When our clients discovered their current property on the scenic Madawaska River, they knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy kayaking and the outdoors. They also knew that the existing home would be too small to comfortably accommodate their large family get-togethers. That’s when they called on our design team to design a renovation and addition to transform the home into a more functional and beautiful space for their day-to-day lives and their family and friends. Today we share the renderings presented during the Design Development phase. The riverfront home will be extended, and the interior completely reconfigured, to match their needs and vision. The main floor addition allows for a spacious open-concept great room, dining area and chef’s kitchen, opening onto a new screened room and covered porch to deliver the shared space they need for their large family gatherings. The kitchen has an island to seat four for casual dining or food prep, and a walk-in pantry for storage and a second refrigerator. The coffee bar in the dining area keeps beverage prep out of the main kitchen area and easily accessible to all. The stone-clad fireplace will create a welcoming centerpiece and provide warmth during the colder months. There is room for both a sitting area and large dining table in the screened porch. Our clients will wake up every morning to the lovely river view from their main-floor primary bedroom. It also includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Laundry and a home office are immediately adjacent to the primary bedroom suite. So, everything they need is conveniently located on the main level. The lower full walk-out basement won’t feel like a basement with its large windows and direct access to the outdoors. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate family and friends with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room. Located on the opposite side from the bedrooms, a huge recreation room with a fireplace and view of the river will be a pleasant place to rest and play. Storage and mechanical are tucked in along the front wall. An outdoor patio will be protected from the sun by the deck above and a massive unheated storage room will be perfect for the kayaks and other recreational equipment, while still easily accessible from the river.

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture

When our clients discovered their current property on the scenic Madawaska River, they knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy kayaking and the outdoors. They also knew that the existing home would be too small to comfortably accommodate their large family get-togethers. That’s when they called on our design team to design a renovation and addition to transform the home into a more functional and beautiful space for their day-to-day lives and their family and friends. Today we share the renderings presented during the Design Development phase. The riverfront home will be extended, and the interior completely reconfigured, to match their needs and vision. The main floor addition allows for a spacious open-concept great room, dining area and chef’s kitchen, opening onto a new screened room and covered porch to deliver the shared space they need for their large family gatherings. The kitchen has an island to seat four for casual dining or food prep, and a walk-in pantry for storage and a second refrigerator. The coffee bar in the dining area keeps beverage prep out of the main kitchen area and easily accessible to all. The stone-clad fireplace will create a welcoming centerpiece and provide warmth during the colder months. There is room for both a sitting area and large dining table in the screened porch. Our clients will wake up every morning to the lovely river view from their main-floor primary bedroom. It also includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Laundry and a home office are immediately adjacent to the primary bedroom suite. So, everything they need is conveniently located on the main level. The lower full walk-out basement won’t feel like a basement with its large windows and direct access to the outdoors. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate family and friends with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room. Located on the opposite side from the bedrooms, a huge recreation room with a fireplace and view of the river will be a pleasant place to rest and play. Storage and mechanical are tucked in along the front wall. An outdoor patio will be protected from the sun by the deck above and a massive unheated storage room will be perfect for the kayaks and other recreational equipment, while still easily accessible from the river.

When our clients discovered their current property on the scenic Madawaska River, they knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy kayaking and the outdoors. They also knew that the existing home would be too small to comfortably accommodate their large family get-togethers. That’s when they called on our design team to design a renovation and addition to transform the home into a more functional and beautiful space for their day-to-day lives and their family and friends. Today we share the renderings presented during the Design Development phase. The riverfront home will be extended, and the interior completely reconfigured, to match their needs and vision. The main floor addition allows for a spacious open-concept great room, dining area and chef’s kitchen, opening onto a new screened room and covered porch to deliver the shared space they need for their large family gatherings. The kitchen has an island to seat four for casual dining or food prep, and a walk-in pantry for storage and a second refrigerator. The coffee bar in the dining area keeps beverage prep out of the main kitchen area and easily accessible to all. The stone-clad fireplace will create a welcoming centerpiece and provide warmth during the colder months. There is room for both a sitting area and large dining table in the screened porch. Our clients will wake up every morning to the lovely river view from their main-floor primary bedroom. It also includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Laundry and a home office are immediately adjacent to the primary bedroom suite. So, everything they need is conveniently located on the main level. The lower full walk-out basement won’t feel like a basement with its large windows and direct access to the outdoors. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate family and friends with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room. Located on the opposite side from the bedrooms, a huge recreation room with a fireplace and view of the river will be a pleasant place to rest and play. Storage and mechanical are tucked in along the front wall. An outdoor patio will be protected from the sun by the deck above and a massive unheated storage room will be perfect for the kayaks and other recreational equipment, while still easily accessible from the river.

When our clients discovered their current property on the scenic Madawaska River, they knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy kayaking and the outdoors. They also knew that the existing home would be too small to comfortably accommodate their large family get-togethers. That’s when they called on our design team to design a renovation and addition to transform the home into a more functional and beautiful space for their day-to-day lives and their family and friends. Today we share the renderings presented during the Design Development phase. The riverfront home will be extended, and the interior completely reconfigured, to match their needs and vision. The main floor addition allows for a spacious open-concept great room, dining area and chef’s kitchen, opening onto a new screened room and covered porch to deliver the shared space they need for their large family gatherings. The kitchen has an island to seat four for casual dining or food prep, and a walk-in pantry for storage and a second refrigerator. The coffee bar in the dining area keeps beverage prep out of the main kitchen area and easily accessible to all. The stone-clad fireplace will create a welcoming centerpiece and provide warmth during the colder months. There is room for both a sitting area and large dining table in the screened porch. Our clients will wake up every morning to the lovely river view from their main-floor primary bedroom. It also includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Laundry and a home office are immediately adjacent to the primary bedroom suite. So, everything they need is conveniently located on the main level. The lower full walk-out basement won’t feel like a basement with its large windows and direct access to the outdoors. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate family and friends with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room. Located on the opposite side from the bedrooms, a huge recreation room with a fireplace and view of the river will be a pleasant place to rest and play. Storage and mechanical are tucked in along the front wall. An outdoor patio will be protected from the sun by the deck above and a massive unheated storage room will be perfect for the kayaks and other recreational equipment, while still easily accessible from the river.

When our clients discovered their current property on the scenic Madawaska River, they knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy kayaking and the outdoors. They also knew that the existing home would be too small to comfortably accommodate their large family get-togethers. That’s when they called on our design team to design a renovation and addition to transform the home into a more functional and beautiful space for their day-to-day lives and their family and friends. Today we share the renderings presented during the Design Development phase. The riverfront home will be extended, and the interior completely reconfigured, to match their needs and vision. The main floor addition allows for a spacious open-concept great room, dining area and chef’s kitchen, opening onto a new screened room and covered porch to deliver the shared space they need for their large family gatherings. The kitchen has an island to seat four for casual dining or food prep, and a walk-in pantry for storage and a second refrigerator. The coffee bar in the dining area keeps beverage prep out of the main kitchen area and easily accessible to all. The stone-clad fireplace will create a welcoming centerpiece and provide warmth during the colder months. There is room for both a sitting area and large dining table in the screened porch. Our clients will wake up every morning to the lovely river view from their main-floor primary bedroom. It also includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Laundry and a home office are immediately adjacent to the primary bedroom suite. So, everything they need is conveniently located on the main level. The lower full walk-out basement won’t feel like a basement with its large windows and direct access to the outdoors. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate family and friends with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room. Located on the opposite side from the bedrooms, a huge recreation room with a fireplace and view of the river will be a pleasant place to rest and play. Storage and mechanical are tucked in along the front wall. An outdoor patio will be protected from the sun by the deck above and a massive unheated storage room will be perfect for the kayaks and other recreational equipment, while still easily accessible from the river.

Acorn Bespoke Carpentry and Joinery were commissioned by interior designer Amelia Carter to build and install this stunning suite of bespoke fitted wardrobes for her client’s residential property. The high-end bedroom storage solution is exquisitely customised with premium materials, tailored layouts and specialised finishes. Key features of this luxury wardrobe design include micro shaker doors, high quality wallpaper panel inserts, integrated TV and desk space, with no mounting brackets or cables on show. These custom-made built-in wardrobes feature a distinctive breakfront design, where the middle section protrudes slightly forward from the two flanking side units, creating a 3D architectural look. We installed the decorative cornice across the front of the cabinetry, so it ties in seamlessly with the rest of the room. Micro shaker door style The door style is micro shaker (or slim shaker). The defining feature is a very slim outer frame, significantly narrower than a typical shaker door design. Traditional shaker cabinets have a relatively thick frame giving a sense of prominence to the design. In contrast, the slimmer frame of micro shaker cabinets gives the doors a more current, refined and understated look. Wallpapered inset panels The wardrobe doors feature wallpapered inset panels. The paper is Indigo Garden by Borrastapeter. The hand-painted print picturing a garden landscape is inspired by traditional Japanese art. The timelessly elegant pattern gives a restful ambience to the room, transforming the doors into works of art. We custom-matched the paint colour and flawlessly spray-applied with a 30% sheen finish. Bespoke radiator cover The bespoke radiator cover elegantly conceals a tall, unsightly radiator. This was crafted by us in aluminium with a colour-matched finish. The grille pattern allows heat to pass through, while also adding visual sophistication to the room, perfectly merging decoration and utility. Unlike wood, which can block heat, aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity and is lightweight and durable. Built-in desk and display shelves A built-in desk with an open shelving unit is set on the righthand side and forms a seamless part of the wardrobe. The display area is illuminated with LED lighting integrated into the backs of the shelves.

When our clients discovered their current property on the scenic Madawaska River, they knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy kayaking and the outdoors. They also knew that the existing home would be too small to comfortably accommodate their large family get-togethers. That’s when they called on our design team to design a renovation and addition to transform the home into a more functional and beautiful space for their day-to-day lives and their family and friends. Today we share the renderings presented during the Design Development phase. The riverfront home will be extended, and the interior completely reconfigured, to match their needs and vision. The main floor addition allows for a spacious open-concept great room, dining area and chef’s kitchen, opening onto a new screened room and covered porch to deliver the shared space they need for their large family gatherings. The kitchen has an island to seat four for casual dining or food prep, and a walk-in pantry for storage and a second refrigerator. The coffee bar in the dining area keeps beverage prep out of the main kitchen area and easily accessible to all. The stone-clad fireplace will create a welcoming centerpiece and provide warmth during the colder months. There is room for both a sitting area and large dining table in the screened porch. Our clients will wake up every morning to the lovely river view from their main-floor primary bedroom. It also includes a spacious walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Laundry and a home office are immediately adjacent to the primary bedroom suite. So, everything they need is conveniently located on the main level. The lower full walk-out basement won’t feel like a basement with its large windows and direct access to the outdoors. It’s designed to comfortably accommodate family and friends with three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room. Located on the opposite side from the bedrooms, a huge recreation room with a fireplace and view of the river will be a pleasant place to rest and play. Storage and mechanical are tucked in along the front wall. An outdoor patio will be protected from the sun by the deck above and a massive unheated storage room will be perfect for the kayaks and other recreational equipment, while still easily accessible from the river.

With a desire to stay close to friends and family, the owners of this 1984 home spent several years searching for property near their neighborhood to build a new, more modern, energy-conscious home tailored to their empty-nest lifestyle. They eventually concluded that their current site was the perfect location for them, but the home needed to be updated and reorganized to create fresh, open, unified spaces to comfortably welcome gatherings of family, friends, and guests. Before renovation, the floor plan included small rooms, dedicated hallways, a step-down living room, a heavy and dark corner fireplace, and limited opportunities for natural light and visual connections from space to space. Exterior deck areas were narrow, long, and used infrequently. Primary goals of this project included accessibility of space, more natural light, better connectivity between spaces, and a focus on sustainable performance. The updated main floor plan included the selective removal of walls to reallocate dedicated hall space to usable, open living area. The step-down living room was leveled for full accessibility, safety, furniture flexibility and overall space use. The removal of a half-height wall between the living area and the kitchen created continuity between the spaces. Reorganizing the primary entry and stair and eliminating walls between the entry and dining room created new visual connections between the kitchen and the entry. The new central concrete hearth and fireplace provides a strong, modern focal point for the living area. Large sliding glass doors on each side of the fireplace allow the TV area beyond to be separated from the living area as needed. In several strategic locations, the footprint of the house was expanded to enhance function and flow at the kitchen, dining room, and mudroom. The new outdoor deck area is now large and singular and includes a grille area, dining space and open seating overlooking the newly landscaped pool below. The exterior envelope of the house includes new insulation, siding, and energy-efficient windows, as well as two large roof-mounted solar arrays, to increase thermal performance and to offset energy costs. Inside, the new HVAC system maximizes energy efficiency while using a fraction of its former footprint. As a result, a portion of the former mechanical space was added back to the lower level family room area and expands into a cozy library nook. MMA partnered with the owner’s interior designer and kitchen designer to achieve a softer, contemporary palette of finishes that complement this newly configured, light-filled home.

Acorn Bespoke Carpentry and Joinery were commissioned by interior designer Amelia Carter to build and install this stunning suite of bespoke fitted wardrobes for her client’s residential property. The high-end bedroom storage solution is exquisitely customised with premium materials, tailored layouts and specialised finishes. Key features of this luxury wardrobe design include micro shaker doors, high quality wallpaper panel inserts, integrated TV and desk space, with no mounting brackets or cables on show. These custom-made built-in wardrobes feature a distinctive breakfront design, where the middle section protrudes slightly forward from the two flanking side units, creating a 3D architectural look. We installed the decorative cornice across the front of the cabinetry, so it ties in seamlessly with the rest of the room. Micro shaker door style The door style is micro shaker (or slim shaker). The defining feature is a very slim outer frame, significantly narrower than a typical shaker door design. Traditional shaker cabinets have a relatively thick frame giving a sense of prominence to the design. In contrast, the slimmer frame of micro shaker cabinets gives the doors a more current, refined and understated look. Wallpapered inset panels The wardrobe doors feature wallpapered inset panels. The paper is Indigo Garden by Borrastapeter. The hand-painted print picturing a garden landscape is inspired by traditional Japanese art. The timelessly elegant pattern gives a restful ambience to the room, transforming the doors into works of art. We custom-matched the paint colour and flawlessly spray-applied with a 30% sheen finish. Bespoke radiator cover The bespoke radiator cover elegantly conceals a tall, unsightly radiator. This was crafted by us in aluminium with a colour-matched finish. The grille pattern allows heat to pass through, while also adding visual sophistication to the room, perfectly merging decoration and utility. Unlike wood, which can block heat, aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity and is lightweight and durable. Built-in desk and display shelves A built-in desk with an open shelving unit is set on the righthand side and forms a seamless part of the wardrobe. The display area is illuminated with LED lighting integrated into the backs of the shelves.

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

An ordinary backyard in Park Slope was transformed by defining the space with a change of level, and the use of brick and bluestone to provide seating, eating and hammock areas. Romantic, soft plantings are designed for lushness and seasonal interest.

Deck - 1960s side yard second story wood railing deck idea in New York with no cover

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. 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

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture. Joseph M. Kitchen Photography

Headland is a NextHouse, situated to take advantage of the site’s panoramic ocean views while still providing privacy from the neighboring property. The home’s solar orientation provides passive solar heat gains in the winter while the home’s deep overhangs provide shade for the large glass windows in the summer. The mono-pitch roof was strategically designed to slope up towards the ocean to maximize daylight and the views. The exposed post and beam construction allows for clear, open spaces throughout the home, but also embraces a connection with the land to invite the outside in. The aluminum clad windows, fiber cement siding and cedar trim facilitate lower maintenance without compromising the home’s quality or aesthetic. The homeowners wanted to create a space that welcomed guests for frequent family gatherings. Acorn Deck House Company obliged by designing the home with a focus on indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces with a large, open great room and kitchen, expansive decks and a flexible layout to accommodate visitors. There is also a private master suite and roof deck, which showcases the views while maintaining privacy.