David Papazian Photography
Example of a transitional deck design in Portland with a roof extension

We transformed this space into a bright uplifting and family friendly kitchen space. We retained the original kitchen footprint and kept plumbing and electrical in the same locations for budgetary considerations. The kitchen was redesigned with entertaining in mind. From custom two-toned cabinetry to sophisticated banquette seating, we re-imagined a bright space with a new personality reaping the benefits of the influx of natural light from the double height windows in the adjacent great room. From the calcutta marble tile backsplash, caesarstone counter tops and porcelain tile floors, this updated kitchen provided my clients with their dream kitchen …a bright white entertainers delight. Photo Credit: Bethany Nauert

Kimicata Brothers, Inc. http://www.kimicatabrothers.com/ Project Entry: The Baron Patio 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential Hardscaping $15,000 - $30,000 Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: After meeting with the client and visiting the site for the first time we were able to get a pretty good understanding of the overall site. The back yard is a rather small area that was mostly taken up by a cement patio and walkway with a few timber planter boxes that bordered the garage. There was however a small area of lawn but it was in rather poor shape. The client wanted to completely wipe the slate clean and start over with a completely new design. They wanted all of the cement busted out and removed, all of the existing plants dug up and discarded (with the exception of a few), a damaged portion of the fence removed and the entire area completely regraded. Their only request was to leave the existing stacked stone wall at the back of the property in tact and all of the other fencing that bordered the property. they wanted to create an outdoor space that was big enough to entertain a small party without making the whole area hardscape. They also wanted to make sure that a small area of grass was incorporated into the new design so that their dog would have some area to play. After the home­owners had the area re-designed and they recieved a final drawing from the designer, we could begin to do our demolition and installation work. In order to successfully accomplish all of the clients goals along with the designers visions of the new back yard, a lot of re-grading had to occur. This grading would allow for the slope of the new patio and lawn to be very gradual and would eliminate having to build any retaining walls or steps.. The whole back yard sloped downhill back into the foundation of the house. So in order for us to construct a new patio and eliminate water from flowing back towards the house, a drain had to be installed to carry the water off of the patio and into the plant bed. After all of the demolition and excavation was completed we then focused on getting the slope of the patio and walkway just right. We made sure that the slope was gradual enough so a table and chairs could easily be implemented but steep enough to make sure that there would be no flat areas where water would pool. We also took into consideration the final heights of the proposed fire pit and raised planter bed. We decided to make one small change to the original plan with the clients approval. We installed a small raised portion of the patio along the side of the raised planter wall to designate an area for outdoor grilling. As we were doing all of the preperation work before any construction, we also installed a complete Hunter irrigation system for all of the new plants and lawn area Every other aspect of the designers specifications were installed accordingly with the excep­tion of a few material substitutes. After we were able to get the area exactly how we wanted it and the irrigation system was complete, we could start the construction. We used all Techo-Bloc materi­als for all of the hardscapes. Their Inca collection was used for the patio and walkway. Their Mini Creta 3&6 block was used to construct the raised planter wall and was capped with Portifino Coping. The fire pit was their Valencia edition complete with the accessory kit. We sodded the designated area for the lawn and planted all of the speci­fied plants in their proposed locations. The new fence was constructed by a local fencing company where they were able to match the materials to the trellis's and arbor that they installed. After the project was completed, the homeowners were very happy with their new outdoor entertainment space. We were able to successfully accomplish all of their goals and give them the opportunity to enjoy their new back yard. Photo Credit: Kimicata Brothers, Inc.

Kimicata Brothers, Inc. http://www.kimicatabrothers.com/ Project Entry: The Baron Patio 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential Hardscaping $15,000 - $30,000 Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: After meeting with the client and visiting the site for the first time we were able to get a pretty good understanding of the overall site. The back yard is a rather small area that was mostly taken up by a cement patio and walkway with a few timber planter boxes that bordered the garage. There was however a small area of lawn but it was in rather poor shape. The client wanted to completely wipe the slate clean and start over with a completely new design. They wanted all of the cement busted out and removed, all of the existing plants dug up and discarded (with the exception of a few), a damaged portion of the fence removed and the entire area completely regraded. Their only request was to leave the existing stacked stone wall at the back of the property in tact and all of the other fencing that bordered the property. they wanted to create an outdoor space that was big enough to entertain a small party without making the whole area hardscape. They also wanted to make sure that a small area of grass was incorporated into the new design so that their dog would have some area to play. After the home­owners had the area re-designed and they recieved a final drawing from the designer, we could begin to do our demolition and installation work. In order to successfully accomplish all of the clients goals along with the designers visions of the new back yard, a lot of re-grading had to occur. This grading would allow for the slope of the new patio and lawn to be very gradual and would eliminate having to build any retaining walls or steps.. The whole back yard sloped downhill back into the foundation of the house. So in order for us to construct a new patio and eliminate water from flowing back towards the house, a drain had to be installed to carry the water off of the patio and into the plant bed. After all of the demolition and excavation was completed we then focused on getting the slope of the patio and walkway just right. We made sure that the slope was gradual enough so a table and chairs could easily be implemented but steep enough to make sure that there would be no flat areas where water would pool. We also took into consideration the final heights of the proposed fire pit and raised planter bed. We decided to make one small change to the original plan with the clients approval. We installed a small raised portion of the patio along the side of the raised planter wall to designate an area for outdoor grilling. As we were doing all of the preperation work before any construction, we also installed a complete Hunter irrigation system for all of the new plants and lawn area Every other aspect of the designers specifications were installed accordingly with the excep­tion of a few material substitutes. After we were able to get the area exactly how we wanted it and the irrigation system was complete, we could start the construction. We used all Techo-Bloc materi­als for all of the hardscapes. Their Inca collection was used for the patio and walkway. Their Mini Creta 3&6 block was used to construct the raised planter wall and was capped with Portifino Coping. The fire pit was their Valencia edition complete with the accessory kit. We sodded the designated area for the lawn and planted all of the speci­fied plants in their proposed locations. The new fence was constructed by a local fencing company where they were able to match the materials to the trellis's and arbor that they installed. After the project was completed, the homeowners were very happy with their new outdoor entertainment space. We were able to successfully accomplish all of their goals and give them the opportunity to enjoy their new back yard. Photo Credit: Kimicata Brothers, Inc.

Photo of a kitchen renovation feature cabinets finished in Black Licorice and Pure White lacquer. The cabinets are oversized and conceal the appliances with finished wood panels. Unique features include a wall of natural leuders veneer stone with a custom floating ventilation system as a main focal point. Complementing the cabinets are countertops of Satin Cambrian black granite and Honed Calcatta Colorado Marble. Custom hewn wood beams and hand scraped flooring warm the rooms feel against the cool gray walls. Designed and constructed by USI in Southlake Tx.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, two islands and black countertops

Chpper Hatter Photo 10ft ceiling heights in this new home design help expand the overall space and provide enough height to include the stone hood design. The Blackberry stained cherry cabinetry for the main cabinetry provides the contrast for the natural stone hood. The island cabinetry is Straw color on Alder wood. This light color helps the overall space stay light. The custom desk is in the kitchen for easy access to recipes and school schedules.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

This is the renovated design which highlights the vaulted ceiling that projects through to the exterior.
Small 1960s gray one-story concrete fiberboard and clapboard house exterior photo in Chicago with a hip roof, a shingle roof and a gray roof

Derik Olsen Photography
Small contemporary beige two-story wood exterior home idea in Other

The original kitchen was dark, dingy and dated! With the criteria given, we transformed this space into a bright uplifting and family friendly space. We retained the original kitchen footprint and kept plumbing and electrical in the same locations for budgetary considerations. The kitchen was redesigned with entertaining in mind. From custom two-toned cabinetry to sophisticated banquette seating, we re-imagined a bright space with a new personality reaping the benefits of the influx of natural light from the double height windows in the adjacent great room. From the calcutta marble tile backsplash, caesarstone counter tops and porcelain tile floors, this updated kitchen provided my clients with their dream kitchen …a bright white entertainers delight. Photo Credit: Bethany Nauert

