This gorgeous Bocage home was originally too compartmentalized for entertaining guests. The kitchen itself and the opening between the kitchen and family area were both small, making the space feel closed in and cut off from the rest of the house. Our goal was to open the space as much as possible and give the clients everything they needed to entertain. Early in the design process, we decided it was necessary to add square footage to give these clients their dream kitchen. Adding this space allowed for a large kitchen island, tons of cabinet storage, a walk-in pantry, half bath and small office, all accessible from the focal kitchen. Flanking the kitchen window are sets of floating shelves from The Olde Mill. The hollow floating shelf design allowed for color-changing LED lights to be set into the shelves, allowing for a change of mood at the press of a button. We were able to widen the opening between the kitchen and family room to allow the spaces to flow together. The doorway was framed with reclaimed wood posts and headers, also from The Olde Mill. After the expansion, a structural beam was added to support the second floor, and the clients decided to cover it with a beautiful reclaimed wood beam as well. To wrap the laminated structural beam, this beam was made 22″ wide. All of these elements gave the clients a large, show-stopping kitchen with tons of storage and plenty of room to entertain family and friends. Space Planning by Ourso Designs Designer: Rachel Cannon Limited Builder/Remodeler: Bertell Cook Construction Beams, Mantel, and Floating Shelves: The Olde Mill Photos: Collin Richie Photography

This piece of furniture was incredibly fun to build and help design. We partnered with the talented Christine Harris of Tracy Lynn Studios who had the vision of colors, textures and dimensions. We sat down together and helped her finalize her vision, supporting structure and proportions in CAD. The result was a one of a kind piece that was so much fun to build and admire once complete. The chartreuse high polished lacquer finish gives it a playful and retro feel. The inside is lined with a beautiful Pierre Frey wallpaper. The colors are complimented by remote control, recessed LED lights. We concealed the battery power pack inside a soft close drawer so there are not any unsightly cords running down the wall. Since our client is a connoisseur of fine spirits, we wanted to give him a place to make his drinks right where he stores them. So we created a walnut and black limba end grain cutting board pullout for him to enjoy. The Soss brass hinges allow the beveled glass panel doors to bi-fold and simultaneously expose a nice detail of the building process. The brass supports that hold the glass shelving are like icing on the cake of this creative piece. The Barber Bar Cabinet stands 90 inches tall and 4 feet wide and is made of solid hardwood. To give it the structure it needed to support a completely stocked bar of heavy glass bottles, we laced section between the cabinet and the base with 1x4 steel tubing. We also did a steel mortise bar stretcher between each leg and then welded a steel bar between the legs to keep the legs from racking. This piece was an incredibly challenging piece to build but we couldn’t be happier with how this turned out and our clients felt the same!

A Weathered Antique box beam frames the top of this wine display niche while two matching reclaimed wood floating shelves hold the collection below, their warm brown tones and naturally aged patina bringing antique character and quiet elegance to a built-in display that could easily have been purely functional. Originally cut with giant saws around 1880 by American farming families, Weathered Antique timbers carry a brown to grayish-brown patina earned over more than a century of natural aging, a warmth and depth that no modern material can replicate. Through our process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, Manomin Resawn Timbers prepares these antique timbers for exactly this kind of refined application. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add Weathered Antique box beams and custom shelving to a wine display or specialty niche, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We ship nationwide and are happy to help you find the right pieces from anywhere in the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started.

Simplify your cooking journey. This is your one-stop guide to cutting through the clutter and selecting the right kitchen tools. We provide a clear, organized roadmap from basic essentials to smart upgrades, so you can get your kitchen sorted and start enjoying the process.

This coffee table has been one of the more unique pieces I had the pleasure of designing and building. The piece of machinery in the center of the table is a compression chamber from a jet engine out of a Bowing 727. The client that commissioned this project wanted a unique way to display the engine. After a few design iterations, we came up with a coffee table where a glass river flows out of the jet engine. The base is made from walnut that is dyed to match some of the other millwork in the house. I reinforced the base with a hidden steel frame to help support the engine's weight. I used one of my favorite design elements to make it look like a bridge; even though the water is flowing over the top of the bridge instead of underneath it, I think the element helps tie the theme together. The top is made from a live edge cottonwood slab, which had some beautiful burls in it. The cottonwood tree was felled here in Colorado and provided by a local arborist, who helped slab the tree and dry the wood. The glass was waterjet cut to follow the grain in the wood and wrap around the shape of the burl. I then carefully inlaid it into the top of the slab. To get it in position at the client's place, I built a custom crate to strap the engine in and then used a mobile engine hoist/crane to place it into the back of the truck. The crate was notched specifically to sit on a dolly so it could be rolled around. I took the crane apart and loaded it into the truck with the table. Once on-site, we reassembled the crane to get it out of the truck and wheeled the engine inside over a makeshift ramp to get over any steps and thresholds. I disassembled the crane, brought it inside, and reassembled it to lift the engine in place onto the base. Then, I added the cottonwood slabs and slid the glass into place. I then reversed the process and took apart the crane to get back outside and into the back of the truck. I felt pretty proud that I pulled off a nicely choreographed bit of engineering to get it into its final resting place.

