We planned a thoughtful redesign of this beautiful home while retaining many of the existing features. We wanted this house to feel the immediacy of its environment. So we carried the exterior front entry style into the interiors, too, as a way to bring the beautiful outdoors in. In addition, we added patios to all the bedrooms to make them feel much bigger. Luckily for us, our temperate California climate makes it possible for the patios to be used consistently throughout the year. The original kitchen design did not have exposed beams, but we decided to replicate the motif of the 30" living room beams in the kitchen as well, making it one of our favorite details of the house. To make the kitchen more functional, we added a second island allowing us to separate kitchen tasks. The sink island works as a food prep area, and the bar island is for mail, crafts, and quick snacks. We designed the primary bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary – something we highly recommend to all parents. It features some of our favorite things: a cognac leather reading chair next to a fireplace, Scottish plaid fabrics, a vegetable dye rug, art from our favorite cities, and goofy portraits of the kids. --- Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/functional-ranch-house-design/

The Jack + Mare worked with the homeowners of this cool mid-century inspired kitchen from schematic design all the way through construction. The existing kitchen was demolished all the way to studs, subfloor and ceiling joists and completely rebuilt with custom cabinets, solid oak flooring, task and ambient lighting, new electrical/plumbing, counter-to-ceiling wall tile, new beam (took down wall between living/kitchen), new window and colorful barn door. The final design maximized storage, increased counter space, improved traffic flow, connected kitchen to adjacent living room (by removing existing wall), and improved the social aspect of the kitchen. The kitchen is now efficient, beautiful, full of light and a happy place to call home! Features: custom walnut cabinets (designed by The J+M), tile backsplash, new lighting plan (LED can lights, under-cabinet LED lights, Cedar+Moss pendants with LED bulbs), quartz countertops, new Marvin window with new trim, pantry with pull out shelves, glass upper cabinet (with puck LED) to feature antique glass-ware, island with microwave under counter, island seating. photo credit: Jason Quigley

A kitchen remodel, featuring custom cabinets with glass accents, and a glazed tile backsplash.
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped travertine floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Repurposed pieces Before finishing the basement we helped this client redesign the upper three floors of the house. Custom cabinetry and new furnishings were installed in many of the rooms. So, for the basement we decided to repurpose items from the upper floors that had been replaced with new pieces. The tall metal shelves had been in the utility closet before custom cabinetry was installed. The guitar rack was one son's childhood dresser. Heavy duty casters were added to the base and a customized guitar rack was made to fit to the top. This transformed the dresser into a movable, functional piece with contemporary style.

When our Boulder studio was tasked with furnishing this home, we went all out to create a gorgeous space for our clients. We decorated the bedroom with an in-stock bed, nightstand, and beautiful bedding. An original painting by an LA artist elevates the vibe and pulls the color palette together. The fireside sitting area of this home features a lovely lounge chair, and the limestone and blackened steel fireplace create a sophisticated vibe. A thick shag rug pulls the entire space together.⁠ In the dining area, we used a light oak table and custom-designed complements. This light-filled corner engages easily with the greenery outside through large lift-and-slide doors. A stylish powder room with beautiful blue tiles adds a pop of freshness.

The word "basement" can conjur thoughts of dark, damp, unfriendly spaces. We were tasked with transforming one of those basements into a space kids couldn't wait to spend time. A trundle daybed anchors a cozy reading nook built for two, with enough bookshelves to keep any bookworm entertained. Dad's childhood kitchen invites culinary creativity, and a playful craft table does double duty as a snack station when friends come to play. The space caters to adults, as well, with a comfortable sectional to lounge on while the kids play, and plenty of storage in the "mud room" and wall of built-in cabinetry. Throw open the custom barn doors and the treadmill is perfectly positioned to catch your favorite show on the flat screen TV. It's a comfortable, casual family space where kids can be kids and the adults can play along. Photography by Cody Wheeler

Light spills into this contemporary prewar kitchen makeover with the help of custom designed upper cabinets featuring Starphire glass doors, glass sides and glass shelves. For much needed task oriented lighting we also designed an elegant bridge above the window with recessed lighting. Luminous and light reflecting materials were chosen throughout - Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo countertops, a Pure White Caesarstone windowsill, and Clear Glass Polar White backsplash tile from Complete Tile.

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

We were delighted to find out a previous client of ours was expecting another baby! We were tasked to design a nursery that was calming, masculine and playful. We incorporated a curated gallery wall, ceiling mural and LED baby name sign that cannot be forgotten! Within this small space, we had to include a crib, rocking chair, changing table and daybed. We were focused on making it functional for not only the baby but also for the parents. The fur rug is not only extremely comfortable, but also machine washable - that's a win-win! The layered jute rug underneath creates visual interest and texture. The striped ottoman, black daybed and leather drawer pulls bring the masculinity to the room. We had a custom LED baby name sign made for over the crib, which can be dimmed to any brightness and is safe for children (unlike neon). Baby Andres was born on May 11th. 2020.

