After many years of having no outdoor living space and dealing with overgrown plants and trees the owner’s decided it was time to revitalize their backyard. They knew they wanted a large sitting area with a wood burning fireplace, room for outdoor dining and a place for the grill. A connecting walk would be needed to get guests from the driveway to the outdoor space. Last but not least, the owners wanted the ability to and a reason for stepping out of their unusable patio doors. The designers decided from the start the fireplace would be the prominent feature and focal point for the entire project. A large fireplace accented with sitting walls and arbors was positioned to anchor the corner of the patio. Stone was chosen to set the fireplace apart as its own element. Brick was used for the sitting walls and brick accents were added to the fireplace to tie into the house. An inlaid herringbone brick detail was incorporated above the stone mantle to simulate artwork which is typically found above indoor fireplaces. Flagstone was used for the wall caps and hearth to match the patio and thicker flagstone tread stock was used for the mantle and top. The arbors were added to visually balance the pergolas at the opposite side of the patio. For the patio the designers created a series of offset spaces to help subtly divide the space into two areas, sitting and dining. Two large existing trees also help dictate the shape of the patio. Cut flagstone was chosen for the surface bordered by a double soldier edge of brick. The brick edging also surrounds a decorative gravel area topped with an urn fountain which provides a secondary focal point and the sound of water. Large flagstone treads were used for the steps leading to the previously unused patio doors. Opposite the fireplace a short walk leads to a square transition area with a statue chosen by the owner. The statue provides a strong focal point when entering from the driveway. A longer walk leads from this space along the house to the driveway. The pergolas and arbors were designed by the landscape designer as part of this project but were ultimately contracted separately by the owner. The larger square pergola was intended as an area for a bench or two separate from the main patio. The longer pergola was added later in the design phase to help provide shade to the interior of the house. The arbors at the fireplace were added to balance out the wood elements at the opposite side while adding additional architectural interest to the fireplace. While this project was predominantly hardscaping, planting and lighting were also incorporated into the design. Several large existing trees were retained and serious of smaller understory trees were added to help enclose the space. The designer’s took advantage of the large trees to place down lights on the branches to achieve a moonlight effect at night. Additional lighting was used on the pergola, to accent focal points, to up light the smaller trees and around the patio. Massed planting of Japanese forest grass provides bold foliage color for the shady garden. A mulch path leads off behind the fireplace to another garden and a secluded area ideal for a bench or small table and chairs. Additional plantings were added along the rear property line to screen and unsightly fence. This project has obviously completely changed the way the owners use their backyard. They now have a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with the use of the patio doors. The large patio allows for entertaining small gatherings outdoors for the first time. The fireplace has definitely become the primary gathering place for family and friends.

Rob Karosis
Farmhouse kitchen photo in New York

Example of a mid-sized eclectic formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz Wall paint: Gentle Butterfly, Benjamin Moore; blinds: Lowe's (bamboo, trim to size); 8 drawer dresser: Hemnes, Ikea (DIY-ed with removable wallpaper); quilt: Zara Home; wallpaper: Watercolor Flora by Shelley Hesse, Anthropologie

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz
Country home design photo in Louisville

Photo: Corynne Pless Photography © 2014 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in New York

Resourced whiskey rain barrel.
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Baltimore for summer.

Photo: Margot Hartford © 2017 Houzz

David Zimand Photography
Example of a trendy home design design in New York

Home design - 1960s home design idea in Austin

When our clients moved into their already built home they decided to live in it for a while before making any changes. Once they were settled they decided to hire us as their interior designers to renovate and redesign various spaces of their home. As they selected the spaces to be renovated they expressed a strong need for storage and customization. They allowed us to design every detail as well as oversee the entire construction process directing our team of skilled craftsmen. The home is a traditional home so it was important for us to retain some of the traditional elements while incorporating our clients style preferences. Custom designed by Hartley and Hill Design All materials and furnishings in this space are available through Hartley and Hill Design. www.hartleyandhilldesign.com 888-639-0639 Neil Landino Photography

Tired of doing laundry in an unfinished rugged basement? These homeowner's were as well! They contacted Castle to help them with their basement planning and build for a finished laundry space and new bathroom with shower. After the designer and client walked through ideas to improve flow of space, we decided to eliminate the existing 1/2 bath in the family room, and move the new bathroom into the existing laundry room. The full laundry room was finished to include new walls, ceilings, new plumbing, new Adura luxury vinyl tile flooring, beautiful shaker style cabinetry with beadboard panel, Glossy white Cultured marble countertops, a new Blanco composite sink, and Kohler Bellera faucet. In the new bathroom space, we continued the Adura luxury vinyl flooring. Finishes in the bathroom include Kohler Memoirs pedestal sink, Kohler Archer faucet, custom hex tile shower floor, subway tile walls, and custom frameless glass shower enclosure. Additional improvements were made to improve the health of the home including asbestos tile abatement, new drain tile and sump pump, new spray foam insulation, new glass block window, and a new Panasonic bathroom fan. We also decided to save and restore some original pieces in the home like their existing 5-panel doors and repurposing one salvaged door into a pocket door for the new bathroom. The homeowner completed the basement finish with new carpeting in the family room. The whole basement feels fresh, new, and has a great flow. They will enjoy their happy and healthy home for years to come.

Here's one of our most recent projects that was completed in 2011. This client had just finished a major remodel of their house in 2008 and were about to enjoy Christmas in their new home. At the time, Seattle was buried under several inches of snow (a rarity for us) and the entire region was paralyzed for a few days waiting for the thaw. Our client decided to take advantage of this opportunity and was in his driveway sledding when a neighbor rushed down the drive yelling that his house was on fire. Unfortunately, the house was already engulfed in flames. Equally unfortunate was the snowstorm and the delay it caused the fire department getting to the site. By the time they arrived, the house and contents were a total loss of more than $2.2 million. Here's one of our most recent projects that was completed in 2011. This client had just finished a major remodel of their house in 2008 and were about to enjoy Christmas in their new home. At the time, Seattle was buried under several inches of snow (a rarity for us) and the entire region was paralyzed for a few days waiting for the thaw. Our client decided to take advantage of this opportunity and was in his driveway sledding when a neighbor rushed down the drive yelling that his house was on fire. Unfortunately, the house was already engulfed in flames. Equally unfortunate was the snowstorm and the delay it caused the fire department getting to the site. By the time they arrived, the house and contents were a total loss of more than $2.2 million. Our role in the reconstruction of this home was two-fold. The first year of our involvement was spent working with a team of forensic contractors gutting the house, cleansing it of all particulate matter, and then helping our client negotiate his insurance settlement. Once we got over these hurdles, the design work and reconstruction started. Maintaining the existing shell, we reworked the interior room arrangement to create classic great room house with a contemporary twist. Both levels of the home were opened up to take advantage of the waterfront views and flood the interiors with natural light. On the lower level, rearrangement of the walls resulted in a tripling of the size of the family room while creating an additional sitting/game room. The upper level was arranged with living spaces bookended by the Master Bedroom at one end the kitchen at the other. The open Great Room and wrap around deck create a relaxed and sophisticated living and entertainment space that is accentuated by a high level of trim and tile detail on the interior and by custom metal railings and light fixtures on the exterior.

Brown Antique Leather granite kitchen counter top in Los Gatos home remodel.
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and beige walls

The clients called me in to help with finishing details on their kitchen remodel. They had already decided to do a lot of the work themselves and also decided on a cabinet company. I came into the project early enough to see a better layout to the original kitchen, then i was able to give my clients better options to choose from on the flow and aesthetics of the space. They already had an existing island but no sink, the refrigerator was an awkward walk away from the work space. We panned with everything moving and a much better flow was created, more storage than needed..that's always a good problem to have! Multiple storage drawers under the range, roll out trash, appliance garage for the coffee maker and much more. This was my first time working with non custom cabinets, it turned out wonderful with all the bells and whistles a dream kitchen should have.

When Irvine designer, Richard Bustos’ client decided to remodel his Orange County 4,900 square foot home into a contemporary space, he immediately thought of Cantoni. His main concern though was based on the assumption that our luxurious modern furnishings came with an equally luxurious price tag. It was only after a visit to our Irvine store, where the client and Richard connected that the client realized our extensive collection of furniture and accessories was well within his reach.

“Richard was very thorough and straight forward as far as pricing,” says the client. "I became very intrigued that he was able to offer high quality products that I was looking for within my budget.” The next phases of the project involved looking over floor plans and discussing the client’s vision as far as design. The goal was to create a comfortable, yet stylish and modern layout for the client, his wife, and their three kids. In addition to creating a cozy and contemporary space, the client wanted his home to exude a tranquil atmosphere. Drawing most of his inspiration from Houzz, (the leading online platform for home remodeling and design) the client incorporated a Zen-like ambiance through the distressed greyish brown flooring, organic bamboo wall art, and with Richard’s help, earthy wall coverings, found in both the master bedroom and bathroom. Over the span of approximately two years, Richard helped his client accomplish his vision by selecting pieces of modern furniture that possessed the right colors, earthy tones, and textures so as to complement the home’s pre-existing features. The first room the duo tackled was the great room, and later continued furnishing the kitchen and master bedroom. Living up to its billing, the great room not only opened up to a breathtaking view of the Newport coast, it also was one great space. Richard decided that the best option to maximize the space would be to break the room into two separate yet distinct areas for living and dining. While exploring our online collections, the client discovered the Jasper Shag rug in a bold and vibrant green. The grassy green rug paired with the sleek Italian made Montecarlo glass dining table added just the right amount of color and texture to compliment the natural beauty of the bamboo sculpture. The client happily adds, “I’m always receiving complements on the green rug!” Once the duo had completed the dining area, they worked on furnishing the living area, and later added pieces like the classic Renoir bed to the master bedroom and Crescent Console to the kitchen, which adds both balance and sophistication. The living room, also known as the family room was the central area where Richard’s client and his family would spend quality time. As a fellow family man, Richard understood that that meant creating an inviting space with comfortable and durable pieces of furniture that still possessed a modern flare. The client loved the look and design of the Mercer sectional. With Cantoni’s ability to customize furniture, Richard was able to special order the sectional in a fabric that was both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Selecting the color scheme for the living room was also greatly influenced by the client’s pre-existing artwork as well as unique distressed floors. Richard recommended adding dark pieces of furniture as seen in the Mercer sectional along with the Viera area rug. He explains, “The darker colors and contrast of the rug’s material worked really well with the distressed wood floor.” Furthermore, the comfortable American Leather Recliner, which was customized in red leather not only maximized the space, but also tied in the client’s picturesque artwork beautifully. The client adds gratefully, “Richard was extremely helpful with color; He was great at seeing if I was taking it too far or not enough.” It is apparent that Richard and his client made a great team. With the client’s passion for great design and Richard’s design expertise, together they transformed the home into a modern sanctuary. Working with this particular client was a very rewarding experience for Richard. He adds, “My client and his family were so easy and fun to work with. Their enthusiasm, focus, and involvement are what helped me bring their ideas to life. I think we created a unique environment that their entire family can enjoy for many years to come.” https://www.cantoni.com/project/a-contemporary-sanctuary

When Irvine designer, Richard Bustos’ client decided to remodel his Orange County 4,900 square foot home into a contemporary space, he immediately thought of Cantoni. His main concern though was based on the assumption that our luxurious modern furnishings came with an equally luxurious price tag. It was only after a visit to our Irvine store, where the client and Richard connected that the client realized our extensive collection of furniture and accessories was well within his reach.

“Richard was very thorough and straight forward as far as pricing,” says the client. "I became very intrigued that he was able to offer high quality products that I was looking for within my budget.” The next phases of the project involved looking over floor plans and discussing the client’s vision as far as design. The goal was to create a comfortable, yet stylish and modern layout for the client, his wife, and their three kids. In addition to creating a cozy and contemporary space, the client wanted his home to exude a tranquil atmosphere. Drawing most of his inspiration from Houzz, (the leading online platform for home remodeling and design) the client incorporated a Zen-like ambiance through the distressed greyish brown flooring, organic bamboo wall art, and with Richard’s help, earthy wall coverings, found in both the master bedroom and bathroom. Over the span of approximately two years, Richard helped his client accomplish his vision by selecting pieces of modern furniture that possessed the right colors, earthy tones, and textures so as to complement the home’s pre-existing features. The first room the duo tackled was the great room, and later continued furnishing the kitchen and master bedroom. Living up to its billing, the great room not only opened up to a breathtaking view of the Newport coast, it also was one great space. Richard decided that the best option to maximize the space would be to break the room into two separate yet distinct areas for living and dining. While exploring our online collections, the client discovered the Jasper Shag rug in a bold and vibrant green. The grassy green rug paired with the sleek Italian made Montecarlo glass dining table added just the right amount of color and texture to compliment the natural beauty of the bamboo sculpture. The client happily adds, “I’m always receiving complements on the green rug!” Once the duo had completed the dining area, they worked on furnishing the living area, and later added pieces like the classic Renoir bed to the master bedroom and Crescent Console to the kitchen, which adds both balance and sophistication. The living room, also known as the family room was the central area where Richard’s client and his family would spend quality time. As a fellow family man, Richard understood that that meant creating an inviting space with comfortable and durable pieces of furniture that still possessed a modern flare. The client loved the look and design of the Mercer sectional. With Cantoni’s ability to customize furniture, Richard was able to special order the sectional in a fabric that was both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Selecting the color scheme for the living room was also greatly influenced by the client’s pre-existing artwork as well as unique distressed floors. Richard recommended adding dark pieces of furniture as seen in the Mercer sectional along with the Viera area rug. He explains, “The darker colors and contrast of the rug’s material worked really well with the distressed wood floor.” Furthermore, the comfortable American Leather Recliner, which was customized in red leather not only maximized the space, but also tied in the client’s picturesque artwork beautifully. The client adds gratefully, “Richard was extremely helpful with color; He was great at seeing if I was taking it too far or not enough.” It is apparent that Richard and his client made a great team. With the client’s passion for great design and Richard’s design expertise, together they transformed the home into a modern sanctuary. Working with this particular client was a very rewarding experience for Richard. He adds, “My client and his family were so easy and fun to work with. Their enthusiasm, focus, and involvement are what helped me bring their ideas to life. I think we created a unique environment that their entire family can enjoy for many years to come.” https://www.cantoni.com/project/a-contemporary-sanctuary

This project was completed for a repeat customer who returned to us at GRK after having an extension built onto their existing kitchen. All of the cabinetry from the old kitchen was reused in the new one, resulting in minimal waste.

A bold and colourful dining room that features provocative art by Graham Gillmore and Jill Greenberg. A graphic, hot pink Madeline Weinrib rug is paired with a clean white Saarinen table and walnut Cherner Butterfly chairs.