A dated kitchen, cut off from the family room by a peninsula, gives a cluttered appearance with its lower ceiling and obstructive power post. Eliminating the peninsula allows for a sleek island with a waterfall edge and seating for 4, while raising the ceiling lifts the room, offering a continuous viewpoint and unity between the rooms. . By knocking out the walls of a small step-in pantry, a gorgeous bar area with upper glass display cabinets, floating shelves, a herringbone backsplash and a prep sink create a striking focal point and substantial workspace. Additionally, a wine fridge offers convenient access to beverages. A 36″ Thermador range takes center stage with a split backsplash. A convenient shelf for cooking necessities allows for a clean and open look on a shorter focal wall. The overall lighter, brighter color scheme dramatically refreshes the space, inviting you to come in. The old power pole, unable to be removed, is covered in a modern gray quartz, making it less obtrusive and more in harmony with the room’s many

The bar area is defined by its Conestoga Titanio 661 finish, ensuring a sophisticated visual continuity with the kitchen island. It is equipped with innovative storage solutions from Hafele Kesseböhmer, which maximize space efficiency and accessibility. A built-in wine cooler keeps beverages at the ideal temperature, making it perfect for entertaining. The bar also features tunable white LED lighting from Hafele Loox, which can be adjusted to enhance the ambiance, whether it’s for a lively party or a relaxed evening. The combination of high-end finishes, smart storage solutions, and adjustable lighting makes this bar area not only a functional space for hosting but also a focal point of luxury and style within the home.

Our clients wanted to increase the size of their shower, omit their whirlpool tub and make better use of the open floor space in their master bathroom. Designer Barbara Bircher, CKD, moved and removed walls to open up the master bath and enlarge the master closet. Pocket doors were used to eliminate door interference with storage accessibility. Barbara created two separate vanity stations for him and her. Rotating the toilet created a more spacious water closet concept while maintaining privacy. The shower was relocated and enlarged to include a bench, which continues under the window and houses individual hampers drawers. This new design included a linen closet tucked in nicely behind the shower. For those of you who are on the fence about removing a whirlpool tub, Steve and Mindy both agree they do not miss their whirlpool tub in any way!!

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.

A returning customer, now retired, wanted a new kitchen and dining space with a wow-factor, and that is exactly what they got! Mike created a design that seamlessly wrapped the kitchen into the dining area. It has a classy and clutter-free look with a wonderfully zoned working area and plenty of accessible storage. The kitchen features the Callerton cabinetry in Gransden Grey Painted Ash, complemented by Quartz worktops and splashback. Siemens built-in appliances offer high-end performance while the undermounted sink adds a classic touch. The design curves in areas, allowing the kitchen to flow through to the dining area and into feature furniture with a TV area, wine rack and dresser unit. The modern drawer systems in the working area keep everything at hand for cooking and serving. Continuing the colour throughout creates a cohesive, visually calming effect, while the LVT flooring, expertly installed by our trusted partner, brings the whole space together. The structure of the room remained unchanged, with just the ceiling overboarded and freshly skimmed for a clean, updated look. We did renew the electrics and plumbing, also and levelled the floor to ensure a solid foundation for the new design.

This bright, transitional hallway serves as the central spine of the full-floor attic primary suite remodel in a 1920s Arlington Heights bungalow. The space beautifully connects the master bedroom and bathroom to the cozy sitting area on the opposite side. The door to the left is the access to the primary suite. To the right, a series of classic white closet doors with matte black hardware maximizes the attic's knee-wall storage. Rich, dark-stained oak hardwood floors run continuously down the corridor, pulling together the suite's signature combination of historic character and clean Scandinavian design.

This exterior perspective highlights the home’s strong architectural presence and its seamless relationship with the surrounding land. Natural stone, vertical siding, and a standing-seam metal roof come together in a timeless palette that feels both refined and rooted in the landscape. The covered porch extends gracefully along the rear of the home, offering multiple access points and a sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor living. A clean-lined stone walkway guides you along the façade, while the expansive lawn and fencing frame open views of the property beyond. Deep roof overhangs and substantial timber posts provide shade and protection, allowing the porch to be enjoyed throughout the day. This view emphasizes the thoughtful site planning and craftsmanship that make the outdoor spaces feel intentional, inviting, and fully integrated into the overall design of the home.

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

This view of the butler’s pantry reveals a masterfully organized high-function beverage center tucked behind the kitchen, designed with the sleek efficiency of an appliance garage. The deep teal cabinetry houses a built-in microwave and a professional-grade beverage fridge, ensuring the main kitchen remains a clutter-free zone for serious cooking while the pantry handles the entertaining. The space continues the home’s high-drama aesthetic with dark, marble-veined countertops and the signature Art Deco backsplash that adds a rhythmic gold-and-black shimmer to the workspace. Brushed gold hardware and glass-front upper cabinets offer both accessibility and a curated "boutique bar" feel, all anchored by the timeless black and white checkered marble floors that lead the eye through this jewel-box sanctuary.

The bar area is defined by its Conestoga Titanio 661 finish, ensuring a sophisticated visual continuity with the kitchen island. It is equipped with innovative storage solutions from Hafele Kesseböhmer, which maximize space efficiency and accessibility. A built-in wine cooler keeps beverages at the ideal temperature, making it perfect for entertaining. The bar also features tunable white LED lighting from Hafele Loox, which can be adjusted to enhance the ambiance, whether it’s for a lively party or a relaxed evening. The combination of high-end finishes, smart storage solutions, and adjustable lighting makes this bar area not only a functional space for hosting but also a focal point of luxury and style within the home.

A returning customer, now retired, wanted a new kitchen and dining space with a wow-factor, and that is exactly what they got! Mike created a design that seamlessly wrapped the kitchen into the dining area. It has a classy and clutter-free look with a wonderfully zoned working area and plenty of accessible storage. The kitchen features the Callerton cabinetry in Gransden Grey Painted Ash, complemented by Quartz worktops and splashback. Siemens built-in appliances offer high-end performance while the undermounted sink adds a classic touch. The design curves in areas, allowing the kitchen to flow through to the dining area and into feature furniture with a TV area, wine rack and dresser unit. The modern drawer systems in the working area keep everything at hand for cooking and serving. Continuing the colour throughout creates a cohesive, visually calming effect, while the LVT flooring, expertly installed by our trusted partner, brings the whole space together. The structure of the room remained unchanged, with just the ceiling overboarded and freshly skimmed for a clean, updated look. We did renew the electrics and plumbing, also and levelled the floor to ensure a solid foundation for the new design.

The bar area is defined by its Conestoga Titanio 661 finish, ensuring a sophisticated visual continuity with the kitchen island. It is equipped with innovative storage solutions from Hafele Kesseböhmer, which maximize space efficiency and accessibility. A built-in wine cooler keeps beverages at the ideal temperature, making it perfect for entertaining. The bar also features tunable white LED lighting from Hafele Loox, which can be adjusted to enhance the ambiance, whether it’s for a lively party or a relaxed evening. The combination of high-end finishes, smart storage solutions, and adjustable lighting makes this bar area not only a functional space for hosting but also a focal point of luxury and style within the home.

The bar area is defined by its Conestoga Titanio 661 finish, ensuring a sophisticated visual continuity with the kitchen island. It is equipped with innovative storage solutions from Hafele Kesseböhmer, which maximize space efficiency and accessibility. A built-in wine cooler keeps beverages at the ideal temperature, making it perfect for entertaining. The bar also features tunable white LED lighting from Hafele Loox, which can be adjusted to enhance the ambiance, whether it’s for a lively party or a relaxed evening. The combination of high-end finishes, smart storage solutions, and adjustable lighting makes this bar area not only a functional space for hosting but also a focal point of luxury and style within the home.

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 bar area is defined by its Conestoga Titanio 661 finish, ensuring a sophisticated visual continuity with the kitchen island. It is equipped with innovative storage solutions from Hafele Kesseböhmer, which maximize space efficiency and accessibility. A built-in wine cooler keeps beverages at the ideal temperature, making it perfect for entertaining. The bar also features tunable white LED lighting from Hafele Loox, which can be adjusted to enhance the ambiance, whether it’s for a lively party or a relaxed evening. The combination of high-end finishes, smart storage solutions, and adjustable lighting makes this bar area not only a functional space for hosting but also a focal point of luxury and style within the home.

A returning customer, now retired, wanted a new kitchen and dining space with a wow-factor, and that is exactly what they got! Mike created a design that seamlessly wrapped the kitchen into the dining area. It has a classy and clutter-free look with a wonderfully zoned working area and plenty of accessible storage. The kitchen features the Callerton cabinetry in Gransden Grey Painted Ash, complemented by Quartz worktops and splashback. Siemens built-in appliances offer high-end performance while the undermounted sink adds a classic touch. The design curves in areas, allowing the kitchen to flow through to the dining area and into feature furniture with a TV area, wine rack and dresser unit. The modern drawer systems in the working area keep everything at hand for cooking and serving. Continuing the colour throughout creates a cohesive, visually calming effect, while the LVT flooring, expertly installed by our trusted partner, brings the whole space together. The structure of the room remained unchanged, with just the ceiling overboarded and freshly skimmed for a clean, updated look. We did renew the electrics and plumbing, also and levelled the floor to ensure a solid foundation for the new design.

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system. Cooling will rely on a whole house fan and a passive air flow system. The passive system is created with the cupola, windows, transoms and passive venting for cooling, rather than a forced air system. Here you can see the underside of the gambrel roof and the ladder leading up to the cupola. Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

Photography by Ken Wyner 2101 Connecticut Avenue (c.1928), an 8-story brick and limestone Beaux Arts style building with spacious apartments, is said to have been “the finest apartment house to appear in Washington between the two World Wars.” (James M. Goode, Best Addresses, 1988.) As advertised for rent in 1928, the apartments were designed “to incorporate many details that would aid the residents in establishing a home atmosphere, one possessing charm and dignity usually found only in a private house… the character and tenancy (being) assured through careful selection of guests.” Home to Senators, Ambassadors, a Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice as well as numerous Washington socialites, the building still stands as one of the undisputed “best addresses” in Washington, DC.) So well laid-out was this gracious 3,000 sf apartment that the basic floor plan remains unchanged from the original architect’s 1927 design. The organizing feature was, and continues to be, the grand “gallery” space in the center of the unit. Every room in the apartment can be accessed via the gallery, thus preserving it as the centerpiece of the “charm and dignity” which the original design intended. Programmatic modifications consisted of the addition of a small powder room off of the foyer, and the conversion of a corner “sun room” into a room for meditation and study. The apartment received a thorough updating of all systems, services and finishes, including a new kitchen and new bathrooms, several new built-in cabinetry units, and the consolidation of numerous small closets and passageways into more accessible and efficient storage spaces.

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.