Jay Greene Photography
Example of a classic l-shaped light wood floor kitchen design in Baltimore with a single-bowl sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

3,800sf, 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath with oversized 4 car garage and over 270sf Loggia; climate controlled wine room and bar, Tech Room, landscaping and pool. Solar, high efficiency HVAC and insulation was used which resulted in huge rebates from utility companies, enhancing the ROI. The challenge with this property was the downslope lot, sewer system was lower than main line at the street thus requiring a special pump system. Retaining walls to create a flat usable back yard. ESI Builders is a subsidiary of EnergyWise Solutions, Inc. and was formed by Allan, Bob and Dave to fulfill an important need for quality home builders and remodeling services in the Sacramento region. With a strong and growing referral base, we decided to provide a convenient one-stop option for our clients and focus on combining our key services: quality custom homes and remodels, turnkey client partnering and communication, and energy efficient and environmentally sustainable measures in all we do. Through energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar power, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, enhanced insulation and sealing, and other construction elements – we go beyond simple code compliance and give you immediate savings and greater sustainability for your new or remodeled home. All of the design work and construction tasks for our clients are done by or supervised by our highly trained, professional staff. This not only saves you money, it provides a peace of mind that all of the details are taken care of and the job is being done right – to Perfection. Our service does not stop after we clean up and drive off. We continue to provide support for any warranty issues that arise and give you administrative support as needed in order to assure you obtain any energy-related tax incentives or rebates. This ‘One call does it all’ philosophy assures that your experience in remodeling or upgrading your home is an enjoyable one. ESI Builders was formed by professionals with varying backgrounds and a common interest to provide you, our clients, with options to live more comfortably, save money, and enjoy quality homes for many years to come. As our company continues to grow and evolve, the expertise has been quickly growing to include several job foreman, tradesmen, and support staff. In response to our growth, we will continue to hire well-qualified staff and we will remain committed to maintaining a level of quality, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection.

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Awesome Norristown PA bi-level home remodel. We gutted the whole first level of this home down to the bare bones. We redesigned the space to an open floorplan. New structural framing, insulation, windows and doors, and all mechanicals were relocated and improved. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! everywhere and it makes all the difference. Led lighting and smart switches were used for up lighting above cabinetry, task lighting under cabinetry, general room lighting, accent lighting under bar top, and all decorative fixtures as well. The kitchen was designed around a central island with elevated seating that is designed around the new structural columns required to open the whole area. Fabuwood cabinetry in Galaxy Horizon finish make up the perimeter cabinets accented by Galaxy Cobblestone finish used for the island cabinetry. Both cabinetry tones coordinate perfect with the new Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Uptown Chic Forever Friends. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Luxury vinyl is Awesome! It looks great its ultra durable and even water proof as well as less expensive than true hardwood. New stair treads, railings, and posts were installed stained to match by us; giving the steps new life. An accent wall of nickel gap boards was installed on the fireplace wall giving it some interest along with being a great clean look. The recessed niche behind the range, the dry stacked stone tile at the islands seating area, the new tile entry in a herringbone pattern just add to all the great details of this project. The New River White granite countertops are a show stopper as well; not only is it a beautiful stone the installation and seaming is excellent considering the pattern of the stone. I could go on forever we did so much. The clients were terrific and a pleasure to work with. I am glad we were able to be involved in making this dream come true.

A classic white kitchen is always in style and looks great in any home. This kitchen has modern touches with the slate tile floor and the stainless steel appliances, but the cool white cabinets and island gives the kitchen that classic look. The wall of ceiling to floor cabinetry was designed to fit flush with the left side of the walling and provide the perfect pantry area. -Allison Caves, CKD Caves Kitchens

Inspiration for a timeless home office library remodel in Chicago

House hunting for the perfect home is never easy. Our recent clients decided to make the search a bit easier by enlisting the help of Sharer Design Group to help locate the best “canvas” for their new home. After narrowing down their list, our designers visited several prospective homes to determine each property’s potential for our clients’ design vision. Once the home was selected, the Sharer Design Group team began the task of turning the canvas into art. The entire home was transformed from top to bottom into a modern, updated space that met the vision and needs of our clients. The kitchen was updated using custom Sharer Cabinetry with perimeter cabinets painted a custom grey-beige color. The enlarged center island, in a contrasting dark paint color, was designed to allow for additional seating. Gray Quartz countertops, a glass subway tile backsplash and a stainless steel hood and appliances finish the cool, transitional feel of the room. The powder room features a unique custom Sharer Cabinetry floating vanity in a dark paint with a granite countertop and vessel sink. Sharer Cabinetry was also used in the laundry room to help maximize storage options, along with the addition of a large broom closet. New wood flooring and carpet was installed throughout the entire home to finish off the dramatic transformation. While finding the perfect home isn’t easy, our clients were able to create the dream home they envisioned, with a little help from Sharer Design Group.