Smokey Gold real thin stone veneer from the Quarry Mill creates a stunning container garden to welcome visitors at the front of this beautiful home. Smokey Gold real stone veneer is a natural low height ledgestone. The stone itself is a natural quartzite and the thin veneer is cut from the edges of the sheets of stone as they are quarried. The process of sawing the raw stone into natural thin veneer turns the diamond blade bright red due to heat that is generated and the density of the natural quartzite. Smokey gold is predominantly gold but also showcases some grey and white pieces giving it a subtle range of color. The textures are mainly smooth with some rippling. Although all of our natural stone veneers are high density, low water absorption, and approved for use in all climates, Smokey Gold is exceptionally hard and sturdy.

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams. Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves. Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications. Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

This beautiful, hand sculpted, function peace of are we call a river sink was crafted by Robert Stone,Inc. in Grand Junction, CO. This single slap powder vanity is crafted all by hand. The sink itself is part of the vanity. All was sculpted from a custom cut of stone that Robert Stone, Inc. quarried and processed them selves. This unique sculpture is both gorgeous and function. The material is called Bermuda Dunes and is being quarried out of Southern Utah.

Our doors have several superior features: - Single sheet of metal is used in construction. No welded seams are best as these can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the entranceway. Our doors are also more resilient to mechanic damage, such as sledgehammer strikes. - The advantage of a single, non-welded door is that it reduces interior internal condensation. Over time, condensation can negatively affect the door mechanisms. - Stiffening Ribs: These non-visible details add to our door's security. - Quality insulation serves to reduce unwanted external noise, as well as protect against extreme heat, and severe cold. - 3D Hinges: Hacking are often carried out at the side of a door's hinges. A better feature is utilizing hinges with ball bearings and installed anti-cuts. Introducing the Deux collection of modern exterior entrance doors in a sleek black enamel color. These doors are expertly crafted from a single sheet of metal with a sturdy Aluminum frame and threshold, ensuring both durability and security for your home. The exterior design boasts a vertical insert of Stainless Steel and opaque black glass, creating a bold and modern look that will enhance the curb appeal of any home. The black enamel color provides a sophisticated and contemporary feel, perfect for those who want to make a statement with their entrance. The interior design also features a vertical insert of Stainless Steel and opaque black glass, creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout the home. With the Deux collection, you don't have to compromise on style or function. These modern front doors offer both, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who want to elevate the look of their home's exterior. Plus, with our user-friendly website and easy ordering process, you can have your new modern exterior entrance door delivered right to your doorstep. Upgrade your home's curb appeal and make a bold statement with the Deux collection of modern exterior entrance doors in black enamel. Order yours today and experience the perfect combination of style and function. Model - 1755 Deux Color - Black Door thickness - 3 13/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Vertical insert of the Stainless Steel and opaque black glass. Coating of the door - black enamel. Interior design - Vertical insert of the Stainless Steel and opaque black glass. Coating of the door - black enamel. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - Dimensions of the door including frame is 74" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary mortise lock for armoured type of aluminum doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Heavy-duty Cylinder. - 3D hinges Wala - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate Securemme for the lock. - 2 Bar Handles.

Where to begin....one of a kind. What began with a text, our client reached out to us to help create a sustainable meditation garden has come to fruition! Design to build began our process that assured our client we had their vision. Cedar structures, sub surface steel reinforced footers, sub surface drains, cmu block framing, oklahoma chop custom cut stone face, artistic pavers, rain harvest containers with overflows, irrigation, native landscape, fruit orchard, vegetable/herb garden, lighting and italian designed Ego recessed outdoor lighting by designer Ernesto Gismondi! Thank you to our clients and all our guys that made this happen! Brian Wancho Photography

