This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

Interiors by SFA Design Photography by Meghan Beierle-O'Brien
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless formal and enclosed carpeted and brown floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

This elegant seating nook within the master bedroom creates a private retreat for relaxation and conversation. Two upholstered chairs with warm wood frames offer comfortable seating around a sculptural stone side table, perfect for morning coffee or evening reading. Custom built-in shelving flanks the window, providing both storage and display space for personal items and coastal accessories. The large window and French doors open directly to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor recreation. Soft coastal artwork and brass sconce lighting complete this intimate corner, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquil waterfront setting while maintaining the bedroom's serene atmosphere." This captures the intimate seating arrangement, built-in storage, direct pool access, lighting, and how it functions as a private retreat within the larger bedroom space while connecting to the outdoor amenities. This elegant seating nook within the master bedroom creates a private retreat for relaxation and conversation. Two upholstered chairs with warm wood frames offer comfortable seating around a sculptural stone side table, perfect for morning coffee or evening reading. Custom built-in shelving flanks the window, providing both storage and display space for personal items and coastal accessories. The large window and French doors open directly to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor recreation. Soft coastal artwork and brass sconce lighting complete this intimate corner, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquil waterfront setting while maintaining the bedroom's serene atmosphere." This captures the intimate seating arrangement, built-in storage, direct pool access, lighting, and how it functions as a private retreat within the larger bedroom space while connecting to the outdoor amenities.

A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared full bathroom with two or more entrances. Jack and Jill bathrooms conserve space while providing direct en-suite bathroom access from one or more bedrooms. You’ll often find Jack and Jill bathrooms sandwiched between two secondary bedrooms, with access from each bedroom. Another, less common configuration provides direct access from one bedroom plus access from a hallway for guests or visitors. Want to learn more about Jack and Jill bathrooms? We’ll give an overview, examples, and tips below.

This elegant seating nook within the master bedroom creates a private retreat for relaxation and conversation. Two upholstered chairs with warm wood frames offer comfortable seating around a sculptural stone side table, perfect for morning coffee or evening reading. Custom built-in shelving flanks the window, providing both storage and display space for personal items and coastal accessories. The large window and French doors open directly to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor recreation. Soft coastal artwork and brass sconce lighting complete this intimate corner, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquil waterfront setting while maintaining the bedroom's serene atmosphere." This captures the intimate seating arrangement, built-in storage, direct pool access, lighting, and how it functions as a private retreat within the larger bedroom space while connecting to the outdoor amenities. This elegant seating nook within the master bedroom creates a private retreat for relaxation and conversation. Two upholstered chairs with warm wood frames offer comfortable seating around a sculptural stone side table, perfect for morning coffee or evening reading. Custom built-in shelving flanks the window, providing both storage and display space for personal items and coastal accessories. The large window and French doors open directly to the pool area, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor recreation. Soft coastal artwork and brass sconce lighting complete this intimate corner, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the tranquil waterfront setting while maintaining the bedroom's serene atmosphere." This captures the intimate seating arrangement, built-in storage, direct pool access, lighting, and how it functions as a private retreat within the larger bedroom space while connecting to the outdoor amenities.

A 2,145 square foot house located in East Amherst, NY. The entry opens up directly into the open concept living area which includes the kitchen, dining room and the family room. Windows throughout the house illuminate the cathedral ceiling that covers the family room. A small loft adds extra space that can be used as a spare bedroom or another lounge area. _______________________________________________ Sliding glass doors provide natural sunlight and give direct access to the porch from the living area

A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared full bathroom with two or more entrances. Jack and Jill bathrooms conserve space while providing direct en-suite bathroom access from one or more bedrooms. You’ll often find Jack and Jill bathrooms sandwiched between two secondary bedrooms, with access from each bedroom. Another, less common configuration provides direct access from one bedroom plus access from a hallway for guests or visitors. Want to learn more about Jack and Jill bathrooms? We’ll give an overview, examples, and tips below.

A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared full bathroom with two or more entrances. Jack and Jill bathrooms conserve space while providing direct en-suite bathroom access from one or more bedrooms. You’ll often find Jack and Jill bathrooms sandwiched between two secondary bedrooms, with access from each bedroom. Another, less common configuration provides direct access from one bedroom plus access from a hallway for guests or visitors. Want to learn more about Jack and Jill bathrooms? We’ll give an overview, examples, and tips below.

A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared full bathroom with two or more entrances. Jack and Jill bathrooms conserve space while providing direct en-suite bathroom access from one or more bedrooms. You’ll often find Jack and Jill bathrooms sandwiched between two secondary bedrooms, with access from each bedroom. Another, less common configuration provides direct access from one bedroom plus access from a hallway for guests or visitors. Want to learn more about Jack and Jill bathrooms? We’ll give an overview, examples, and tips below.

A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared full bathroom with two or more entrances. Jack and Jill bathrooms conserve space while providing direct en-suite bathroom access from one or more bedrooms. You’ll often find Jack and Jill bathrooms sandwiched between two secondary bedrooms, with access from each bedroom. Another, less common configuration provides direct access from one bedroom plus access from a hallway for guests or visitors. Want to learn more about Jack and Jill bathrooms? We’ll give an overview, examples, and tips below.

A Jack and Jill bathroom is a shared full bathroom with two or more entrances. Jack and Jill bathrooms conserve space while providing direct en-suite bathroom access from one or more bedrooms. You’ll often find Jack and Jill bathrooms sandwiched between two secondary bedrooms, with access from each bedroom. Another, less common configuration provides direct access from one bedroom plus access from a hallway for guests or visitors. Want to learn more about Jack and Jill bathrooms? We’ll give an overview, examples, and tips below.

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

From neglected hoarder house to showplace! This post-war traditional ranch was remodeled into a sophisticated contemporary home by Tim Braseth of ArtCraft Homes, completed in 2013. Located in the Crenshaw Manor neighborhood of central Los Angeles with direct access to neighboring Culver City and downtown L.A. via the new Expo line. Space reconfiguration resulted in 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Features include all-new custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances, glass tile bathrooms, and solid oak floors throughout. The private master retreat features its own glass-tiled en suite bathroom with dual vanities, generously-sized walk-in closet, vaulted ceiling and French doors to the expansive patio with a direct view to the distant Hollywood sign. Remodel by ArtCraft Homes. Kitchen by Ikea. Staging by Leslie Whitlock. "After" photography by Marc Angeles of Unlimited Style.

The original kitchen, although generous in size, was out of touch with our clients personal style. When a plumbing mishap caused significant damage to the space, the homeowners seized the opportunity to create the culinary workspace of their dreams. At the top of their wish list was a well designed kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally. State of the art appliances were selected based on the client's functional requirements and the optimal layout was tailored to family dinners and occasional entertaining. At the heart of the existing kitchen was a large and highly utilized island, keeping this was a high priority. An unused audio cabinet with outdated components was removed to create a much needed dry bar. The large refrigerator, and beverage fridge drawers were concealed behind custom made cabinetry panels and were positioned adjacent to the family seating area for easy access. Attributes such as spice storage, silver dividers and a tall pantry storage ensured everything had its place. Sherwin Williams, indigo batik (as seen on the island) was carried through the home allowing a visual connection throughout the home while the bright white perimeter cabinets created lightness and dramatic contrast. Brass hardware and decorative lighting gave the space a hint of understated glamour while pulling the warm tones found in the lattice of veining in the cambria quartz countertop. It is hard not to notice, however, the dramatic impact of the large ceramic, three dimensional, hexagon tiles that highlight the range wall. Companion subway tiles created continuity throughout the expansive kitchen, adorning the backsplash through the rest of the space.

Indoor-outdoor living is maximized with a wrapped front porch plus huge vaulted screen porch with wood-burning fireplace and direct access to the oversized deck spanning the home’s back, all accessed by a 12-foot, bi-fold door from the great room

This renovated sitting room in the Primary Bedroom features a new fireplace surround, windows, coffer ceiling, and direct access to a new private balcony.

Please visit my website directly by copying and pasting this link directly into your browser: http://www.berensinteriors.com/ to learn more about this project and how we may work together! The perfect outdoor kitchen for a summer BBQ. The lift and slide windows give direct access to the kitchen for ease. Robert Naik Photography.

This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of five stories which had been duplexed to create a two story rental unit and a 3 story home for the owners. The owner hired us to do a modern renovation of their home and rear garden. The garden was under utilized, barely visible from the interior and could only be accessed via a small steel stair at the rear of the second floor. We enlarged the owner’s home to include the rear third of the floor below which had walk out access to the garden. The additional square footage became a new family room connected to the living room and kitchen on the floor above via a double height space and a new sculptural stair. The rear facade was completely restructured to allow us to install a wall to wall two story window and door system within the new double height space creating a connection not only between the two floors but with the outside. The garden itself was terraced into two levels, the bottom level of which is directly accessed from the new family room space, the upper level accessed via a few stone clad steps. The upper level of the garden features a playful interplay of stone pavers with wood decking adjacent to a large seating area and a new planting bed. Wet bar cabinetry at the family room level is mirrored by an outside cabinetry/grill configuration as another way to visually tie inside to out. The second floor features the dining room, kitchen and living room in a large open space. Wall to wall builtins from the front to the rear transition from storage to dining display to kitchen; ending at an open shelf display with a fireplace feature in the base. The third floor serves as the children’s floor with two bedrooms and two ensuite baths. The fourth floor is a master suite with a large bedroom and a large bathroom bridged by a walnut clad hall that conceals a closet system and features a built in desk. The master bath consists of a tiled partition wall dividing the space to create a large walkthrough shower for two on one side and showcasing a free standing tub on the other. The house is full of custom modern details such as the recessed, lit handrail at the house’s main stair, floor to ceiling glass partitions separating the halls from the stairs and a whimsical builtin bench in the entry.