Challenge After living in their home for ten years, these Bonita Bay homeowners were ready to embark on a complete home makeover. They were not only ready to update the look and feel, but also the flow of the house. Having lived in their house for an extended period of time, this couple had a clear idea of how they use their space, the shortcomings of their current layout and how they would like to improve it. After interviewing four different contractors, they chose to retain Progressive Design Build’s design services. Already familiar with the design/build process having finished a renovation on a lakefront home in Canada, the couple chose Progressive Design Build wisely. Progressive Design Build invested a lot of time during the design process to ensure the design concept was thorough and reflected the couple’s vision. Options were presented, giving these homeowners several alternatives and good ideas on how to realize their vision, while working within their budget. Progressive Design Build guided the couple all the way—through selections and finishes, saving valuable time and money. Solution The interior remodel included a beautiful contemporary master bathroom with a stunning barrel-ceiling accent. The freestanding bathtub overlooks a private courtyard and a separate stone shower is visible through a beautiful frameless shower enclosure. Interior walls and ceilings in the common areas were designed to expose as much of the Southwest Florida view as possible, allowing natural light to spill through the house from front to back. Progressive created a separate area for their Baby Grand Piano overlooking the front garden area. The kitchen was also remodeled as part of the project, complete with cherry cabinets and granite countertops. Both guest bathrooms and the pool bathroom were also renovated. A light limestone tile floor was installed throughout the house. All of the interior doors, crown mouldings and base mouldings were changed out to create a fresh, new look. Every surface of the interior of the house was repainted. This whole house remodel also included a small addition and a stunning outdoor living area, which features a dining area, outdoor fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling slate finish, exterior grade cabinetry finished in a natural cypress wood stain, a stainless steel appliance package, and a black leather finish granite countertop. The grilling area includes a 54" multi-burner DCS and rotisserie grill surrounded by natural stone mosaic tile and stainless steel inserts. This whole house renovation also included the pool and pool deck. In addition to procuring all new pool equipment, Progressive Design Build built the pool deck using natural gold travertine. The ceiling was designed with a select grade cypress in a dark rich finish and termination mouldings with wood accents on the fireplace wall to match. During construction, Progressive Design Build identified areas of water intrusion and a failing roof system. The homeowners decided to install a new concrete tile roof under the management of Progressive Design Build. The entire exterior was also repainted as part of the project. Results Due to some permitting complications, the project took thirty days longer than expected. However, in the end, the project finished in eight months instead of seven, but still on budget. This homeowner was so pleased with the work performed on this initial project that he hired Progressive Design Build four more times – to complete four additional remodeling projects in 4 years.

Brian DeWolf
Large transitional u-shaped brown floor and dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and subway tile backsplash

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn couple wanted to transform their dated kitchen into a more family-friendly space to use on a daily basis for cooking family meals and for entertaining friends. The existing kitchen was quite chopped up with strange soffits and different ceiling heights. To make the space flow in a more logical manner, we borrowed an unused desk area from the adjoining hallway and reconfigured a neighboring bath. Getting it to work on paper was fairly straightforward, but there was a bit of complicated beam work involved as the new kitchen flows through what was an old exterior wall. The new ceiling is now completely flush as we were able to hide the support in the ceiling joists. A new, larger window was added at the sink, the doorway to the room was widened and the resulting space creates a more easy flow from dining room to family room. The clients chose white inset cabinets, white marble tops and an apron sink to keep the space feeling simple yet original to the home's Colonial styling. Ship lap siding on the back of the island and at the pantry storage ceiling, a walnut butcher block, and antique brass details give the space an updated look. Professional stainless appliances are functional and beautiful. In addition to a large built-in fridge and 36" range, a second oven is housed in the island for flexibility. The pantry area has a convenience station that houses the family's espresso machine along with the microwave drawer. Another large bank of cabinets in the same area serves as pantry storage for dry goods. The bathroom was also remodeled as part of this project. The full bath has a vanity, shower and convenient baby changing area. The floor is encaustic tile, a type of concrete tile recognizable by its bold graphics. The mirror and lighting add a few modern touches to keep it in line with the Owner's personal style. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Our client planned to spend more time in this home and wanted to increase its livability. The project was complicated by the strata-specified deadline for exterior work, the logistics of working in an occupied strata complex, and the need to minimize the impact on surrounding neighbours. By reducing the deck space, removing the hot tub, and moving out the dining room wall, we were able to add important livable space inside. Our homeowners were thrilled to have a larger kitchen. The additional 500 square feet of living space integrated seamlessly into the existing architecture. This award-winning home features reclaimed fir flooring (from the Stanley Park storm), and wood-cased sliding doors in the dining room, that allow full access to the outdoor balcony with its exquisite views. Green building products and processes were used extensively throughout the renovation, which resulted in a modern, highly-efficient, and beautiful home.

Elegant home design photo in Boston

Inspiration for a coastal patio remodel in Grand Rapids

This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Immagery Intelligence
Example of a large trendy master ceramic tile freestanding bathtub design in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and an undermount sink

Nursery - eclectic nursery idea in Houston

Home design - modern home design idea in Los Angeles

1960s bathroom photo in Los Angeles

Example of a mid-sized classic open concept medium tone wood floor family room design in Seattle with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

This award-winning guest bedroom project tells the story of Pennsylvania's role in the Revolutionary War. The quilted bedspread is in a Thibaut fabric, and has a reverse sham, sometimes called a French flap. Banding at the hem of the custom quilted bedspread, and on the leading edge of the draperies were inspired by the leather collar of the portrait opposite. A contrast welting defines the edge of the mattress and of the reverse sham. Two naval battles with a Pennsylvania connection were custom framed, and are shown to the right of the window, while an engraving of William Penn signing a treaty with the Indians, from the Anderson House museum collection, is above the bed. An embroidered pillow shows the seal of the Society of the Cincinnati. The small tables used as nightstands are from Maitland Smith, while the headboard and bed frame were found in a Pennsylvania antique store. The new wall color adds warmth and contrast to the linen white trim color. Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC

Caroline Johnson Photography
Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in San Francisco

These eyelet ready-made curtains from Curtains4Australia are made of thick stripe chenille fabrics, adding a touch of texture and warmth, while the embroidered ginkgo biloba pattern brings a unique and charming detail. But what really makes these curtains stand out is the eyelet design, which not only adds an elegant touch but also makes them incredibly easy to hang. Simply slip the curtain rod through the eyelets and you're done! No need for hooks or other complicated installation methods. These ready-made grommet curtains are a convenient and stylish solution for any room.

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Our clients purchased this older home with three separate additions. The first addition was a slab tie-in. The second two additions were achieved with off-grade floor joist systems. To further complicate this floor, our clients replaced their cast iron waste lines with PVC. We recommended a decoupling membrane for a plank porcelain tile throughout the entire home. Here we ground down the trench work, feathered the transitions, and removed the high spots throughout the floor in preparation for the crack isolation membrane application. We then sealed/primed the cutback adhesives before applying the Ditra.

Amana makes appliances the old fashioned way; with easy-to-use features, essential design and affordable prices. You can guarantee that an Amana microwave, refrigerator or washer/dryer will work out of the box without complicated setup sequences or finicky attachments. Amana is in business to help the customer who wants to find a simple appliance solution without breaking their budget. Broken A/C in the middle of a heat wave? Need a new dryer before the lease is up? Buying a microwave for your college-bound teens? There's nothing wrong with spending the big bucks on a high-end appliance, but spending extra money on the latest gadgets and extras isn't always the answer. To meet this demand Amana brand appliances provide assistance with household tasks that still look fantastic.

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture