Side Addition to Oak Hill Home After living in their Oak Hill home for several years, they decided that they needed a larger, multi-functional laundry room, a side entrance and mudroom that suited their busy lifestyles. A small powder room was a closet placed in the middle of the kitchen, while a tight laundry closet space overflowed into the kitchen. After meeting with Michael Nash Custom Kitchens, plans were drawn for a side addition to the right elevation of the home. This modification filled in an open space at end of driveway which helped boost the front elevation of this home. Covering it with matching brick facade made it appear as a seamless addition. The side entrance allows kids easy access to mudroom, for hang clothes in new lockers and storing used clothes in new large laundry room. This new state of the art, 10 feet by 12 feet laundry room is wrapped up with upscale cabinetry and a quartzite counter top. The garage entrance door was relocated into the new mudroom, with a large side closet allowing the old doorway to become a pantry for the kitchen, while the old powder room was converted into a walk-in pantry. A new adjacent powder room covered in plank looking porcelain tile was furnished with embedded black toilet tanks. A wall mounted custom vanity covered with stunning one-piece concrete and sink top and inlay mirror in stone covered black wall with gorgeous surround lighting. Smart use of intense and bold color tones, help improve this amazing side addition. Dark grey built-in lockers complementing slate finished in place stone floors created a continuous floor place with the adjacent kitchen flooring. Now this family are getting to enjoy every bit of the added space which makes life easier for all.

  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

The challenge with this project was to add a new era-sensitive upstairs bathroom and transform the downstairs double bath in an early 20th century NC farmhouse. We updated the baths with 21st century style and materials with keeping the farmhouse aesthetic in the details. Downstairs Double-bath Remodel: While the farmhouse inspired the room’s bead board chair rail, farmhouse utility inspired making its trim a continuous useable shelf throughout the room. The idea of utility came into play again in the custom moveable shelving system we created to hide the water heater while still allowing access when necessary. We designed a roomy shower space, tiled floor to ceiling in vintage penny tile with a Grohe rainshower system, a rain glass panel wall and a rain glass shower window to maximize the benefits of the natural light through single bathroom window. True to the house’s heritage we also installed a claw foot soaking tub (made with modern light weight resin) and 20th C. farmhouse inspired faucets and vanity light, and a pedestal sink. Above the soaking tub and it’s tiled roman faucet half wall we designed built in cubbies for towels etc. and a custom shelf reachable while in the bath tub. We took space from a closet on the other side of the original bath wall to fit in the soaking tub area. Utilizing the space to the maximum degree, we also made the space between the shower and bath tub a built-in linen closet. The vintage floor tile (patterned in the 1920’s) is our age-appropriate statement piece. We also sourced vintage half light solid wood doors. In one, to again utilize the natural light coming from the exterior bedroom windows and the bathroom window, we created the half light by cutting out a solid door and installing satin finished glass. In the other we sourced vintage “crackle glass” film and placed it on both sides of the existing glass panels.

The challenge with this project was to add a new era-sensitive upstairs bathroom and transform the downstairs double bath in an early 20th century NC farmhouse. We updated the baths with 21st century style and materials with keeping the farmhouse aesthetic in the details. Downstairs Double-bath Remodel: While the farmhouse inspired the room’s bead board chair rail, farmhouse utility inspired making its trim a continuous useable shelf throughout the room. The idea of utility came into play again in the custom moveable shelving system we created to hide the water heater while still allowing access when necessary. We designed a roomy shower space, tiled floor to ceiling in vintage penny tile with a Grohe rainshower system, a rain glass panel wall and a rain glass shower window to maximize the benefits of the natural light through single bathroom window. True to the house’s heritage we also installed a claw foot soaking tub (made with modern light weight resin) and 20th C. farmhouse inspired faucets and vanity light, and a pedestal sink. Above the soaking tub and it’s tiled roman faucet half wall we designed built in cubbies for towels etc. and a custom shelf reachable while in the bath tub. We took space from a closet on the other side of the original bath wall to fit in the soaking tub area. Utilizing the space to the maximum degree, we also made the space between the shower and bath tub a built-in linen closet. The vintage floor tile (patterned in the 1920’s) is our age-appropriate statement piece. We also sourced vintage half light solid wood doors. In one, to again utilize the natural light coming from the exterior bedroom windows and the bathroom window, we created the half light by cutting out a solid door and installing satin finished glass. In the other we sourced vintage “crackle glass” film and placed it on both sides of the existing glass panels.