During an inspection for alteration work, this customer from Cheshunt discovered what appeared to be an original encaustic tiled floor under the hallway carpet. Keen to work out what it was, and have it restored, I was asked to pop round and look. I went over as requested to survey the hallway floor and confirm their suspicions. The carpet had been secured with gripper rods glued onto the floor and that came away easily enough. Underneath, the tiles had been covered with self-levelling cement which had to be carefully scraped away to reveal the tiles. I ran a test to see if the cement leveller could be easily removed and using a combination of a scraper with Tile Doctor Pro-Clean, I was able to confirm the tiled floor was indeed salvageable. The house was Edwardian, and the tiles had been laid in a classic black and white geometric pattern typical of the period so I suspect the floor was indeed original. I worked out a quote to restore the whole floor including the removal of the cement, deep cleaning and then sealing the tiles. Without removing all the cement, it would be difficult to price for replacing broken tiles, but I suspected there may be a few as its quite usual for a floor of this age. Keen to have the floor restored we were given the go-ahead and a date scheduled for the work to start. The first step was to remove all the carpet and gripper rod so we could see the full extent of the self-levelling screed. Once done it was a case of carefully chipping and scraping away to break up the cement until the tiled floor had been fully revealed. Its slow and detailed work but quite rewarding when the tiled floor is finally revealed. The tiles had survived well under the carpet and cement but as suspected a few repairs and replacement would be needed. With all the cement brushed away work moved onto cleaning which started with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean applied to the floor and left to soak in for fifteen minutes the scrubbed in with a rotary machine fitted with a Black pad. A lot of soiling is generated from this which is rinsed off with water and extracted with a wet vacuum. The floor was then inspected and the process repeated where required. The next step was to treat the tiles to an acid wash using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up. This is applied as before and has several benefits including dissolving the remaining cement residue and neutralising the pH of the floor after the use of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a strong alkaline. The floor was then inspected and the broken tiles carefully removed so they could be replaced. This is delicate work as lifting a tile can sometimes upset its neighbour and before you know it the size of the work has tripled. Replacement tiles were then cut to fit the existing geometric pattern and secured into place with a rapid set adhesive and grouted in. Once the replacement tile and grout had set, the floor was given a light clean using Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner and then left to dry out overnight. The next day the tiles were sealed using a single coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow and the followed up with give coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go. Colour Grow is an impregnator that soaks into the pores of the tile protecting it from within and improving colour, where as Seal and Go adds a nice subtle sheen to the tiles. Both products are breathable which is an important feature with old floors that don’t have a damp proof membrane. For aftercare I recommended Neutral Tile Cleaner which is a gentle but effective tile cleaning product that won’t damage the sealer. Robert Voyce Hertfordshire TIle Doctor

Hallmark Floors Courtier Imperial, Oak Premium Vinyl Flooring is 7" wide and was created to replicate contemporary hardwood floors. The innovative process provides the most natural wood visuals and textures – you won’t believe it isn’t real wood. The depth of color in this diverse collection is unlike any other vinyl flooring product, but it’s still completely waterproof, durable, easy to clean, FloorScore Certified and made using 100% pure virgin vinyl. Courtier PVP is the most elegant and dependable wood alternative. Courtier has a 20 mil wear layer is 100% waterproof and is built with Purcore Ultra. The EZ Loc installation system makes it easy to install and provides higher locking integrity. The higher density of the floor provides greater comfort for feet and spine. Courtier is healthy and certified, contains no formaldehyde, has neutral VOC and Micro Nanocontrol technology effectively kills micro organisms.

- RIDDLED BUFFET. A true work of art, it consists of an aluminium frame and elements made of origami-folded 2-mm wooden sheets thanks to a complex and patented technological process. Riddled Totem conveys great charm and elegance through its sculptural volumes, already characterized by the typical perforated texture of many famous works by Steven Holl. The result is a faceted container, light and bright as a diamond but made of wood following Horm's unmistakable style. 78''3/4W x 19''5/8D x 29''1/2H. http://ow.ly/3yAvA0 - CHARLOTTE LOUNGE CHAIR. The hallmark of Mario Botta's architecture, characterized by purely geometric and cleverly interconnected volumes, is clearly visible in the Charlotte chair. The cylindrical element is the starting point that, in the upper section, extends up inside to create a chair that seems suspended in mid-air. The large yet empty volumes make Charlotte a monolithic yet lightweight chair. Hand woven with thin, constant-section natural wicker, the Charlotte line is suitable for both domestic and commercial environments. 35''7/8W x 28''3/4D x 28''3/4H. Seat Height: 17’’3/8. http://ow.ly/3yAsOt

