It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

HISTORIC DISTRICT OF KALORAMA, A THREE-STORY BRICK CITY HOME IS RENOVATED AND ADDED TO. A DARK CONSERVATORY FORM IS ADDED CONTINUOUSLY ALONG THE BACK OF THE HOUSE SOLVING CIRCULATION ISSUES AND ADDING SPACE FOR A BREAKFAST ROOM. THE ADDITION REFERENCES CONSERVATORIES DESIGNED DURING THE TIME, THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL HISTORIC HOME AND THE NEW CONTRASTING ADDITION IS CLEAR. THE UPPER LANDING OF THE MAIN STAIRWAY WAS CHANGED TO WINDERS. THE BENEFIT OF WHICH PURCHASES ENOUGH RISE TO ALLOW CIRCULATION BELOW THE WINDERS ALLOWING ACCESS AND VIEW TO THE BACK GARDENS. INFORMAL KITCHEN, FAMILY AND BREAKFAST WERE OPENED UP TO ADDRESS MODERN LIVING, THE PARENTHESIS OF THE ORIGINAL ROOMS WAS LEFT CLEARLY DEFINED. BRICK WALLS ARE ALSO ADDED TO THE FRONT ACT AS A BASE ON THE FRONT.

Since moving into her Dublin home two and a half years ago, Nancy Sanford has been peeling off the decades—quite literally. Built in the 1980s, the home was “very well-maintained, but very little had been done to it” in terms of updating the finishes or style, Sanford says. Plush white carpet ran from wall-to-wall-to-wall, almond-colored laminate coated the kitchen cabinets and wallpaper ran rampant—even covering some ceilings. Despite her efforts, Sanford knew it was going to take more than cosmetic editing to shake the ‘80s and make the home her own. Although she lives in the traditional-leaning Muirfield community, Sanford adores a minimalist, contemporary style—and admits to devouring design magazines “ad nauseam.” To implement her thoroughly modern vision, Sanford turned to Brigid Norton, an interior designer and family friend, and Kristi Youles, a kitchen designer with The JAE Company. Working together, the trio created a carefully considered contemporary design that’s easy on the eyes, and the body. In addition to improving the flow of the kitchen—by removing a V-shaped peninsula that angled out into the room—and adding appliances like a stainless steel refrigerator, Sanford’s short list of must-haves included clean, uncluttered lines and no wall cabinets over the countertops. “I’ve found as I’ve aged, I’ve gotten shorter and just don’t use the upper cabinets,” Sanford explains. Easy-access, smooth-slide drawers with clean slab fronts were the answer—resulting in strong visual lines, an open, airy feel and enhanced ergonomics. Starting with a “needs assessment,” Youles and Norton designed the space quite literally around Nancy. By looking at factors such as her height and which items she uses most frequently, they were able to determine the optimum placement for everything from canned goods in the pantry to cutlery, pans and plates in the customized drawers, all of which helped to achieve the ultimate kitchen organization. But there’s more to the kitchen cabinets smooth façade than clean-lined storage. Walnut drawer fronts—found on the oven and the base of the island—are book-matched, allowing the grain to continue from drawer to drawer. And even in spaces where drawers weren’t feasible, beneath the sink and in a desk area, the designers continued the look with cabinet doors crafted to resemble drawers. The visual continuity of these lines might not be as impactful if it weren’t for the careful selection of contrasting finishes. The designers filled the space with pure, glossy white—using a specific type of quartz, White Cliff by Cambria, to accent the bold rectangular design of the island. Then, to break up the expanse of accompanying white painted drawers, walnut was selected to bring the contrasting warmth and grain of wood without red undertones. It is commonly found in modern furniture design, as well as current productions of mid-century designs like the iconic Eames Lounge Chair from Herman Miller, Youles says.

The shower was remodeled with a modern style design and color palette. The Tivoli 12x24 tile in the color Bianco from Happy Floors was used in the shower walls and continues up to the ceiling for a dramatic effect. A 1.25 x 4 size Mosaic tile in Tivoli, Bianco was used inside the shower niche complete with a granite sill that matches the vanity countertop. The Tivoli, Bianco tile in a 2x2 Mosaic was used on the shower floor to harmonize with the shower and existing bathroom floor. The shower curb was removed and replaced with a Granite sill in Classic White that lays flush with the bathroom floor for easy accessibility and a modern accent. The shower was complete with a frameless glass hinge door, modern hardware and fixtures.

Inspired by another mid-century modern home the client owned, this new residence represents a much larger 21st-century version built into the gently sloping hillside to take advantage of the sprawling hilltop views of the Sonoma valley. The quiet front facade leads guests into a formal entry that divides the house into private and public spaces. Rounding the corner into the great room, one is immediately hit by the breathtaking view that extends outward beyond the infinity pool and deck through a continuous wall of glass. In the opposite direction, each of the three bedrooms was designed with its own seating area and bathroom, creating private suites for family members and guests alike. The linear design and open, flowing living spaces provide almost every room with outdoor access to the expansive patio, protected from the Sonoma heat by deep overhangs. Warm woods, clean lines, and a rhythmic post and beam ceiling design create a homey feeling of rest and relaxation, evoking the essence of modern California living. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, Ethan Taylor, Noel Andrade, and John Klopf Landscape Architects: Arterra Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Eames Construction Photography: ©2022 Mariko Reed Completion year: 2022

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

Our customers came to us with a desire to open up their kitchen into the dining and living rooms. They wanted an open concept to make their home more comfortable and easy to get around in when their grandchildren came over to visit. We were able to take down two walls and leave a post where the island is currently located. We were also able to continue and match the hardwood floors in the kitchen. The ginger stained cabinets and the under cabinet lighting add a warmth to the kitchen. The staggered wall cabinets with the large crown mounding added an interesting touch. And lastly the washing machine was moved from the basement into the kitchen for easier access to our customers who have a hard time walking up and down the staircase. The customers love their new kitchen and enjoy spending time with their family.

The project includes turnkey construction of the entire architectural space, where the large open space is divided into functional areas – dining and living – by an impressive composition with a T layout that includes the kitchen with island, the living room furniture, and the equipped wall. On linear composition, the kitchen with central island, developed on T45 model, is entirely in Gres Laminam Noir Desir, upon request of the customer. The material continuously covers the sides, the T45 drawer fronts, bins, and storage compartments, and the worktop incorporating a filo top hob and a built-in Gres sink. The painted structure in metal effect creates a linear contrast design that frames the doors and fronts. The composition of columns, designed on model D90, has a natural Birch structure and front elements in Noce Canaletto with an inside handle. The set-up is punctuated by the alternation between storage compartments and appliances supplied such as a fridge column, thermo-regulated cellar with glass door, and ovens columns. The backlit glass cabinet on the bronze structure adds particular charm to the composition, while the retractable doors give access to the auxiliary work area. The cabinets above the ovens are in continuity with the columns and their opening is facilitated by a push & pull mechanism. To delimit the functional space of the two rooms, a central wall has been created with doors in bronzed glass on both sides. Developed on model D90, it has structure and paneling in Noce Canaletto, while internal shelves, equipped with LED lighting, are made of glass. The large open module features asymmetric composition compared to the central module in gres which houses the wood fireplace and home entertainment. The alternation between drawers, storage compartments with flap doors, and open compartments of various heights create a compositional elegance. In continuity with the kitchen furniture, in the living room, a built-in area cabinet has been realized with lower doors in the T45 model, an intermediate suspended unit with flap doors and LED lighting and an upper bookcase unit.

This is the girls bathroom, with rolling glass shower door, Perrin and Rowe exposed shower pipe, large rainhead and hand shower. There is a tiled strip drain in the shower under the shower pipe and also at the shower door threshold to insure that water does not escape into the room. An Aquia dual flush Toto Toilet is used with a shallow utility cabinet above. The vanity faucet is mounted to the face of the mirror and there is a glazed white painted finish applied with girly pink drawer pulls.

Our clients house was built in 2012, so it was not that outdated, it was just dark. The clients wanted to lighten the kitchen and create something that was their own, using more unique products. The master bath needed to be updated and they wanted the upstairs game room to be more functional for their family. The original kitchen was very dark and all brown. The cabinets were stained dark brown, the countertops were a dark brown and black granite, with a beige backsplash. We kept the dark cabinets but lightened everything else. A new translucent frosted glass pantry door was installed to soften the feel of the kitchen. The main architecture in the kitchen stayed the same but the clients wanted to change the coffee bar into a wine bar, so we removed the upper cabinet door above a small cabinet and installed two X-style wine storage shelves instead. An undermount farm sink was installed with a 23” tall main faucet for more functionality. We replaced the chandelier over the island with a beautiful Arhaus Poppy large antique brass chandelier. Two new pendants were installed over the sink from West Elm with a much more modern feel than before, not to mention much brighter. The once dark backsplash was now a bright ocean honed marble mosaic 2”x4” a top the QM Calacatta Miel quartz countertops. We installed undercabinet lighting and added over-cabinet LED tape strip lighting to add even more light into the kitchen. We basically gutted the Master bathroom and started from scratch. We demoed the shower walls, ceiling over tub/shower, demoed the countertops, plumbing fixtures, shutters over the tub and the wall tile and flooring. We reframed the vaulted ceiling over the shower and added an access panel in the water closet for a digital shower valve. A raised platform was added under the tub/shower for a shower slope to existing drain. The shower floor was Carrara Herringbone tile, accented with Bianco Venatino Honed marble and Metro White glossy ceramic 4”x16” tile on the walls. We then added a bench and a Kohler 8” rain showerhead to finish off the shower. The walk-in shower was sectioned off with a frameless clear anti-spot treated glass. The tub was not important to the clients, although they wanted to keep one for resale value. A Japanese soaker tub was installed, which the kids love! To finish off the master bath, the walls were painted with SW Agreeable Gray and the existing cabinets were painted SW Mega Greige for an updated look. Four Pottery Barn Mercer wall sconces were added between the new beautiful Distressed Silver leaf mirrors instead of the three existing over-mirror vanity bars that were originally there. QM Calacatta Miel countertops were installed which definitely brightened up the room! Originally, the upstairs game room had nothing but a built-in bar in one corner. The clients wanted this to be more of a media room but still wanted to have a kitchenette upstairs. We had to remove the original plumbing and electrical and move it to where the new cabinets were. We installed 16’ of cabinets between the windows on one wall. Plank and Mill reclaimed barn wood plank veneers were used on the accent wall in between the cabinets as a backing for the wall mounted TV above the QM Calacatta Miel countertops. A kitchenette was installed to one end, housing a sink and a beverage fridge, so the clients can still have the best of both worlds. LED tape lighting was added above the cabinets for additional lighting. The clients love their updated rooms and feel that house really works for their family now. Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

First installation of its kind. Two Oversize 9’ x 16’ grand patio openings by NanaWall, expand indoor living to the great outdoors. Heat lamps surrounding the grand openings create a heat blanket that extend outdoor entertaining in spring and fall. Custom IPE boardwalk with flush-mounted perimeter LED lighting borders entire 32’ span for ease of access. Two completely mitered marble fire features, anchor the gathering places for best views. From planes, boats & helicopters, ambient sound from the serene waterfall creates a peaceful environment in busy Coal Harbour. Fully automated lighting and audio system, allows residents and guests experience amazing city backdrops from dawn to dusk where the sunset welcomes the night with city lights in style. Chef sized 48” Wolf BBQ allows you to dine company at centre stage. Basalt stepping stones also lead you to more private spaces to continue conversations away from the main patios.

Our customers came to us with a desire to open up their kitchen into the dining and living rooms. They wanted an open concept to make their home more comfortable and easy to get around in when their grandchildren came over to visit. We were able to take down two walls and leave a post where the island is currently located. We were also able to continue and match the hardwood floors in the kitchen. The ginger stained cabinets and the under cabinet lighting add a warmth to the kitchen. The staggered wall cabinets with the large crown mounding added an interesting touch. And lastly the washing machine was moved from the basement into the kitchen for easier access to our customers who have a hard time walking up and down the staircase. The customers love their new kitchen and enjoy spending time with their family.

First installation of its kind. Two Oversize 9’ x 16’ grand patio openings by NanaWall, expand indoor living to the great outdoors. Heat lamps surrounding the grand openings create a heat blanket that extend outdoor entertaining in spring and fall. Custom IPE boardwalk with flush-mounted perimeter LED lighting borders entire 32’ span for ease of access. Two completely mitered marble fire features, anchor the gathering places for best views. From planes, boats & helicopters, ambient sound from the serene waterfall creates a peaceful environment in busy Coal Harbour. Fully automated lighting and audio system, allows residents and guests experience amazing city backdrops from dawn to dusk where the sunset welcomes the night with city lights in style. Chef sized 48” Wolf BBQ allows you to dine company at centre stage. Basalt stepping stones also lead you to more private spaces to continue conversations away from the main patios.

Our customers came to us with a desire to open up their kitchen into the dining and living rooms. They wanted an open concept to make their home more comfortable and easy to get around in when their grandchildren came over to visit. We were able to take down two walls and leave a post where the island is currently located. We were also able to continue and match the hardwood floors in the kitchen. The ginger stained cabinets and the under cabinet lighting add a warmth to the kitchen. The staggered wall cabinets with the large crown mounding added an interesting touch. And lastly the washing machine was moved from the basement into the kitchen for easier access to our customers who have a hard time walking up and down the staircase. The customers love their new kitchen and enjoy spending time with their family.

Tyler Homes has redefined the farmhouse with this two-story home. Elements like the wide front porch and board-and-batten siding echo traditional design, but modern features throughout the home give this farmhouse an urban feel. Knotty alder trim, hardwood floors, and sliding barn doors continue the rural theme on the main floor. The home’s galley-style kitchen with walk-in pantry, the vaulted great room, and a two-story fireplace add contemporary styling accented by rich wood trim and stone and iron accents. The first-floor master suite boasts a luxurious bath with doorless tile shower, and the walk-in closet offers access to the laundry room. Upstairs, two more bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath, and a loft area overlooks the two-story entry and great room. On the walkout lower level, farm-style touches include wood trim and brick accents, but the space is clearly designed for contemporary living with its sunken family room, bar, and game room. A fourth bedroom and full bath complete the level.

photo by Pedro Marti The goal of this renovation was to create a stair with a minimal footprint in order to maximize the usable space in this small apartment. The existing living room was divided in two and contained a steep ladder to access the second floor sleeping loft. The client wanted to create a single living space with a true staircase and to open up and preferably expand the old galley kitchen without taking away too much space from the living area. Our solution was to create a new stair that integrated with the kitchen cabinetry and dining area In order to not use up valuable floor area. The fourth tread of the stair continues to create a counter above additional kitchen storage and then cantilevers and wraps around the kitchen’s stone counters to create a dining area. The stair was custom fabricated in two parts. First a steel structure was created, this was then clad by a wood worker who constructed the kitchen cabinetry and made sure the stair integrated seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. The treads have a floating appearance when looking from the living room, that along with the open rail helps to visually connect the kitchen to the rest of the space. The angle of the dining area table is informed by the existing angled wall at the entry hall, the line of the table is picked up on the other side of the kitchen by new floor to ceiling cabinetry that folds around the rear wall of the kitchen into the hallway creating additional storage within the hall.

Inspired by another mid-century modern home the client owned, this new residence represents a much larger 21st-century version built into the gently sloping hillside to take advantage of the sprawling hilltop views of the Sonoma valley. The quiet front facade leads guests into a formal entry that divides the house into private and public spaces. Rounding the corner into the great room, one is immediately hit by the breathtaking view that extends outward beyond the infinity pool and deck through a continuous wall of glass. In the opposite direction, each of the three bedrooms was designed with its own seating area and bathroom, creating private suites for family members and guests alike. The linear design and open, flowing living spaces provide almost every room with outdoor access to the expansive patio, protected from the Sonoma heat by deep overhangs. Warm woods, clean lines, and a rhythmic post and beam ceiling design create a homey feeling of rest and relaxation, evoking the essence of modern California living. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, Ethan Taylor, Noel Andrade, and John Klopf Landscape Architects: Arterra Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Eames Construction Photography: ©2022 Mariko Reed Completion year: 2022

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.