● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing Triangle Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps develop independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Climbing Triangle Standard size: Height: 81 cm / 32 inches Width: 87,5 cm/ 34,4 inches Length steps 80 cm / 31, 5 inches Small size: Height: 65 cm / 25.6 inches Width: 65 cm/ 25.6 inches Length steps 73 cm / 28.7 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

This bedroom went through a repurposing as well. We brought the beds and linens down from the upstairs bedroom and at the client’s request worked them into the whole house scheme. The client requested that we include the lime colored accent pillows into this guest bedroom. We found old wicker chairs, a whitewashed table and accent chair and a roped area rug in other rooms as well as watercolor art that we combined to pull off a comfortable and casual setting. All furnishings and accessories belonged to the client. We just moved things around a bit and replaced fabric valances (as throughout the home) with simple, white painted wood valances. The blinds were carried over from the original plan. The glass sailboats we hung from the mirrors were found in a bureau chest. We were very happy with the end result. The adjoining bathroom was renovated with a new white vanity and open shelving, a dark hunter green Cambria countertop and new mirrors. We had the tiles restored and added a white shower curtain. As with the entire home, all floors were replaced with a wood look surface made of vinyl. I have had numerous trades ask whether the floors are wood…They look that real. They are a perfect option, particularly for those living near water. These were manufactured by Coretec and meet all safety standards from California. They do not emit dangerous toxins and are safe for children and animals. They were purchased through Capital Flooring in Petoskey, MI and were installed by Harborview Builders of Petoskey, MI. They look fabulous. No bathrooms require thresholds which eliminates a trip hazard and the tones blend with the hues throughout the home.They have cork surfaces which make them very easy on bare feet and stay much warmer than other surfaces. ©2018 All Rights Reserved, Photography by Mike Gullon

This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

This bedroom went through a repurposing as well. We brought the beds and linens down from the upstairs bedroom and at the client’s request worked them into the whole house scheme. The client requested that we include the lime colored accent pillows into this guest bedroom. We found old wicker chairs, a whitewashed table and accent chair and a roped area rug in other rooms as well as watercolor art that we combined to pull off a comfortable and casual setting. All furnishings and accessories belonged to the client. We just moved things around a bit and replaced fabric valances (as throughout the home) with simple, white painted wood valances. The blinds were carried over from the original plan. The glass sailboats we hung from the mirrors were found in a bureau chest. We were very happy with the end result. The adjoining bathroom was renovated with a new white vanity and open shelving, a dark hunter green Cambria countertop and new mirrors. We had the tiles restored and added a white shower curtain. As with the entire home, all floors were replaced with a wood look surface made of vinyl. I have had numerous trades ask whether the floors are wood…They look that real. They are a perfect option, particularly for those living near water. These were manufactured by Coretec and meet all safety standards from California. They do not emit dangerous toxins and are safe for children and animals. They were purchased through Capital Flooring in Petoskey, MI and were installed by Harborview Builders of Petoskey, MI. They look fabulous. No bathrooms require thresholds which eliminates a trip hazard and the tones blend with the hues throughout the home.They have cork surfaces which make them very easy on bare feet and stay much warmer than other surfaces. ©2018 All Rights Reserved, Photography by Mike Gullon

2018 HNA Awards Honorable Mention - Outdoor Living Features Contractor: Artisan Exteriors Producer: CST Pavers Designer: Joey Hafner Design: Slate pavers, in a rich Sierra Blend, coupled with Versa-Lok Standard wall units to create multiple outdoor living spaces; masterfully meeting the entertainment requirements of the homeowner. Pavers and wall units, through use of color and texture, provided both definition and an effortless flow – creating a true outdoor oasis. Quality of Construction and Craftsmanship: Expert workmanship is showcased in the precise paver and wall integration with the pool, spa and outdoor living features. Having a large entertainment space was a must for the homeowners, so the team carved out elevated areas to separate spaces for the pool deck, stage, spa and outdoor kitchen. Compatibility with Related Construction Materials and Systems: The pool and coping were in great condition but the existing aggregate concrete pool deck was dangerously damaged. Paver and wall units were selected to replace, complement and expand the outdoor living space. Curved steps, coming off the home’s morning room, were added for visual integration and a welcoming element. Construction Innovation: Vents and basement windows provided several obstacles to construction. To accommodate, designers opted to incorporate a raised patio on a pressure treated lumber frame and utilize the Silca System. To capitalize on the elevation, a portable spa was incorporated into the raised patio. Overall Excellence: What began as a refurbishment of an existing swimming pool; evolved into a total backyard transformation. Slate pavers and Versa-Lok wall units helped create an outdoor paradise for family and entertainment use with a new pool deck, raised fire pit, raised stage to host musicians, outdoor kitchen and more.

● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, do not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. ● Our furniture is CE and CPC certified due to the major international toy safety standards, including EN71, ASTM F963, 16CFR, and 15USC 1278a DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Climbing ramp Small size (with sidewalls and a ladder): Height: 98.5 cm / 38.78 inches Width: 31 cm/ 12.2 inches ATTENTION •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ⚠️ This set DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY DANGEROUS CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND IS SAFE FOR YOUR BABY!!! ⚠️ Watch your children during games on children's furniture!!! Always be vigilant during children's games!!! ⚠️ The color of the product may be slightly different (lighter / darker) because it is made of natural wood.

Put an end to the mess and the fuss of using a wood-burning fireplace by inserting this EBG300 Ethanol Fireplace Grate into your existing unit. This sleek, round burner insert and grate set uses eco-friendly ethanol, so you won't experience any of the soot, ash, or gas release that is associated with burning wood while still enjoying the look and atmosphere of an open flame. It holds three full liters of ethanol fuel, which is enough to burn for a full 13.5 hours before another refill is required. This 5,000-BTU burner is sufficiently sized for heating an average-sized room without the need for a chimney or special ventilating system. FEATURES: Ventless - no chimney, no gas or electric lines required Easy or no maintenance required. Capacity: 3 Liters Approximate burn time - 13.5 hours per refill Approximate BTU output - 5000 Eco-Friendly - doesn't produce any smoke, sooth or dangerous gases Easy Maintenance - just wipe it with a damp cloth once in a while Dimensions: Grate - 14.5" x 14.5" x 6"; Burner - 11" x 11" x 4.5" Product Weight: 15 Pounds DOWNLOADS: VIDEO: RECOMMENDED FUEL: Ethanol fuel burns cleanly and does not produce the soot, smoke, or mess that is normally associated with a wood-burning fireplace. This ethanol fireplace fuel is made from 100% alcohol without the use of any oil at all. Ethanol is produced from renewable agriculture products, like barley, grains, sunflowers, corn, wheat, and potatoes, and manufactured in an earth-friendly process that does not harm the environment Ignis Ethanol Fuel - 3, 6, 12, or 24 Pack

The issues that annoyed the family in this condo are common to new condo units: Low ceilings covered with a popcorn finish, small rooms, low light in the bedrooms and living room, and no ceiling light fixtures. Concrete ceilings are not only difficult to drill into to install fixtures, installing wiring behind them for such fixtures is impossible. There are often conduits for building services embedded in the concrete along with structural steel reinforcements, so drilling without x-raying first is dangerous. Laqfoil stretch ceiling provided a solution to all of these issues for this condo unit. A high gloss finish was chosen, as the reflections visually double the height of the space. Installing a stretch ceiling also naturally conceals the popcorn ceiling behind it, but in this case, was also used to conceal the wiring necessary to add ceiling lights in every room. The wiring was simply attached to the existing popcorn ceiling. Laqfoil stretch ceiling is supported around the perimeter only, by tracks, or profiles which are only about 0.75" thick. The ceiling membrane itself is less than one millimetre thick. We also added a small vector graphic, printed in each corner of the living room ceiling, for a unique aesthetic effect. We constructed a suspended bulkhead above the island and covered it with red high gloss membrane, to visually separate the kitchen and living room while keeping the design's open concept. This also provided a supporting structure for 3 mini chandelier pendant lights. A red rose depicted on a black and white textured ground was chosen for the kitchen ceiling and applied using digital wide format printing technology, to tie the red, black and white colour scheme with the kitchen cabinets' texture.

This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

  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

Ensuite bath upgraded with all marbles tiles, recessed lighting, double walk in rain shower, custom storage, wide vanity with granite top, stainless steel fixtures, and new fan exhaust.