Rob Karosis
Example of a classic hallway design in New York

Do you wish you could relax in your very own backyard retreat? These homeowners shared the same dream and hired Archadeck to help them bring it to life. The patio is the eye catcher, with it's unique design and built-in stone amenities. The custom screen porch includes Vertical Four Track Windows for a highly versatile room. Closing these windows keeps outdoor elements such as rain or snow out, but can open fully to fill the room with a warm breeze and sunshine. The screened porch leads to the backyard patio, with the Weston Wall grill surround just outside for easy access The chef can continue to mingle in the seating area while grilling dinner. The Belgard Bristol Fireplace is the focal point of this backyard. The size provides a little privacy from any nearby neighbors while it's warm fire and its tested durability is proven to withstand our every-changing Chicago climate. This is the perfect place to curl up on a cool fall night with a roaring fire to keep you toasty and warm. Just past the outdoor fireplace is a large section of patio designed to have enough space for dining people to move about and mingle. Featuring Belgard's Mega-Bergerac in Ashbury Haze and Mega Stone also in Ashbury Haze and Gastony Tan. The natural colors compliment each other beautifully while blending with the earthy tones of Mother Nature.

Custom concrete and steel structure waterfront home with three living green roof areas. Top floor family room is brightly decorated with a real modern flair. Snubbers fabrics used inside and out as well to keep the two spaces cohesive. Custom commercial window glazing has allowed for large windows to that waterfront and mountain range can be viewed throughout the house. 40 ft x 30 ft private living green roof is accessed from this top floor modern family room. Brazilian Hardwood decking and concrete pavers ground lounging and seating areas along with fire table for the cool nights. Enjoy the spectacular 360 degrees unobstructed water and mountain views. Aqua blue and green accents from inside family room are carried out on seating area on outdoor decking area to keep continuity. Large screen projection can be viewed inside or out. Full home theatre inside and out. . Truly a modern masterpiece inside and out.. John Bentley Photography - Vancouver

This 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms showcases large windows around every turn to display the woodland view, allowing natural light to pervade the airy interior living spaces and open floor plan. Through the vaulted entry hardwood floors extend throughout the first floor. The oversized kitchen is adjacent to the large patio, making transitioning to outdoor spaces a breeze. Quartz cabinets are the finishing touch in this white kitchen. A Bosch appliance package makes cooking a luxury experience. The double-height great room features a custom steel stair rail opposite the fireplace accent wall. Hardwood floors continue up through the second-floor loft space that overlooks the great room, which residents can use as another living space, office or study space. Upstairs, children or guests can spread out among three generously sized bedrooms. Once it’s time to retire for the night, residents can enjoy a secluded retreat in the owner’s wing, with lofty vaulted ceilings in the bedroom and bath, and custom-designed closets for two. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and stunning tile design, as well as access to the first-floor laundry.

This outdoor living project allows our clients to truly enjoy their outdoor space in Rosenberg, TX. On about an acre of land, the covered patio with outdoor kitchen is the perfect spot for sipping morning coffee and enjoying a gentle breeze. The workshop adjacent to the garage was built to look original to the home, and in fact, even has AC! Both projects add much appeal and practicality to this home. The covered patio, extending from the existing porch cover, was also built to look original to the home with matching cedar wrapped columns with brick bases. Outdoor ceiling fans were wired to this space as well as recessed lights and flood lights. A large kitchen space was built with matching brick, beautiful granite countertops, and a bar seating. With plenty storage and counter space and a large grill, this outdoor kitchen suits our clients' needs. The original flooring surface was replaced by stamped concrete and continued throughout the remainder of the project. Later, we returned to build our clients' a workshop space. This space is complete with AC, indoor and outdoor lighting, and a garage door with ramp in the rear for ease of access with large equipment. The entire structure matches the original home, including cedar wrapped columns, partial brick and siding exterior.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Built in 1915, this classic craftsman style home is located in the Capitol Mansions Historic District. When the time came to remodel, the homeowners wanted to continue to celebrate its history by keeping with the craftsman style but elevating the kitchen’s function to include the latest in quality cabinetry and modern appliances. The new spacious kitchen (and adjacent walk-in pantry) provides the perfect environment for a couple who loves to cook and entertain. White perimeter cabinets and dark soapstone counters make a timeless and classic color palette. Designed to have a more furniture-like feel, the large island has seating on one end and is finished in an historically inspired warm grey paint color. The vertical stone “legs” on either side of the gas range-top highlight the cooking area and add custom detail within the long run of cabinets. Wide barn doors designed to match the cabinet inset door style slide open to reveal a spacious appliance garage, and close when the kitchen goes into entertainer mode. Finishing touches such as the brushed nickel pendants add period style over the island. A bookcase anchors the corner between the kitchen and breakfast area providing convenient access for frequently referenced cookbooks from either location. Just around the corner from the kitchen, a large walk-in butler’s pantry in cheerful yellow provides even more counter space and storage ability. Complete with an undercounter wine refrigerator, a deep prep sink, and upper storage at a glance, it’s any chef’s happy place. Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

