Part of an extensive home remodel, this kitchen design was born of one man’s love of all things Harley Davidson. Color inspiration came from the client’s own cherished bike which was a stunning combination of matte black and brushed steel. The client’s wish was to have a large open area in which he could “be one with his guests” when hosting large gatherings. Cabinets, hardware and appliances all in black allow the focus to be on the beauty of the larger architectural elements as a whole. Included along the main storage wall is a hidden 42” refrigerator, dual pull-out pantries, and extra wide drawers below a pair of upper cabinets with matte black glass fold-up doors that open & close automatically via servo-drive technology. The new island - which measures just shy of 16 ½ feet! - is a true central point around which all action revolves. Wide walkways on either side provide ease of flow for multiple sous chefs and guests alike. A textured cypress soffit above the island was designed to house the modern hood and also create a feeling of unity as it is the same size as the island below. Textured cypress wood also wraps matte black cabinetry and lines the main wall, changing grain direction to provide visual interest. The 5’ Galley Workstation is a multi-functional marvel, easily transitioning from prep station to serving surface to clean-up with the addition of its built-in accessories. Placing an undercounter wine refrigerator on the back side of the island makes it easy for guests at the bar to help themselves. Close to the bar seating area, a 42” flat screen tv fits perfectly flush in the wall, practically disappearing when not in use. Unique details include a large display cabinet with a metal framed front & side crafted out of steel by a local artisan. The glass is 2-way mirror so when the interior light is off, the treasure is concealed inside. The interior is painted in the trademark Harley orange. Above a modern dining table, a one-of-a-kind chandelier was created from 3 bike helmets, painted in Harley orange by a local automobile detail shop. The interiors are finished in metallic silver for extra glow. Adjacent to the Kitchen, and initially deceiving in its simplicity, the main tv wall was quite complex and challenging to realize. It has a convex curve from left to right and slopes back from floor to ceiling. The interior hollow space created room for a shallow tv niche on top and partially recessed deep media storage cabinets below. The planning and framing involved to create the proper compound miter connections required extra diligence from the designers and builder, but the finished product was worth the effort! Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

An absolute residential fantasy. This custom modern Blue Heron home with a diligent vision- completely curated FF&E inspired by water, organic materials, plenty of textures, and nods to Chanel couture tweeds and craftsmanship. Custom lighting, furniture, mural wallcovering, and more. This is just a sneak peek, with more to come. This most humbling accomplishment is due to partnerships with THE MOST FANTASTIC CLIENTS, perseverance of some of the best industry professionals pushing through in the midst of a pandemic.

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

Our clients loved their old home but were ready for some updates. Based on the foundation and other historical clues, they believe it was built around 1890. The house was well-built and full of character. While it had a charming front porch, it was far from the kitchen and faced the driveway. We added a spacious side porch just off the kitchen, creating the perfect spot for outdoor dining. By connecting it to the original porch, we created a natural flow from the front door through the rest of the home. Inside, we redesigned the kitchen and dining area to open up the space and views. The homeowners chose retro appliances that complement the home’s vintage charm.

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

An outdated 1920's kitchen in Bayside Queens was turned into a refreshed, classic and timeless space that utilized the very limited space to its maximum capacity. The cabinets were once outdated and a dark brown that made the space look even smaller. Now, they are a bright white, accompanied by white subway tile, a light quartzite countertop and brushed brass hardware throughout. What made all the difference was the use of the dark porcelain floors as a great contrast to all the white. We were also diligent to keep the hold extractor a clear glass and stainless steel.

Phillip F Gaudette Construction Co.
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This client asked me to provide them with ample storage in their ski vacation condo's kitchen. I wanted to take advantage of the end wall to maximize the countertop and give them more storage with a cabinet under the new range that is 92" wide. Even though the cabinet is well supported, the cabinet opening has no center divider which would hinder any individual seeking out pots and kettles from below. The other elements fell into logical places including a generous pantry to the right of the refrigerator. In trying to maintain the sleek look of the backsplash, I worked diligently with the electrician to avoid outlets in the backsplash area as much as possible using Task Lighting's angled power strips. I love working with the outlet strips that tuck up under the cabinetry; they are brilliantly discreet. One of the special elements in this kitchen is the log pedestal base under the cantilevered bar top that is a continuation of the cap on the half wall. This log is from my neighbor's tree which they were cutting down in perfect timing with this renovation. Other components from this same tree are incorporated elsewhere in the condo. Surrounding the bar top are great wrought iron bar stools from Charleston Forge Photo by Sandra J. Curtis, ASID

After a decade of being bi-coastal, my clients decided to retire from the east coast to the west. But the task of packing up a whole lifetime in a home was quite daunting so they hired me to comb through their furniture and accessories to see what could fit, what should be left behind, and what should make the move. The job proved difficult since my clients have a wealth of absolutely gorgeous objects and furnishings collected from trips to exotic, far-flung locales like Nepal, or inherited from relatives in England. It was tough to pare down, but after hours of diligent measuring, I mapped out what would migrate west and where it would be placed once here, and I filled in some blank spaces with new pieces. They bought their recent Craftsman-style home from the contractor who had designed and built it for his family. The only architectural work we did was to transform the den at the rear of the house into a television/garden room. My clients did not want the television to be on display, and sticking a TV in an armoire just doesn’t cut it anymore. I recommended installing a hidden, mirror TV with accompanying invisible in-wall speakers. To do this, we removed an unnecessary small door in the corner of the room to free up the entire wall. Now, at the touch of a remote, what looks like a beautiful wall mirror mounted over a Japanese tansu console comes to life, and sound magically floats out from the wall around it! We also replaced a bank of windows with French doors to allow easy access to the garden. While the house is extremely well made, the interiors were bland. The warm woodwork was lost in a sea of beige, so I chose a deep aqua color palette for the front rooms of the house which makes the woodwork sing. And we discovered a wonderful art niche over the fireplace that the previous owners had covered with a framed print. Conversely, a warm color palette in the TV room contrasts nicely with the greenery from the garden seen through the new French doors. Photo by Bernardo Grijalva

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional screened-in back porch design in Other with decking and a roof extension.

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

Captivated by South Haven’s natural charm and waterfront beauty, this storybook, waterfront abode is exceptionally true to its lakefront character. Featuring over 3,600 square feet with five bedroom and three-and-a-half baths, the careful design of this open and charming layout paired with grand views from nearly every room, capture all the warmth and playfulness of lakefront living. • A beach friendly fiber cement siding in a cheerful shade of blue blends seamlessly with the water backdrop, while contrasting white trim and darker blue window clad lend definition to the exterior. • An impressive kitchen with stunning Ann Sachs tile backsplash, quartz countertops, richly stained bistro table and Viking Appliances overlook the generous, but clearly defined, living and dining rooms. • Extensive built-ins with extra storage and workspace, such as a distinctive dining serving piece featuring quartz stone and a lake reflecting mirror, maximize space and make entertaining a breeze. • Playful design elements like Thibaut wallpaper, braided hemp cabinet insets and white-washed European white oak floors complement the home’s coastal flair with nautical décor and warm hues. • Fine finishes and rich trim details including wainscot, various painted ceilings, louvered doors on cabinetry, and fireplace surround with kitchen coordinating quartz stone, show off the intricate design gestures. • Skillfully designed upstairs presents a restful master retreat with private balcony, two guest bedrooms, convenient laundry featuring sleek retractable doors and space maximizing built in bunk beds with ultra-clever steps that provide storage. • The lower level’s extra guest quarters, additional laundry, full beach bath with top-to-bottom tiled shower, diligent kitchenette, beach-friendly stained concrete floors, outdoor shower that keeps sand at bay, and direct access to the sugary sands of Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

An outdated 1920's kitchen in Bayside Queens was turned into a refreshed, classic and timeless space that utilized the very limited space to its maximum capacity. The cabinets were once outdated and a dark brown that made the space look even smaller. Now, they are a bright white, accompanied by white subway tile, a light quartzite countertop and brushed brass hardware throughout. What made all the difference was the use of the dark porcelain floors as a great contrast to all the white. We were also diligent to keep the hold extractor a clear glass and stainless steel.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this quintessential beach house artfully blends exemplary lakefront architecture and refined design elements. Spanning over 3,800 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this home highlights plentiful windows and outdoor living areas within all three floors. Alongside unobstructed views of Lake Michigan that pull natural illumination into nearly every room, thoughtful interior design by Benchmark Design Studio bring forth sophisticated design details. • Designed to withstand the lakeshore elements, an exterior consisting of durable fiber cement siding is showcased in a restful shade of gray and accented through natural stone columns. • A soaring staircase open to above and below sets the tone for the bathed-in-sunlight main level featuring an open floor plan between the light and airy kitchen with Viking appliances, dining room, living room and beach deck. • A harmonious blend of rustic and refined, a warm palette of natural materials and finishes like European white washed oak floors, sliding barn doors, and classic built-ins, create a relaxed space that never loses its polished sense of style. • Often considered too special for a weekend home, sophisticated design elements including a mix of quartz and onyx countertops in the kitchen, metallic Thibaut ceiling inset in the dining room, and rustic sliding barn doors , makes this home simply special. • Dedicated to private time, the upstairs master suite includes direct access to an open-air deck, two guest bedrooms, and a cozy sleeping loft with nine diligent bunk beds. • Downstairs, generous living area with causal furnishings, additional guest quarters with full beach bath and savvy kitchenette, enhances beach entertaining and all the simple pleasures of living on Lake Michigan. Photography by Chuck Heiney

Brendon Pinola
Enclosed kitchen - large traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Birmingham with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite countertops and subway tile backsplash

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

Rob Fisher, principal, and builder, has built new homes in the Northern Virginia area for almost 25 years. He has overseen the design, development, construction, and customer satisfaction of some of the most exclusive communities and reputable builders in the area. He began his career with Foley Custom Homes in Vienna, VA before moving on to serve as a supervisor for NVR. In 1986 he joined A&A Partnership in Alexandria, Virginia. As Construction Manager, he was responsible for Harborside, a waterfront community of luxury townhouses in the heart of Old Town. In 1994 Rob joined Pulte Homes to open StoneRidge Builders, a division of Pulte Homes offering high end, semi-custom homes to the Mid Atlantic market. Under StoneRidge Builders, Rob oversaw such notable projects as McLean Hundred (McLean); Ashgrove Plantation & Clarks Crossing (Vienna); and Timberlake and Windsong Estates (Oakton). Rob led Pulte’s efforts in establishing themselves as the undisputed leader in customer satisfaction. During his tenure as Vice President of Customer Relations for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Pulte won an unprecedented five JD Power and Associates New Home Customer Satisfaction Awards. The experiences and lessons learned in building some of the most exclusive projects in Northern Virginia, while creating an industry benchmark in customer satisfaction, helped create the foundation upon which Fisher Custom Homes was established. In 2010, Rob decided to turn his passion for building homes into a personal business, and Fisher Custom Homes was born. Over the course of the last several years, Rob has worked diligently to establish himself as one of the most prestigious and sought-after custom home builders in the Vienna, VA and surrounding areas. Rob’s quality, attention to detail and personal touch has earned him a reputation as the ‘builder of choice’ among his peers, his homeowners, and prospective buyers.