The entire exterior of this colonial was stripped of its siding, windows, and roofing. A new porch provides a formal front entry. Photo by: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

This early 20th-century house needed careful updating so it would work for a contemporary family without feeling as though the historical integrity had been lost. We stepped in to create a more functional combined kitchen and mud room area. A window bench was added off the kitchen, providing a new sitting area where none existed before. New wood detail was created to match the wood already in the house, so it appears original. Custom upholstery was added for comfort. In the master bathroom, we reconfigured the adjacent spaces to create a comfortable vanity, shower, and walk-in closet. The choices of materials were guided by the existing structure, which was very nicely finished.

Two-story addition added to 80-year old brick colonial. First floor features custom panel wall with antiqued mirror panels, custom Gracie wallpaper treatment in small library as well as silver leaf wallpaper inside shelves of custom built-in cabinet. Cabinet hardware antique from local salvage source. Ansel Olson - Photographer

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

Saltillo tiles at the entry warm the look of the foyer with wood flooring differentiating the spaces. Stained wood windows and doors provide an unparalleled look to the Spanish revival style.

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

The original design intent of this new custom home was to recreate the style and feel of a early 20th century working farm, while providing all new modern fixtures, appliances, systems and conveniences. In addition to using salvaged antique hand-hewn beams on the interior living spaces, a large c. 1840 timber frame hay barn (from Ontario, Canada) was reconstructed and re-purposed for riding and carriage horses.

Black chokeberry / Aronia melanocarpa

Basements in houses built in the 50's face a lot of challenges when it comes to development - bulkheads, uneven floors, small windows, disintegrating plumbing, and cracked walls all need to be dealt with to provide a perfect modern finish. This basement required everything from completely new plumbing from the stack to the street, levelled breathable subfloor, spray foamed walls and rim joists, bulkheads, and a load bearing support wall.

This showpiece dining room is really the jewel in the crown of this 1930s Colonial we designed and restored. The room is a mixture of the husband and wife's design styles. He loves Italy, so we installed a Tuscan mural. She loves Chinoiserie and color, so we added some red Chinese Chippendale chairs. The grasscloth wallpaper provides a neutral backdrop for some of the exciting standout pieces in this design. Also included are original paintings, lemon accents, and copper accents throughout.

This showpiece dining room is really the jewel in the crown of this 1930s Colonial we designed and restored. The room is a mixture of the husband and wife's design styles. He loves Italy, so we installed a Tuscan mural. She loves Chinoiserie and color, so we added some red Chinese Chippendale chairs. The grasscloth wallpaper provides a neutral backdrop for some of the exciting standout pieces in this design. Also included are original paintings, lemon accents, and copper accents throughout.

This showpiece dining room is really the jewel in the crown of this 1930s Colonial we designed and restored. The room is a mixture of the husband and wife's design styles. He loves Italy, so we installed a Tuscan mural. She loves Chinoiserie and color, so we added some red Chinese Chippendale chairs. The grasscloth wallpaper provides a neutral backdrop for some of the exciting standout pieces in this design. Also included are original paintings, lemon accents, and copper accents throughout.

A Pennsylvania farmhouse kitchen garden, also called a potager garden, grows tomatoes, berries and beans. The garden is punctuated with weathered steel Akoris Garden Tuteurs that provide support and architectural punctuation in the garden year round.

The view of the private bar from the entertain ment room. A high bar ledge allows guests to pull up and see the bar beyond. A window in the bar wall provides views into the wine cellar.....

A quintessential Colonial Revival brought to life by Virginia Tradition Builders. The home features a Buckingham slate roof with dormers that provide symmetry and natural light to the upper level. Original red brickwork is preserved and paired with new Hardie siding in a warm neutral tone, complemented by Myratec trim. Navy blue shutters and a matching front door offer bold contrast, while Marvin clad windows improve energy efficiency without sacrificing character. A soft curve in the brick walkway invites guests to the timeless front entry framed in crisp white trim.

This home had obvious signs of wind damage. Once approved for a full roof replacement we were able to get this homeowner CertainTeed Landmark PRO in Colonial Slate.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

A blue study with three quarter high paneling and coffered ceilings. Patio doors lead to the covered porch.
Example of a large classic home office design in Chicago