Our design vision was to create a home that was one of a kind, and fit each and every need of the client. We created an open floor plan on the first floor with 10 ft ceilings and expansive views out to the main floor balcony. The first floor also features a primary suite, also referred to as “the apartment” where our homeowners have a primary bath, walk-in closet, coffee bar and laundry room. The primary bedroom includes a vaulted ceiling with direct access to the outside deck and an accent trim wall. The primary bath features a large open shower with multiple showering options and separate water closet. The second floor has unique elements for each of their children. As you walk up the stairs, there is a bonus room and study area for them. The second floor features a unique split level design, giving the bonus room a 10 ft ceiling. As you continue down the hallway there are individual bedrooms, second floor laundry, and a bathroom that won’t slow anyone down while getting ready in the morning.

  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

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

Whon Photography
Large urban underground carpeted staircase photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and no fireplace

A fresh interpretation of the western farmhouse, The Sycamore, with its high pitch rooflines, custom interior trusses, and reclaimed hardwood floors offers irresistible modern warmth. When merging the past indigenous citrus farms with today’s modern aesthetic, the result is a celebration of the Western Farmhouse. The goal was to craft a community canvas where homes exist as a supporting cast to an overall community composition. The extreme continuity in form, materials, and function allows the residents and their lives to be the focus rather than architecture. The unified architectural canvas catalyzes a sense of community rather than the singular aesthetic expression of 16 individual homes. This sense of community is the basis for the culture of The Sycamore. The western farmhouse revival style embodied at The Sycamore features elegant, gabled structures, open living spaces, porches, and balconies. Utilizing the ideas, methods, and materials of today, we have created a modern twist on an American tradition. While the farmhouse essence is nostalgic, the cool, modern vibe brings a balance of beauty and efficiency. The modern aura of the architecture offers calm, restoration, and revitalization. Located at 37th Street and Campbell in the western portion of the popular Arcadia residential neighborhood in Central Phoenix, the Sycamore is surrounded by some of Central Phoenix’s finest amenities, including walkable access to premier eateries such as La Grande Orange, Postino, North, and Chelsea’s Kitchen. Project Details: The Sycamore, Phoenix, AZ Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Sonora West Development Developer: EW Investment Funding Interior Designer: Homes by 1962 Photography: Alexander Vertikoff Awards: Gold Nugget Award of Merit – Best Single Family Detached Home 3,500-4,500 sq ft Gold Nugget Award of Merit – Best Residential Detached Collection of the Year

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

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

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

This appliance garage hides the small appliances behind pocket doors.
Mid-sized beach style l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

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

Surrounded by windows, one can take in the naturistic views from high above the creek. It’s possible the most brilliant feature of this room is the glass window cupola, giving an abundance of light to the entertainment space. Without skipping any small details, a bead board ceiling was added as was a 60-inch wood-bladed fan to move the air around in the space, especially when the circular windows are all open. The airy four-season porch was designed as a place to entertain in a casual and relaxed setting. The sizable blue Ragno Calabria porcelain tile was continued from the outdoors and includes in-floor heating throughout the indoor space, for those chilly fall and winter days. Access to the outdoors from the either side of the curved, spacious room makes enjoying all the sights and sounds of great backyard living an escape of its own. Susan Gilmore Photography

Our design vision was to create a home that was one of a kind, and fit each and every need of the client. We created an open floor plan on the first floor with 10 ft ceilings and expansive views out to the main floor balcony. The first floor also features a primary suite, also referred to as “the apartment” where our homeowners have a primary bath, walk-in closet, coffee bar and laundry room. The primary bedroom includes a vaulted ceiling with direct access to the outside deck and an accent trim wall. The primary bath features a large open shower with multiple showering options and separate water closet. The second floor has unique elements for each of their children. As you walk up the stairs, there is a bonus room and study area for them. The second floor features a unique split level design, giving the bonus room a 10 ft ceiling. As you continue down the hallway there are individual bedrooms, second floor laundry, and a bathroom that won’t slow anyone down while getting ready in the morning.

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

A Sapele buffet with wine storage (on the back side to protect the wine from UV damage) provides a physical separation between the kitchen and the dining area while maintaining access to the beautiful view beyond the dining room. The furniture piece buffet is supported by bunn feet and is accented with ribbed glass. The wall sconces above the buffet have been painted to match the wall and provide both up and down lighting. To provide continuity to the support post, each post was wrapped in Sapele stained to match the cabinetry. WestSound Home & Garden magazine

- Ceiling covering in Lake Shore by Hartmann & Forbes - Wall covering by Phillip Jeffries in Aberdeen Taupe - Branch chandelier by CP Lighting - Fulton sconces by Ralph Lauren - Bunk Beds by Big Sky Build - Headboard panels upholstered in Pindler & Pindler's Thornhill in charcoal - Coverlet fabric in Pindler & Pindler's Eastbrook in Fog and in Pindler's Avalon in Pewter - Square pillows on bed in Jed Johnson Home's Ash Faux Bois with Samuel & Sons Garland Linen Cord in Smoke - Rectangle pillows on bed in Duralee's Coral Reef in Silver with Samuel & Sons French Piping in Taupe trim - Biddy Side Table by Noir - Custom Sheepskin rug by Mike Ragan of Rags

Our design vision was to create a home that was one of a kind, and fit each and every need of the client. We created an open floor plan on the first floor with 10 ft ceilings and expansive views out to the main floor balcony. The first floor also features a primary suite, also referred to as “the apartment” where our homeowners have a primary bath, walk-in closet, coffee bar and laundry room. The primary bedroom includes a vaulted ceiling with direct access to the outside deck and an accent trim wall. The primary bath features a large open shower with multiple showering options and separate water closet. The second floor has unique elements for each of their children. As you walk up the stairs, there is a bonus room and study area for them. The second floor features a unique split level design, giving the bonus room a 10 ft ceiling. As you continue down the hallway there are individual bedrooms, second floor laundry, and a bathroom that won’t slow anyone down while getting ready in the morning.

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

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

The zero transition shower blends form with function. Teak bench seat folds down to give more access when needed. The universal design included placement of bars for easy transition to the bench seat as well as a hand held on a slide for easy use. Venetian Bronze grab bars add style and ensure there is no institutional look to the space. The Marazzi tile was continued into the shower to blend the spaces. Floor heat is included in all areas except the shower and along with strict energy code adherence make the space extremely energy efficient.