Wood-look porcelain tile replaced the original ceramic floor throughout the bathroom, adding warmth underfoot while keeping the room easy to maintain. The vanity was upgraded to a white shaker-style design from J&K Cabinetry with full overlay construction, paired with MSI quartz countertops and dual undermount sinks. A large backlit LED mirror replaced the original plain glass mirror, adding ambient lighting, and new recessed ceiling fixtures brightened the space considerably compared to the original layout.

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

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

This customer made the very smart choice of enjoying their remodeling efforts a few years before selling it. In addition to the kitchen being outdated, it also was lacking in storage and also a feeling of being a little "closed in". Our solution was to remove all of the upper soffits/fur-downs to be replaced with taller upper cabinets, gaining considerably more storage. Additionally, we removed the upper bar on the peninsula countertop opening the room to the living room, bringing more light and a profound feeling of openness and inclusivity!

This customer made the very smart choice of enjoying their remodeling efforts a few years before selling it. In addition to the kitchen being outdated, it also was lacking in storage and also a feeling of being a little "closed in". Our solution was to remove all of the upper soffits/fur-downs to be replaced with taller upper cabinets, gaining considerably more storage. Additionally, we removed the upper bar on the peninsula countertop opening the room to the living room, bringing more light and a profound feeling of openness and inclusivity!

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

Transitional Aging in Place master suite with double vanity and considerable walk-in shower.
Example of a large transitional master ceramic tile and double-sink bathroom design in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

The back of this 1920s brick and siding Cape Cod gets a compact addition to create a new Family room, open Kitchen, Covered Entry, and Master Bedroom Suite above. European-styling of the interior was a consideration throughout the design process, as well as with the materials and finishes. The project includes all cabinetry, built-ins, shelving and trim work (even down to the towel bars!) custom made on site by the home owner. Photography by Kmiecik Imagery

The back of this 1920s brick and siding Cape Cod gets a compact addition to create a new Family room, open Kitchen, Covered Entry, and Master Bedroom Suite above. European-styling of the interior was a consideration throughout the design process, as well as with the materials and finishes. The project includes all cabinetry, built-ins, shelving and trim work (even down to the towel bars!) custom made on site by the home owner. Photography by Kmiecik Imagery

This customer made the very smart choice of enjoying their remodeling efforts a few years before selling it. In addition to the kitchen being outdated, it also was lacking in storage and also a feeling of being a little "closed in". Our solution was to remove all of the upper soffits/fur-downs to be replaced with taller upper cabinets, gaining considerably more storage. Additionally, we removed the upper bar on the peninsula countertop opening the room to the living room, bringing more light and a profound feeling of openness and inclusivity!

Bathroom toilet: Toilet height is a major consideration – A wall-hung model toilet can be mounted at a height that is customized for the user. Install toilet paper dispenser at a comfortable height that is forward of the bowl, and installing a bidet may allow for more privacy and good hygiene for folks who find using toilet paper difficult to use for cleaning.

This compact condominium guest bathroom does dual duty as both a bath and laundry room (machines are concealed by a bi-fold door most of the time). In an effort to provide guests with a welcoming environment, considerable attention was made in the color palette and features selected. A petit sink provides counterspace for grooming and guest toiletry travel bags. Frequent visits by young grandchildren and the slender depth of the vanity precipitated the decision to place the faucet on the side of the sink rather than in the back. Multiple light sources in this windowless room provides adequate illumination for both grooming and cleaning. The tall storage cabinet has doors that are hinged in opposite directions. The bottom door is hinged on the right to provide easy access to laundry soap while the top door is left hinged to provide easy access to towels and toiletries. The tile shower and wainscoting give this bathroom a truly special look and feel.

Revamping the laundry room brings a blend of functionality and style to an often-overlooked space. Upgrading appliances to energy-efficient models enhances efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Custom cabinetry and shelving solutions maximize storage for detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry essentials, promoting an organized and clutter-free environment. Consideration of ergonomic design, such as a folding counter or ironing station, streamlines tasks and adds a touch of convenience. Thoughtful lighting choices, perhaps with LED fixtures or natural light sources, contribute to a bright and inviting atmosphere. Flooring upgrades for durability, such as water-resistant tiles or easy-to-clean materials, can withstand the demands of laundry tasks. Ultimately, a remodeled laundry room not only elevates its practical functionality but also transforms it into a well-designed, efficient space that makes the often-dreaded chore of laundry a more pleasant experience.

For this project, the customer envisioned enhancing their kitchen, creating a seamless connection to the living and dining areas, which had been raised. We presented options for the addition, showcasing designs that married simplicity with elegance. The first options featured straightforward roofing solutions, while the final design embraced the home's curves, incorporating the graceful rounded windows, entryway, and chimney. We crafted the addition with a stunning barrel ceiling adorned with rich walnut wood paneling and accent lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere. After careful consideration, the clients chose the more intricate design, perfectly complementing their home's aesthetic. To elevate the space, we added a round window and an arched window in the kitchen, enhancing its character. In the living area, they selected a Nana Wall door, allowing for a harmonious flow between indoors and the outdoor entertainment space. The kitchen showcases exquisite walnut cabinets, accented with white painted cabinets in a sleek shallow shaker style. The 2cm Dekton countertops & backsplash were designed with an island height of 2 1/4 inches, creating a more dynamic space. As passionate cooks and bakers, the clients chose Wolf and SubZero appliances, panel-ready to harmonize beautifully with their kitchen design. This project turned out breathtakingly, and the clients are overjoyed to possess a kitchen that embodies beauty and functionality, exceeding their dreams and aspirations.

Transitional Aging in Place master suite with double vanity and considerable walk-in shower.
Example of a large transitional master ceramic tile and double-sink bathroom design in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, an undermount sink, marble countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

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

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

For this project, the customer envisioned enhancing their kitchen, creating a seamless connection to the living and dining areas, which had been raised. We presented options for the addition, showcasing designs that married simplicity with elegance. The first options featured straightforward roofing solutions, while the final design embraced the home's curves, incorporating the graceful rounded windows, entryway, and chimney. We crafted the addition with a stunning barrel ceiling adorned with rich walnut wood paneling and accent lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere. After careful consideration, the clients chose the more intricate design, perfectly complementing their home's aesthetic. To elevate the space, we added a round window and an arched window in the kitchen, enhancing its character. In the living area, they selected a Nana Wall door, allowing for a harmonious flow between indoors and the outdoor entertainment space. The kitchen showcases exquisite walnut cabinets, accented with white painted cabinets in a sleek shallow shaker style. The 2cm Dekton countertops & backsplash were designed with an island height of 2 1/4 inches, creating a more dynamic space. As passionate cooks and bakers, the clients chose Wolf and SubZero appliances, panel-ready to harmonize beautifully with their kitchen design. This project turned out breathtakingly, and the clients are overjoyed to possess a kitchen that embodies beauty and functionality, exceeding their dreams and aspirations.

This customer made the very smart choice of enjoying their remodeling efforts a few years before selling it. In addition to the kitchen being outdated, it also was lacking in storage and also a feeling of being a little "closed in". Our solution was to remove all of the upper soffits/fur-downs to be replaced with taller upper cabinets, gaining considerably more storage. Additionally, we removed the upper bar on the peninsula countertop opening the room to the living room, bringing more light and a profound feeling of openness and inclusivity!