Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened. A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

The three distinct layers at this homeowner's front yard creates great flow and curb appeal for everyone passing by! It begins with wood mulch and modern, mountainous planting on the outside, then a curvilinear dry creek the runs through the front, and it ends with sod that is separated with a clean, granite edge. Dry creeks are a wonderful addition to any landscape due to its ability to manage water runoff and the unique aesthetic it brings to your yard! The rugged boulders finish off the rocky feel in the front. In addition to the front, these homeowner's neighbours decided to join in on the fun to create a unified look on the side yard. In the back, granite edging was also used to define the planting beds and the garden spaces to grow vegetables. We can't wait for this yard to mature and fill in!

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner’s requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened. A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

Transitional space for a young active family with children. This kitchen presented a design challenge due to long, narrow space which was solved with a very practical peninsula layout with center work island, which connects frig, range and sink. Two tone cabinetry and granite add to visual interest, while utilitarian track lights and bar stools add a urban feel. Existing soffits were camouflaged with crown molding and painted to match cabinets, helping to hold down construction costs. photos by Tommie Milacci Photograpy

Kitchen - kitchen idea in Philadelphia

Laundry room - huge transitional porcelain tile laundry room idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel countertops, white walls and a stacked washer/dryer

As New England's premier custom glass design firm, we were proud to bring this stunning orangery addition to life for a Carlisle, Massachusetts family we’ve worked with on two other occasions. Orangeries, historically designed for cultivating citrus trees, have evolved into luxurious glass-enclosed spaces offering year-round natural light and connection to the outdoors. This custom orangery demonstrates Sunspace Design's mastery of blending the classic style with modern amenities. Over two years of meticulous planning culminated in the results you see here. Drawn to our local reputation and in-house design and fabrication capabilities, the clients collaborated closely with us to realize their vision. Spanning an impressive 14' x 22'6", the orangery brings an air of grandeur to the rear of the colonial-style home while complementing the existing architecture. The centerpiece is the custom hip-style glass roof, outfitted with insulated safety glass, framed in rich sapele mahogany, and adorned with copper glazing, flashing, and capping. Blue reflective glass set in the roof creates a captivating interplay of light throughout the day and contributes to the space’s lasting elegance. The roof line is set in from the walls to create a perimeter soffit on the interior, typical of orangeries. Custom wet bar cabinetry, crown moldings, and tilework complete the orangery, reflecting the family's discerning taste and creating an excellent spot for entertaining. Our role as general contractor, our design expertise, and our fabrication abilities ensured this project's seamless execution. From engineered CAD drawings to the intricate roof assembly, the Sunspace commitment to quality is evident in the finished result. This space is much more than an addition; it's become the heart of the family’s home, where joyous holiday gatherings are hosted, and a touch of luxury is brought to everyday living.

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

As New England's premier custom glass design firm, we were proud to bring this stunning orangery addition to life for a Carlisle, Massachusetts family we’ve worked with on two other occasions. Orangeries, historically designed for cultivating citrus trees, have evolved into luxurious glass-enclosed spaces offering year-round natural light and connection to the outdoors. This custom orangery demonstrates Sunspace Design's mastery of blending the classic style with modern amenities. Over two years of meticulous planning culminated in the results you see here. Drawn to our local reputation and in-house design and fabrication capabilities, the clients collaborated closely with us to realize their vision. Spanning an impressive 14' x 22'6", the orangery brings an air of grandeur to the rear of the colonial-style home while complementing the existing architecture. The centerpiece is the custom hip-style glass roof, outfitted with insulated safety glass, framed in rich sapele mahogany, and adorned with copper glazing, flashing, and capping. Blue reflective glass set in the roof creates a captivating interplay of light throughout the day and contributes to the space’s lasting elegance. The roof line is set in from the walls to create a perimeter soffit on the interior, typical of orangeries. Custom wet bar cabinetry, crown moldings, and tilework complete the orangery, reflecting the family's discerning taste and creating an excellent spot for entertaining. Our role as general contractor, our design expertise, and our fabrication abilities ensured this project's seamless execution. From engineered CAD drawings to the intricate roof assembly, the Sunspace commitment to quality is evident in the finished result. This space is much more than an addition; it's become the heart of the family’s home, where joyous holiday gatherings are hosted, and a touch of luxury is brought to everyday living.

As New England's premier custom glass design firm, we were proud to bring this stunning orangery addition to life for a Carlisle, Massachusetts family we’ve worked with on two other occasions. Orangeries, historically designed for cultivating citrus trees, have evolved into luxurious glass-enclosed spaces offering year-round natural light and connection to the outdoors. This custom orangery demonstrates Sunspace Design's mastery of blending the classic style with modern amenities. Over two years of meticulous planning culminated in the results you see here. Drawn to our local reputation and in-house design and fabrication capabilities, the clients collaborated closely with us to realize their vision. Spanning an impressive 14' x 22'6", the orangery brings an air of grandeur to the rear of the colonial-style home while complementing the existing architecture. The centerpiece is the custom hip-style glass roof, outfitted with insulated safety glass, framed in rich sapele mahogany, and adorned with copper glazing, flashing, and capping. Blue reflective glass set in the roof creates a captivating interplay of light throughout the day and contributes to the space’s lasting elegance. The roof line is set in from the walls to create a perimeter soffit on the interior, typical of orangeries. Custom wet bar cabinetry, crown moldings, and tilework complete the orangery, reflecting the family's discerning taste and creating an excellent spot for entertaining. Our role as general contractor, our design expertise, and our fabrication abilities ensured this project's seamless execution. From engineered CAD drawings to the intricate roof assembly, the Sunspace commitment to quality is evident in the finished result. This space is much more than an addition; it's become the heart of the family’s home, where joyous holiday gatherings are hosted, and a touch of luxury is brought to everyday living.

After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

As New England's premier custom glass design firm, we were proud to bring this stunning orangery addition to life for a Carlisle, Massachusetts family we’ve worked with on two other occasions. Orangeries, historically designed for cultivating citrus trees, have evolved into luxurious glass-enclosed spaces offering year-round natural light and connection to the outdoors. This custom orangery demonstrates Sunspace Design's mastery of blending the classic style with modern amenities. Over two years of meticulous planning culminated in the results you see here. Drawn to our local reputation and in-house design and fabrication capabilities, the clients collaborated closely with us to realize their vision. Spanning an impressive 14' x 22'6", the orangery brings an air of grandeur to the rear of the colonial-style home while complementing the existing architecture. The centerpiece is the custom hip-style glass roof, outfitted with insulated safety glass, framed in rich sapele mahogany, and adorned with copper glazing, flashing, and capping. Blue reflective glass set in the roof creates a captivating interplay of light throughout the day and contributes to the space’s lasting elegance. The roof line is set in from the walls to create a perimeter soffit on the interior, typical of orangeries. Custom wet bar cabinetry, crown moldings, and tilework complete the orangery, reflecting the family's discerning taste and creating an excellent spot for entertaining. Our role as general contractor, our design expertise, and our fabrication abilities ensured this project's seamless execution. From engineered CAD drawings to the intricate roof assembly, the Sunspace commitment to quality is evident in the finished result. This space is much more than an addition; it's become the heart of the family’s home, where joyous holiday gatherings are hosted, and a touch of luxury is brought to everyday living.

Bret Jelinek - Chicago Home Photos
Example of a trendy galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Chicago with paneled appliances, an island, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash and white countertops

