The client came to us to assist with transforming their small family cabin into a year-round residence that would continue the family legacy. The home was originally built by our client’s grandfather so keeping much of the existing interior woodwork and stone masonry fireplace was a must. They did not want to lose the rustic look and the warmth of the pine paneling. The view of Lake Michigan was also to be maintained. It was important to keep the home nestled within its surroundings. There was a need to update the kitchen, add a laundry & mud room, install insulation, add a heating & cooling system, provide additional bedrooms and more bathrooms. The addition to the home needed to look intentional and provide plenty of room for the entire family to be together. Low maintenance exterior finish materials were used for the siding and trims as well as natural field stones at the base to match the original cabin’s charm.

2015 Home Tour Participant Looking to add more living space for this growing family, Homeowners of this 1923 St Paul home made the decision to finish their basement. A full new floor plan was designed to include a long list of must haves. The new space included: a new bedroom, family room for the kids to play, an additional room for guests and/or study, new 3/4 bath, easy access for bicycle storage in laundry, low pile carpet that is comfortable for the kids to play, and warmth for the MN winters! A great floor plan was designed that integrated the family room and guest bed/study that also creates wonderful sight lines and a great flow. The basement was updated with all new windows including two egress windows. Beautiful rainglass pocket doors were installed to the bath and laundry to continue the flow of natural light from room to room. Custom natural oak millwork and beautiful door knobs by Rejuvenation Hardware were installed throughout. To match the charm of the home, subway tile and hex tile floors were installed in the new bath and shower. The bath was finished with a stock vanity, mirror, lighting, and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Modern features were also integrated throughout including Hudson Reed wall mount radiators and a NEST thermostat. One of our favorite features of this project, is the original support header and column that we decided to keep exposed. The homeowners took it upon themselves to sand the aged wood down to its natural color and it truly creates a unique piece of art. Castle and the Homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

You don't have to own a big celebrity mansion to have a beautifully appointed house finished with unique and special materials. When my clients bought an average condo kitted out with all the average builder-grade things that average builders stuff into spaces like that, they longed to make it theirs. Being collectors of colorful Fiesta tableware and lovers of extravagant stone, we set about infusing the space with a dose of their fun personality. There wasn’t a corner of the house that went untouched in this extensive renovation. The ground floor got a complete make-over with a new Calacatta Gold tile floor, and I designed a very special border of Lunada Bay glass mosaic tiles that outlines the edge of every room. We ripped out a solid walled staircase and replaced it with a visually lighter cable rail system, and a custom hanging chandelier now shines over the living room. The kitchen was redesigned to take advantage of a wall that was previously just shallow pantry storage. By opening it up and installing cabinetry, we doubled the counter space and made the kitchen much more spacious and usable. We also removed a low hanging set of upper cabinets that cut off the kitchen from the rest of the ground floor spaces. Acquarella Fantasy quartzite graces the counter surfaces and continues down in a waterfall feature in order to enjoy as much of this stone’s natural beauty as possible. One of my favorite spaces turned out to be the primary bathroom. The scheme for this room took shape when we were at a slab warehouse shopping for material. We stumbled across a packet of a stunning quartzite called Fusion Wow Dark and immediately fell in love. We snatched up a pair of slabs for the counter as well as the back wall of the shower. My clients were eager to be rid of a tub-shower alcove and create a spacious curbless shower, which meant a full piece of stone on the entire long wall would be stunning. To compliment it, I found a neutral, sandstone-like tile for the return walls of the shower and brought it around the remaining walls of the space, capped with a coordinating chair rail. But my client's love of gold and all things sparkly led us to a wonderful mosaic. Composed of shifting hues of honey and gold, I envisioned the mosaic on the vanity wall and as a backing for the niche in the shower. We chose a dark slate tile to ground the room, and designed a luxurious, glass French door shower enclosure. Little touches like a motion-detected toe kick night light at the vanity, oversized LED mirrors, and ultra-modern plumbing fixtures elevate this previously simple bathroom. And I designed a watery-themed guest bathroom with a deep blue vanity, a large LED mirror, toe kick lights, and customized handmade porcelain tiles illustrating marshland scenes and herons. All photos by Bernardo Grijalva

This 2250 sq. ft. space soars above New York City's Fifth Avenue overlooking the beautiful Central Park. The owner had an extensive art collection and wanted the rooms to reflect their artistic sensibility and warmth. The furnishings combined their love of modern art with their dreamy nostalgia. Many of the pieces were centered around the owner's love of contemporary furniture, many of which were created by famous furniture designer Mario Bellini. Each room tells a story, one that the owner will continue to tell throughout the years. Featured brands include: Mario Bellini furnishings, Armani Casa, and Flos and Artemide lighting, and Venetian plaster.

A rhythm is felt from the ceiling beams to the glass upper cabinets, design themes that flow to the dining and great room to maintain a light and airy atmosphere. The cadence continues between zones for entertaining and cooking. The beverage area is connected but does not overpower the function of the kitchen. Undercounter refrigeration, drinkware, glass front cabinetry and the television unite as a hub for hosting. A small sink by the cooktop serves both areas for prep and beverage. Overhead, the rangehood is simple in form with an intention to resemble a European plaster hood. The tile backsplash has a handmade feel for a transitional appearance with old-world comfort.