This custom built 2-story French Country style home is a beautiful retreat in the South Tampa area. The exterior of the home was designed to strike a subtle balance of stucco and stone, brought together by a neutral color palette with contrasting rust-colored garage doors and shutters. To further emphasize the European influence on the design, unique elements like the curved roof above the main entry and the castle tower that houses the octagonal shaped master walk-in shower jutting out from the main structure. Additionally, the entire exterior form of the home is lined with authentic gas-lit sconces. The rear of the home features a putting green, pool deck, outdoor kitchen with retractable screen, and rain chains to speak to the country aesthetic of the home. Inside, you are met with a two-story living room with full length retractable sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor kitchen and pool deck. A large salt aquarium built into the millwork panel system visually connects the media room and living room. The media room is highlighted by the large stone wall feature, and includes a full wet bar with a unique farmhouse style bar sink and custom rustic barn door in the French Country style. The country theme continues in the kitchen with another larger farmhouse sink, cabinet detailing, and concealed exhaust hood. This is complemented by painted coffered ceilings with multi-level detailed crown wood trim. The rustic subway tile backsplash is accented with subtle gray tile, turned at a 45 degree angle to create interest. Large candle-style fixtures connect the exterior sconces to the interior details. A concealed pantry is accessed through hidden panels that match the cabinetry. The home also features a large master suite with a raised plank wood ceiling feature, and additional spacious guest suites. Each bathroom in the home has its own character, while still communicating with the overall style of the home.

After having spent several years living in a trailer getting to know their rural property in La Pine Oregon, our clients made the decision to build a small off-the-grid modern cabin that they can retire in and use as a hub for entertaining family and friends. Keeping the cabin modest in scale and construction cost was critical to this couple since they planned to build the cabin themselves and didn’t want to overextend themselves financially so they can continue pursuing their love for international travel and maximize time spent with their loved ones. Set amongst a grove of lodge pole pines, the cabin was designed with simplicity in mind and utilizes materials that help it fit in seamlessly with the surrounding high desert environment while being low maintenance and fire resistant. Although the cabin is compact in footprint, the interior spaces are all designed to open out onto a large outdoor deck, effectively doubling the usable living space, while a covered breezeway provides protected access to the main entry and houses an outdoor kitchen for entertaining in warmer weather and wood storage for use in the indoor/ outdoor fireplace during the winter months. The compact 600 square foot interior footprint also has a 200 square foot flexible loft space which can be used to work from and house guests alike. The exterior breezeway, main living space and loft was designed to be open to the vaulted wood rafters, steel collar ties and skylights above, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior and a sense of openness and lightness unusual for such a compact footprint.

This outdoor living project allows our clients to truly enjoy their outdoor space in Rosenberg, TX. On about an acre of land, the covered patio with outdoor kitchen is the perfect spot for sipping morning coffee and enjoying a gentle breeze. The workshop adjacent to the garage was built to look original to the home, and in fact, even has AC! Both projects add much appeal and practicality to this home. The covered patio, extending from the existing porch cover, was also built to look original to the home with matching cedar wrapped columns with brick bases. Outdoor ceiling fans were wired to this space as well as recessed lights and flood lights. A large kitchen space was built with matching brick, beautiful granite countertops, and a bar seating. With plenty storage and counter space and a large grill, this outdoor kitchen suits our clients' needs. The original flooring surface was replaced by stamped concrete and continued throughout the remainder of the project. Later, we returned to build our clients' a workshop space. This space is complete with AC, indoor and outdoor lighting, and a garage door with ramp in the rear for ease of access with large equipment. The entire structure matches the original home, including cedar wrapped columns, partial brick and siding exterior.

