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.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Description: Interior Design by Neal Stewart Designs ( http://nealstewartdesigns.com/). Architecture by Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro Architects ( http://www.shmarchitects.com/david-stocker-1/). Built by Coats Homes (www.coatshomes.com). Photography by Costa Christ Media ( https://www.costachrist.com/). Others who worked on this project: Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro

Drop-in bathtub - modern white floor drop-in bathtub idea in Los Angeles with gray walls and a hinged shower door

Joe Fletcher
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in San Francisco

The distinct spaces can be seen from this overhead view. The dining space is separated from the social space by three large containers on one side and from the fire pit by a low profile planting bed on the other side. A small grill with counter is conveniently located near the three season room. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Widening the doorway to the kitchen enhanced accessibility, improved flow, and added more natural light. The hardwood was continued into the kitchen for design continuity through the main space.

Photo by Jody Dole This was a fast-track design-build project which began design in July and ended construction before Christmas. The scope included additions and first and second floor renovations. The house is an early 1900’s gambrel style with painted wood shingle siding and mission style detailing. On the first and second floor we removed previously constructed awkward additions and extended the gambrel style roof to make room for a large kitchen on the first floor and a master bathroom and bedroom on the second floor. We also added two new dormers to match the existing dormers to bring light into the master shower and new bedroom. We refinished the wood floors, repainted all of the walls and trim, added new vintage style light fixtures, and created a new half and kid’s bath. We also added new millwork features to continue the existing level of detail and texture within the house. A wrap-around covered porch with a corner trellis was also added, which provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the back-yard. A wonderful project!

This project required a unique design to fit within the building envelope of this property while maximizing living space on and under this unusually high deck. This curved deck answered the challenge while creating a one of a kind space, connecting the second story indoor area to relaxed seating convenient to the kitchen and the lower living area to a completely protected space under the deck. The rounded design and detailed trim work add character to every perspective. Illuminated for evening entertainment the party continues after dark. A grand staircase descends to the paver patio area below. The landing at the base of the staircase adds scale while smoothing flow whether heading to the swings or to the patio. At the far end of the patio a fire feature flanked by two arched benches provides for a reflective moment or relaxed conversation amid the warm ambiance of the fire. Substructure is ACQ pine with all Zmax hardware on 12” & 16” X 42’’ deep footings. Average live load exceeds 80# per sq ft. Framing lumber is blacked out for better aesthetics.

Lit up round bar, Onyx countertop material Ron Ruscio Photography www.ronrusciophotography.com
Inspiration for a large contemporary seated home bar remodel in Denver

French country inspired back yard living spaces.
Hot tub - large traditional backyard custom-shaped hot tub idea in Dallas

This is the master bathroom shower. We expanded the bathroom area by taking over the upstairs apartment kitchen when we combined apartments. This shower features a teak wood shower floor for a luxurious feel under foot. Also in teak is the shower nook for soaps and bottles. The rain head and hand shower make for a flexible and exhilarating bathing experience, complete with a bench for relaxing. Photos by Brad Dickson

This dream kitchen features an open floor plan with expansive views of the Rocky Mountains. A pull-out pantry, refrigerator drawers, and hidden storage areas ensure the kitchen is fully functional and free of clutter but with food and cooking items within easy reach. The countertops feature unique fossil and Antolin stone, the cherry horizontal grained wood cabinets hail from the same trees, and the custom dining room table is carved from cherry too. Step out from the kitchen to an outdoor dining area with a pass through window to easily access food dishes from the kitchen. Above it all the drywall dropped ceiling gracefully winds around the space with recessed lighting to accentuate the curved soffits. Photography: Emily Minton Redfield

This Dining Room continues the coastal aesthetic of the home with paneled walls and a projecting rectangular bay with access to the outdoor entertainment spaces beyond.

Spacious expanses of continous horizontal grain walnut lower cabinets are balanced by sleek stainless steel-wrapped upper cabinets with interior lit glass doors for displaying favorite serving pieces. A microwave is tucked under the counter on the custom island for easy access. Kitchen Design by Kristyn Bester. Interiors by Barbara Sumner.Photo by Greg Kozawa

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

While renovating their home located on a horse farm in Bedford, NY, it wasn’t surprising this husband and wife (who also is an equestrian) wanted their house to have a “barn feel”. To start, sourced reclaimed wood was used on the walls, floors and ceiling beams. This traditional kitchen, designed by Paulette Gambacorta, features Bilotta Collection cabinetry in a flush flat panel custom green paint with a glaze on maple. An added detail of a “crossbuck” end on the peninsula was custom made from reclaimed wood and inspired by the look of barn doors. Reclaimed wood shelves on iron brackets replaced upper cabinets for easy access. The marble countertops have a hand cut edge detail to resemble the look of when the stone was first quarried. An antique carpenter’s work bench was restored by the builder, for use as an island and extra work station. An apron front sink and a wains panel backsplash completed the barn look and feel. Bilotta Designer: Paulette Gambacorta Builder: Doug Slater, D.A.S. Custom Builders Interior Designer: Reza Nouranian, Reza Nouranian Design, LLC Architect: Rich Granoff Photo Credit:Peter Krupenye

This beautiful bathroom features our 3x8s in 12W Blue Bell. Adding a beautiful pop of color to this bathroom
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary master blue tile and ceramic tile multicolored floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door