Confident in their desire to bid farewell to a rarely used formal dining room, these homeowners let us design and build a large and highly functional kitchen using the space previously occupied by the formal dining room and kitchen. Careful consideration was taken to blend the new space with the old. The outcome is an eat-in kitchen with rich wood and high end elements that make entertaining and every day dining a pleasure for this family. Photography by Jake Boyd Photo

ASID Design Excellence First Place Residential – Kitchen and Bathroom: Michael Merrill Design Studio was approached three years ago by the homeowner to redesign her kitchen. Although she was dissatisfied with some aspects of her home, she still loved it dearly. As we discovered her passion for design, we began to rework her entire home--room by room, top to bottom.

Example of a large tuscan courtyard tile patio design in Los Angeles

This bathroom was created in an odd attic style space that was converted into a teenager's bedroom-bathroom suite. The bath's color choices were based on a palette that reflected the teen's fun and exuberant personality. Designing the bath required taking the small, oddly shaped space and plumbing challenges into consideration in route to making a space efficient, well designed room.

The homeowners wanted an updated kitchen, bathroom and fireplaces. Space remodeled Kitchen - 182 sq ft Powder Room - 20 sq ft Style: Transitional FLOW Careful consideration was taken to make sure that all the new spaces (kitchen, powder room, and fireplaces) flowed from a design perspective. MATERIAL SELECTIONS The homeowners selected custom manufactured cabinetry with rift cut oak veneer plywood in a custom gray finish with shaker door styles. The island countertop is Cambria Devon and the perimeter is Ceasarstone Raven with an undermount sink. Photography by John Moery

We were asked to update a modest, out-dated cabin into a modern comfortable home where our clients could gather with family and friends. Although they wanted to retain the charm and character of the old home, they knew they needed to do some extensive renovation. We designed an envelope that capitalized on the original architectural lines. By reconfiguring and redesigning the home, not only is the interior completely transformed, but now there’s the addition of a remarkable outdoor living space. The new kitchen is a dream to work in. With great consideration for the original feel, we were able to change the living space into an attractive inviting space where they could gather. Architecturally-interesting wrap-around decks spill out off the back of the home adding plenty of entertaining space while enhancing the home’s overall look. Features include a glass-covered Basalt BBQ and an enclosed hot tub with plasma TV and AV system to create the ultimate indoor/outdoor experience. We designed an envelope that capitalized on the original architectural lines. By reconfiguring and redesigning the home, not only is the interior completely transformed, but now there’s the addition of a remarkable outdoor living space. The new kitchen is a dream to work in. With great consideration for the original feel, we were able to change the living space into an attractive inviting space where they could gather. Architecturally-interesting wrap-around decks spill out off the back of the home adding plenty of entertaining space while enhancing the home’s overall look. Features include a glass-covered Basalt BBQ and an enclosed hot tub with plasma TV and AV system to create the ultimate indoor/outdoor experience.

Teague Hunziker
Inspiration for a timeless carpeted living room remodel with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The natural light was a huge consideration in the layout of this kitchen. By removing an old wall, we opened up the kitchen to the family room and allowed tons of natural light into the space. Photography : Dan Callahan

Situated in the summer destination city of Saratoga Springs, New York this 2,600 square foot guest house provides the owners with the ability to entertain and accommodate seasonal guests overnight. On a site first believed to be unbuildable, careful structural and architectural integration allowed the guest house to emerge from this previously vacant hillside, mediating a twenty-five foot grade change. The design of the guest house is intended to reflect the massing and character of the existing 1875 Victorian main residence, while a new pool and shared landscape further integrate the two structures. Considerable effort was made to strip layers of ornamentation until the essential elements that define the building are expressed, with structure and natural materials exposed.

This bathroom was created in an odd attic style space that was converted into a teenager's bedroom-bathroom suite. The bath's color choices were based on a palette that reflected the teen's fun and exuberant personality. Designing the bath required taking the small, oddly shaped space and plumbing challenges into consideration in route to making a space efficient, well designed room.