Austin's custom home builder John Siemering presents this contemporary twist on the traditional Texas Farmhouse located in Dripping Springs. This expansive home features a mixed exterior design showcasing limestone paired together with board and batten cedar siding, Douglas fir columns and a metal and concrete tile roof. The custom pine double front door opens into the breathtaking great room featuring a vaulted ceiling with decorative fir trusses, white shiplap walls and dark wood floors. The large limestone fireplace is the focal point of this impressive space. The use of custom fir ceiling/header beams and unique wood doors continues throughout nearly every room in the home to enhance the contemporary rustic farmhouse feel. The stunning open kitchen steals the show with an artisan hammered metal vent hood juxtaposed next to a full subway tile backsplash. The kitchen also features a wood paneled ceiling, marble countertops, white cabinetry, a Lacanche range and a double refrigerator enclosed behind custom wood panels. The luxurious master bedroom and bathroom exude traditional upscale style with large custom ceiling beams to tie into the farmhouse theme. His and her white vanities, a free standing tub, large walk in shower and plenty of marble tile throughout turn the master bathroom into a high end spa-like retreat. An additional game room space contains a full wet bar with granite countertop, shiplap walls, custom pastel sliding barn doors and french exterior doors leading to the rear of the home. The rear courtyard is highlighted with an outdoor kitchen, bar and grill area overlooking the pool. The outdoor dining and living space has multiple zones thanks to a large outdoor see through fireplace with seating on either side. Last but not least, this home also comes with a large free standing 3 car garage structure with half of an indoor basketball court on the upper level.

Powder room - mid-sized coastal white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and white floor powder room idea in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, a vessel sink and wood countertops

Grand Isle Log Cabin Summer Camp Whole-House Renovation of a Grand Isle Log Cabin Summer Camp Tucked among the pines in Grand Isle, Vermont, this classic log cabin summer camp had been a beloved family retreat for decades, but it was in need of significant updates to serve the next generation. We worked closely with the owners to complete a whole-house renovation, carefully preserving the cabin’s rustic charm while adding modern comforts and functionality. The project included reworking the interior layout to create open, light-filled living spaces, upgrading the kitchen and baths, improving insulation, and modernizing mechanical systems — all with an eye toward durability and timeless style. Original log walls were restored and highlighted, and new woodwork was crafted to seamlessly match the old. Now, this rejuvenated log cabin is ready to host family gatherings, children’s laughter, and long summer evenings for many, many years to come — a space where memories will continue to be made across generations.

This mid-century modern Rockford home was updated in stages, and the kitchen needed a complete remodel. The homeowners desired a kitchen that felt current without breaking from the character that defined the rest of the house. That meant we needed to choose materials that fit the home and highlighted the home’s character. Our team sourced pecky cypress and natural slate tile from non-traditional suppliers to get the exact look the home called for. The wood cabinetry was paired with a granite island, providing a gathering space in the kitchen without overpowering it. Because both materials required careful handling during installation, the crew worked more slowly and deliberately through this phase than a standard remodel. The result connected the kitchen directly to the living area, so the two spaces feel like one continuous room built in the same style as the rest of the home.

This North Minneapolis Kitchen provided a functional and attractive update, opening up kitchen walls and creating space and continuity through the house. Re finishing the original uppers to match the new base units was thoughtful and charming and provided a cost saving too.

The family room is the heart of the home; from banquette nook seating, to the custom entertainment wall, which replicates the warm wenge finish of the kitchen, and features a full Cambria “Newport” back wall. The ceiling detail, wood stained beams with chevron-pattern nickel-joint tonge& groove are designed from inside to outside, creating a continuous family-centric space.

Glass-front cabinet doors allow you to display your favorite dishes. Here we continued the tile into the space for an added design touch.
Mid-sized elegant single-wall medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen photo in Raleigh with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

2015 Home Tour Participant Looking to add more living space for this growing family, Homeowners of this 1923 St Paul home made the decision to finish their basement. A full new floor plan was designed to include a long list of must haves. The new space included: a new bedroom, family room for the kids to play, an additional room for guests and/or study, new 3/4 bath, easy access for bicycle storage in laundry, low pile carpet that is comfortable for the kids to play, and warmth for the MN winters! A great floor plan was designed that integrated the family room and guest bed/study that also creates wonderful sight lines and a great flow. The basement was updated with all new windows including two egress windows. Beautiful rainglass pocket doors were installed to the bath and laundry to continue the flow of natural light from room to room. Custom natural oak millwork and beautiful door knobs by Rejuvenation Hardware were installed throughout. To match the charm of the home, subway tile and hex tile floors were installed in the new bath and shower. The bath was finished with a stock vanity, mirror, lighting, and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Modern features were also integrated throughout including Hudson Reed wall mount radiators and a NEST thermostat. One of our favorite features of this project, is the original support header and column that we decided to keep exposed. The homeowners took it upon themselves to sand the aged wood down to its natural color and it truly creates a unique piece of art. Castle and the Homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