As New England's premier custom glass design firm, we were proud to bring this stunning orangery addition to life for a Carlisle, Massachusetts family we’ve worked with on two other occasions. Orangeries, historically designed for cultivating citrus trees, have evolved into luxurious glass-enclosed spaces offering year-round natural light and connection to the outdoors. This custom orangery demonstrates Sunspace Design's mastery of blending the classic style with modern amenities. Over two years of meticulous planning culminated in the results you see here. Drawn to our local reputation and in-house design and fabrication capabilities, the clients collaborated closely with us to realize their vision. Spanning an impressive 14' x 22'6", the orangery brings an air of grandeur to the rear of the colonial-style home while complementing the existing architecture. The centerpiece is the custom hip-style glass roof, outfitted with insulated safety glass, framed in rich sapele mahogany, and adorned with copper glazing, flashing, and capping. Blue reflective glass set in the roof creates a captivating interplay of light throughout the day and contributes to the space’s lasting elegance. The roof line is set in from the walls to create a perimeter soffit on the interior, typical of orangeries. Custom wet bar cabinetry, crown moldings, and tilework complete the orangery, reflecting the family's discerning taste and creating an excellent spot for entertaining. Our role as general contractor, our design expertise, and our fabrication abilities ensured this project's seamless execution. From engineered CAD drawings to the intricate roof assembly, the Sunspace commitment to quality is evident in the finished result. This space is much more than an addition; it's become the heart of the family’s home, where joyous holiday gatherings are hosted, and a touch of luxury is brought to everyday living.

Since 1984, Jonathan McGrath Construction, a design build custom builder and remodeling company has provided solutions for their client's building needs in the Central Florida area. Jack McGrath, State Certified Building Contractor, applies his extensive custom building and remodeling expertise, creative design concepts and passion for transformation to every project and has earned a reputation for being a true remodeling specialist and custom home builder. Recognized for excellence in the building industry, Jonathan McGrath Construction, has been the recipient of multiple Parade of Homes, MAME and Chrysalis awards. They also received the prestigious ‘Big 50′ Award from Remodeling Magazine for their outstanding business expertise, exemplary customer services and their ability to stand as a dynamic company role model for the building and remodeling industry. In addition, the company has won numerous other local and national awards. The company supports their local, state and national building association. Marion McGrath served as the 2011 President of the Home Builder's Association of Orlando (HBA) now known as the Orlando Builder's Association (GOBA). She was the second woman and remodeler to serve as President in the association's 60 year history.

Head To Head Negotiations Gets Results For Happy Sellers: When I was introduced to Steven Hill, I knew from the minute we met “this was the guy” to represent me. Steven has a very calm, soft approach to his dealing with people, unlike the ego driven who spout their credentials to impress. He listens to understand what the client wants rather than telling them what he wants. He assured me he was confident in his ability to sell my property without over promising and I was skeptical, but boy did he deliver on that promise, and some. Let’s start with the brochures. Sotheby’s brochures blow everyone else out of the water. A piece of paper, with black and white photos, gets lost in the bottom of a purse, or garbage bin, but a Sotheby’s brochure is a piece of art. Steven’s photographer created fabulous photos that took my breath away when the brochure arrived. My house looked beyond amazing yet true to the property. This alone sets Sotheby’s far above the rest by doing more than photocopying a sheet of paper to leave an impression. Very impressed. Steven and I corresponded everyday and, after 5 days on the market, we accepted a conditional offer. I was thrilled Steven got the sale price I wanted, so quickly. Unfortunately, we found ourselves in a tense situation when the home inspector found a breach in our sewer line. Immediately I got a quote for the repairs, and was fully prepared to cover the expense, but the buyer’s realtor was insisting on a sizeable holdback. This is where we witnessed Steven’s negotiation skills under pressure. He went head to head with the buyer’s realtor, as the buyers and ourselves stood by and watched. Steven insisted he would not allow his clients to have an open wallet, while the buyer’s realtor pushed harder and harder. Steven never once showed how irritated or upset he was by this realtor’s aggressive nature and, in a calm voice, kept insisting an open wallet was not going to work. This was a little unsettling with three days left to lift the conditions and I wasn’t holding out much hope the deal would close. Things looked grim, but once again Steven’s abilities and strong connections shone through…. he found a back up buyer who presented an offer we could not ignore. Of course, Steven had to bring this to the first buyer’s attention and, to everyone’s surprise, all conditions were lifted and we had a firm sale. Not only did I get my asking price but I no longer had to cover the repair expense. Steven was nothing but brilliant. I believe somewhere along the way Steven and I became friends. I look forward to a “Hi Jane” text from him that always makes me smile. I thoroughly enjoy his kind, caring, easy going nature and his wicked sense of humor. I like his Porsche too

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com