Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. 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

This spectacular new beach kitchen was designed for an older couple with the love of the water in mind. The house is not large but the client wanted the kitchen area to be the main aspect of the design and to be comfortable and serene.The windows were optimized for the maximum view from the eat in kitchen area. The large island was designed for grandchildren to enjoy and to use for buffet dining when cooking outside. The laundry also is a “prep” kitchen that has an additional refrigerator and is where small appliances are stored on the counter to keep the main kitchen counters clutter free. The client asked for a fun seaside kitchen with a neutral backdrop of cabinetry so she could showcase her colorful accessories. We chose classic white cabinetry to complement the maple floors and selected soft white for the wall color to keep harmony with the incredible views. She wanted a no fuss kitchen with lots of counterspace for multiple cooks when her adult kids came to visit. Her husband requested a no or low maintenance countertop as well so we chose a ceasarstone top that mimics traditional carerra marble but without the associated issues with marble tops. To emphasize the beach living atmosphere, we chose a glass that has a slight frosted wave in it and then turned it sideways instead of the traditional vertical application. The knobs and handles are a mix of traditional and modern and are satin nickel to match the sink and faucet and appliances. In addition to the large laundry space, one wall is dedicated to storage and features pullout drawers and houses the microwave as well. Small details such as the open shelf under the upper cabinets to showcase colorful pottery and the wine grid help give some dimension the upper cabinetry.

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

The exposed wood beam ceiling brings a rustic note to this elegant living room, which contains a curated collection of the family's treasured antiques. Pieces of the house's original first period rough wood framing are intentionally left visible throughout the house, highlighting the home's long history. WKD’s experience in historic preservation and antique curation restored this gentleman’s farm into a casual, comfortable, livable home for the next chapter in this couple’s lives. The project included a new family entrance and mud room, new powder room, and opening up some of the rooms for better circulation. While WKD curated the client’s existing collection of art and antiques, refurbishing where necessary, new furnishings were also added to give the home a new lease on life. Working with older homes, and historic homes, is one of Wilson Kelsey Design’s specialties. This project was featured on the cover of Design New England's September/October 2013 issue. Read the full article at: http://wilsonkelseydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Heritage-Restored1.pdf It was also featured in the Sept. issue of Old House Journal, 2016 - article is at http://wilsonkelseydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2016-09-OHJ.pdf Photo by Michael Lee

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

Located in Ann Arbor’s Lower Burns Park, this two-story home was built in 1930 in the Tudor style and, although it has many charming details, it was lacking in functional spaces. Our clients came to Rochman Design Build with a desire to add to the house that they love, while respecting the style and character. The Rochman Design Build team added a new 2nd floor primary bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet built over the existing dining room and kitchen. Some cool features in the master suite include a gas fireplace and entertainment center in the primary bedroom, additional seating area to enjoy the warmth of their new fireplace, coupled with a thin bezel TV that doubles as an art frame, lush cabinetry, and accent lighting for a soft finishing touch. The first-floor bedroom was converted into a home office.

Located in Ann Arbor’s Lower Burns Park, this two-story home was built in 1930 in the Tudor style and, although it has many charming details, it was lacking in functional spaces. Our clients came to Rochman Design Build with a desire to add to the house that they love, while respecting the style and character. The Rochman Design Build team added a new 2nd floor primary bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet built over the existing dining room and kitchen. Some cool features in the master suite include a gas fireplace and entertainment center in the primary bedroom, additional seating area to enjoy the warmth of their new fireplace, coupled with a thin bezel TV that doubles as an art frame, lush cabinetry, and accent lighting for a soft finishing touch. The first-floor bedroom was converted into a home office.

Located in Ann Arbor’s Lower Burns Park, this two-story home was built in 1930 in the Tudor style and, although it has many charming details, it was lacking in functional spaces. Our clients came to Rochman Design Build with a desire to add to the house that they love, while respecting the style and character. The Rochman Design Build team added a new 2nd floor primary bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet built over the existing dining room and kitchen. Some cool features in the master suite include a gas fireplace and entertainment center in the primary bedroom, additional seating area to enjoy the warmth of their new fireplace, coupled with a thin bezel TV that doubles as an art frame, lush cabinetry, and accent lighting for a soft finishing touch. The first-floor bedroom was converted into a home office.

To allow space for their family to grow in their beloved Arlington Heights home, this couple partnered with Advance Design Studio for a single-story living room addition. With vaulted ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a cozy fireplace, this new space ties in seamlessly with the newly remodeled kitchen and screened porch addition.

To allow space for their family to grow in their beloved Arlington Heights home, this couple partnered with Advance Design Studio for a single-story living room addition. With vaulted ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a cozy fireplace, this new space ties in seamlessly with the newly remodeled kitchen and screened porch addition.

Add some class and cleanse the clutter in your bathroom by selecting a coordinated collection of bath furniture with spare sensibility. These two individual bathroom vanities are separated by the tall, free-standing linen cabinet provide each spouse their own divided space to organize their personal bath supplies, while the linen cabinet provides universal storage for items the couple with both uses. This master bathroom features Dura Supreme’s “Style Six” furniture series. This style is designed to create sleek, minimalist appeal. Bookended on both sides and across the top, a set of doors and/or drawers are suspended beneath the countertop. If preferred, a floating shelf can be added (like shown on these two vanities) for additional and attractive storage underneath. Style Six offers 10 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks), and an optional floating shelf (vanity floor). Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species, and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. This white on white transitional styled bathroom showcases a beautiful Chrome framed cabinet door from Dura Supreme, sleek solid surface vanity countertops, polished chrome Kohler faucets, round under-mount sinks, 2 Dura Supreme mirrors that match the vanities, polished chrome hardware, gray painted walls, and classic wood floors. The combination of all of these design elements come together to create one incredible master bath! The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed from the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

These are pictures of a Family Room Addition in Seaford, Virginia that we just completed for a great couple! The Whites needed more room for the growing family when the grandkids would come and visit. They had an existing deck that they never used so they asked us to remove the deck and build a room addition where it used to be. They had a beautiful backyard and still wanted to be able to enjoy it. To accomplish this we used large picture and double hung windows to give a full view of the trees in the backyard. The part of the project that we were most pleased with is how we matched the new hardwood floor to the existing hardwood floor in the dining room. David DiSpirito did the design, Kris Austin was the estimator, Justin Foreman was the Project Superintendent, JD Talley was the Foreman.

To allow space for their family to grow in their beloved Arlington Heights home, this couple partnered with Advance Design Studio for a single-story living room addition. With vaulted ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a cozy fireplace, this new space ties in seamlessly with the newly remodeled kitchen and screened porch addition.

This traditional Cape Cod was ready for a refresh including the updating of an old, poorly constructed addition. Without adding any square footage to the house or expanding its footprint, we created much more usable space including an expanded primary suite, updated dining room, new powder room, an open entryway and porch that will serve this retired couple well for years to come.

This traditional Cape Cod was ready for a refresh including the updating of an old, poorly constructed addition. Without adding any square footage to the house or expanding its footprint, we created much more usable space including an expanded primary suite, updated dining room, new powder room, an open entryway and porch that will serve this retired couple well for years to come.

These are pictures of a Family Room Addition in Seaford, Virginia that we just completed for a great couple! The Whites needed more room for the growing family when the grandkids would come and visit. They had an existing deck that they never used so they asked us to remove the deck and build a room addition where it used to be. They had a beautiful backyard and still wanted to be able to enjoy it. To accomplish this we used large picture and double hung windows to give a full view of the trees in the backyard. The part of the project that we were most pleased with is how we matched the new hardwood floor to the existing hardwood floor in the dining room. David DiSpirito did the design, Kris Austin was the estimator, Justin Foreman was the Project Superintendent, JD Talley was the Foreman.

Located in Ann Arbor’s Lower Burns Park, this two-story home was built in 1930 in the Tudor style and, although it has many charming details, it was lacking in functional spaces. Our clients came to Rochman Design Build with a desire to add to the house that they love, while respecting the style and character. The Rochman Design Build team added a new 2nd floor primary bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet built over the existing dining room and kitchen. Some cool features in the master suite include a gas fireplace and entertainment center in the primary bedroom, additional seating area to enjoy the warmth of their new fireplace, coupled with a thin bezel TV that doubles as an art frame, lush cabinetry, and accent lighting for a soft finishing touch. The first-floor bedroom was converted into a home office.

This traditional Cape Cod was ready for a refresh including the updating of an old, poorly constructed addition. Without adding any square footage to the house or expanding its footprint, we created much more usable space including an expanded primary suite, updated dining room, new powder room, an open entryway and porch that will serve this retired couple well for years to come.

Located in Ann Arbor’s Lower Burns Park, this two-story home was built in 1930 in the Tudor style and, although it has many charming details, it was lacking in functional spaces. Our clients came to Rochman Design Build with a desire to add to the house that they love, while respecting the style and character. The Rochman Design Build team added a new 2nd floor primary bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet built over the existing dining room and kitchen. Some cool features in the master suite include a gas fireplace and entertainment center in the primary bedroom, additional seating area to enjoy the warmth of their new fireplace, coupled with a thin bezel TV that doubles as an art frame, lush cabinetry, and accent lighting for a soft finishing touch. The first-floor bedroom was converted into a home office.