Weathered Antique Box Beams run across a dramatic dark shiplap tray ceiling in this contemporary living room, their warm reddish-brown tones and naturally aged patina creating a stunning contrast against the deep dark ceiling while white walls and light flooring keep the space feeling open and bright below. The combination of dark shiplap and antique timber beams gives this tray ceiling a depth and richness that feels both modern and timeless at once. Originally cut with giant saws around 1880 by American farming families, Weathered Antique timbers carry a brown to grayish-brown patina earned over more than a century of natural aging that no manufactured material can replicate. Through our process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, Manomin Resawn Timbers prepares these antique timbers to make a dramatic statement on any ceiling. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner looking to add Weathered Antique Box Beams to a tray ceiling in a contemporary living room, Manomin Resawn Timbers has been helping people discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood since 2002. We ship nationwide and are happy to help you find the right pieces from anywhere in the country. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to get started.

This beautiful rustic-inspired living room complete with a wood-burning fireplace showcases the Quarry Mill's Coventry natural thin stone veneer. Coventry is a dimensional ledgestone real thin veneer sawed to heights of 2”, 4”, and 6”. With the set heights, this stone is intended to be drystacked. Coventry has a unique production process that differs substantially from our other thin stone veneers. The stone is excavated from the ground in roughly 1” thick sheets. The stone sheets are then fed into a gang saw. The term gang saw comes from the saw’s multiple blades cutting in unison. The blades are spaced in 2”, 4”, and 6” increments. A 2’ by 2’ raw stone sheet will come out of the gang saw in clean and consistent 2”, 4”, and 6” strips. The gang saw is similar to the head saw used in lumber mills. The production of Coventry is similar to lumber production in that the head saw will create 2” strips of wood from a full tree.

Who wouldn’t want to purchase a house with this new, updated kitchen done in beautiful grey tones? Grey is hard on trend right now and the happy new owner will have the latest finishes as well. “Viscount White” granite countertops add drama while maintaining the grey and white color pallet. The curved undermount granite composite sink cut out is stylish and unique. The black glass backsplash adds depth and shine to the space. Simple stainless steel pulls and appliances will be in style for years to come. Let our Kitchen & Bath Designers help you to dream and build your kitchen into a reality today. We are here to help you achieve the kitchen you have been dreaming about, whether a full remodel or sprucing up your kitchen. We have contractors available to assist you or bring your own and we will make the process fun and exciting! “Making Your Home Beautiful One Room at a Time with your local Kitchen & Bath Experts at French Creek Designs Center.” #openforbusiness #casper #wyoming #casperbusiness #frenchcreekdesigns #shoplocal #casperwyoming #kitchenremodeling #bathremodeling #kitchendesigners #bathdesigners #cabinets #countertops #knobsandpulls #sinksandfaucets #flooring #tileandmosiacs #homeimprovement

The once dark wood paneled kitchen was removed to create this bright, open, kitchen. We relocated the basement stair in the process which cut through the kitchen were the current mechanical room door is located to the left.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Water leaks can be frustrating and happen often unexpectedly… especially when the water is coming from your upstairs neighbor! Once the leak occurred, the homeowners decided that it was the perfect opportunity to create their dream kitchen and entryway. The decision was made and the homeowners went shopping to purchase materials for their renovation. One problem; they hadn’t hired a contractor yet. They quickly discovered they would need help building their dream kitchen and entryway which is where we came in. Scope: Create a versatile space that reflects the homeowners’ vibrant personalities where they could cook, work, relax and entertain. Desired features include: Color changing LED tape lighting was essential to help create ambiance. Smaller can lights with updated trim to modernize the lighting. Disguising a “workspace” into the island design. Installing a compost bin that doubles as a wine chiller for entertaining. Separate wine bar. Installing an intricate piece of mirror art and lighting in the entryway. Installing custom waved back splash tile. Challenges: Creating a working set of construction plans from cabinet drawings was a challenge. The process entailed continuous communication with the clients including several walkthroughs before final installation of each aspect throughout the project. Incorporating high-gloss and muted surfaces into the space without creating glare from the natural light coming in from many existing windows. Wavy tile became difficult to install with the desired layout of backsplash outlet style and locations. Solutions: The core design issues were resolved with exceptional communication between our field team and the homeowners. Satin finish countertops and matte paint offset the high gloss cabinetry and backsplash. Because of the size of tiles in the space, the outlets needed to be cut in the center of the tile to look uniform. Time and a steady hand made this possible for the best visual result. Result: Thoughtful execution helped to create a versatile dream kitchen and entry way that also provides an at-home workspace. This now versatile space is useful and aesthetically pleasing, exceeding the homeowners’ vision. The small details ranging from accent lighting to the compost bin turned wine chiller make this a luxurious statement piece.