The homeowners sought to turn their “weekend home” into their future “retirement home,” so in addition to aesthetic updating, this thoughtful renovation looked for options to help them age in place. Goals included improving functionality by extending the kitchen footprint, adding considerable storage and modernizing the look, feel and function of both the main-floor living space and primary suite in the loft. A minimalist design across the home embraces neutral colours and materials to create an inviting, relaxing setting without overwhelming the compact space.

No more orange wood... There was so much cherry and fir throughout the main floor, the color was distracting and dated, as was the older fireplace surround and flanking shelves. The clients wished to modernize the aesthetic, update and improve the appliances (with a fully plumbed espresso machine), and lighten the visual load in the family room. To dramatically change the scale of an architectural element, the space still needed to feel livable. A larger fireplace profile, larger appliances, and a larger island were all key considerations for the final look and balance of the project.

No more orange wood... There was so much cherry and fir throughout the main floor, the color was distracting and dated, as was the older fireplace surround and flanking shelves. The clients wished to modernize the aesthetic, update and improve the appliances (with a fully plumbed espresso machine), and lighten the visual load in the family room. To dramatically change the scale of an architectural element, the space still needed to feel livable. A larger fireplace profile, larger appliances, and a larger island were all key considerations for the final look and balance of the project.

Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in Chicago

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

Enveloped by oversized Fired Earth 4" x 16" Imperial Bone ceramic and glass mosaic tiling, the new zero threshold walk-in shower features a Cambria quartz bench seat with radius corner for relaxation and a Mr. Steam steamer unit with aroma therapy. Considerations of use for standing or seated placement of steam and water controls, dual delta showerheads, grab bars and accessory storage are accounted for within reach to meet individual needs. Design, selections and finishes uniformly combine an accommodation for physical limitations within a soothing timeless retreat. Use of semi-custom cabinetry and ceramic wall tile provide for the functional and aesthetic requirements while keeping with a budget for the therapeutic steamer unit. The design exceeds the homeowners' goal to create a master bath for dual use that accommodates their present and future physical needs, improved maneuverability, efficient storage and an aesthetic with custom detailing and furniture-style cabinetry to create a timeless and soothing elegance.

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

Knocking down a wall and shifting the layout improved functionality and flow, and generally enhance and modernize the aesthetic of the entire home. Now with space to entertain, gather and cook, fresh style was imperative. The other side of the kitchen was a dark living room/study that was also brightened up considerably during the makeover. In the existing living room, dark colors and pine dominated the palette making it feel like a heavy space. New custom-built cabinets in creamy white now complement fireplace and provide generous storage. Budget analysis and project development by: May Construction, Inc. -------------------- Interior design by: Caitlin Campbell.

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

The clients, a young professional couple had lived with this bathroom in their townhome for 6 years. They finally could not take it any longer. The designer was tasked with turning this ugly duckling into a beautiful swan without relocating walls, doors, fittings, or fixtures in this principal bathroom. The client wish list included, better storage, improved lighting, replacing the tub with a shower, and creating a sparkling personality for this uninspired space using any color way except white. The designer began the transformation with the wall tile. Large format rectangular tiles were installed floor to ceiling on the vanity wall and continued behind the toilet and into the shower. The soft variation in tile pattern is very soothing and added to the Zen feeling of the room. One partner is an avid gardener and wanted to bring natural colors into the space. The same tile is used on the floor in a matte finish for slip resistance and in a 2” mosaic of the same tile is used on the shower floor. A lighted tile recess was created across the entire back wall of the shower beautifully illuminating the wall. Recycled glass tiles used in the niche represent the color and shape of leaves. A single glass panel was used in place of a traditional shower door. Continuing the serene colorway of the bath, natural rift cut white oak was chosen for the vanity and the floating shelves above the toilet. A white quartz for the countertop, has a small reflective pattern like the polished chrome of the fittings and hardware. Natural curved shapes are repeated in the arch of the faucet, the hardware, the front of the toilet and shower column. The rectangular shape of the tile is repeated in the drawer fronts of the cabinets, the sink, the medicine cabinet, and the floating shelves. The shower column was selected to maintain the simple lines of the fittings while providing a temperature, pressure balance shower experience with a multi-function main shower head and handheld head. The dual flush toilet and low flow shower are a water saving consideration. The floating shelves provide decorative and functional storage. The asymmetric design of the medicine cabinet allows for a full view in the mirror with the added function of a tri view mirror when open. Built in LED lighting is controllable from 2500K to 4000K. The interior of the medicine cabinet is also mirrored and electrified to keep the countertop clear of necessities. Additional lighting is provided with recessed LED fixtures for the vanity area as well as in the shower. A motion sensor light installed under the vanity illuminates the room with a soft glow at night. The transformation is now complete. No longer an ugly duckling and source of unhappiness, the new bathroom provides a much-needed respite from the couples’ busy lives. It has created a retreat to recharge and replenish, two very important components of wellness.

Knocking down a wall and shifting the layout improved functionality and flow, and generally enhance and modernize the aesthetic of the entire home. Now with space to entertain, gather and cook, fresh style was imperative. The other side of the kitchen was a dark living room/study that was also brightened up considerably during the makeover. In the existing living room, dark colors and pine dominated the palette making it feel like a heavy space. New custom-built cabinets in creamy white now complement fireplace and provide generous storage. Budget analysis and project development by: May Construction, Inc. -------------------- Interior design by: Caitlin Campbell.

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

The homeowners sought to turn their “weekend home” into their future “retirement home,” so in addition to aesthetic updating, this thoughtful renovation looked for options to help them age in place. Goals included improving functionality by extending the kitchen footprint, adding considerable storage and modernizing the look, feel and function of both the main-floor living space and primary suite in the loft. A minimalist design across the home embraces neutral coastal colours and materials to create an inviting, relaxing setting without overwhelming the compact space.

The homeowners sought to turn their “weekend home” into their future “retirement home,” so in addition to aesthetic updating, this thoughtful renovation looked for options to help them age in place. Goals included improving functionality by extending the kitchen footprint, adding considerable storage and modernizing the look, feel and function of both the main-floor living space and primary suite in the loft. A minimalist design across the home embraces neutral coastal colours and materials to create an inviting, relaxing setting without overwhelming the compact space.

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

Contrast darker-toned kitchen designs with natural light from windows and Solatube Tubular Skylight.

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

Upgrades to this contemporary west coast home bring simplicity, light and improved movement. Stairs were reconfigured and opened with glass, wood and steel – giving visibility from the entrance through to the living spaces, where windows openings were enlarged to capture the ocean and islands beyond. Custom millwork placed in the kitchen increased function and aesthetic, and created a workspace situated towards the expansive west coast view. All finishes were upgraded and spaces opened considerably. Situated just outside a major city, this home now conveys the sense that it is a place of retreat, perfect for an owner who aspires to study art. KBC Developments www.kbcdevelopments.com Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com