Kimicata Brothers, INC http://www.kimicatabrothers.com Project Entry: Johnson 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Honorable Mention Photo Description: We were contacted by the Johnson’s to update their backyard fenced in pool area in the summer of 2012. Over the years the deck around the pool had deteriorated and the plants had become over grown and made walking around the deck difficult. The old concrete patio was small and only lit by bright 120 volt spot lights. What made this job difficult was the access to the backyard was limited to using a neighbor’s backyard for the project. We had to bring all debris out and materials in from a neighboring street, down the neighbor’s driveway, across the backyard, through an 8’ section that was in the far corner of the neighbor’s yard that corresponded to the entrance to Johnson’s backyard. They had a plan that they wanted to work from. Since access was a problem, we had to secure permission from the neighbor before we could consider bidding the job. After the neighbor’s permission was obtained we discussed materials for the drawing they had. It only included the hardscape and gazebo. Other difficulties included not damaging lighting and plumbing for the pool during excavation and construction. Also the ladders into the pool fit into cups screwed to the deck. These had to be replaced with precisely placed pipes mounted into the base for stability. Care had to be taken to make sure water would not drain from the deck into the pool. So we had to place channel drains between the patio area and pool deck area. A channel drain was placed between the exposed aggregate finished slab for the gazebo and the pool deck. This allowed for proper sloping of the hardscape to provide the drains to move rain away from the pool. We used polymeric sand in the paver joints to prevent breakdown of the installation and avoid wind and water moving sand into the pool. The slab for the gazebo was an exposed aggregate finish that measured 12’ 6” x 16’ 6”. The pagoda style roof for the gazebo and screening make it attractive and functional as a bug free area to entertain in. We discussed adding low voltage lighting, 120 volt plugs and drip irrigation early on so we could place conduits during the construction. After the hardscape installation we installed the low voltage lighting. We installed a transformer with a timer and an optional dusk to dawn photocell. The Johnsons did not like the old 120 volt spot light to light the back, they wanted something softer. We installed 20 path lights to illuminate the hardscape and 3 wall wash lights to add evening depth to the yard. We installed the plantings and Hunter drip irrigation system in the spring of 2013. It was easy to convince them that the drip system was the proper way to irrigate the area. There would be no spray to blow onto patio furniture or into the gazebo. Also drip irrigation uses less water so they are economical to operate. This gave them a low maintenance yard, a nice finished look and something blooming throughout the growing season. The Johnsons have been very happy with the look and the functionality of the pool deck, patio, lights, irrigation and gazebo.

he Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Cozy and Colorful Beach House Remodel! When you think funky little house by the beach – images like what you are about to see may not be what you would have anticipated. This furnishings project aimed to capture a colorful, fun, active space for a family who wanted to feel at home .Thus, creating casual and comfortable but not boring in the least. A little traveled, a lot of texture, and not much clutter! From the start, the space was not much to write home about! The common living areas were boxy with lower ceilings. Quirky ins and outs needed to be optimized. Overall, this project was a prime opportunity for us to really dig in. From treating each room top to bottom and finding the client’s mojo when it came to wallcoverings. Selecting funky lighting and the right mix and match of bold colors and more natural, organic textures. We came in too late to get involved with the kitchen but helped the client with a few little accents and color choices. Thus, acting as a jumping off point for the large dining space featuring a beautiful (and resilient!) wooden trestle table. We created a mix of seating that offers a little funk, and the fun additional cabinet storage to each end which offered a hideaway. We loved that this vista had such opportunity for great lighting and art, also! A Colorful, Cozy Living Room We knew we needed a cozy, lower profile seating area but also some sort of great reading nook by the fireplace. With the large windows and the main entry just off this space, a traffic pattern was delianted that helped guide decisions with the furniture. A funky, nubbier woven fabric on the sectional that hinted towards mid-century modern. The irregular shaped, petrified wood coffee table. The bold statement and colors carried through in the wallcovering and area rug. Jumping to the fireplace area where you can lounge or read with those gorgeous cognac leather recliners. This space needed to feel separate and the same all at once. The balance of scale and colors really helped achieve this! Can’t forget the bedrooms! Of course we can’t get by without mentioning a little bedroom love, either. In the master the overall designs dictated by a bold, saturated woven wood cloth on the headboard wall. We love the mix of color and pattern in here. The bold, sexier mood is 100% a byproduct of the level of rich colors and unusual combinations. Those bold hand-glazed ceramic lamps against those strict geo-pattern bed pillows – so good! Our sweet tween bedroom that should grow with her for a good, long time. All in all, filled with original art and layered in a softer palette. There was a lot of matching in here at first, but once we convinced her to trust us she started to understand why adding in the unexpected hit of bright coral and spring green made everything sing!

These clients (who were referred by their realtor) are lucky enough to escape the brutal Minnesota winters. They trusted the PID team to remodel their home with Landmark Remodeling while they were away enjoying the sun and escaping the pains of remodeling... dust, noise, so many boxes. The clients wanted to update without a major remodel. They also wanted to keep some of the warm golden oak in their space...something we are not used to! We laded on painting the cabinetry, new counters, new back splash, lighting, and floors. We also refaced the corner fireplace in the living room with a natural stacked stone and mantle. The powder bath got a little facelift too and convinced another victim... we mean the client that wallpaper was a must.

This unique and classic Victorian property, once defining of Chicago architecture was preserved through our efforts to convince the developer to preserve it's special beauty. We provided a major restoration of the property including rear and second story additions in order to increase the home's size, as well as digging in an entirely new basement to be utilized as a third story - all while preserving and renovating it's classic and elegant facade.

Presenting a quality product is an essential item for any professional who wants to stand out in the market today. You need to go beyond feasibility studies and project design to get customer approval. And we know that a good part of this convincing process occurs in a visual way, where the professional and client can clearly understand the final result of the project. Maybe that's exactly why 3D Rendering has been drawing so much attention from architects, engineers and interior designers to be used as a marketing tool. Want to know more? Contact us for more information! Project: Juliana Acar 3D Visualization: Gananca Design

This classic 1970's rambler was purchased by our clients as their 'forever' retirement home and as a gathering place for their large, extended family. Situated on a large, verdant lot, the house was burdened with extremely dated finishes and poorly conceived spaces. These flaws were more than offset by the overwhelming advantages of a single level plan and spectacular sunset views. Weighing their options, our clients executed their purchase fully intending to hire us to immediately remodel this structure for them. Our first task was to open up this plan and give the house a fresh, contemporary look that emphasizes views toward Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Our initial response was to recreate our favorite Great Room plan. This started with the elimination of a large, masonry fireplace awkwardly located in the middle of the plan and to then tear out all the walls. We then flipped the Kitchen and Dining Room and inserted a walk-in pantry between the Garage and new Kitchen location. While our clients' initial intention was to execute a simple Kitchen remodel, the project scope grew during the design phase. We convinced them that the original ill-conceived entry needed a make-over as well as both bathrooms on the main level. Now, instead of an entry sequence that looks like an afterthought, there is a formal court on axis with an entry art wall that arrests views before moving into the heart of the plan. The master suite was updated by sliding the wall between the bedroom and Great Room into the family area and then placing closets along this wall - in essence, using these closets as an acoustical buffer between the Master Suite and the Great Room. Moving these closets then freed up space for a 5-piece master bath, a more efficient hall bath and a stacking washer/dryer in a closet at the top of the stairs.

Influenced by classic Nordic design. Surprisingly flexible with furnishings. Amplify by continuing the clean modern aesthetic, or punctuate with statement pieces. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Lato - Modin Rigid Collection Installed throughout customer's beautiful, East Coast home. Rooms include the kitchen, hallway, living room, and dining room. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Nestled on the shore of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, is a family’s winter ski retreat. Contrary to the norm, this vacation home sees more use in the winter months than in the summer season. Breathtaking views of Mount Washington against a backdrop of shoreline dominate the scene; this vista was a driving force in the decision-making process. Doors and windows on the lakeside of the house were enlarged and expanded on to enhance the owners’ appreciation of their vantage point. The homeowners embraced, with a bit of convincing, a dark blue trim color for the exterior rather than the ubiquitous forest green common in the White Mountains. What began as a small renovation project morphed into a full renovation; the location warranted the upgrade. The client’s trust in the design team resulted in a home that is unique: contemporary while still offering the warmth and coziness of a winter retreat. The introduction of soft wood tones, a custom copper kitchen hood, and a warm muted color palate for interior trim and doors brings a coziness to the space without evoking a mountain ski lodge. The materials chosen further enhanced the natural elements of the site location: organic features include an antler chandelier, salvaged wood throughout for the mantel, ceilings, stair newels, and interior barn doors, and a live edge built-in bench in the mudroom. Spaces were designed to encourage family interaction and togetherness. The importance of solitude was thoughtfully crafted into the architecture and interiors of the family’s vacation home. SV Design made sure there were spaces where individual family members can pursue their own interests: a dedicated craft space, a family office, and a kids’ loft area. The redesign was forward thinking, to take the family into future phases in life, from the current teenage years through college years, and into the beyond of expanded family possibilities.

kitchen detail Shanahan
Example of a minimalist kitchen design in DC Metro

What a wonderful time we had on this project! The young family's long, narrow living space had to serve multiple purposes: Living Area/Office Space/Toddler's Play Area. This was a total transformation: Previously painted gray, we convinced the clients that this soft-blue shade paired with the deep-gray tones of the sectional would bring dimension to the room. We removed the huge shelf for the client's office corner with more organization and floating shelves. This Rock-N-Roll Family deserved some custom touches: Mick Jagger Art, Abstract Area Rug, Various Skulls and Textures complete the look!

Cozy and Colorful Beach House Remodel! When you think funky little house by the beach – images like what you are about to see may not be what you would have anticipated. This furnishings project aimed to capture a colorful, fun, active space for a family who wanted to feel at home .Thus, creating casual and comfortable but not boring in the least. A little traveled, a lot of texture, and not much clutter! From the start, the space was not much to write home about! The common living areas were boxy with lower ceilings. Quirky ins and outs needed to be optimized. Overall, this project was a prime opportunity for us to really dig in. From treating each room top to bottom and finding the client’s mojo when it came to wallcoverings. Selecting funky lighting and the right mix and match of bold colors and more natural, organic textures. We came in too late to get involved with the kitchen but helped the client with a few little accents and color choices. Thus, acting as a jumping off point for the large dining space featuring a beautiful (and resilient!) wooden trestle table. We created a mix of seating that offers a little funk, and the fun additional cabinet storage to each end which offered a hideaway. We loved that this vista had such opportunity for great lighting and art, also! A Colorful, Cozy Living Room We knew we needed a cozy, lower profile seating area but also some sort of great reading nook by the fireplace. With the large windows and the main entry just off this space, a traffic pattern was delianted that helped guide decisions with the furniture. A funky, nubbier woven fabric on the sectional that hinted towards mid-century modern. The irregular shaped, petrified wood coffee table. The bold statement and colors carried through in the wallcovering and area rug. Jumping to the fireplace area where you can lounge or read with those gorgeous cognac leather recliners. This space needed to feel separate and the same all at once. The balance of scale and colors really helped achieve this! Can’t forget the bedrooms! Of course we can’t get by without mentioning a little bedroom love, either. In the master the overall designs dictated by a bold, saturated woven wood cloth on the headboard wall. We love the mix of color and pattern in here. The bold, sexier mood is 100% a byproduct of the level of rich colors and unusual combinations. Those bold hand-glazed ceramic lamps against those strict geo-pattern bed pillows – so good! Our sweet tween bedroom that should grow with her for a good, long time. All in all, filled with original art and layered in a softer palette. There was a lot of matching in here at first, but once we convinced her to trust us she started to understand why adding in the unexpected hit of bright coral and spring green made everything sing!

Joe and Denise purchased a large Tudor style home that never truly fit their needs. While interviewing contractors to replace the roof and stucco on their home, it prompted them to consider a complete remodel. With two young daughters and pets in the home, our clients were convinced they needed an open concept to entertain and enjoy family and friends together. The couple also desired a blend of traditional and contemporary styles with sophisticated finishes for the project. JRP embarked on a new floor plan design for both stories of the home. The top floor would include a complete rearrangement of the master suite allowing for separate vanities, spacious master shower, soaking tub, and bigger walk-in closet. On the main floor, walls separating the kitchen and formal dining room would come down. Steel beams and new SQFT was added to open the spaces up to one another. Central to the open-concept layout is a breathtaking great room with an expansive 6-panel bi-folding door creating a seamless view to the gorgeous hills. It became an entirely new space with structural changes, additional living space, and all-new finishes, inside and out to embody our clients’ dream home. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Transitional • Colors: Gray & White • Countertops: Quartzite • Cabinets: DeWils Frameless Shaker, White & Slate Gray *fully integrated dishwasher & fridge blend seamlessly with cabinetry as if they aren’t even there • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: unique and bold lighting fixtures throughout every room in the house (pendant lighting, chandeliers, sconces, etc) • Flooring: White Oak (Titanium wash) • Tile/Backsplash: Calacatta Borghini Marble - Circle Mosaic Tiles • Photographer: Andrew (Open House VC)

When clients in Williamsburg, Va. Purchased a brick ranch, built in the late 80’s They knew they were in for a total gut rehab. The kitchen had been updated but consisted of reddish stained oak cabinets, Corian counters, and soffits galore. The room was separated by a peninsula with a cook top, creating a U-shaped configuration. It was not only dated but separated the room from the breakfast area. One wall consisted of wall ovens, a pantry, and a built-in desk space. Although, we were constrained to a tight budget, they specifically requested the house not have a traditional colonial vibe, common to the locality. Once we convinced the husband that it was paramount to remove walls, we were able to reimagine the space. The wall ovens were replaced with a single range, the refrigerator was placed on the same wall as the sink and the soffits were removed. With a tight budget, custom cabinets were not an option. Instead, they purchased stock cabinets that were painted a cool gray and the new island is stained in a natural finish . Typically, I don’t recycle products amongst clients, but these pendants have proven otherwise. After installing them in my own kitchen, I’ve had 3 other client requests for the same pair. Obviously, they don’t disappoint as they are the crown jewels of the kitchen.

This modern style home focuses on open concept living with views to the rear keeping both bedrooms located on the right of the home. The master bedroom features a walk-though bath to walk-in closet to laundry room for convince. The attached three car garage has additional storage space perfect for holiday decorations and yard tools.

Another huge basement project is in the book .Our second basement this summer ! Basements can be daunting spaces for remodeling. Cluttered, dark, and chilly, basements often convince homeowners to turn their attention to other projects in the home. But basements don't have to stay that way. They can be remodeled and finished so that they not only integrate with the rest of the home, but become a beautiful and valuable asset to the property. We can help you utilize more space inside your home. We offer an extensive range of basement remodeling and finishing services. From complete basement renovations, to basement bathroom remodels and additions, and so much more. If you’re ready to remodel or finish your basement into a space that you’ll love to spend time in, we’ll be right by your side every step of the way.

Custom oven located on the buffet style peninsula combines convince and functionality to the kitchen. Buras Photography
Eat-in kitchen - large craftsman u-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, green backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

This pair of organic hand rails we made and installed in Fairfield, CT. The cap rail is made from bundles of textured 3/4" round steel, and all of the "branches" are similarly textured to achieve a convincing bark appearance. The posts are all tapered and textured 1-1/4" round steel. The two posts at the bottom of the stairs are hollow to allow wiring for LED strip lighting that was installed in the underside of the cap rail. The leaves were all textured and molded to give additional depth to the design, and the acorns were forged right here in our shop in CT.