This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

Subsequent additions are covered with living green walls to deemphasize stylistic conflicts imposed on a 1940’s Tudor and become backdrop surrounding a kitchen addition. On the interior, further added architectural inconsistencies are edited away, and the language of the Tudor’s original reclaimed integrity is referenced for the addition. Sympathetic to the home, windows and doors remain untrimmed and stark plaster walls contrast the original black metal windows. Sharp black elements contrast fields of white. With a ceiling pitch matching the existing and chiseled dormers, a stark ceiling hovers over the kitchen space referencing the existing homes plaster walls. Grid members in windows and on saw scored paneled walls and cabinetry mirror the machine age windows as do exposed steel beams. The exaggerated white field is pierced by an equally exaggerated 13 foot black steel tower that references the existing homes steel door and window members. Glass shelves in the tower further the window parallel. Even though it held enough dinner and glassware for eight, its thin members and transparent shelves defy its massive nature, allow light to flow through it and afford the kitchen open views and the feeling of continuous space. The full glass at the end of the kitchen reveres a grouping of 50 year old Hemlocks. At the opposite end, a window close to the peak looks up to a green roof.

This remodel negotiates the owner’s desire for a modern home with the municipality’s desire to maintain the home’s ‘historic’ character.  To satisfy these potentially conflicting interests, our strategy restores the house’s shell while completely gutting the interior to achieve greater connections to the landscape beyond and between previously disconnected levels on the interior. At the exterior, new doors and windows with black frames hint at the elegant and restrained aesthetic that guides the design throughout. Similarly, a new cantilevered deck at the rear and new French doors at the front create connections to outside that echo the new spatial openness of the reorganized interior. The original home, although two stories, functioned like a single story home. To remedy this, the primary formal move was to remove the center of the home and insert a new, open stair that visually and physically connects the two levels. To take advantage of this, the lower level was enlarged and completely refinished to provide two new bedrooms, a music room, a playroom, and a bathroom. Similarly, the upper level was completed updated with a new master suite, an updated bathroom, new finishes in the main living spaces, and a new Henrybuilt Kitchen.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Example of a trendy u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Albuquerque with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, medium tone wood cabinets, an island and beige countertops

Project highlight – We are in the mission to improve the sage green galley kitchen in a cozy house in SF bay area. Homeowners’ wish list for the new kitchen- 1. Improve lighting 2. More storage 3. More countertop space 4. Light maintenance countertop 5. Refrigerator door conflicts with wall. 6. Better flow 7. Add a mini Fridge How did we transform the kitchen? 1. Added recessed light to ceiling & pendant light above the sink. Lighter color cabinet, back splash & countertop will bright up the space as well. 2. Adding a tall pantry with pull out shelves to the kitchen takes care the food storage. We also add 15 linear feet of base storage space under banquette seating. 3. Designating food storage in pantry clear out plenty of countertop space for food prep. 4. No more grout line on countertop. The engineer quartz countertop not only gives a beautiful touch to the kitchen but easy maintenance at the same time. 5. Common problem solved by adding a pantry between refrigerator & returning wall. Now the Ref door can be wide open with easy access to food. 6. The small peninsula in existing kitchen interrupts the flow and make kitchen feel smaller. It’s an item being removed. 7. Mini beverage fridge adds value to the kitchen for sure. Now, all drinks have a new home!

Two Birds Photography
Kids' room - transitional kids' room idea in Chicago

Dunn-Edwards paint colors - Body: Gray Monument DET602, Trim: White Picket Fence DET648, Accent (door): Gothic Revival Green DET507 Jeremy Samuelson Photography | www.jeremysamuelson.com

Project highlight – We are in the mission to improve the sage green galley kitchen in a cozy house in SF bay area. Homeowners’ wish list for the new kitchen- 1. Improve lighting 2. More storage 3. More countertop space 4. Light maintenance countertop 5. Refrigerator door conflicts with wall. 6. Better flow 7. Add a mini Fridge How did we transform the kitchen? 1. Added recessed light to ceiling & pendant light above the sink. Lighter color cabinet, back splash & countertop will bright up the space as well. 2. Adding a tall pantry with pull out shelves to the kitchen takes care the food storage. We also add 15 linear feet of base storage space under banquette seating. 3. Designating food storage in pantry clear out plenty of countertop space for food prep. 4. No more grout line on countertop. The engineer quartz countertop not only gives a beautiful touch to the kitchen but easy maintenance at the same time. 5. Common problem solved by adding a pantry between refrigerator & returning wall. Now the Ref door can be wide open with easy access to food. 6. The small peninsula in existing kitchen interrupts the flow and make kitchen feel smaller. It’s an item being removed. 7. Mini beverage fridge adds value to the kitchen for sure. Now, all drinks have a new home!

Living room - large eclectic open concept living room idea in Las Vegas with a standard fireplace

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Modern Farmhouse model home in Greenville, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic rustic architecture with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this grand open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends to create the ultimate entertaining space. The spectacular luxury kitchen is highlighted by dramatic black casement windows that frame beautiful outdoor views, an expansive layout, and a massive, oversized kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers a clear vantage point directly out into the backyard, while a separate, giant walk-in pantry provides extensive hidden storage to keep your countertops pristine and organized. Maximizing daily efficiency, this clever floor plan also features a massive combined pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the primary suite features an enhanced four-foot owner's bath addition, creating a private, spa-like retreat complete with dual vanities and an upscale, spacious layout. Upstairs, a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connects the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand modern farmhouse curb appeal, striking black window frames, and an exceptionally practical family layout, this customizable floor plan provides premium custom home inspiration for modern living.

Lakefront living is not often luxurious and conscious of size. The “Emmett” design achieves both of these goals in style. Despite being ideal for a narrow waterfront lot, this home leaves nothing wanting, offering homeowners three full floors of modern living. Dining, kitchen, and living areas flank the outdoor patio space, while three bedrooms plus a master suite are located on the upper level. The lower level provides additional gathering space and a bunk room, as well as a “beach bath” with walkout access to the lake.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Craftsman model home in Ravenna, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural character with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends, anchored by a huge central kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers clear, sweeping views directly out into the backyard. Maximizing daily efficiency, the smart floor plan includes a massive, multi-functional combined walk-in pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the luxury primary suite serves as an absolute sanctuary, highlighted by a dramatic beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking height and unique architectural detail to the master bedroom. The oasis is complete with an enhanced six-foot owner's bath addition, creating an expansive, private spa-like retreat featuring dual vanities and an upscale layout. Upstairs, an oversized 18' x 12' second-story loft serves as a versatile bonus room and a terrific secondary gathering place for family and friends. The upper level also includes a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connecting the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand Craftsman curb appeal, rustic timber details, and a spacious, light-filled interior, this customizable floor plan provides exceptional custom home inspiration for modern family living.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Craftsman model home in Ravenna, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural character with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends, anchored by a huge central kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers clear, sweeping views directly out into the backyard. Maximizing daily efficiency, the smart floor plan includes a massive, multi-functional combined walk-in pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the luxury primary suite serves as an absolute sanctuary, highlighted by a dramatic beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking height and unique architectural detail to the master bedroom. The oasis is complete with an enhanced six-foot owner's bath addition, creating an expansive, private spa-like retreat featuring dual vanities and an upscale layout. Upstairs, an oversized 18' x 12' second-story loft serves as a versatile bonus room and a terrific secondary gathering place for family and friends. The upper level also includes a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connecting the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand Craftsman curb appeal, rustic timber details, and a spacious, light-filled interior, this customizable floor plan provides exceptional custom home inspiration for modern family living.

Project highlight – We are in the mission to improve the sage green galley kitchen in a cozy house in SF bay area. Homeowners’ wish list for the new kitchen- 1. Improve lighting 2. More storage 3. More countertop space 4. Light maintenance countertop 5. Refrigerator door conflicts with wall. 6. Better flow 7. Add a mini Fridge How did we transform the kitchen? 1. Added recessed light to ceiling & pendant light above the sink. Lighter color cabinet, back splash & countertop will bright up the space as well. 2. Adding a tall pantry with pull out shelves to the kitchen takes care the food storage. We also add 15 linear feet of base storage space under banquette seating. 3. Designating food storage in pantry clear out plenty of countertop space for food prep. 4. No more grout line on countertop. The engineer quartz countertop not only gives a beautiful touch to the kitchen but easy maintenance at the same time. 5. Common problem solved by adding a pantry between refrigerator & returning wall. Now the Ref door can be wide open with easy access to food. 6. The small peninsula in existing kitchen interrupts the flow and make kitchen feel smaller. It’s an item being removed. 7. Mini beverage fridge adds value to the kitchen for sure. Now, all drinks have a new home!

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Craftsman model home in Ravenna, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural character with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends, anchored by a huge central kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers clear, sweeping views directly out into the backyard. Maximizing daily efficiency, the smart floor plan includes a massive, multi-functional combined walk-in pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the luxury primary suite serves as an absolute sanctuary, highlighted by a dramatic beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking height and unique architectural detail to the master bedroom. The oasis is complete with an enhanced six-foot owner's bath addition, creating an expansive, private spa-like retreat featuring dual vanities and an upscale layout. Upstairs, an oversized 18' x 12' second-story loft serves as a versatile bonus room and a terrific secondary gathering place for family and friends. The upper level also includes a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connecting the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand Craftsman curb appeal, rustic timber details, and a spacious, light-filled interior, this customizable floor plan provides exceptional custom home inspiration for modern family living.

Subsequent additions are covered with living green walls to deemphasize stylistic conflicts imposed on a 1940’s Tudor and become backdrop surrounding a kitchen addition. On the interior, further added architectural inconsistencies are edited away, and the language of the Tudor’s original reclaimed integrity is referenced for the addition. Sympathetic to the home, windows and doors remain untrimmed and stark plaster walls contrast the original black metal windows. Sharp black elements contrast fields of white. With a ceiling pitch matching the existing and chiseled dormers, a stark ceiling hovers over the kitchen space referencing the existing homes plaster walls. Grid members in windows and on saw scored paneled walls and cabinetry mirror the machine age windows as do exposed steel beams. The exaggerated white field is pierced by an equally exaggerated 13 foot black steel tower that references the existing homes steel door and window members. Glass shelves in the tower further the window parallel. Even though it held enough dinner and glassware for eight, its thin members and transparent shelves defy its massive nature, allow light to flow through it and afford the kitchen open views and the feeling of continuous space. The full glass at the end of the kitchen reveres a grouping of 50 year old Hemlocks. At the opposite end, a window close to the peak looks up to a green roof.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Modern Farmhouse model home in Greenville, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic rustic architecture with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this grand open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends to create the ultimate entertaining space. The spectacular luxury kitchen is highlighted by dramatic black casement windows that frame beautiful outdoor views, an expansive layout, and a massive, oversized kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers a clear vantage point directly out into the backyard, while a separate, giant walk-in pantry provides extensive hidden storage to keep your countertops pristine and organized. Maximizing daily efficiency, this clever floor plan also features a massive combined pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the primary suite features an enhanced four-foot owner's bath addition, creating a private, spa-like retreat complete with dual vanities and an upscale, spacious layout. Upstairs, a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connects the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand modern farmhouse curb appeal, striking black window frames, and an exceptionally practical family layout, this customizable floor plan provides premium custom home inspiration for modern living.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Modern Farmhouse model home in Greenville, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic rustic architecture with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this grand open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends to create the ultimate entertaining space. The spectacular luxury kitchen is highlighted by dramatic black casement windows that frame beautiful outdoor views, an expansive layout, and a massive, oversized kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers a clear vantage point directly out into the backyard, while a separate, giant walk-in pantry provides extensive hidden storage to keep your countertops pristine and organized. Maximizing daily efficiency, this clever floor plan also features a massive combined pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the primary suite features an enhanced four-foot owner's bath addition, creating a private, spa-like retreat complete with dual vanities and an upscale, spacious layout. Upstairs, a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connects the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand modern farmhouse curb appeal, striking black window frames, and an exceptionally practical family layout, this customizable floor plan provides premium custom home inspiration for modern living.