy trout, the Soque River has been touted "The best fly-fishing east of the Mississippi" by fly fishing enthusiasts. Brigadoon Lodge and Blackhawk Fly Fishing have played host to visitors from all over the country- including celebrities! Arts and music abound in Downtown! Catch a live show at our Historic Habersham Community Theater, located downtown, which has been providing entertainment to our community for nearly 75 years. Dance the night away at the Grant Street Music Room, the live music venue located at the Old Clarkesville Mill, or grab a bite from our downtown restaurants and enjoy the live music offered weekly! If history is your passion, Clarkesville is certainly the place for you! With a rich and notable past spanning hundreds of years, Clarkesville is unique because of its historic homes and significant architecture. The Historic Mauldin House serves as the Visitors Center and is an example of the once common, now rare, Victorian cottages in Clarkesville. The small farmhouse, adjacent to downtown, includes a historic millinery shop and Big Holly Cabin, a one-room, hand-hewn cabin built in the early 19th century. One block away is the Old Clarkesville Cemetery, an outdoor museum recording Clarkesville history. Guided evening tours with theatrical reenactments are held on the third Friday of each month from April - November. For education, Clarkesville sits proudly in the middle of two colleges: Piedmont College and North Georgia Technical College. Founded in 1897, Piedmont College is a comprehensive liberal arts institution and also offers a variety of career-oriented majors, including education, business and nursing. Total enrollment is approximately 2,800 students on campuses in Demorest and Athens. North Georgia Technical College is a public, residential, multi-campus, two-year technical college whose mission is to provide quality technical education, adult education, continuing education, and business and industry training to individuals who can benefit from these programs and services. These efforts improve the quality of life of individuals by preparing them to succeed as literate and technically competent members of the workforce and by promoting the economic growth and development of the Northeast Georgia region. The college offers both traditional and distance learning courses that lead to the certificate, the diploma, and the associate degree.

Example of a classic home office design in Minneapolis