In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Jeri Koegel
Great room - transitional dark wood floor great room idea in Orange County with beige walls

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Transitional formal living room photo in New York with gray walls and a standard fireplace

Photo of a large traditional backyard stone landscaping in Chicago with a fire pit.

Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor bathroom remodel in Chicago with a two-piece toilet, black walls and a pedestal sink

Eat-in kitchen - large traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New Orleans with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, soapstone countertops and subway tile backsplash

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Lori Hamilton
Kitchen - tropical kitchen idea in Miami with an island

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Kitchen - cottage light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Orange County with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Garrett Buell
Sunroom - transitional sunroom idea in Nashville with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a standard ceiling

Example of a large trendy formal and enclosed light wood floor and beige floor living room design in Miami with beige walls, no fireplace and no tv

Blackstone Edge Photography
Home office - small contemporary built-in desk carpeted home office idea in Portland with gray walls

Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in New York with white walls

Example of a large classic master carpeted and beige floor bedroom design in Salt Lake City with multicolored walls

Overlooking Semiamhoo Bay, Galadriel is a refined, modern home with the warmth and strength inherently found in West Coast architecture. Textures of natural stone, Douglas fir, glass and steel unify the interior with its geographical setting - surrounded by evergreens and unrestricted views of the ocean. The entrance to the home is accessed by a crossing above a reflecting pool, in which sits a stunning and solitary bonsai which is illuminated from above through an oculus in the roof’s overhang. Expansive outdoor spaces featuring fire features and seating areas are connected by a curved metal staircase set over a blackened steel reflecting pool, adding a graphic element to the rear of the home. Clerestory glazing in an elevated roof area offers an opening into the tree canopy towards the front of the property and allows light to permeate the interior of the home, while full height windows throughout maximize the impressive views. Living spaces throughout provide ample room for entertaining and comfort. Creativity is shown in the many colourful and whimsical accents. The master bedroom features two ensuite baths - a unique request that makes good sense for the owners. Spaces for work, writing and art were given priority reflecting the values and livelihood of our clients. Projecting from a stone clad wall, cantilevered white oak stair treads lead to an extraordinary wine display that incorporates a sculptural component taken as a memento from our client’s work as a producer in the film industry, adding a strong personal dimension. This home reflects a successful collaboration between Peter Hildebrand and Stefan Walsh of Iredale Group Architecture and KBC Developments. Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Vancouver with no fireplace, shaker cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops