Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

Example of a trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in San Diego with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

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Inspiration for a transitional home office remodel in DC Metro

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.

These South Shore homeowners desired a fresh look for their kitchen that was efficient and functional with a design worthy of showing off to family and friends. They also wished for more natural light, increased floor area and better countertop work space allowing for ease of preparation and cooking. The Renovisions team began the remodel by installing a larger (5’) window over the sink area which overlooks the beautiful backyard. Additional countertop workspace was achieved by utilizing the corner and installing a GE induction cooktop and stainless steel hood. This solution was spot on spectacular! Renovisions discussed the importance of adding lighting fixtures and the homeowners agreed. Under cabinet lighting was installed under wall cabinets with switch as well as two pendants over the peninsula and one pendant over the sink. It also made good design sense to add additional recessed ceiling fixtures with LED lights and trims that blend well with the ceiling. The project came together beautifully and boasts gorgeous shaker styled cherry cabinetry with glass mullian doors. The separate desk area serves as a much needed office/organizational area for keys, mail and electronic charging. A lovely backsplash of Tuscan-clay-look porcelain tile in 4”x8” brick pattern and diagonal tile with decorative metal-look accent tiles serves an eye-catching design detail. We created interest without being overdone. A large rectangular under-mounted ‘chef’ sink in stainless steel finish was the way to go here to accommodate larger pots and pans and platters. The creamy color marble like durable yet beautiful quartz countertops created a soft tone for the kitchens overall aesthetic look. Simple, pretty details give the cherry cabinets understated elegance and the mix of textures makes the room feel welcoming. Our client can’t wait to start preparing her favorite recipes for her family.

The magnificent Villa de Martini is a Mediterranean style villa built in 1929 by the de Martini Family. Located on Telegraph Hill San Francisco, the villa enjoys sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, the yachting marina, the Bay Bridge, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This exquisite villa is on a triple wide lot with beautiful European-style gardens filled with olive trees, lemon trees, roses, Travertine stone patios, walkways, and the motor court, which is designed to be tented for parties. It is reminiscent of the charming villas of Positano in far away Italy and yet it is walking distance to San Francisco Financial District, Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, North Beach, and Aquatic Park. The current owners painstakingly remodeled the home in recent years with all new systems and added new rooms. They meticulously preserved and enhanced the original architectural details including Italian mosaics, hand painted palazzo ceilings, the stone columns, the arched windows and doorways, vaulted living room silver leaf ceiling, exquisite inlaid hardwood floors, and Venetian hand-plastered walls. This is one of the finest homes in San Francisco CA for both relaxing with family and graciously entertaining friends. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a library, an office, a family room, formal dining and living rooms, a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances including a built-in espresso machine, caterer’s kitchen, and a wine cellar. There is also a guest suite with a kitchenette, laundry facility and a 2 car detached garage off the motor court, equipped with a Tesla charging station.