Perched high above the Islington Golf course, on a quiet cul-de-sac, this contemporary residential home is all about bringing the outdoor surroundings in. In keeping with the French style, a metal and slate mansard roofline dominates the façade, while inside, an open concept main floor split across three elevations, is punctuated by reclaimed rough hewn fir beams and a herringbone dark walnut floor. The elegant kitchen includes Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf range, SubZero glass paned refrigerator, open walnut shelving, blue/black cabinetry with hand forged bronze hardware and a larder with a SubZero freezer, wine fridge and even a dog bed. The emphasis on wood detailing continues with Pella fir windows framing a full view of the canopy of trees that hang over the golf course and back of the house. This project included a full reimagining of the backyard landscaping and features the use of Thermory decking and a refurbished in-ground pool surrounded by dark Eramosa limestone. Design elements include the use of three species of wood, warm metals, various marbles, bespoke lighting fixtures and Canadian art as a focal point within each space. The main walnut waterfall staircase features a custom hand forged metal railing with tuning fork spindles. The end result is a nod to the elegance of French Country, mixed with the modern day requirements of a family of four and two dogs!

The room has wooden print vinyl floors and a vaulted ceiling with an exposed beam. Classic modern kitchen with a shaker blue island and grey cabinets. Cabinets line the back wall in an L shape and continue after the backdoor to line the far wall. The kitchen has white quarts countertops and stainless steel fixtures and appliances. Gas stove in the island and a single bowl sink. There are three hanging kitchen lights- one over the sink and two over the kitchen island. There are eight recessed lights in the kitchen as well.

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

This Knotty Alder pantry suite serves as the functional anchor of the kitchen, proving that high-capacity storage can be executed with the same artisan elegance as a master spa. In this Hayden estate, we didn't just install cabinets; we engineered a floor-to-ceiling millwork system that maintains the home's "Mountain Modern" aesthetic while providing professional-grade organization. Hayden Estate: Artisan Knotty Alder Pantry & Built-In Suite In a luxury custom build, the pantry should be a seamless extension of the kitchen’s architecture. This expansive unit was designed to handle the heavy demands of a high-end household, balancing concealed storage with open accessibility—all while showcasing the natural, rustic character of hand-finished wood. Technical & Artisan Highlights: Integrated Storage Architecture: This massive built-in unit features a symmetrical layout designed for maximum efficiency. The tall, wardrobe-style flanking cabinets provide deep, concealed storage for bulk goods and appliances, while the central alcove features adjustable thick-set shelving for immediate access. Precision Knotty Alder Millwork: Every door is a traditional Shaker-style panel, hand-selected to highlight the complex grain and organic knots of the Alder. This consistency in material ties the kitchen directly to the custom vanities and trim found throughout the rest of the residence. Furniture-Grade Construction: Note the substantial crown molding that caps the unit and the seamless fit into the room's alcove. This isn't "out of the box" cabinetry; it’s a site-specific installation that utilizes heavy-duty, oil-rubbed bronze hardware for a high-end tactile feel. Invisible HVAC Integration: We meticulously engineered the base of the cabinetry to incorporate the home’s mechanicals. The precision-cut baseboard vent allows for unobstructed airflow while maintaining the clean, uninterrupted lines of the wood toe-kick. Design Continuity: By using the same Shaker profiles and wood species as the bathroom suites, we’ve created a unified "Estate" feel. This level of detail ensures that even the most functional zones of the home—like a pantry—meet the same "expensive and creative" standard as the primary living spaces.

A major challenge of this Bloomfield Hills kitchen renovation was to rethink its spatial layout to create a more functional dining and entertaining area. The homeowners also wanted a warm, inviting space filled with natural light, unique design elements and a cohesive flow that honored the character of the home. Adjusting the depth of the perimeter Inspira Cabinetry Concordia cabinets made room for a perfectly sized island that provides seating without overwhelming the space, notes the designer. Modifying walls and windows, including removing a small window by the buffet that allows the inclusion of statement cabinetry, lets more natural light flow into the space. Incorporating glass doors into the buffet gives it a China cabinet-inspired look. Along the perimeter, a Blanco PRECIS low-divide Silgranit sink is paired with a Moen Align pull-down faucet below the sink, with Bosch dishwasher close at hand. A 36″ Dual-Fuel Professional Range from Monogram is topped with a custom range hood with Zephyr liner. Flash Series ceramic wall tile from Arizona Tile covers the walls, adding light and shine. A Monogram refrigerator and freezer, as well as Presrv refrigerator drawers from Zephyr and GE Profile microwave oven are also featured. One standout feature of the previous kitchen was a brick wall with a fireplace, which the designer knew she wanted to keep. As a complement, existing ceiling beams were wrapped with natural wood, which adds warmth and continuity to the space. Playing with a mix of black, gold and creamy tones ensures a balance of bold accents and soft neutrals while replacing the original slate floor tiles with large wood planks offers a better connection to the kitchen’s new design vision.

The full depth of the open plan layout living, dining, and kitchen running continuously beneath the same coffered tray ceiling with rough sawn beams.
Inspiration for a large transitional open concept light wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam living room remodel in Houston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace