Search results for "Difficulties" in Home Design Ideas
Designs By Mark, Inc.Design Statement:
My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function.
Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”.
This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer.
Construction and Design
The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash.
Technology and Design
The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell.
Materials and design
Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design.
Appliances and design
All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow.
Photography by Mark Oser
Today's StarMark Custom Cabinetry & FurnitureA kitchen remodel in central Sioux Falls. Alesha, a designer with Today’s StarMark Custom Cabinetry, incorporated smooth transitions between the cooking, preparing and entertaining areas in this pentagon shaped kitchen. The kitchen features the Roseville door style in Maple finished in Marshmallow Cream. The Roseville door has an optional five piece drawer header and glass inserts.
RFK KitchensAll the way through the design, planning and installation, we felt very comfortable with the team at RFK, especially with the added challenges and difficulties caused by the pandemic. The final result is we now have a fantastic and stunning new kitchen that is exactly what we imagined and hoped.
MALCOM & MICHELE
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Frankel Design BuildThis project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet.
Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity.
Connie Anderson Photography
Michael Nash Design, Build & HomesThis townhome located on Lake Anna of Reston, VA own into a confined gall kitchen with a very limited cabinet space, short wall cabinets, big closet taking over big portion of kitchen, duct chase creating a big barrier, plumbing chases causing bulkhead and a bearing wall header to name a few of obstacles
Their dream was to walk in from front door and have a clear view of wall to wall scenic view of the lake.
Modernize the kitchen, eliminate bearing walls, lots of storage, upgraded appliances and so much more.
They have been chasing this dream for years and have been turned down by multiple firms due to level of difficulty of the project, budget constraint and as she put it “cleeking with a design firm that can feel her needs”
Our staff spent countless number of hours to hear her and bring her dream to reality.
The main constraint was the bearing wall on corner of foyer and living room, which was a closet, main duct chase and return ducts, obscene amount of plumbing and not to mention structural load.
By the way of re-routing mechanical chases, and reformulating all second-floor plumbing stack to back walls, and then inserting few structural beams that transfer the second-floor joists to front and back wall, we have accomplished the biggest goals of all and created the view open floor plan
Now home to a big island with cooktop and beverage center. The home has front to back clear view of the scenic lake.
¬¬¬With expanding the kitchen into front breakfast area, we have doubled up on storage and cabinet space.
Long line of gorgeous counter top and full backsplash under new Led lighting has glorified this kitchen project.
The linear porcelain floor tile has complimented the counter top and her trophy accessories.
RAJ Kitchen and Bath, LLCThere were a few difficulties in making this kitchen any better than how it was. There was a separate staircase that had access to the second floor which was located in the kitchen. This left just enough room to push the dining room to one side. Then, there was the porch. A really nice panoramic view of the back, but was somehow under-used by the family during the summer months. Then, it was the size of the kitchen. It simply was way too small for a growing family, and while it had a peninsular in place, the flow just didn’t work. I remember watching them one day demonstrating how awkward it was using the kitchen. We got it! We had our marching orders to go and figure out how to make this kitchen work for this family.
Everything in the room was fair play. The design was done to make the kitchen very open. For a few ideas, we incorporated the porch in the kitchen by using the nana wall idea but it ended up being too cost prohibitive to do so. We then decided to do a permanent fix by using a commercial glass wall application. Once we figured that out, we moved back inside and removed the staircase. This gave us two added benefits. One allowed us to really reconfigure the kitchen and the other opened up the second floor for a huge built in closet system.
We relocated the windows, added a fire place with a built In TV above. From there, it was onto the kitchen itself which contained a huge Island with seating, large kitchen sink and built in appliances which was set up in a way to take advantage of the new layout. We re-positioned the kitchen facing the beautiful views outside rather than looking towards a wall. Now, when you enter the house up the entry stairs, the kitchen now draws you into the magnificent new open space. This is now setup for entertaining, relaxation, hanging out and most of all, preparing meals in a room where you only have to leave if you want to.
This one was all about the design. Design was what made this space. Setting this space up for success was crucial, and this kitchen is a great example of how design can cover a multitude of sins in Kitchen designs.
… Just close your eyes for a second and imagine waking up one winter morning and having a cup of coffee and watching the snow fall through those huge windows, leaning up against those 3D feature walls while watching the kids sitting around the table enjoying those warm radiant heated floors in this spacious kitchen…..
Michael Nash Design, Build & HomesThis townhome located on Lake Anna of Reston, VA own into a confined gall kitchen with a very limited cabinet space, short wall cabinets, big closet taking over big portion of kitchen, duct chase creating a big barrier, plumbing chases causing bulkhead and a bearing wall header to name a few of obstacles
Their dream was to walk in from front door and have a clear view of wall to wall scenic view of the lake.
Modernize the kitchen, eliminate bearing walls, lots of storage, upgraded appliances and so much more.
They have been chasing this dream for years and have been turned down by multiple firms due to level of difficulty of the project, budget constraint and as she put it “cleeking with a design firm that can feel her needs”
Our staff spent countless number of hours to hear her and bring her dream to reality.
The main constraint was the bearing wall on corner of foyer and living room, which was a closet, main duct chase and return ducts, obscene amount of plumbing and not to mention structural load.
By the way of re-routing mechanical chases, and reformulating all second-floor plumbing stack to back walls, and then inserting few structural beams that transfer the second-floor joists to front and back wall, we have accomplished the biggest goals of all and created the view open floor plan
Now home to a big island with cooktop and beverage center. The home has front to back clear view of the scenic lake.
¬¬¬With expanding the kitchen into front breakfast area, we have doubled up on storage and cabinet space.
Long line of gorgeous counter top and full backsplash under new Led lighting has glorified this kitchen project.
The linear porcelain floor tile has complimented the counter top and her trophy accessories.
Laughing Waters, IncThe customers desired a secluded environment for retreat at the end of a long workday. The project began with stone selection. We desired an organic stone that would age beautifully over time, and shape the walls and features of the space.
Our team faced major logistics challenges throughout the project. The wooded property sloped away from the house dramatically making difficulty bringing in large materials and machinery needed to complete the job. Tree protection and a temporary road were constructed for the duration of the project.
Stone placement was key to success for this project. We hand-selected each boulder for the project and assembled the stones by similar grain patterns and colors to create authenticity. The idea was to give the illusion that these natural limestone formations existed on the property before the home and landscaping was created adding a great mystery to the overall feature.
The viewer is surrounded by large stone walls with cascades of water that have shaped the stone over time. The viewer is given the illusion that the source of water comes from the distance of the property and cascades into a secluded area. We designed an underground cistern to hold rain water run-off allowing the water feature to naturally filter the water for re-use.
The pump system is run on a Variable Frequency Drive for programmable automation, allowing the customer to run the waterfall at different flow rates at different times of day allowing for operation cost savings, and low energy consumption.
Linda Oyama Bryan
Murals by John Lewis‘Weaving Worldviews’ - (S. 23rd St. and Shunk St. Phila PA) This mural is a triptych about the difficulties of reaching understanding in the modern age, particularly between people of divergent worldviews. The 1st scene is a mother; calling us back to a common beginning; the 2nd shows the capacity of children to connect; and the 3rd shows the optimal merging of 2 minds when there is mutual respect and appreciation for each
other’s background. Drawings and design on aluminum panels. 4’ x 8’ panels spaced in sections on a block wall.
Beahm & Son, Ltd.We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to help an older couple in our local community. They approached us with a project that they thought would be impossible. Turn a 6x6 first floor pantry into a fully functioning bathroom. Normally this space limitation would not be a problem but the plumbing presented a difficulty that already scared away 2 other contractors. We were able to overcome this obstacle with the help of our experienced staff who keep up to date on the newest devices and products in the remodeling industry.
We had a very enjoyable experience designing and remodeling this room. Even with the small space limitations we believe we came up with a very unique and rustic feel for their 1890's farm house. I must end on all the custom wood work that our employees made for this project. From the custom, two-sided, door to the little, wooden, wall shelf we made all of the wooden pieces you see in this project and most of them were unique creations specifically for this job.