Young newlyweds were looking to transform their home into a chic, sophisticated space for both relaxation and entertaining friends and family. Our approach was utilizing materials that were both luxe and livable, taking into consideration pets and a baby on the way!

This cute backyard patio was renovated to provide an outdoor seating area with a firepit by Benintoshape, bar seating for entertaining and a cozy dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Barbara designed perennials and bulbs to be added to the existing shade garden spaces and new plantings were incorporated to provide more seasonal color and interest in the rose garden. New shade tolerant shrubs and groundcovers were added under a large Norway Maple tree that cast considerable shade in the backyard. A new stepping stone path provided access to the nearby sunny lawn and playscape in the side yard. The back and side yards were enclosed with a picket fence to keep the pets and children safe. Comfortable lounge furniture by Janus et Cie and pillows by Elaine Smith were placed in the renovated patio space. The dining area was covered with a Tuuci cantilever umbrella for additional shade in the afternoon.

We were asked to update a modest, out-dated cabin into a modern comfortable home where our clients could gather with family and friends. Although they wanted to retain the charm and character of the old home, they knew they needed to do some extensive renovation. We designed an envelope that capitalized on the original architectural lines. By reconfiguring and redesigning the home, not only is the interior completely transformed, but now there’s the addition of a remarkable outdoor living space. The new kitchen is a dream to work in. With great consideration for the original feel, we were able to change the living space into an attractive inviting space where they could gather. Architecturally-interesting wrap-around decks spill out off the back of the home adding plenty of entertaining space while enhancing the home’s overall look. Features include a glass-covered Basalt BBQ and an enclosed hot tub with plasma TV and AV system to create the ultimate indoor/outdoor experience. We designed an envelope that capitalized on the original architectural lines. By reconfiguring and redesigning the home, not only is the interior completely transformed, but now there’s the addition of a remarkable outdoor living space. The new kitchen is a dream to work in. With great consideration for the original feel, we were able to change the living space into an attractive inviting space where they could gather. Architecturally-interesting wrap-around decks spill out off the back of the home adding plenty of entertaining space while enhancing the home’s overall look. Features include a glass-covered Basalt BBQ and an enclosed hot tub with plasma TV and AV system to create the ultimate indoor/outdoor experience.

The true achievement of the Hayloft is the on-site construction offered by the local trades. The contractor is also the developer, and through extensive training programs, he is able to hire local craftsmen to make all of the concrete floor pavers inside and out, the cabinets, custom concrete countertops, and even plumbing fixtures and appliances. The handcrafting of much of the fixtures and finishes on site led to a considerable drop in transportation costs and empowered the local work force.

Spanning two levels, the library offers a variety of overlooks and spaces to enjoy a good read.
Huge elegant medium tone wood floor living room library photo with brown walls

This stand-alone condominium takes a bold step with dark, modern farmhouse exterior features. Once again, the details of this stand alone condominium are where this custom design stands out; from custom trim to beautiful ceiling treatments and careful consideration for how the spaces interact. The exterior of the home is detailed with dark horizontal siding, vinyl board and batten, black windows, black asphalt shingles and accent metal roofing. Our design intent behind these stand-alone condominiums is to bring the maintenance free lifestyle with a space that feels like your own.

Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a coastal detached garage remodel in Portland Maine

This new ground-up home sits on a formerly empty lot, and enjoys exceedingly beautiful views of downtown San Francisco. Built in just 10 months, the project moved so efficiently due to thorough preconstruction decision-making and consideration. A continuous wall of rift-sawn oak veneer cabinetry runs the full length of the home’s main level, serving the living and dining areas and kitchen. The structural package was complicated due to this level’s completely open plan, fortified by steel moment frames throughout, and the extreme slope of the site, requiring us to drill piers for stability.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized modern galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island