This was a dream project! The clients purchased this 1880s home and wanted to renovate it for their family to live in. It was a true labor of love, and their commitment to getting the details right was admirable. We rehabilitated doors and windows and flooring wherever we could, we milled trim work to match existing and carved our own door rosettes to ensure the historic details were beautifully carried through. Every finish was made with consideration of wanting a home that would feel historic with integrity, yet would also function for the family and extend into the future as long possible. We were not interested in what is popular or trendy but rather wanted to honor what was right for the home.

Home office - traditional built-in desk home office idea in Minneapolis

Example of a classic kitchen design in Minneapolis with subway tile backsplash, a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets and white backsplash

We transformed this room from an outdated southwest style space to this elegant Spanish style living room. The fireplace was redesigned and an arched passage to the dining was added to better define the spaces. The balance of materials that help create this space are the old world terra cotta tiles, smooth plaster walls, hand carved stone fireplace and rough wood stained ceiling. Furniture, decorative lighting and accessories by Irma Shaw Designs.

© Paul Bardagjy Photography
Mid-sized minimalist open concept limestone floor living room photo in Austin with beige walls and a concealed tv

Example of a classic white floor bedroom design in Atlanta with gray walls

When our clients acquired this classic Beacon Hill condominium overlooking Boston Common, they sought collaboration with Feinmann Design|Build to renovate the entire space. The lack of connection between the kitchen, located in the back of the home, and the living and dining rooms was the focus of the redesign. Also on the wish list was a new bedroom and a second family bathroom to be located in the area of the existing kitchen. The resulting plan for this extensive renovation was an updated floor plan to match our clients’ modern lifestyle, while retaining much of the homes original detail. Connecting the most frequented rooms in the house required relocating the kitchen to the front of the condo to be closer to the living and dining rooms. A wall anchored by elegant columns defines the kitchen and adds sophistication to the adjoining dining room. Natural light shines through skylights that were exposed when the kitchen ceiling was opened and then styled to reflect the classic woodworking details found in the rest of the home. White marble counters grace the custom built island, perfect for a casual meal or for doing homework. While reconfiguring the master bathroom and renovating the second bedroom proved to be a major project, our skilled team also relocated the new bedroom and family bathroom to the area where the kitchen formally was. Each of the three renovated bathrooms truly achieved a style of their own – in the Master Bath, a soaking tub and shower are enclosed, as is traditional in Japan, in floor to ceiling glass. To complete our clients wish list, we designed and built a classic Japanese Tatami room to double as both a guest bedroom and meditation space – a unique feature within a classically designed home. Photos by John Horner

Kim Roberts, owner of Staging Beautifully, has a passion for creating beautiful spaces. From home staging to redecorating, Kim’s relaxed and friendly approach make even the most challenging project fun and enjoyable. For those interested in refreshing their space, Staging Beautifully can assist a homeowner in decorating their home with the items they already own and love. Like staging, redesign may include color selection, rearranging furniture, hanging art and placing accessories. It is a cost effective design alternative which will give your home a facelift without the cost of an Interior Designer. Utilizing your furnishings and treasures, we will shop your home to find new and creative ways to display your family’s possessions. This will result in a complete interior transformation which will reflect your personality, style, comfort and functionality to your living space without having to buy anything. Looking to sell your home, consider home staging to target a higher selling price. Home Staging aims to de-personalize your home and make it appealing to virtually all prospective buyers. The way you live in your home and the way you market your home are two very different things. Your home is competing with every other home on the market. A home that looks like it needs work or isn't move-in ready prompts buyers to low-ball their offers, or eliminate your home from consideration all together. Those homes that are staged to reflect current trends attract and appeal to more buyers, resulting in more offers, faster sales, and higher sale prices. Sometimes, an agent may even recommend your price be increased once your home is staged! A well-staged home can even start a bidding war with multiple offers!