This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

We had a ball turning an “original garage turned media room” into a dreamy bourbon lounge for our special clients. The extensive bourbon collection deserved all the best highlights including custom bistro shelving, ambient lighting and both beautiful and functional cabinetry. The vibe is moody and mysterious and the finishes are sophisticated. Cork metallic wallpaper, deep hued paint and the quartzite countertops, which immediately draw the eye with their beauty, all culminate to this amazingly relaxing space that make one want to put up their feet, light a cigar and enjoy a fine pour. The traditionally inspired furnishings keep the room cozy and comfortable, and ever so plush. The lounge and its adjacent bathroom were designed with masculine inspired finishes and speaks to the client’s love for music. The powder bath on the other side of the home is a jewel box of a room with a custom mural and vanity, dancing crystal lights and a pink lacquered ceiling. The two distinctly different spaces delivered exactly what each spouse was hoping for!

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

We had a ball turning an “original garage turned media room” into a dreamy bourbon lounge for our special clients. The extensive bourbon collection deserved all the best highlights including custom bistro shelving, ambient lighting and both beautiful and functional cabinetry. The vibe is moody and mysterious and the finishes are sophisticated. Cork metallic wallpaper, deep hued paint and the quartzite countertops, which immediately draw the eye with their beauty, all culminate to this amazingly relaxing space that make one want to put up their feet, light a cigar and enjoy a fine pour. The traditionally inspired furnishings keep the room cozy and comfortable, and ever so plush. The lounge and its adjacent bathroom were designed with masculine inspired finishes and speaks to the client’s love for music. The powder bath on the other side of the home is a jewel box of a room with a custom mural and vanity, dancing crystal lights and a pink lacquered ceiling. The two distinctly different spaces delivered exactly what each spouse was hoping for!

A convergence of sleek contemporary style and organic elements culminate in this elevated esthetic. High gloss white contrasts with sustainable bamboo veneers, run horizontally, and stained a warm matte caramel color. The showpiece is the 3” bamboo framing around the tall units, engineered in strips that perfectly align with the breaks in the surrounding cabinetry. So as not to clutter the clean lines of the flat panel doors, the white cabinets open with touch latches, most of which have lift-up mechanisms. Base cabinets have integrated channel hardware in stainless steel, echoing the appliances. Storage abounds, with such conveniences as tray partitions, corner swing-out lazy susans, and assorted dividers and inserts for the profusion of large drawers. Pure white quartz countertops terminate in a waterfall end at the peninsula, where there’s room for three comfortable stools under the overhang. A unique feature is the execution of the cooktop: it’s set flush into the countertop, with a fascia of quartz below it; the cooktop’s knobs are set into that fascia. To assure a clean look throughout, the quartz is continued onto the backsplashes, punctuated by a sheet of stainless steel behind the rangetop and hood. Serenity and style in a hardworking space. This project was designed in collaboration with Taylor Viazzo Architects. Photography by Jason Taylor, R.A., AIA. Written by Paulette Gambacorta, adapted for Houzz Bilotta Designer: Danielle Florie Architect: Taylor Viazzo Architects Photographer: Jason Taylor, R.A., AIA

Lacking street presence and an inability to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, this 1940’s hipped roof bungalow sat unassumingly on its site in the prairie west of Junction City. ​ The vision of this renovation was to transform and bring new life into the bungalow, keeping within regional vernacular styles, by establishing a more prominent street presence, building a three-story addition to the original house, and bringing in more light to allow for expansive views of the surrounding prairie. ​ The renovation of the existing bungalow required removing overbuilt layers of gypsum board and plaster and lath to reveal the original dimensional 2x4 wall studs. The basement was structurally reinforced to adequately support load bearing walls. The house became more functional by resizing two bedrooms with a relocated Jack and Jill expanded bathroom and expanding and reconfiguring the living room and kitchen to create an open floor plan. A storm shelter was added underneath a new front porch to give protection and peace of mind during Kansas severe weather. The street presence was dramatically improved with new windows, updated siding, and a new gabled roof extending over a front porch. ​ A three story addition to the rear of the house improves function on the first floor with the addition of a dining room directly off the kitchen with large wrap around windows to the south and east. A second full bathroom and adjacent laundry room was added to the first floor. A second floor master suite and full bathroom includes a balcony and expansive windows to the south and east. The stair tower connecting all levels of the house culminates in a 360° viewing room on the third floor allowing for unobstructed views of the natural landscape and passing thunderstorms.

We had a ball turning an “original garage turned media room” into a dreamy bourbon lounge for our special clients. The extensive bourbon collection deserved all the best highlights including custom bistro shelving, ambient lighting and both beautiful and functional cabinetry. The vibe is moody and mysterious and the finishes are sophisticated. Cork metallic wallpaper, deep hued paint and the quartzite countertops, which immediately draw the eye with their beauty, all culminate to this amazingly relaxing space that make one want to put up their feet, light a cigar and enjoy a fine pour. The traditionally inspired furnishings keep the room cozy and comfortable, and ever so plush. The lounge and its adjacent bathroom were designed with masculine inspired finishes and speaks to the client’s love for music. The powder bath on the other side of the home is a jewel box of a room with a custom mural and vanity, dancing crystal lights and a pink lacquered ceiling. The two distinctly different spaces delivered exactly what each spouse was hoping for!

Merrick Ales Photography
Huge trendy open concept porcelain tile living room photo in Austin with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

Lacking street presence and an inability to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, this 1940’s hipped roof bungalow sat unassumingly on its site in the prairie west of Junction City. ​ The vision of this renovation was to transform and bring new life into the bungalow, keeping within regional vernacular styles, by establishing a more prominent street presence, building a three-story addition to the original house, and bringing in more light to allow for expansive views of the surrounding prairie. ​ The renovation of the existing bungalow required removing overbuilt layers of gypsum board and plaster and lath to reveal the original dimensional 2x4 wall studs. The basement was structurally reinforced to adequately support load bearing walls. The house became more functional by resizing two bedrooms with a relocated Jack and Jill expanded bathroom and expanding and reconfiguring the living room and kitchen to create an open floor plan. A storm shelter was added underneath a new front porch to give protection and peace of mind during Kansas severe weather. The street presence was dramatically improved with new windows, updated siding, and a new gabled roof extending over a front porch. ​ A three story addition to the rear of the house improves function on the first floor with the addition of a dining room directly off the kitchen with large wrap around windows to the south and east. A second full bathroom and adjacent laundry room was added to the first floor. A second floor master suite and full bathroom includes a balcony and expansive windows to the south and east. The stair tower connecting all levels of the house culminates in a 360° viewing room on the third floor allowing for unobstructed views of the natural landscape and passing thunderstorms.

A convergence of sleek contemporary style and organic elements culminate in this elevated esthetic. High gloss white contrasts with sustainable bamboo veneers, run horizontally, and stained a warm matte caramel color. The showpiece is the 3” bamboo framing around the tall units, engineered in strips that perfectly align with the breaks in the surrounding cabinetry. So as not to clutter the clean lines of the flat panel doors, the white cabinets open with touch latches, most of which have lift-up mechanisms. Base cabinets have integrated channel hardware in stainless steel, echoing the appliances. Storage abounds, with such conveniences as tray partitions, corner swing-out lazy susans, and assorted dividers and inserts for the profusion of large drawers. Pure white quartz countertops terminate in a waterfall end at the peninsula, where there’s room for three comfortable stools under the overhang. A unique feature is the execution of the cooktop: it’s set flush into the countertop, with a fascia of quartz below it; the cooktop’s knobs are set into that fascia. To assure a clean look throughout, the quartz is continued onto the backsplashes, punctuated by a sheet of stainless steel behind the rangetop and hood. Serenity and style in a hardworking space. This project was designed in collaboration with Taylor Viazzo Architects. Photography by Jason Taylor, R.A., AIA. Written by Paulette Gambacorta, adapted for Houzz Bilotta Designer: Danielle Florie Architect: Taylor Viazzo Architects Photographer: Jason Taylor, R.A., AIA

