The original kitchen was designed and built by the original homeowner, needless to say neither design nor building was his profession. Further, the entire house has hydronic tubing in gypcrete for heat which means to utilities (water, ventilation or power) could be brought up through the floor or down from the ceiling except on the the exterior walls. The current homeowners love to cook and have a seasonal garden that generates a lot of lovely fruits and vegetables for both immediate consumption and preserving, hence, kitchen counter space, two sinks, the induction cooktop and the steam oven were all 'must haves' for both the husband and the wife. The beautiful wood plank porcelain tile floors ensures a slip resistant floor that is sturdy enough to stand up to their three four-legged children. Utilizing the three existing j-boxes in the ceiling, the cable and rail system combined with the under cabinet light illuminates every corner of this formerly dark kitchen. The rustic knotty alder cabinetry, wood plank tile floor and the bronze finish hardware/lighting all help to achieve the rustic casual look the homeowners craved. Photo by A Kitchen That Works LLC

Premium Pointe® 360 will give your home the prestigious presentation it craves. Available in Double 4", Double 4.5" Dutchlap and Board & Batten profiles, its tasteful textures and handsome hues combine to produce a stunning exterior silhouette. With its unequalled quality, pronounced performance advantages and alluring appearance, you’ll feel confident choosing Premium Pointe 360.

The more classic Calacatta design is one of the oldest types of Italian marble, originating from a place called Carrara in Tuscany. If you crave a classic, timeless elegance that's suitable for any space or setting, then Calacatta, with its bluish grey veins in and cool white stone, is the one to choose.

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

Rikki Snyder © 2018 Houzz
Example of a dining room design in Other

Nanette Wong

The original kitchen was designed and built by the original homeowner, needless to say neither design nor building was his profession. Further, the entire house has hydronic tubing in gypcrete for heat which means no utilities (water, ventilation or power) could be brought up through the floor or down from the ceiling except on the the exterior walls. The current homeowners love to cook and have a seasonal garden that generates a lot of lovely fruits and vegetables for both immediate consumption and preserving, hence, kitchen counter space, two sinks, the induction cooktop and the steam oven were all 'must haves' for both the husband and the wife. The beautiful wood plank porcelain tile floors ensures a slip resistant floor that is sturdy enough to stand up to their three four-legged children. Utilizing the three existing j-boxes in the ceiling, the cable and rail system combined with the under cabinet light illuminates every corner of this formerly dark kitchen. The rustic knotty alder cabinetry, wood plank tile floor and the bronze finish hardware/lighting all help to achieve the rustic casual look the homeowners craved. Photo by A Kitchen That Works LLC

The owners of this tiny front yard craved an interesting front yard that was colorful, drought tolerant and filled with herbs. We began by tearing out the hillside of junipers and overgrown hollies against the house. We created an interesting bedline, added boulders for visual interest and lots of good garden soil. In the areas for the most drought tolerant plants such as rosemary, lavender and sedums, we further amended to soil to insure extremely well drained soil preferred by these plants. All plant choices are drought tolerant and can tolerate the full sun of this south facing slope. In this early spring photo you see blue phlox in full bloom along the walk leading to front door. In the foreground, fragrant dianthus is just beginning to bloom. Behind the dianthus, fall blooming asters are just beginning to emerge. This is a landscape of 4 season interest. Photographer: Danna Cain, Home & Garden Design, Inc.

This home remodel is a celebration of curves and light. Starting from humble beginnings as a basic builder ranch style house, the design challenge was maximizing natural light throughout and providing the unique contemporary style the client’s craved. The Entry offers a spectacular first impression and sets the tone with a large skylight and an illuminated curved wall covered in a wavy pattern Porcelanosa tile. The chic entertaining kitchen was designed to celebrate a public lifestyle and plenty of entertaining. Celebrating height with a robust amount of interior architectural details, this dynamic kitchen still gives one that cozy feeling of home sweet home. The large “L” shaped island accommodates 7 for seating. Large pendants over the kitchen table and sink provide additional task lighting and whimsy. The Dekton “puzzle” countertop connection was designed to aid the transition between the two color countertops and is one of the homeowner’s favorite details. The built-in bistro table provides additional seating and flows easily into the Living Room. A curved wall in the Living Room showcases a contemporary linear fireplace and tv which is tucked away in a niche. Placing the fireplace and furniture arrangement at an angle allowed for more natural walkway areas that communicated with the exterior doors and the kitchen working areas. The dining room’s open plan is perfect for small groups and expands easily for larger events. Raising the ceiling created visual interest and bringing the pop of teal from the Kitchen cabinets ties the space together. A built-in buffet provides ample storage and display. The Sitting Room (also called the Piano room for its previous life as such) is adjacent to the Kitchen and allows for easy conversation between chef and guests. It captures the homeowner’s chic sense of style and joie de vivre.

Adding a big, bold dose of color to a room creates excitement. To get just the right amount of pop, start with a neutral base. Then add a few bright accessories-or an accent wall-to deliver the color you crave.

This Saratoga, CA residence was craving for remodeling its two bathrooms. Owner's needs and vision for transforming an outdated space to custom designed bathrooms were met by our group of designers. With the functionality in mind designers and building crew have created very functional bathrooms with an exquisite look. The design style for bathrooms is transitional with modern features. Crystal Cabinet Works was chosen for custom double vanity and for a tall storage cabinet. White countertop is Brittanica Quartz from Caesarstone. Toilet system is from Gaberit which makes the best use of the space and consumes less water.

This basic builder's bathroom was craving a modern renovation. The space lacked functional storage along with countertop space and of course updating. By adding this custom floating vanity with a single trough sink and double faucets all of our tasks were completed in crisp elegance! Also the double shower features hansgrohe plumbing fixtures along with a accent wall of waves creating texture and depth to the overall space.

This Saratoga, CA residence was craving for remodeling its two bathrooms. Owner's needs and vision for transforming an outdated space to custom designed bathrooms were met by our group of designers. With the functionality in mind designers and building crew have created very functional bathrooms with an exquisite look. The design style for bathrooms is transitional with modern features. Crystal Cabinet Works was chosen for custom double vanity and for a tall storage cabinet. White countertop is Brittanica Quartz from Caesarstone. Toilet system is from Gaberit which makes the best use of the space and consumes less water.

The area rug helps define the footprint of the dining room in the open floor plan of this house. Photo by Michael Garig
Great room - mid-sized contemporary medium tone wood floor great room idea in San Francisco with blue walls and no fireplace

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

Our clients wanted to incorporate an East Coast vibe into their home. The kitchen had a great layout, but a wilted palette of earth tones looked outdated and uninspired. With a busy lifestyle and two kids in school, the couple needed a highly functional space that didn't skimp on style. Their research of design-build firms led them to the JRP website, and they called for a consultation the same day. After years of living with dark cabinets and a mix of heavy colors, the couple craved lightness. They wanted an airy kitchen with smooth, light-reflecting surfaces and a full-slab backsplash. A plan was drawn up for a complete rebuild that would change everything in the kitchen except the layout and the original tile-and-wood floors. Now bright and uncluttered, this transitional kitchen is truly a space where the family can gather for years to come. Every part of the room draws you in, creating an atmosphere that embraces lingering conversations. The holistic design balances East Coast cool with California chic. Layers of contrasting textures achieve a high level of polish that looks and feels exceptional. The full-slab backsplash in Calacatta quartz stands out as a work of art, its glossy surface softly reflecting natural light. Matching quartz countertops add lustrous movement, where painted and natural wood textures quietly anchor the room. New, two-tone cabinetry is fresh and on-trend. A stunning linear chandelier in bronze evokes classical warmth. Where a built-in desk once collected clutter, stacked shaker cabinets now incorporate storage and visual interest. Integrated appliances, beautifully concealed behind DeWils cabinetry, hint at minimalist sophistication. Cabinets (Manufacturer, Door Style, Material, Color/Stain or Finish) - KITCHEN PERIMETER & PANTRY: DeWils, Sheffield, Maple, Limestone - KITCHEN ISLAND: DeWils, Sheffield, Walnut, Nutmeg Countertops (Material Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Quartz – Vadara, Paris Collection, Calacatta Blanco Light Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Chandelier - Visual Comfort & Co, Darlana Large Linear Lantern Plumbing Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Color) - Faucet – Grohe, Antique Bronze Sink (Type – Manufacturer, Material) - Undermount - Kohler, Cast Iron Hardware (Type – Manufacturer, Color) - Cabinet Pulls - Top Knobs, Oil Rubbed Bronze - Cabinet Knobs - Top Knobs, Oil Rubbed Bronze Color of wall: - Dunn Edwards Bone China Photographer: J.R. Maddox

This lovely Nantucket-style home was craving an update and one that worked well with today's family and lifestyle. The remodel included a full kitchen remodel, a reworking of the back entrance to include the conversion of a tuck-under garage stall into a rec room and full bath, a lower level mudroom equipped with a dog wash and a dumbwaiter to transport heavy groceries to the kitchen, an upper-level mudroom with enclosed lockers, which is off the powder room and laundry room, and finally, a remodel of one of the upper-level bathrooms. The homeowners wanted to preserve the structure and style of the home which resulted in pulling out the Nantucket inherent bones as well as creating those cozy spaces needed in Minnesota, resulting in the perfect marriage of styles and a remodel that works today's busy family.

Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography - Robert Grosse
Family room - traditional family room idea in Minneapolis

These clients really enjoy their backyard space, with gardening and spending time with friends and family. They also practice yoga, and craved to have a space that could be their own personal yoga studio. The only problem they had in this space was a storage shed that wasn’t functional for them. With their wants and needs, the homeowners came to us because they wanted a functioning space to practice their love of yoga. This shed accomplishes that needs. We installed double hung Richlin Windows and a Marvin Integrity sliding patio door, all in a Bronze finish. Cedar corbels and beams, tongue and groove floor planks on their 3’ porch, a cedar trellis to replicate existing pergola, exposed trusses, cedar tongue and groove siding, and a stacked seam steel roof add to the charm of this shed. The finished space is a restful getaway in the city for the clients to meditate and leave their worries behind. Om! See full details at : http://www.castlebri.com/specialty/project3205-1/ . This home will be on the 2017 Castle Home Tour, September 30th - October 1st! Visit www.castlehometour.com for all homes and details on the tour.