Lake State PropertyDuring 2020 many of us were hit hard with Covid-19. This particular family had wedding plans to hold the ceremony at their home. And they had a small budget, instead of spending thousands of dollars on bouquets, they opted to have permanent landscaping put in. The hill slope was of particularly difficulty given the grade, but we were able to obtain the perfect setting to match a modern fountain that they were debating throwing away. We were able to convince them that by removing the grass in the bed around the fountain, we could dress the entire section to become a distinct focal point of their backyard and still keep the design low enough to the ground that the lake view wouldn't be obstructed. The natural colors of the flowers and the selection of rocks suit the lake sunsets beautifully. Unfortunately, they were not able to gather in full, but the family loved the landscaping even though.
Robert M. Cain, ArchitectPlatted as a legal lot-of-record in the area’s original subdivision in 1910, the site remained undeveloped due to steep terrain and difficulties crossing the creek for access. Additionally all areas of the site are within the creek’s 25’, 50’ and 75’ riparian stream buffers. By necessity, the house, with considerable jurisdictional involvement, was constructed entirely within the 75’ stream buffer. Bridge/drive design complying with City of Atlanta Watershed regulations and State of Georgia EPD criteria was an essential component in realizing the project.
Granit Architects + Interiors
The brief:
Our clients own an apartment in a mansion block overlooking Clapham Common. They wanted to modernise and bring the apartment up to date and had a few goals:
To change the existing small cellular spaces in the apartment to create a new open-plan room
To extend into the loft and create a new master bedroom suite
To create a roof terrace for some much-needed private outdoor space
The key to the brief was to ensure a good connection between the different levels of the apartment and ensure natural light could flood into all spaces. The apartment is in a conservation area, which was an important consideration.
The solution:
We changed the primary room space to run from the front to the back of the building. This change created the large kitchen dining living space our clients wanted, an area with good natural light throughout and at all times of the day.
We created a master bedroom suite in the loft space, with generous room size and lots of natural light.
The limitations of the building’s form meant that a critical aspect to creating these larger living spaces was carefully considered smaller areas, including the bathrooms and a pocket utility room. The circulation space was carefully considered, too, with the landings used for storage in the form of new joinery.
The stairs were vital in the design. Creating an in-between/half level meant we made the most of the flat roof extension for a bedroom suite and terrace. It also helped natural light get into the centre of the apartment, creating a clear connection between the different floors.
The stairs also help to mark the difference between the existing and the new. We shifted the design from a minimalist take on traditional metal balustraded stairs to open tread steel stairs with a glazed balustrade.
Externally, we kept the design quite simple and in keeping with the context. By adding dormers to the front and back, we created a sculptural and fun loft space.
The result:
A spacious, light and luxurious apartment for our clients Gareth and Mary in a Clapham Common Conservation area.
We asked about their experience with Granit, and we are pleased with their response:
Our experience overall is very good, even with the unexpected difficulties created by Covid.
If you are thinking of appointing an architect and interior design firm, Granit should be seriously considered.
Granit Architects + Interiors
The brief:
Our clients own an apartment in a mansion block overlooking Clapham Common. They wanted to modernise and bring the apartment up to date and had a few goals:
To change the existing small cellular spaces in the apartment to create a new open-plan room
To extend into the loft and create a new master bedroom suite
To create a roof terrace for some much-needed private outdoor space
The key to the brief was to ensure a good connection between the different levels of the apartment and ensure natural light could flood into all spaces. The apartment is in a conservation area, which was an important consideration.
The solution:
We changed the primary room space to run from the front to the back of the building. This change created the large kitchen dining living space our clients wanted, an area with good natural light throughout and at all times of the day.
We created a master bedroom suite in the loft space, with generous room size and lots of natural light.
The limitations of the building’s form meant that a critical aspect to creating these larger living spaces was carefully considered smaller areas, including the bathrooms and a pocket utility room. The circulation space was carefully considered, too, with the landings used for storage in the form of new joinery.
The stairs were vital in the design. Creating an in-between/half level meant we made the most of the flat roof extension for a bedroom suite and terrace. It also helped natural light get into the centre of the apartment, creating a clear connection between the different floors.
The stairs also help to mark the difference between the existing and the new. We shifted the design from a minimalist take on traditional metal balustraded stairs to open tread steel stairs with a glazed balustrade.
Externally, we kept the design quite simple and in keeping with the context. By adding dormers to the front and back, we created a sculptural and fun loft space.
The result:
A spacious, light and luxurious apartment for our clients Gareth and Mary in a Clapham Common Conservation area.
We asked about their experience with Granit, and we are pleased with their response:
Our experience overall is very good, even with the unexpected difficulties created by Covid.
If you are thinking of appointing an architect and interior design firm, Granit should be seriously considered.
Frankel Design BuildThis project, sitting on a little more than 3.5 acres on Rivercrest was completed in 3 years with a total square footage of more than 26,000 square feet.
Typically modern homes are smaller. At a certain size, usually around 4,000 square feet, the difficulty with modern or contemporary architecture becomes scale, and the minimalist idea gets lost. Whenever you get to this scale of house at over 26,000 square feet, this problem adds a layer of complexity.
Connie Anderson Photography
WineRacksA look at a custom mahogany cellar we built for a customer in Connecticut. His response:
"I found the experience of working with Wineracks.com and Mark Karpinski to be outstanding. As you can see from the photos, my wine cellar was far from standard. There are multiple unusual angles, a center island, and unusually tall ceilings.
Rather than finding these a difficulty, Mark and Wineracks.com became passionate about the space and worked diligently with me to help me get the design I envisioned and made it a reality. At times it felt that Mark was more excited about getting the project done "just right" than I was!
The measurements and layout were nearly perfect, despite the challenges of the space. In addition, Mark was in constant contact throughout the project happily offering tips and advice as we worked through the installation.
Without hesitation, I would give Wineracks.com and Mark Karpinski my highest recommendation.
Donald Lococo ArchitectsLocated on farmland in McLean, Virginia, the American Farmhouse balances the expected comforts of a new home with the bucolic beauty of an old farmhouse. The final site plan still has evidence showing parallel courses of the barn’s destiny. The house mass is broken and lowered so that the home can remain secondary to the monolithic barn structure. Earthy and elemental materials are selected for the home that reference the barn without directly mimicking it. Wooden members found inside the barn and from other barns bridge ceilings and are used in floors along with rustic slate adding to a sense of simplicity to the farmhouse design.
The age and patina of the barn is reflected in the house’s textural use of board and batten and field stone layered similar to stone foundations. The original development plan was to demolish the existing barn and construct three suburban homes. Part of an endangered breed, as one of the few remaining barns in the area, it was originally viewed as a challenge in a luxury home construction with several difficulties posed to the impending project: it would be expensive to renovate, vulnerable to demolition, and threatened by urban sprawl. However, instead of trying to alter or destroy the barn, the structure was fully embraced into the traditional architecture project as a centerpiece and was used as the inspiration for the home. The new house was sited parallel to the barn so that views to the barn gable were accessible.
Lennox MasonryThis project entailed the draining of a 200,000 cubic foot pond which was originally constructed in the early 1900s in order to install a water feature. I had previously dammed the lower pond, which was roughly equivalent in size to the upper pond, with stonework to match the existing stone walkways. The lower pond will be utilized as a catch-basin in an effort to keep the upper pond’s water level at a sufficient height through a pump system.
After the removal of over a 100 years worth of sediment, I began constructing several terraces, stone steps, stone walkways, and several stone retaining walls — all stone features were built without the use of mortar so as to allow plant growth, such as vines and flowering plants to grow through the stonework.
The difficulty I faced, oddly enough, was trying to be as random as possible with the placement of the stones, so as to make the stonework appear as though it had been built alongside some of the pre-existing 100-year-old stone walls scattered across other areas of the property. In essence, I forced myself to leave larger gaps in between stones where I typically wouldn’t, as well as leave some stones protruding from the wall, and allowing the wall to slightly fluctuate in height. All of which required me to become a perfectionist of randomness, which was quite trying of me.
The top 2 feet of the 2,000-foot upper pond was then faced and retained with stone.
UserDesigned by Greg Cetera of Closet Works
The sloped ceiling in this room creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for a child’s nursery. The problem was that the room originally had no closet. One of the angled walls, however, contained an alcove for accessing the radiant heat system pipes and controls. Adding a closet to a room with a sloped ceiling and walls can present difficulties under the best circumstances. Adding access to the radiant heating system might make some designers throw in the towel, but Closet Works professionals are equal to any challenge.
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