A substantial house in one of the Peninsula’s most desirable neighborhoods, this residence was home to a busy family of five looking to design spaces that welcomed their large extended family and friends. For the living room, we were tasked with creating an architectural, elegant space to seat fifteen. A den/library highlights the homeowner’s passion for green. In the powder room, we selected green and navy grasscloth wallpaper for a burst of vibrancy.

The homeowers' home is in the Napa Valley area of California where style is everything. The area has a rich history and the home has a magnificent view of Mt. Diablo. The clients wanted to upgrade from the 80s tract look to early California Colonial look. They wanted attention to detail, and they wanted an indoor and outdoor "living" home because they wanted to spend as much time outdoors as indoors. They also wanted to construct an open, outside cabana style living room with a classic fireplace. The home was completely remodeled. Every room and every surface, inside and out, to some extent, got a makeover. The existing "typical" California patio was made part of the structure with a 20x20, 400 square foot cabana style addition, with 14' ceilings under a new roof system. In an effort to bring the outside in, a two-tiered pre-cast concrete fountain was installed, providing just the right touch of ambiance. A pre-cast concrete fireplace with a double corbel Mediterranean mantle was then set and surrounded with tile. The floor was set with travertine and the walls were finished with a smooth finish plaster. To create a more formal atmosphere, the cabana patio has Mediterranean archways with fabric curtains for inclement weather. The cabana patio is divided into two separate areas, one for enjoying a meal with friends, and the other for merely sitting and enjoying the beautiful Northern California weather. Each of the areas received Mission-style chandeliers; task lighting was provided by recessed can lights. Hacienda blend cap and pan roof tiles were applied to the entire roof and then finished with a copper Conestoga chimney top. Smooth stucco was applied and painted in a Fallbrook color. A new, stamped concrete driveway accents and welcomes visitors The new front door is a custom round top plank door from Antigua Door with a round transom system, 2-1/4" thick Spanish cedar planks, round transom-lights, and a speakeasy opening with an inset diamond grill; it received a light glaze and was manually distressed. The kitchen ceiling became a vaulted ceiling. The floor was covered with travertine set in a basket weave pattern and the back splash as set with 4x4, multi-color tiles set on a center grid pattern. The cabinet carcasses were custom manufactured Cimino doors and finished with an opaque conversion varnish with a two-art glaze. Display cabinets were inset with decorative wire grilles and then finished with a custom glaze. Bourdeux granite was used on the countertops. A new Thermodor gas range was installed with a custom built plaster range hood with a Vent-a-hood liner insert. This was particularly troublesome because structural members had to be modfied to accommodate the installation. New drywall was installed with an imperfect, smooth finish. The family room also received a vaulted ceiling and ten-lite exterior, out-swing, wooden doors with a walnut finish and dark glaze. A flat screen TV was placed over the mantle with three surrounding speakers. The mantle is of hand-hewn alder, distressed, and finished with a dark glaze. The cabinetry matches that of the kitchen with Juliano upper doors, shaker lower doors with lattice inset to allow air cooling for the electronics, and a rope detail flanking either end. These were finished with a pigmented glaze. The inside fireplace mantle was constructed from a single, hand-hewn, irregular planed, 8" alder timber. The tile on the fireplace consisted of 4x8 Gamelan Border, 6x6 W.Z. Lambok, and 6x24 W.Z. Buyan in burnt umber from Walker Zanger. The entry powder room received custom cabinets with custom furniture finish of opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. The floor received the same tile as the kitchen. The great room has a 14' ceiling, three 5-foot by 7-foot wood outswing doors with arched tops, and the tile used was the same as that used in the kitchen. The custom front door has an arch and is made of knotty alder. The master bathroom was finished with custom furniture style cabinetry using opaque conversion varnish with glaze top coats. Countertops were Onyx. Inset into the ceiling is a custom, plaster dome with rope lighting and a central, Mission-style chandelier. The shower is appointed with travertine tile and edging, and enclosed with custom frameless glass front panels and door. Then this well-appointed room was finished with a slipper style tub. In an effort to bring sound throughout the house, an RA, wireless radio system was installed with separate controls in each room. This was an afterthought of the clients, thus the use of wireless technology. Two spaces originally dedicated to smaller bedrooms, were converted into a state-of-the-art workout room replete with mirrors surrounding the walls. And a custom office was constructed in the other. The office, build in a "L" shape received the same cabinetry with places for computer, fax, etc., as the rest of the house and the closet received custom storage units. California living at its best.

Example of a classic family room design in San Diego