Search results for "Disaster" in Home Design Ideas

Private Residence / Alys Beach, Florida
Architect: Eric Watson
Builder: Hufham Farris Construction
Working with Hufham Farris Construction and architect Eric Watson on this beautiful and unique Alys Beach residence, we supplied a custom E. F. San Juan front entry door, custom interior windows for the wine cellar, custom exterior gates, exterior railings, exterior paneling and trim, and the magnificent Loewen® windows and doors that make a statement the moment you see the home.
Challenges:
Due to our limited production capacity in the wake of Hurricane Michael, providing custom millwork for this home was challenging, but our team was happy and proud to return to work after such a disaster. The primary challenge on this gorgeous 5,050-plus-square-foot residence designed by Eric Watson was the vaulted two-story wall of windows that comprises most of the facade.
Another feature of this home is the incredible 600-bottle wine cellar on the first floor. Watson wanted this amenity to be a focal point for residents and guests, with large glass windows looking into the cellar from a hallway at the front of the house. Due to the delicate nature of wine and the need to protect the bottles from sunlight, this meant creating custom windows that would block the light while still allowing a view of the cellar from the outside. E. F. San Juan provided these custom windows that filter UV light and are airtight to keep out moisture and regulate the cellar’s temperature.
Solution:
We worked closely with our trusted partners at Loewen to supply the large, impact-rated windows for the home’s grand facade and throughout the property, along with exterior doors leading to the courtyard, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. The E. F. San Juan team also created the accompanying millwork and matching exterior trim, railings, and more.
Providing privacy, security, and beauty, the front entry door and driveway gates were also made by E. F. San Juan. This new-build home, completed in 2020, exudes the quintessential luxury and unique design acumen of Alys Beach. It was recently sold by agent Matt McGuire of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty for $7.2 million—a record-breaking sale for residences north of Scenic Highway 30-A in the coastal South Walton area of Northwest Florida.
E. F. San Juan is proud to be part of the talented team that created such a standout property in the affluent community of Alys Beach.
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Photography by Tim Kramer, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty

This 1927 home in historic Dilworth underwent extensive renovations after our client closed on the house in early 2016. For an almost 100 year old house, it has an excellent flow. It boasts a rare open floor plan with connected kitchen, dining room and den without sacrificing an ounce of charm but the wall colors and finishes were a disaster when we took possession.
Fresh paint and a brand new kitchen created the perfect backdrop for blending her existing furniture with infusions of newness. The entire den seating area was brand new. Furniture from Charles Stewart Company and media console by Lorts.
A neat feature of this home is that it showcases the work of 3 local artists:
Marcy Gregg: Original oil featured above master fireplace
Karen O'Leary, Studio KMO: Set of 3 custom cut local neighborhood maps in hall
Lindsey Lindquist: Large commissioned piece in family room, pair stairwell paintings
Jim Schmid Photography

Photo by dotygroup.
The laundry room/mudroom is full of light thanks to a french door which opens to the side yard. Folding is done on a butcher block countertop. Cabinets by Ikea above and below house cleaning other household supplies. Stone tile floors are tough enough to withstand all manner of dirty, wet disasters.
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This remodel started DIY disaster and transformed into a luxurious home in the south hills of Eugene Oregon. The client scraped the popcorn ceilings, installed floors, and trim but could not figure out how to finish the job. With these items being completed, new paint, stained beams, closet inserts, and modernized shelving in the hallway finished off the job!

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As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities.
A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen.
Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living.
With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space.
At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering.
The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic.
The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets.
Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space.
There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench.
It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

This fire rebuild new construction uses smooth plaster and concrete siding along with a metal roof to prevent against future disasters in this beautiful mountain location. Large bronze framed windows and a dark grey green finish create a subtle yet striking palette that plays nicely with the natural environment.

A small pinhole in the coupling of the hot water supply line from the Hot Water Heater developed and began leaking and spraying hot steamy mist. Because of its location in the seldom used Finished Full Basement, it initially went unnoticed.
By the time the homeowners noticed the leaking water, the moisture content in the ceiling sheetrock and well down the walls read 100%. The moist, warm environment proved to be ideal for colonies of mold spores to spread throughout the basement, aided by the HVAC systems return and supply lines circulating the mold spores. It didn’t take long before mold patches eventually covered all of the exposed materials and surfaces, furniture included.
The homeowners’ had protection from their insurance policy and were able to have repairs done after this unfortunate disaster.
Construction ensued. The ceiling, floors, and all of the interior and exterior walls were stripped down to the wood framing and masonry and disposed of. The 1st and 2nd Floor HVAC Ductwork was removed, and the entire existing Full Bath was gutted.
The remodeling included increasing the size of the full bath and removing the shower/tub as well as installing a large and comfortable tile shower. We added a small towel closet, and a separate entry into the adjoining room, which would now be reconfigured into a bedroom. A new EPA Water Sense-rated commode, a vanity cabinet with a natural granite countertop and an under-mount sink, a wall-hung mirror, and new sconce lights rounded out the update.
We turned the adjoining room next to the full bath into a bedroom. We added generous closet storage space and new lighting.
We finally turned our attention to the old kitchenette / wet bar. We took away some of the footprint to add to the full bath and designed an efficient and handsome wet bar / kitchenette.
Porcelain tile, no VOC interior paints, a complete replacement of the basement and 1st Floor HVAC ducting, air handler equipment cleaning, and green-certified carpet and pad combined to create a healthy and light-filled living environment.

This remodel started DIY disaster and transformed into a luxurious home in the south hills of Eugene Oregon. The client scraped the popcorn ceilings, installed floors, and trim but could not figure out how to finish the job. With these items being completed, new paint, stained beams, closet inserts, and modernized shelving in the hallway finished off the job!

This condo required a complete overall, due mold issues. So we reinvented the space to bring this condo to its glory. This Kitchen space went from cramped to spacious. The master bath got a new lease on life. In addition the laundry was a disaster, by rearranging appliances and turning an electrical panel to the hall to met code we were able to add a sink and countertop landing space. By removing the tub we were able to increase the vanity area and the shower to make this master a wonderful space.

"Do It Right or Do It Twice: A Luxury Rebuild Done the Right Way
Two years ago, this client invested in what they hoped would be a dream bathroom. But what they got was a disaster in disguise — poor workmanship, structural shortcuts, and a layout that never lived up to the space’s potential. Disappointed but determined, they called us in with one goal: make it right. Not just aesthetically, but fundamentally.
We began by stripping the room back to its bones — removing the poorly installed shower, repairing water-damaged trim, and rebuilding everything with precision and care. The new layout centers around a striking walk-in shower, crafted with full-height marble tile and grounded by a custom pony wall that adds both visual structure and everyday functionality — no need for glass, no clutter, just clean, timeless lines.
To unify the space, we built a new wall next to the vanity, rerouted electrical, and installed a tailored filler strip for a seamless, furniture-like fit. Fresh drywall, expertly painted walls, and flawless trim work brought cohesion and polish to the room. Every detail — from the matte black fixtures to the soft oak flooring — was selected to reflect the homeowners’ taste and trust in long-lasting quality.
The result isn’t just a bathroom; it’s a statement. One that says: luxury is not just how something looks — it’s how well it’s built to last."

This remodel started DIY disaster and transformed into a luxurious home in the south hills of Eugene Oregon. The client scraped the popcorn ceilings, installed floors, and trim but could not figure out how to finish the job. With these items being completed, new paint, stained beams, closet inserts, and modernized shelving in the hallway finished off the job!

For this Victorian-era home in the Albany historic district, it was essential for us to maintain historic design guidelines. This required a historic design review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission before we could start the project. Once approved, we replicated the existing porch design while removing the poor framing details supporting the porch. Almost everything out of view was in dangerous disrepair and required complete reconstruction. In addition to restoring the porch in accordance with historic design guidelines, we repaired the wood windows and installed matching storm windows. Our clients now enjoy the stunning curb appeal of their historic home and peace of mind knowing the structure is solid.
Funny Story: Halfway through this project, someone lost control of their vehicle as it headed in the direction of the home. Luckily, they regained control of their vehicle 4 feet from the project, avoiding a huge disaster!

After the disaster that hurricane Harvey left behind, our team helped put back together a lot of damaged homes assisting in trying to get back to normal for many families. We worked on many homes in the Champions Forrest area, this was one of many. In some instances we were made a few upgrades.

We remodeled this Southwest Portland home as part of an insurance restoration after disaster struck and water flooded the home. The homeowners seized the opportunity to refresh their space to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
The house was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with all new materials, providing our design team with a unique opportunity to showcase what can be achieved when you have a blank canvas.

Another disaster turned dream complete! This kitchen was constructed and finished the first time with subpar materials, much to the homeowner's dismay. 5 years in it was falling apart. Luckily they found us an we reconstructed everything to original design, but with a few changes. Better quality materials, an appropriate finish product, added protection with metal strips.

This complete kitchen transformation turned an unexpected flood disaster into a stunning fresh start. Designed in an earthy modern organic style, the space was fully gutted and rebuilt with warm wood-tone cabinetry, a moody green island featuring custom pole wrap detailing, and beautiful quartzite countertops from Arizona Tile carried up beneath the hood for a dramatic focal point. Zellige-look tile, Café appliances, Delta fixtures, Top Knobs hardware, Kichler lighting, and Coretec LVP flooring complete the design, creating a kitchen that feels warm, functional, timeless, and deeply intentional.
Project Details
* Complete kitchen gut renovation and rebuild
* Earthy modern organic design aesthetic
* Warm wood-look perimeter cabinetry
* Custom moody green island with pole wrap detail
* Arizona Tile quartzite countertops
* Quartzite extended beneath hood feature wall
* Zellige-look backsplash tile
* Café appliances
* Delta plumbing fixtures
* Top Knobs cabinet hardware
* Kichler decorative lighting
* Coretec LVP flooring throughout
* Improved layout and functionality
* Full material selection and design management

After disaster recovery, High Class offers exceptional general contractor services.
Bathroom - bathroom idea in Los Angeles
Bathroom - bathroom idea in Los Angeles

Mid-sized minimalist galley vaulted ceiling kitchen photo in Grand Rapids with stainless steel appliances and an island

Kitchen - mid-sized modern galley vaulted ceiling kitchen idea in Grand Rapids with stainless steel appliances and an island

One year after completing the main level renovation, in 2015, my client experienced a major flood in her basement. So a year sooner than we had planned, we were working with the disaster management team on a complete renovation of the basement. Our focus was a multifunctional family room with ample space and comfort for a hockey loving family with growing teenagers. We also reworked a cramped bathroom with a stand up shower stall to allow for a full tub and shower surround while making the small space more efficient. This renovation was also completed with custom window treatments and throw cushions, artwork framing and placement.
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