With two disconnected, stamped concrete pads outside of the home, the client needed a way to make the entertaining space feel unified. By replacing the existing boulder walls with a more structural, and chic, sawn natural stone wall we were able to integrate clean slab steps to make the transition more exciting. This retaining wall doubles as a seatwall around a large format firepit with integrated lighting to beckon guests as they exit from the screened porch or basement. A large dining space with integrated carpentry to help screen finishes off the space.

The homeowners asked Kaufman Construction to update the kitchen in their unique mid-century modern home. Though they were happy with the size and overall use of the space, several previous remodels had broken the kitchen and adjoining nook into several disconnected spaces that could benefit from an update and upgrade. Devan’s original concept to make minor structural changes and update fixtures and finishes made an impact on the homeowners and served as the model to lead us through the design of the kitchen and breakfast/entertainment buffet you see today.

Photo by Mike Casey Cramped, uncomfortable, and out of date: when the owners of this home approached us about renovating their kitchen and adjoining sunroom, these were high on their list of complaints. OPENING UP THE KITCHEN Our plan kept the kitchen in the same location but took down the walls between both the dining room and the sunroom to create an expansive multi-purpose space with spectacular views to conservation land along the back of the property. We removed the powder room and in its place created a window-lined hallway to the living room—opening up direct access between these two previously disconnected spaces. We then built a new half bath between these two rooms, with a door along the back hallway. The result is a more private powder room that is easier to access than before. Significantly improved cabinetry provides ample storage for both human and canine needs. An island countertop is functional and pleasant, enabling the owners to prep for and clean up from dinner all while enjoying the view of the woods behind their house. CREATING COMFORT We also completely rebuilt the sunroom, thickening the framing to allow for extra insulation and raising the roof to accommodate a higher ceiling and tall windows that let in as much natural light as the skylights they replaced, but much less of the solar gain that had made the room so intolerable in the summer. We improved visual connections between spaces and admitted more natural light by converting the framing of the main stairway from full to half walls. We also insulated the attic and replaced an aging, inefficient central air conditioning system with ductless minisplit heat pumps, which can also be used as supplemental heat. All in all, this was our kind of project: we made the home more attractive, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient—all over the course of a single, well-integrated project.

Open concept kitchen - large mediterranean u-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

This is a false window we created on the window used for access to the crawl space. Lighting strips were added in the inside edge of the window frame, a reflective back on the back of the window, and frosted plexiglass on the inside disguises the lighting. The curtains are held with a tension rod that can be easily removed and there is a hook to hold the window open when access to the crawl space is needed. The window light is on a dimmer switch so she can control the light (reflect the time of day if she wanted) and the connection is fed into a data port on the ceiling that can be easily disconnected when the window access needs to be used.

In the backyard, a new outdoor pavilion with kitchen and wood-burning fireplace was added. River rock on pillars and the roof line echo the architecture of the home.

With two disconnected, stamped concrete pads outside of the home, the client needed a way to make the entertaining space feel unified. By replacing the existing boulder walls with a more structural, and chic, sawn natural stone wall we were able to integrate clean slab steps to make the transition more exciting. This retaining wall doubles as a seatwall around a large format firepit with integrated lighting to beckon guests as they exit from the screened porch or basement. A large dining space with integrated carpentry to help screen finishes off the space.

With two disconnected, stamped concrete pads outside of the home, the client needed a way to make the entertaining space feel unified. By replacing the existing boulder walls with a more structural, and chic, sawn natural stone wall we were able to integrate clean slab steps to make the transition more exciting. This retaining wall doubles as a seatwall around a large format firepit with integrated lighting to beckon guests as they exit from the screened porch or basement. A large dining space with integrated carpentry to help screen finishes off the space.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

This home, built in 1902, has beautiful craftsmanship but the original kitchen was small, inefficient and disconnected from the rest of the home. Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room, and eliminating the basement access from the kitchen space helped meet one of the key requirements for the clients, which was to be able to entertain friends and family. The new beam was concealed with an arch that mimics an existing arch in this home. Unique items such as the light fixture were repurposed in the new design as well.

Nestled in the heart of the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle, this charming home has been completed updated. Our clients desired a design that is fresh, understated and family friendly. The original kitchen was crowded and disconnected from other parts of the home. Our focus was to open up the spaces while maintaining the home’s integratory. The kitchen is now the center of the home with a large island for gathering. We selected classic finishes with modern touches throughout each space, thus providing a fresh look. Simple and smart furnishings were selected. We layered texture, color and scale with textiles and art to offer clean, uncluttered design lines that our clients wanted.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

With two disconnected, stamped concrete pads outside of the home, the client needed a way to make the entertaining space feel unified. By replacing the existing boulder walls with a more structural, and chic, sawn natural stone wall we were able to integrate clean slab steps to make the transition more exciting. This retaining wall doubles as a seatwall around a large format firepit with integrated lighting to beckon guests as they exit from the screened porch or basement. A large dining space with integrated carpentry to help screen finishes off the space.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.