Search results for "Communication" in Home Design Ideas

Photo Credit: Social Lite Communications; Caitlin Varrin
Transitional bathroom photo in Edmonton with quartz countertops
Transitional bathroom photo in Edmonton with quartz countertops

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage.
Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials.
In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms.
A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival.
The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power.
Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove.
A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather.
The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts.
The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience.
The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly.
The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway.
Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.
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Photo Credit Landmark Photography. This home was designed with entertainment in mind. It has minimal detailing to give that contemporary transitional simplicity. The outdoor living and entertainment takes advantage of the lush wooded back lot. The see through aquarium and fireplace gives each space a feeling of coziness while allowing the open feel desired. In the basement the bar and wine cellar hosts more entertaining possibilities. Across from the bar is a sunken gulf simulator room and Theater. With the ongoing concept of open floor plan guests can communicate from the many exciting spaces in the basement.

This custom built 2-story French Country style home is a beautiful retreat in the South Tampa area. The exterior of the home was designed to strike a subtle balance of stucco and stone, brought together by a neutral color palette with contrasting rust-colored garage doors and shutters. To further emphasize the European influence on the design, unique elements like the curved roof above the main entry and the castle tower that houses the octagonal shaped master walk-in shower jutting out from the main structure. Additionally, the entire exterior form of the home is lined with authentic gas-lit sconces. The rear of the home features a putting green, pool deck, outdoor kitchen with retractable screen, and rain chains to speak to the country aesthetic of the home.
Inside, you are met with a two-story living room with full length retractable sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor kitchen and pool deck. A large salt aquarium built into the millwork panel system visually connects the media room and living room. The media room is highlighted by the large stone wall feature, and includes a full wet bar with a unique farmhouse style bar sink and custom rustic barn door in the French Country style. The country theme continues in the kitchen with another larger farmhouse sink, cabinet detailing, and concealed exhaust hood. This is complemented by painted coffered ceilings with multi-level detailed crown wood trim. The rustic subway tile backsplash is accented with subtle gray tile, turned at a 45 degree angle to create interest. Large candle-style fixtures connect the exterior sconces to the interior details. A concealed pantry is accessed through hidden panels that match the cabinetry. The home also features a large master suite with a raised plank wood ceiling feature, and additional spacious guest suites. Each bathroom in the home has its own character, while still communicating with the overall style of the home.

Wine Cellar ||| We were involved with most aspects of this newly constructed 8,300 sq ft penthouse and guest suite, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Penthouse and interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc ||| Photo by: Harry Crouse ||| Builder: Balfour Beatty

These are returning clients of Sosna, for whom we previously completed a Laundry Room and multiple Bathroom renovation.
They are a family of professionals in the restaurant industry, who returned to Sosna to renovate their outdated, and cramped Kitchen. They found it especially cramped when entertaining guests, as the only space to gather was around the cooking area.
During the renovation process, it was discovered that the existing window had leaked and caused extensive damage to the exterior wall. This damage was repaired with new framing and insulation, and a larger window was installed allowing for a beautiful view of the backyard.
In the newly renovated Kitchen, a large peninsula in the center of the room features unique grooved panels with LED lighting and a quartz waterfall countertop. Creating the grooved panels to align perfectly with the tall cabinets on the opposite wall and also fit the LED channels required detailed and careful calculations.
This peninsula not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also serves a functional purpose. It provides a designated area for food preparation and cooking behind it, while the opposite side remains a convenient and safe space for entertaining, allowing guests to communicate and interact with their hosts effortlessly.
The back wall of the Kitchen features the stove and large hood cabinet, which are flanked by 2 appliance garages to hide and store small countertop appliances. As well, cabinetry that is fully loaded with drawer and cabinet accessories with pull-outs and inserts keeps the countertops free from clutter.
The right side of the Kitchen includes the fridge, pantry, and tall cabinetry with plenty of useful storage. A wine fridge and built-in coffee machine are conveniently placed for entertaining.
Given the new cabinetry was a mix of doors with a thin shaker profile, and doors with grooves, the installation of knobs and handles required careful measurement to ensure that they not only fit the grooves, but lined up for a clean and cohesive look.
Our clients are overjoyed with their unique and beautiful Kitchen, uniquely designed for both their daily lives, and entertaining needs.
If you’re ready for a Kitchen that meets your tastes, needs, and lifestyle, contact us to get started!

Rare vintage farming implement wheel in a handcrafted wooden display stand.
Small farmhouse light wood floor foyer photo in Los Angeles with gray walls
Small farmhouse light wood floor foyer photo in Los Angeles with gray walls

This master bathroom was once shouting with coral wallpaper, harsh gold accents and an over sized, unused tub. Our client wanted to escape to their master bathroom and feel as if they were in a spa atmosphere. We were able to show our client’s 3D concept renderings to communicate our overall master bathroom design. Using a marble curved basket weave mosaic tile on the floor with a black granite outline and Carrara baseboard, this stunning design began to take place. We selected a solid white, gloss tile for the shower walls so that our tile accent would be the shower focal point. The shower features a curbless entry, linear drain and seamless glass design for the most luxurious shower experience. Since our client had two beautiful chandeliers from her late mother’s home, we incorporated the fixtures into the lighting plan for a touch of sentimental glam. Custom designed vanity cabinets along with a vessel sink and waterfall edge countertop provided a useful yet beautiful accent to this bathroom. Stunning black sconces offer a softer lighting option that is incorporated with new can lights overhead. The finishing touch on this beautiful master bathroom is the custom designed valances above the windows that offer a sleek black accent with a subtle floral print.
This beautiful master bathroom was photographed by Michael Hunter Photography.

Minimalism isn’t supposed to be vanilla—this one actually earns the label. Clean, modern simplicity is the core, but it’s rich in intention. Every line, surface, and texture is deliberate; emptiness feels calculated, not lazy. The subdued palette and essentialist layout speak to refined restraint, yet the space still communicates a quiet, confident presence. Real minimalism with character—not stripped, but sharpened.

Pool House addition will be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come. The client's style is communicated beautifully with their attention to detail. The interior shiplap, coupla and wether vain are great personal touches.

Proposed extension for a single family home in Montreal, two steps away from the Saint Lawrence River. The challenge was to integrate a new living space adapted to the uneven and angular form of the field.
At the rear of the residence, in the court side, the new dining areas adjacent to the kitchen is now part of the landscape. The volume of approximately twelve feet by sixteen feet lets natural light through a large sliding folding door that opens fully outside. The space promotes the movements and communications between the kitchen and the back yard. Privacy is however preserved by the uneven shape of a triangular window that maximizes the lighting towards the sky and thus extends the glazed space on the entire length of the south facade of the building.
The minimalism of the interior decoration invites one’s gaze toward the outside. Everything is designed to provide continuity with the landscape. The color of the grooved wood envelope adds comforting warmth while also accenting the opening on the backyard. The roof tapers and reveals an awning. Thus sheltered, the patio remains simple, in concrete, such a rock lodged there to greet the structure which disappears and blends into the landscape.

Ehlen Creative Communications: Mark Ehlen
Example of a mid-sized classic light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Minneapolis with blue walls and no fireplace
Example of a mid-sized classic light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Minneapolis with blue walls and no fireplace

We designed this newly constructed 14,300 sq ft beach house, including: comprehensive construction documents; interior details, drawings and specifications; custom power & lighting; client & builder communications. ||| Interior design by: Harry J Crouse Design Inc

Kathy Moore from Reico Kitchen & Bath in King of Prussia, PA, worked with Belfry Construction to design a transitional kitchen featuring Merillat Autograph cabinets. The perimeter cabinets are in the Bayard door style with a Warm White finish, while the island has an Evergreen finish, paired with Q4076 Verde Peake countertops.
The remodel also includes Daltile 3x12 Aloe Rectangle and 1x6 Drift Straight Joint backsplash tiles, along with Frigidaire appliances.
The client said, “We love the extra counter space, storage, and modern look. Kathy was key to the project’s success because she considered every detail in the design. Her top suggestion was the utensil storage cabinet. Our favorite feature is the drawer microwave, which makes the area more user-friendly. We also moved the basement door to the dining room to add a corner cabinet and create a larger work area.”
Kathy shared, “The kitchen needed more storage and better functionality. The biggest challenge was designing within the existing space since it was original and the clients had specific tastes. Moving the door allowed for more cabinets. I enjoyed working with the clients to pick all the options. The communication was excellent — they were excited, and we worked well as a team.”
Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

At The Cabinetry of Madisonville, our goal is to not only help you design and create your dream kitchen or bath but to make every remodeling and building project easy and enjoyable for you. We are a full-service design/build company with a wide range of experience. We can help you with your home construction or remodeling needs: kitchens, baths, media rooms, additions, basement finishing, and outdoor spaces.
Our excellent reputation and long list of satisfied clients attest to our superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, clear communication, honesty and integrity. Just ask for our client reference list.

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage.
Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials.
In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms.
A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival.
The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power.
Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove.
A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

DIRECT CONNECT. The communication niche—to the left of the entry—echoes the storage niche design but with shiny lacquer cabinets. Here, the owners can easily access recipes online, while charging their electronic devices in a convenient recessed charging station.

Our clients approached us to renovate their loved family home. The Main Floor needed a fresh update, and better functionality and storage to fit the needs of their growing family.
The existing Kitchen felt closed off from the rest of the Main Floor, and the layout did not allow for enough countertop or storage space. Each of their Bathrooms also needed an update and better storage.
Due to a previously bad experience with another contractor previously, it was important for our clients to work with a contractor who they could build trust with, and feel respected by and comfortable with.
Using space from an extra stairway in the side entry of the house, we were able to create a spacious mudroom, perfect for taking a seat to put on or take off coats and boots, and unique, hidden storage for seasonal and outdoor items.
We were able to create a more open concept Main Floor, by removing the walls between the Kitchen and Family Room. This allowed for a larger, more functional Kitchen. The new Kitchen is bright and welcoming with white quartz countertops that run seamlessly into a matching backsplash. Beautiful white cabinetry is complemented by brushed bronze pulls and faucets, and durable, contemporary flooring.
We transformed the Kitchen and Family Room areas with a vaulted ceiling, and a repaired and modernized Kitchen skylight. We also integrated a patio door entrance, which combined with both sloped and flat sections of the vaulted ceiling, proved to be quite a challenge!
This project involved skilled welding, roofing, and structural work, and it was important to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. As any mistakes could result in serious issues, communication between everyone involved was key! Regular team meetings, updates on progress, and addressing concerns promptly kept everyone on the same page and avoided misunderstandings. In the end, the raised ceiling, skylight, and patio door were well worth the work, as together they enhanced the airiness and visual spaciousness of the space.
On the Second Floor, we created a larger Master Ensuite by borrowing room from existing closet space. This allowed for a spacious walk-in shower, and separate bathtub. A prefabricated stylish vanity not only adds a pop of colour, but also provides plenty of useful storage. New marble tiling on the floor extends to the wall behind the bathtub, creating a luxurious accent wall.
The Shared Bathroom was updated to include a new walk-in shower, and a separate bathtub, surrounded by modern geometric wall tiles.
The removal of popcorn ceilings, an updated the Front Door, and a refinished Main Staircase with metal railings completed tying the home together, creating a fresh, updated space that this family can enjoy for years to come.

A beautiful home theatre featuring a 110" video projection screen and a UHD (4K) video projector, which delivers a outstanding picture. The front speakers, subwoofer and all electronic equipment are hidden behind cabinet doors. Four in-ceiling speakers fill the space with full surround sound. The entire system including a Lutron lighting system are controlled via a handheld remote control.
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