This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

Gorgeous blue-green foliage on this prostrate conifer; Feelin' Blue deodar cedar Le jardinet
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

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.

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

Jim Bartsch
Enclosed kitchen - mediterranean u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

Photography by Nathan Kirkman
Large minimalist dark wood floor great room photo in New York with white walls

Mid-sized southwest open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Trendy entryway photo in San Francisco

A transformation of a modest raised ranch into a modern oasis. I was the interior designer and general contractor from mechanicals to finishing. It’s also my personal home. The interior design style is that of modern minimalist meets organic modern. I wanted a space that reduced distractions and let the eyes, head, and soul rest. Where everything inside the home has a specific use and purpose. The objects in our home are fewer but each hold a great personal value. You might expect to see this airy aesthetic, with its gallery white walls, in California or New York. Not nestled in a modest 50 year old neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska. Creating a minimal aesthetic is one of the trickiest design styles to pull off. It is more than just less stuff and lots of white. It means sticking to these design principals: -weaving in an abundance of textures -incorporating natural finishes -keenly curating art -giving extra attention to scale -limiting purely decorative items -maximizing natural light This style is not to be confused with the frugality of reductive design. I have incorporated many elevated basics that create an aesthetic of quiet luxury: -architectural bead for trim-less doors -first-of-its kind interior door hardware made of terrazzo -historical marble found in landmark interiors like the NY Public Library -premium flush air vents that disappear out of site -luxury appliances from GE Café and Signature -elegant and resilient terrazzo field tiles Ours was not a simple interior remodel and addition: -gutted and remodeled the existing 2,000 SF -added on approximately another 1,000 SF -moved and installed all new major mechanicals i.e. heating, plumbing and electrical. -knocked through foundation walls to extend the space back -dug down and built up

These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients. For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood. Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen. This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.

These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients. For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood. Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen. This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.

This farmhouse, with it's original foundation dating back to 1778, had a lot of charm--but with its bad carpeting, dark paint colors, and confusing layout, it was hard to see at first just how welcoming, charming, and cozy it could be. The first focus of our renovation was creating a master bedroom suite--since there wasn't one, and one was needed for the modern family that was living here day-in and day-out. To do this, a collection of small rooms (some of them previously without heat or electrical outlets) were combined to create a gorgeous, serene space in the eaves of the oldest part of the house, complete with master bath containing a double vanity, and spacious shower. Even though these rooms are new, it is hard to see that they weren't original to the farmhouse from day one. In the rest of the house we removed walls that were added in the 1970's that made spaces seem smaller and more choppy, added a second upstairs bathroom for the family's two children, reconfigured the kitchen using existing cabinets to cut costs ( & making sure to keep the old sink with all of its character & charm) and create a more workable layout with dedicated eating area. Also added was an outdoor living space with a deck sheltered by a pergola--a spot that the family spends tons of time enjoying during the warmer months. A family room addition had been added to the house by the previous owner in the 80's, so to make this space feel less like it was tacked on, we installed historically accurate new windows to tie it in visually with the original house, and replaced carpeting with hardwood floors to make a more seamless transition from the historic to the new. To complete the project, we refinished the original hardwoods throughout the rest of the house, and brightened the outlook of the whole home with a fresh, bright, updated color scheme. Photos by Laura Kicey

The young couple’s goal in this Chicago Lakeview Renovation was to improve their city dwelling in order to accommodate their growing young children, add more natural light and updated finishes, and take advantage of the recently acquired lot next door. Seen here is transitional style kitchen with white cabinetry and stained wood island. All cabinetry was crafted in-house at our cabinet shop. Need help with your home transformation? Call Benvenuti and Stein design build for full service solutions. 847.866.6868. Norman Sizemore-photographer