Lacking street presence and an inability to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, this 1940’s hipped roof bungalow sat unassumingly on its site in the prairie west of Junction City. ​ The vision of this renovation was to transform and bring new life into the bungalow, keeping within regional vernacular styles, by establishing a more prominent street presence, building a three-story addition to the original house, and bringing in more light to allow for expansive views of the surrounding prairie. ​ The renovation of the existing bungalow required removing overbuilt layers of gypsum board and plaster and lath to reveal the original dimensional 2x4 wall studs. The basement was structurally reinforced to adequately support load bearing walls. The house became more functional by resizing two bedrooms with a relocated Jack and Jill expanded bathroom and expanding and reconfiguring the living room and kitchen to create an open floor plan. A storm shelter was added underneath a new front porch to give protection and peace of mind during Kansas severe weather. The street presence was dramatically improved with new windows, updated siding, and a new gabled roof extending over a front porch. ​ A three story addition to the rear of the house improves function on the first floor with the addition of a dining room directly off the kitchen with large wrap around windows to the south and east. A second full bathroom and adjacent laundry room was added to the first floor. A second floor master suite and full bathroom includes a balcony and expansive windows to the south and east. The stair tower connecting all levels of the house culminates in a 360° viewing room on the third floor allowing for unobstructed views of the natural landscape and passing thunderstorms.

Siesta House spills out onto its site from a set of stacked and interlocking volumes that hold similarly interwoven spaces. Organized around a central breezeway clad in thin planks of warm wood, the house’s spaces are split into two zones: a primary living area for the owners and a set of private spaces for their adult children and grandchildren. The site’s location in a flood zone necessitated a six-foot elevation change between the first floor and grade. To negotiate this difference, we designed a courtyard at the level of the first floor that connects the interior to the pool area just beyond. From there, a series of concrete plinths cascade from the courtyard level gently back down to the land. Here, the steps, rather than distancing the house from the ground through unoccupied space, tangibly link the two. The connection between inside and outside, built and natural, is felt throughout the home. Large glass panels delineate a delicate line between the courtyard and the interior living space that disappears when the panels are opened, folded and stacked. Upstairs, carefully placed openings capture sea breezes and frame views in the distance, while a large window on the third-floor filters northern sunlight into the main living spaces three stories below. Recessed wood clad balconies provide private exterior nooks for each bedroom and mitigate the effects of west facing sunlight. Interior and exterior staircases connect the spaces of the home and culminate in a roof deck that allows peeks through the treetops to the Gulf of Mexico and the horizon beyond.

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.

This Coastal kitchen renovation was a detail-oriented renovation, as every small detail made up the greater difference between an outdated kitchen and a Coastal-inspired gathering place. Every detail was meticulously tailored to open up the space and harness the natural light, culminating in a sanctuary of timeless elegance. With the removal of overhead cabinets, dark appliances and a cluttered backsplash, the kitchen instantly opened up, creating an airy, light-filled atmosphere. From white walls to white countertops, predominantly white features were strategically chosen to reflect and amplify the abundant natural light streaming through the expansive windows, creating a luminous and inviting environment. The backsplash, positioned horizontally to visually widen the space, creates a visual sense of expansiveness. Silver appliances contribute to a cool tone which ultimately creates a calm feeling. The accentual wood elements bring warmth and charm, seamlessly blending with the Coastal theme while adding a cozy ambiance. From the removal of clutter to the strategic use of white hues and natural materials, small details contributed to the greater whole to create a serene haven for culinary creativity and cherished gatherings to come to this kitchen.