Side Addition to Oak Hill Home After living in their Oak Hill home for several years, they decided that they needed a larger, multi-functional laundry room, a side entrance and mudroom that suited their busy lifestyles. A small powder room was a closet placed in the middle of the kitchen, while a tight laundry closet space overflowed into the kitchen. After meeting with Michael Nash Custom Kitchens, plans were drawn for a side addition to the right elevation of the home. This modification filled in an open space at end of driveway which helped boost the front elevation of this home. Covering it with matching brick facade made it appear as a seamless addition. The side entrance allows kids easy access to mudroom, for hang clothes in new lockers and storing used clothes in new large laundry room. This new state of the art, 10 feet by 12 feet laundry room is wrapped up with upscale cabinetry and a quartzite counter top. The garage entrance door was relocated into the new mudroom, with a large side closet allowing the old doorway to become a pantry for the kitchen, while the old powder room was converted into a walk-in pantry. A new adjacent powder room covered in plank looking porcelain tile was furnished with embedded black toilet tanks. A wall mounted custom vanity covered with stunning one-piece concrete and sink top and inlay mirror in stone covered black wall with gorgeous surround lighting. Smart use of intense and bold color tones, help improve this amazing side addition. Dark grey built-in lockers complementing slate finished in place stone floors created a continuous floor place with the adjacent kitchen flooring. Now this family are getting to enjoy every bit of the added space which makes life easier for all.

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Side Addition to Oak Hill Home After living in their Oak Hill home for several years, they decided that they needed a larger, multi-functional laundry room, a side entrance and mudroom that suited their busy lifestyles. A small powder room was a closet placed in the middle of the kitchen, while a tight laundry closet space overflowed into the kitchen. After meeting with Michael Nash Custom Kitchens, plans were drawn for a side addition to the right elevation of the home. This modification filled in an open space at end of driveway which helped boost the front elevation of this home. Covering it with matching brick facade made it appear as a seamless addition. The side entrance allows kids easy access to mudroom, for hang clothes in new lockers and storing used clothes in new large laundry room. This new state of the art, 10 feet by 12 feet laundry room is wrapped up with upscale cabinetry and a quartzite counter top. The garage entrance door was relocated into the new mudroom, with a large side closet allowing the old doorway to become a pantry for the kitchen, while the old powder room was converted into a walk-in pantry. A new adjacent powder room covered in plank looking porcelain tile was furnished with embedded black toilet tanks. A wall mounted custom vanity covered with stunning one-piece concrete and sink top and inlay mirror in stone covered black wall with gorgeous surround lighting. Smart use of intense and bold color tones, help improve this amazing side addition. Dark grey built-in lockers complementing slate finished in place stone floors created a continuous floor place with the adjacent kitchen flooring. Now this family are getting to enjoy every bit of the added space which makes life easier for all.