Taragano Design & Build completed this two story rear addition in San Francisco, California. On a narrow urban lot there is no direction to build but up and back, and the constraint that governs everything is the rear yard setback. The addition was held to the line, which fixed the footprint before any interior planning began. Every square foot inside came from stacking rather than spreading. That created the real problem, which is access. Adding upstairs living space on a lot this size means the upper floor has no way out to the yard, and in a city where outdoor space is scarce, an upper floor that cannot reach the ground wastes the yard it sits above. The exterior stair answers that. It runs down the property line where it takes nothing from the usable patio, and it gives the upper floor its own direct route out. The deck was kept deliberately small. A larger platform would have shaded the patio below and turned the ground level into a covered service area rather than a place anyone would sit. Holding it to a landing keeps daylight on the concrete for most of the day, which is what makes the lower level the primary outdoor room. The two levels then read as one exterior. Continuous siding and matching trim across old and new means the addition does not announce itself as an addition, which on a rear elevation this visible from neighboring properties matters more than it would on a detached lot. Licensed general contractor, CSLB #1143420. Diamond Certified.

The dining room’s table of this house in Rishon LeZion is lighted up by due Hoops suspended lamps, model “2”. These lamps were customized with the black finish, upon architects request. The metal frame of these suspensions by Axolight is twisted around and floating to remind the taste of lightness, given also by the glass walls and the curtains separating the indoor from the outdoor. The house is built on a narrow trapezoid lot, bordering a small green public park with ancient Eucalyptus trees. The clients wanted the park to be seen as a continuation of their own private garden – The house was designed in an “L” shape to wrap around the swimming pool, facing the public park. The longer side of the house (28 meters) contains the living room, the dining area and the kitchen, while the shorter side contains the bedroom. The connection between the two sides is a double space containing the lobby. Vitrines are installed throughout the inner side of the house, enabling a direct connection with the outdoors. Additionally, to provide maximal openness, the vitrines are disconnected from the columns. Glass corners in the living room and bedrooms are free of any constructive elements to allow full access to the garden. To soften the overall look of the large building so that it feels as if it’s a part of the neighborhood, the house was designed as two separate masses, one on top of the other, with the first floor being shorter than the ground floor, creating a kind of ridge. On this floor are four children’s suits with rooftop balconies. Two suits on each side of the house are connected with a bridge. The bridge goes across the double space of the lobby overlooking the entrance on one side and the swimming pool on the other. The basement has two additional children’s suits facing the well-lit English courtyard and the home theater.

This outdoor living project allows our clients to truly enjoy their outdoor space in Rosenberg, TX. On about an acre of land, the covered patio with outdoor kitchen is the perfect spot for sipping morning coffee and enjoying a gentle breeze. The workshop adjacent to the garage was built to look original to the home, and in fact, even has AC! Both projects add much appeal and practicality to this home. The covered patio, extending from the existing porch cover, was also built to look original to the home with matching cedar wrapped columns with brick bases. Outdoor ceiling fans were wired to this space as well as recessed lights and flood lights. A large kitchen space was built with matching brick, beautiful granite countertops, and a bar seating. With plenty storage and counter space and a large grill, this outdoor kitchen suits our clients' needs. The original flooring surface was replaced by stamped concrete and continued throughout the remainder of the project. Later, we returned to build our clients' a workshop space. This space is complete with AC, indoor and outdoor lighting, and a garage door with ramp in the rear for ease of access with large equipment. The entire structure matches the original home, including cedar wrapped columns, partial brick and siding exterior.

After having spent several years living in a trailer getting to know their rural property in La Pine Oregon, our clients made the decision to build a small off-the-grid modern cabin that they can retire in and use as a hub for entertaining family and friends. Keeping the cabin modest in scale and construction cost was critical to this couple since they planned to build the cabin themselves and didn’t want to overextend themselves financially so they can continue pursuing their love for international travel and maximize time spent with their loved ones. Set amongst a grove of lodge pole pines, the cabin was designed with simplicity in mind and utilizes materials that help it fit in seamlessly with the surrounding high desert environment while being low maintenance and fire resistant. Although the cabin is compact in footprint, the interior spaces are all designed to open out onto a large outdoor deck, effectively doubling the usable living space, while a covered breezeway provides protected access to the main entry and houses an outdoor kitchen for entertaining in warmer weather and wood storage for use in the indoor/ outdoor fireplace during the winter months. The compact 600 square foot interior footprint also has a 200 square foot flexible loft space which can be used to work from and house guests alike. The exterior breezeway, main living space and loft was designed to be open to the vaulted wood rafters, steel collar ties and skylights above, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior and a sense of openness and lightness unusual for such a compact footprint.

This 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms showcases large windows around every turn to display the woodland view, allowing natural light to pervade the airy interior living spaces and open floor plan. Through the vaulted entry hardwood floors extend throughout the first floor. The oversized kitchen is adjacent to the large patio, making transitioning to outdoor spaces a breeze. Quartz cabinets are the finishing touch in this white kitchen. A Bosch appliance package makes cooking a luxury experience. The double-height great room features a custom steel stair rail opposite the fireplace accent wall. Hardwood floors continue up through the second-floor loft space that overlooks the great room, which residents can use as another living space, office or study space. Upstairs, children or guests can spread out among three generously sized bedrooms. Once it’s time to retire for the night, residents can enjoy a secluded retreat in the owner’s wing, with lofty vaulted ceilings in the bedroom and bath, and custom-designed closets for two. The master bathroom features a soaking tub and stunning tile design, as well as access to the first-floor laundry.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A young couple with toddlers purchased this home and decided to do extensive renovations before they moved in. The existing galley kitchen and dining room were too small and separated by a load bearing wall. The sunken family room floor was less than ideal for small children to have to climb up and down. The first step in the renovation involved eliminating the load bearing walls and replacing them with a new steel beam capable of handling the load. By doing so, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes was able to combine the galley kitchen and dining room into one large family kitchen with an eating area. The focal point of the new space is a large multi-purpose island with a cooktop. Cherry stained cabinetry with a dark granite countertop provides plenty of storage and workspace, as well as bar seating. The same materials are used around the perimeter of the kitchen. One wall features upper and lower cabinets which surround a stainless steel refrigerator and double wall ovens. A large pantry is included on this wall. The second wall houses the main kitchen sink and built-in dishwasher. A large window sits above the sink area allowing the parents to watch over children playing in the backyard. A butler area features a utility sink and an under-the-counter beverage refrigerator that is easy for the kids to access. The family room floor was raised to be level with the rest of the first floor and Brazilian cherry wood floors provide continuity and richness throughout the space. Archways were built for style and pleasant viewing from each room. The end result of the project is that this kitchen is the heart of the home. The living and dining area is now large enough for family gatherings and entertaining.

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A young couple with toddlers purchased this home and decided to do extensive renovations before they moved in. The existing galley kitchen and dining room were too small and separated by a load bearing wall. The sunken family room floor was less than ideal for small children to have to climb up and down. The first step in the renovation involved eliminating the load bearing walls and replacing them with a new steel beam capable of handling the load. By doing so, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes was able to combine the galley kitchen and dining room into one large family kitchen with an eating area. The focal point of the new space is a large multi-purpose island with a cooktop. Cherry stained cabinetry with a dark granite countertop provides plenty of storage and workspace, as well as bar seating. The same materials are used around the perimeter of the kitchen. One wall features upper and lower cabinets which surround a stainless steel refrigerator and double wall ovens. A large pantry is included on this wall. The second wall houses the main kitchen sink and built-in dishwasher. A large window sits above the sink area allowing the parents to watch over children playing in the backyard. A butler area features a utility sink and an under-the-counter beverage refrigerator that is easy for the kids to access. The family room floor was raised to be level with the rest of the first floor and Brazilian cherry wood floors provide continuity and richness throughout the space. Archways were built for style and pleasant viewing from each room. The end result of the project is that this kitchen is the heart of the home. The living and dining area is now large enough for family gatherings and entertaining.