Photos by 205 Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Birmingham with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The project site is a three story apartment building with a full basement, which had recently been subject to an apartment fire. Four separate residential units were contained in the structure, including one two bedroom unit and three single bedroom units. A laundry room/basement and a pair of lofts were also housed within the building. The result of the blaze and the subsequent water damage from attempts to extinguish it left the interior of the building primarily gutted. All interior finishes, fixtures, stairways, mechanical and electrical systems were destroyed beyond repair. The exterior of the building was charred in some places, and destroyed completely in others. The project location, the City of San Rafael, determined that due to the extent of the damage to the structure, the resulting project would be considered a “new building”. Our first task was to review the current building code and apply the current regulations to the existing structure (originally built in the early 1900’s) and bring it up to current code. We performed occupant load calculations, a code summary, square footage calculations and egress code analysis for each floor/use. This information was then compiled in order to determine how the project could legally be designed within the current code, all while minimizing modifications to the existing structure. Once all data had been analyzed, the new floor plans were organized and laid out in a manner which retained the heritage of the original building while remaining true to current code. The site was revised to allow for code compliant parking areas while retaining the family friendly outdoor spaces inherent in the original design. The foundation was reinforced, and the building structure as a whole was strengthened to cope with modern seismic loads. Spray foam insulation, low E glazing, skylights, ceiling fans, high efficiency HVAC, etc…were all added to make the building more efficient and environmentally friendly. The use of Class “A” materials, fire separations (both vertical and horizontal) and a commercial sprinkler system were employed in order to avoid any future fires. Reconstruction of the project was recently completed in the summer of 2014. Photos by B. James

Our client contacted us regarding the fireplace he was building in his new home. He decided to be a general contractor and build his house himself, he bought blue prints over the internet. However after framing the home he realized that his fireplace in the main portion of the house was out of proportion . He wanted this fireplace to be the focal point of his home. Client’s Desires: • Larger Fireplace • Wall of Stone • Large Mantel proportion to the size of the fireplace When we first meet our client at his new home, the framing of the fireplace was approx. 6 feet wide and 18 ft. high. After talking to him, we both felt that the fireplace needed to be a lot larger to give that dramatic look, he was looking for. We also suggested, because the wall wrapped into the kitchen that he should have a two sided fireplace with the other side facing his kitchen. We started by re-framing the fireplace to 12.5 feet wide, because of the size we enlarged the insert to 48" opening. We realized when ordering the stone for the fireplace that the weight of the stone was going to be very heavy. When looking at the framing of the house, we got an structural engineer involved to determine the stone weight and beams in the home and that the wall was not a load bearing wall. It was determined that we had to add an additional 6 LVL beams between the two load barring steel beams, to support the weight of the stone. The stone is a 70/30 mix to give it a more rustic look, we wrapped the stone around the wall into the kitchen to give it a beefy look. We had two custom mantels made, the living room mantel is made of alder wood and is 8.5 feet long with a two tier step with custom corbels. The homeowner chose a distress look. The kitchen mantel is more elegant with custom molding to match their kitchen cabinets.

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

Green Home Systems provides reliable solar power solutions to residential and commercial customers all over the country. Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL to provide a 19kW solar system for his home. We were able to complete this job quickly and efficiently, delivering a high quality product at an affordable price. At Green Home Systems, our mission is to provide our customers with the best customer service in the industry as well as unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price. We understand that not everyone can afford large upfront costs associated with installing solar systems and we are proud to offer competitive financing options that make it easier for our customers to go solar without breaking the bank. This was certainly true for Bruce D., who took advantage of our financing options and was able to have his new solar system installed within a couple of weeks time. Our team worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly when installing Bruce’s new system. We began by inspecting his roof to determine if it was suitable for installation and if there were any potential problems that needed addressing before beginning work. Once we determined everything was in order we then moved on to designing and installing the system itself. Our team of experienced professionals worked diligently to ensure each component was installed properly and securely so that it would be able to withstand years of exposure to the elements without issue. We also made sure that Bruce was aware of all the financial benefits associated with having a photovoltaic system installed on his home. He was now able to take advantage of numerous tax credits available in Illinois as well as decreased utility bills due to reduced consumption from his local electricity provider. Additionally, he will be able to increase the value of his home by having a solar power system installed which will make it more attractive should he decide he wants to sell it down the line. In conclusion, we are proud of our work with Bruce D. in Jacksonville, IL and were happy to provide him with an efficient and cost-effective way to add renewable energy sources into his home’s power grid. Our team worked diligently throughout every stage of this project from design through installation until completion and we are thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our work throughout Illinois providing reliable solar solutions at competitive prices so that more people can benefit from this clean source of energy!

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

Once you and your designer have determined what you want to do with the kitchen, they'll start the work. The first few steps are performed in the background, such as determining the proper suppliers and shipping the materials. They will then create the cabinets according to your design. Depending on the materials, this can take some time. Upon the creation of the cabinet, the designer will then work on fine details. These details can include: • Unique finishes. • Special markings. • Special handles. Once the customization is performed, the new cabinetry will be installed. You can now enjoy your premium cabinetry and admire the depth it adds to your kitchen. Talk to your designer today to see how they can improve this vital room.

This South Shore of Boston couple reached out to Renovisions to design and build a beautiful, maintenance free and easy to use ‘his and hers’ master bathroom with plenty of storage. The former bath which had a single sink, one mirror, a vanity cabinet with not enough storage and a tired fiberglass shower stall was the last room in their home to be remodeled. They envisioned a more spa-like feel with a brighter walk-in shower and stylish cabinetry with double sinks and more storage. Renovisions re-designed this bath with a fresh approach to a classic style; boasting two sinks and framed mirrors that match the custom oak cabinetry with a grey stain and cherused finish (a process that allows raising of the wood grain, creating a beautiful texture). Choosing a white and grey palette with Carrara-look tiles in the shower opened up the space, tied in nicely with the weathered grey vanity and exemplified the feeling of casual luxury. The bright and airy walk-in shower with double recessed niches and dual shower heads affords both his and hers showering needs. Stunning and dramatic chevron patterned mosaic glass tile defines the niche spaces and lends a pretty, decorative touch to the overall look. The soft blue-green hue on the walls match perfectly with this tile and continue the serene and spa-like appeal throughout the bath. Replacing the existing double-hung window with a smaller, decorative cut glass casement window not only provided a stunning focal point to the bathroom, but also allowed for additional cabinetry that includes a pull-out hamper and two deep drawers. Silestone’s stunning ‘white diamond’ quartz looks great with the color scheme and provides more countertop space for make-up and cosmetics. The clients were thrilled with their ‘Renovision’ that imparts clean aesthetic and beautifully appointed classic details. "Just wanted to say thank you for a job well done. We absolutely love our bathroom. From start to finish you were all so pleasant and professional. The fact that Ed is determined to come up with a solution for our bathroom door shows your commitment to your clients and the pride you take in your work. I can say from experience that not all contractors would care to or be as determined as Ed to say “I will come up with a solution just give me some time” especially after being paid in full. So thank you again. I would highly recommend your company to anyone looking for a bathroom ‘Renovision’! All the best!" - Dan & Deb S. (Hanover)

Preparation for the project will deal with determining the exact placement of the center line for the new appliance. This will determine where the face frames, cabinet floor, and other components will be cut. This project had the built in place cabinetry common to older homes. This required that consideration be taken to brace the cabinet floors at the points where there new end panels will be installed. As with any project, very careful planning and layout is vital. Small details not taken into account can add considerable time, expense, and frustration to account for. Here, the run of cabinets will have 3/4 end panels installed on each side of the range opening. Measurements not properly verified will leave you in a situation in which the raw end of the plywood end panel would be visible. The other challenge here is the size difference between the 36" cooktop and the standard 30" common range to replace it. Carefully remove the center stile and make clean square cuts on the rails so the removed material can be utilized when/if needed. Johnnie McCormick

Example of a minimalist dining room design in New York

Designing and building a kitchen addition is a complex process that involves multiple steps and considerations. Here is a general outline to help you get started on your kitchen addition project: Define Your Goals and Budget: • Determine the purpose of the kitchen addition. Is it for more cooking space, a dining area, or a combination of both? • Establish a realistic budget for your project. Consider all costs, including construction, permits, materials, and furnishings. Hire a Design Professional: • Seek the services of a design build company who specializes in kitchen additions. • Discuss your vision, needs, and budget with the design professional to create a design concept. Site Evaluation: • Assess the existing space and structural condition of your home to ensure it can support the addition. • Consider factors like zoning regulations, setbacks, and building codes. Design Development: • Collaborate with your design professional to refine the concept, including the layout, size, and architectural style. • Choose materials, finishes, and fixtures that fit your design and budget. Obtain Permits: • Consult with your local design build contractor to determine the necessary permits and approvals. • Prepare and submit all required documents, including architectural drawings and engineering plans. Create Construction Documents: • Work with your design build professional to develop detailed construction drawings and specifications. • These documents will serve as a guide for contractors during construction. Hire a design build contractor: • Check references, credentials, and licenses before selecting a contractor. • Sign a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. Construction Phase: • Demolition: If needed, remove any existing structures or walls. • Foundation: Construct the foundation for the addition. • Framing: Build the structural framework of the addition. • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC: Install or update utilities as required. • Insulation: Ensure proper insulation for energy efficiency. • Drywall and Finish Work: Complete the walls and ceilings. • Flooring and Cabinetry: Install flooring and kitchen cabinets. • Appliances and Fixtures: Add appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. • Paint and Finish: Apply paint and finishes to achieve the desired look. • Final Inspection: Schedule inspections to ensure compliance with building codes. Final Inspections and Approvals: • Arrange for final inspections to ensure the addition meets all safety and code requirements. • Obtain any necessary certificates of occupancy or compliance. Move In and Enjoy: • Once all inspections and approvals are received, you can move into your new kitchen addition and start enjoying it. Remember that every kitchen addition project is unique, so adapt this outline to your specific needs and circumstances. Consulting with professionals and obtaining the required permits and inspections is crucial to a successful and safe project.

Our client contacted us regarding the fireplace he was building in his new home. He decided to be a general contractor and build his house himself, he bought blue prints over the internet. However after framing the home he realized that his fireplace in the main portion of the house was out of proportion . He wanted this fireplace to be the focal point of his home. Client’s Desires: • Larger Fireplace • Wall of Stone • Large Mantel proportion to the size of the fireplace When we first meet our client at his new home, the framing of the fireplace was approx. 6 feet wide and 18 ft. high. After talking to him, we both felt that the fireplace needed to be a lot larger to give that dramatic look, he was looking for. We also suggested, because the wall wrapped into the kitchen that he should have a two sided fireplace with the other side facing his kitchen. We started by re-framing the fireplace to 12.5 feet wide, because of the size we enlarged the insert to 48" opening. We realized when ordering the stone for the fireplace that the weight of the stone was going to be very heavy. When looking at the framing of the house, we got an structural engineer involved to determine the stone weight and beams in the home and that the wall was not a load bearing wall. It was determined that we had to add an additional 6 LVL beams between the two load barring steel beams, to support the weight of the stone. The stone is a 70/30 mix to give it a more rustic look, we wrapped the stone around the wall into the kitchen to give it a beefy look. We had two custom mantels made, the living room mantel is made of alder wood and is 8.5 feet long with a two tier step with custom corbels. The homeowner chose a distress look. The kitchen mantel is more elegant with custom molding to match their kitchen cabinets.

Designing and building a kitchen addition is a complex process that involves multiple steps and considerations. Here is a general outline to help you get started on your kitchen addition project: Define Your Goals and Budget: • Determine the purpose of the kitchen addition. Is it for more cooking space, a dining area, or a combination of both? • Establish a realistic budget for your project. Consider all costs, including construction, permits, materials, and furnishings. Hire a Design Professional: • Seek the services of a design build company who specializes in kitchen additions. • Discuss your vision, needs, and budget with the design professional to create a design concept. Site Evaluation: • Assess the existing space and structural condition of your home to ensure it can support the addition. • Consider factors like zoning regulations, setbacks, and building codes. Design Development: • Collaborate with your design professional to refine the concept, including the layout, size, and architectural style. • Choose materials, finishes, and fixtures that fit your design and budget. Obtain Permits: • Consult with your local design build contractor to determine the necessary permits and approvals. • Prepare and submit all required documents, including architectural drawings and engineering plans. Create Construction Documents: • Work with your design build professional to develop detailed construction drawings and specifications. • These documents will serve as a guide for contractors during construction. Hire a design build contractor: • Check references, credentials, and licenses before selecting a contractor. • Sign a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. Construction Phase: • Demolition: If needed, remove any existing structures or walls. • Foundation: Construct the foundation for the addition. • Framing: Build the structural framework of the addition. • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC: Install or update utilities as required. • Insulation: Ensure proper insulation for energy efficiency. • Drywall and Finish Work: Complete the walls and ceilings. • Flooring and Cabinetry: Install flooring and kitchen cabinets. • Appliances and Fixtures: Add appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. • Paint and Finish: Apply paint and finishes to achieve the desired look. • Final Inspection: Schedule inspections to ensure compliance with building codes. Final Inspections and Approvals: • Arrange for final inspections to ensure the addition meets all safety and code requirements. • Obtain any necessary certificates of occupancy or compliance. Move In and Enjoy: • Once all inspections and approvals are received, you can move into your new kitchen addition and start enjoying it. Remember that every kitchen addition project is unique, so adapt this outline to your specific needs and circumstances. Consulting with professionals and obtaining the required permits and inspections is crucial to a successful and safe project.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Designing and building a kitchen addition is a complex process that involves multiple steps and considerations. Here is a general outline to help you get started on your kitchen addition project: Define Your Goals and Budget: • Determine the purpose of the kitchen addition. Is it for more cooking space, a dining area, or a combination of both? • Establish a realistic budget for your project. Consider all costs, including construction, permits, materials, and furnishings. Hire a Design Professional: • Seek the services of a design build company who specializes in kitchen additions. • Discuss your vision, needs, and budget with the design professional to create a design concept. Site Evaluation: • Assess the existing space and structural condition of your home to ensure it can support the addition. • Consider factors like zoning regulations, setbacks, and building codes. Design Development: • Collaborate with your design professional to refine the concept, including the layout, size, and architectural style. • Choose materials, finishes, and fixtures that fit your design and budget. Obtain Permits: • Consult with your local design build contractor to determine the necessary permits and approvals. • Prepare and submit all required documents, including architectural drawings and engineering plans. Create Construction Documents: • Work with your design build professional to develop detailed construction drawings and specifications. • These documents will serve as a guide for contractors during construction. Hire a design build contractor: • Check references, credentials, and licenses before selecting a contractor. • Sign a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. Construction Phase: • Demolition: If needed, remove any existing structures or walls. • Foundation: Construct the foundation for the addition. • Framing: Build the structural framework of the addition. • Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC: Install or update utilities as required. • Insulation: Ensure proper insulation for energy efficiency. • Drywall and Finish Work: Complete the walls and ceilings. • Flooring and Cabinetry: Install flooring and kitchen cabinets. • Appliances and Fixtures: Add appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. • Paint and Finish: Apply paint and finishes to achieve the desired look. • Final Inspection: Schedule inspections to ensure compliance with building codes. Final Inspections and Approvals: • Arrange for final inspections to ensure the addition meets all safety and code requirements. • Obtain any necessary certificates of occupancy or compliance. Move In and Enjoy: • Once all inspections and approvals are received, you can move into your new kitchen addition and start enjoying it. Remember that every kitchen addition project is unique, so adapt this outline to your specific needs and circumstances. Consulting with professionals and obtaining the required permits and inspections is crucial to a successful and safe project.

Brad Nicol Photography For this project, I helped my client downsize from a larger home to a smaller attached home. I determined which furnishings could be reused - where and how; what should be eliminated; and what needed to be newly purchased. In this space the sectional, accent pillows, and floral art are new, everything else is from the client's former home. I helped her determine the correct size and fabric to be used for the sectional. Jennifer Comfort, thecolorpsychic, was consulted to select the paint colors.

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

The perfect greenery and floral work determines the character of your outdoor spaces. We work with you to determine landscaping that complements your home while working well naturally with our local climate. Taken by: Rick Rodney

This South Shore of Boston couple reached out to Renovisions to design and build a beautiful, maintenance free and easy to use ‘his and hers’ master bathroom with plenty of storage. The former bath which had a single sink, one mirror, a vanity cabinet with not enough storage and a tired fiberglass shower stall was the last room in their home to be remodeled. They envisioned a more spa-like feel with a brighter walk-in shower and stylish cabinetry with double sinks and more storage. Renovisions re-designed this bath with a fresh approach to a classic style; boasting two sinks and framed mirrors that match the custom oak cabinetry with a grey stain and cherused finish (a process that allows raising of the wood grain, creating a beautiful texture). Choosing a white and grey palette with Carrara-look tiles in the shower opened up the space, tied in nicely with the weathered grey vanity and exemplified the feeling of casual luxury. The bright and airy walk-in shower with double recessed niches and dual shower heads affords both his and hers showering needs. Stunning and dramatic chevron patterned mosaic glass tile defines the niche spaces and lends a pretty, decorative touch to the overall look. The soft blue-green hue on the walls match perfectly with this tile and continue the serene and spa-like appeal throughout the bath. Replacing the existing double-hung window with a smaller, decorative cut glass casement window not only provided a stunning focal point to the bathroom, but also allowed for additional cabinetry that includes a pull-out hamper and two deep drawers. Silestone’s stunning ‘white diamond’ quartz looks great with the color scheme and provides more countertop space for make-up and cosmetics. The clients were thrilled with their ‘Renovision’ that imparts clean aesthetic and beautifully appointed classic details. "Just wanted to say thank you for a job well done. We absolutely love our bathroom. From start to finish you were all so pleasant and professional. The fact that Ed is determined to come up with a solution for our bathroom door shows your commitment to your clients and the pride you take in your work. I can say from experience that not all contractors would care to or be as determined as Ed to say “I will come up with a solution just give me some time” especially after being paid in full. So thank you again. I would highly recommend your company to anyone looking for a bathroom ‘Renovision’! All the best!" - Dan & Deb S. (Hanover)