Sofa sleeper is versatile. A 1930’s boathouse is renewed with an updated space and new pier, everything inside is new. Some new features include: NanaWalls, tall glass doors fold open completely onto a new deck, a working kitchen with an island that houses a hydraulic can swivel and move around on a whim, a sofa sleeper has double function, a TV is on a swing arm, and tables transform and combine for different needs. It’s a small space everything had to be multi-functional. Storage is a premium, a handcrafted ladder displays quilts when its not being used to access a loft space in a dropped ceiling. With nautical touches the revitalized boathouse shed is now a great place to entertain and watch the sun set on the water.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Standard features include heat sentry and dual setting halogen lighting. Available in seven widths, all Wolf Pro Wall Hoods have the classic stainless steel finish. DESIGN FEATURES: Heavy-duty, 16-gauge brushed stainless steel with classic finish—continually welded seams, hemmed edges and sides Stainless steel enclosed liner Recessed easy-access controls Infinite-speed blower control Heat sentry feature Halogen lighting with two settings Heat lamps available on 27” deep models only – bulbs not included Removable, dishwasher-safe, restaurant-grade stainless steel baffle filters SPECIFICATIONS: Exterior Finish Stainless Steel Bottom of Hood to Countertop 30" to 36" Discharge Vertical or Horizontal Duct Size 10" Round Electrical Requirements 110/120 V AC 60 Hz, 15 amp dedicated circuit RELATED ACCESSORIES OFFERED: 300 CFM Internal Blower (814419) 450 CFM Internal Blower (814420) 1200 CFM Internal Blower (814423) 1100 CFM In-Line Blower (808332) Remote 1200 CFM Blower (801642) Remote 1500 CFM Blower (804701) Horizontal Discharge Kit (811093) 60" x 38" Backsplash (810430) Backsplash with Racks (810437) 6" Duct Cover (810715) 12" Duct Cover (810722) 18" Duct Cover (810729) 24" Duct Cover (810736) 30" Duct Cover (813974) Make-Up Air Damper (820071) Product Dimensions: Overall Widths 30", 36", 42", 48", 54", 60" and 66" Overall Height 18" Overall Depth 24"

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

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!!

Side Addition to Oak Hill Home After living in their Oak Hill home for several years, they decided that they needed a larger, multi-functional laundry room, a side entrance and mudroom that suited their busy lifestyles. A small powder room was a closet placed in the middle of the kitchen, while a tight laundry closet space overflowed into the kitchen. After meeting with Michael Nash Custom Kitchens, plans were drawn for a side addition to the right elevation of the home. This modification filled in an open space at end of driveway which helped boost the front elevation of this home. Covering it with matching brick facade made it appear as a seamless addition. The side entrance allows kids easy access to mudroom, for hang clothes in new lockers and storing used clothes in new large laundry room. This new state of the art, 10 feet by 12 feet laundry room is wrapped up with upscale cabinetry and a quartzite counter top. The garage entrance door was relocated into the new mudroom, with a large side closet allowing the old doorway to become a pantry for the kitchen, while the old powder room was converted into a walk-in pantry. A new adjacent powder room covered in plank looking porcelain tile was furnished with embedded black toilet tanks. A wall mounted custom vanity covered with stunning one-piece concrete and sink top and inlay mirror in stone covered black wall with gorgeous surround lighting. Smart use of intense and bold color tones, help improve this amazing side addition. Dark grey built-in lockers complementing slate finished in place stone floors created a continuous floor place with the adjacent kitchen flooring. Now this family are getting to enjoy every bit of the added space which makes life easier for all.

This transitional style living space is a breath of fresh air, beginning with the open concept kitchen featuring cool white walls, bronze pendant lighting and classically elegant Calacatta Dorada Quartz countertops by Vadara. White frameless cabinets by DeWils continue the soothing, modern color palette, resulting in a kitchen that balances a rustic Spanish aesthetic with bright, modern finishes. Mission red cement tile flooring lends the space a pop of Southern California charm that flows into a stunning stairwell highlighted by terracotta tile accents that complement without overwhelming the ceiling architecture above. The bathroom is a soothing escape with relaxing white relief subway tiles offset by wooden skylights and rich accents. PROJECT DETAILS: Style: Transitional Countertops: Vadara Quartz (Calacatta Dorado) Cabinets: White Frameless Cabinets, by DeWils Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze Lighting Fixtures: Bronze Pendant lighting Flooring: Cement Tile (color = Mission Red) Tile/Backsplash: White subway with Terracotta accent Paint Colors: White Photographer: J.R. Maddox

Jay Greene Photography
Example of a trendy u-shaped light wood floor kitchen design in Baltimore with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops