Built in 1910, this charming DC row house is located in the historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. At some point, the home had been converted into two separate apartments and, in doing so, the previous owners had removed the connecting stairs and made some other problematic design decisions. When our clients purchased the home in 2017, it required a full gut renovation in order to bring it up to code and return it to a single family residence. One of the initial challenges was to address the excessive bulkheads, soffits and ceiling height changes that made the rooms feel off kilter. Reconfiguring the HVAC system and ductwork allowed us to minimize bulkheads and raise the ceilings which, in turn made the spaces feel larger and more open. In the kitchen, the extra height meant we could install taller upper cabinets which provided much needed storage. By expanding the kitchen we were able to reconfigure the layout and create additional prep space and a more functional location for the range.

Nestled at the top of the prestigious Enclave neighborhood established in 2006, this privately gated and architecturally rich Hacienda estate lacks nothing. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly 4 acres and with approx 5,000 sqft of single story luxurious living, the estate boasts a Cabernet vineyard of 120+/- vines and manicured grounds. Stroll to the top of what feels like your own private mountain and relax on the Koi pond deck, sink golf balls on the putting green, and soak in the sweeping vistas from the pergola. Stunning views of mountains, farms, cafe lights, an orchard of 43 mature fruit trees, 4 avocado trees, a large self-sustainable vegetable/herb garden and lush lawns. This is the entertainer’s estate you have dreamed of but could never find. The newer infinity edge saltwater oversized pool/spa features PebbleTek surfaces, a custom waterfall, rock slide, dreamy deck jets, beach entry, and baja shelf –-all strategically positioned to capture the extensive views of the distant mountain ranges (at times snow-capped). A sleek cabana is flanked by Mediterranean columns, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hearth, plus an outdoor spa-like bathroom w/travertine floors, frameless glass walkin shower + dual sinks. Cook like a pro in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring 3 granite islands consisting of a new built in gas BBQ grill, two outdoor sinks, gas cooktop, fridge, & service island w/patio bar. Inside you will enjoy your chef’s kitchen with the GE Monogram 6 burner cooktop + grill, GE Mono dual ovens, newer SubZero Built-in Refrigeration system, substantial granite island w/seating, and endless views from all windows. Enjoy the luxury of a Butler’s Pantry plus an oversized walkin pantry, ideal for staying stocked and organized w/everyday essentials + entertainer’s supplies. Inviting full size granite-clad wet bar is open to family room w/fireplace as well as the kitchen area with eat-in dining. An intentional front Parlor room is utilized as the perfect Piano Lounge, ideal for entertaining guests as they enter or as they enjoy a meal in the adjacent Dining Room. Efficiency at its finest! A mudroom hallway & workhorse laundry rm w/hookups for 2 washer/dryer sets. Dualpane windows, newer AC w/new ductwork, newer paint, plumbed for central vac, and security camera sys. With plenty of natural light & mountain views, the master bed/bath rivals the amenities of any day spa. Marble clad finishes, include walkin frameless glass shower w/multi-showerheads + bench. Two walkin closets, soaking tub, W/C, and segregated dual sinks w/custom seated vanity. Total of 3 bedrooms in west wing + 2 bedrooms in east wing. Ensuite bathrooms & walkin closets in nearly each bedroom! Floorplan suitable for multi-generational living and/or caretaker quarters. Wheelchair accessible/RV Access + hookups. Park 10+ cars on paver driveway! 4 car direct & finished garage! Ready for recreation in the comfort of your own home? Built in trampoline, sandpit + playset w/turf. Zoned for Horses w/equestrian trails, hiking in backyard, room for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. In addition to the putting green, property is located near Sunset Hills, WoodRanch & Moorpark Country Club Golf Courses. Near Presidential Library, Underwood Farms, beaches & easy FWY access. Ideally located near: 47mi to LAX, 6mi to Westlake Village, 5mi to T.O. Mall. Find peace and tranquility at 5018 Read Rd: Where the outdoor & indoor spaces feel more like a sanctuary and less like the outside world.

Example of a small trendy dark wood floor and brown floor great room design in Toronto with gray walls

* For more information please contact The Olive House directly through their website @ www.theoliverhousetoledo.com/ thank you. New, loft style, apartments inserted into the context of an existing historic warehouse building in downtown Toledo, Ohio. View from the entry door through the entire unit towards the open living area culminating in a curved brick window filled wall. Boasting refinished wood floors, exposed brick, beams and duct-work in a spacious open floor plan. Photo: Kent Murnen

Nestled at the top of the prestigious Enclave neighborhood established in 2006, this privately gated and architecturally rich Hacienda estate lacks nothing. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly 4 acres and with approx 5,000 sqft of single story luxurious living, the estate boasts a Cabernet vineyard of 120+/- vines and manicured grounds. Stroll to the top of what feels like your own private mountain and relax on the Koi pond deck, sink golf balls on the putting green, and soak in the sweeping vistas from the pergola. Stunning views of mountains, farms, cafe lights, an orchard of 43 mature fruit trees, 4 avocado trees, a large self-sustainable vegetable/herb garden and lush lawns. This is the entertainer’s estate you have dreamed of but could never find. The newer infinity edge saltwater oversized pool/spa features PebbleTek surfaces, a custom waterfall, rock slide, dreamy deck jets, beach entry, and baja shelf –-all strategically positioned to capture the extensive views of the distant mountain ranges (at times snow-capped). A sleek cabana is flanked by Mediterranean columns, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hearth, plus an outdoor spa-like bathroom w/travertine floors, frameless glass walkin shower + dual sinks. Cook like a pro in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring 3 granite islands consisting of a new built in gas BBQ grill, two outdoor sinks, gas cooktop, fridge, & service island w/patio bar. Inside you will enjoy your chef’s kitchen with the GE Monogram 6 burner cooktop + grill, GE Mono dual ovens, newer SubZero Built-in Refrigeration system, substantial granite island w/seating, and endless views from all windows. Enjoy the luxury of a Butler’s Pantry plus an oversized walkin pantry, ideal for staying stocked and organized w/everyday essentials + entertainer’s supplies. Inviting full size granite-clad wet bar is open to family room w/fireplace as well as the kitchen area with eat-in dining. An intentional front Parlor room is utilized as the perfect Piano Lounge, ideal for entertaining guests as they enter or as they enjoy a meal in the adjacent Dining Room. Efficiency at its finest! A mudroom hallway & workhorse laundry rm w/hookups for 2 washer/dryer sets. Dualpane windows, newer AC w/new ductwork, newer paint, plumbed for central vac, and security camera sys. With plenty of natural light & mountain views, the master bed/bath rivals the amenities of any day spa. Marble clad finishes, include walkin frameless glass shower w/multi-showerheads + bench. Two walkin closets, soaking tub, W/C, and segregated dual sinks w/custom seated vanity. Total of 3 bedrooms in west wing + 2 bedrooms in east wing. Ensuite bathrooms & walkin closets in nearly each bedroom! Floorplan suitable for multi-generational living and/or caretaker quarters. Wheelchair accessible/RV Access + hookups. Park 10+ cars on paver driveway! 4 car direct & finished garage! Ready for recreation in the comfort of your own home? Built in trampoline, sandpit + playset w/turf. Zoned for Horses w/equestrian trails, hiking in backyard, room for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. In addition to the putting green, property is located near Sunset Hills, WoodRanch & Moorpark Country Club Golf Courses. Near Presidential Library, Underwood Farms, beaches & easy FWY access. Ideally located near: 47mi to LAX, 6mi to Westlake Village, 5mi to T.O. Mall. Find peace and tranquility at 5018 Read Rd: Where the outdoor & indoor spaces feel more like a sanctuary and less like the outside world.

Nestled at the top of the prestigious Enclave neighborhood established in 2006, this privately gated and architecturally rich Hacienda estate lacks nothing. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly 4 acres and with approx 5,000 sqft of single story luxurious living, the estate boasts a Cabernet vineyard of 120+/- vines and manicured grounds. Stroll to the top of what feels like your own private mountain and relax on the Koi pond deck, sink golf balls on the putting green, and soak in the sweeping vistas from the pergola. Stunning views of mountains, farms, cafe lights, an orchard of 43 mature fruit trees, 4 avocado trees, a large self-sustainable vegetable/herb garden and lush lawns. This is the entertainer’s estate you have dreamed of but could never find. The newer infinity edge saltwater oversized pool/spa features PebbleTek surfaces, a custom waterfall, rock slide, dreamy deck jets, beach entry, and baja shelf –-all strategically positioned to capture the extensive views of the distant mountain ranges (at times snow-capped). A sleek cabana is flanked by Mediterranean columns, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hearth, plus an outdoor spa-like bathroom w/travertine floors, frameless glass walkin shower + dual sinks. Cook like a pro in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring 3 granite islands consisting of a new built in gas BBQ grill, two outdoor sinks, gas cooktop, fridge, & service island w/patio bar. Inside you will enjoy your chef’s kitchen with the GE Monogram 6 burner cooktop + grill, GE Mono dual ovens, newer SubZero Built-in Refrigeration system, substantial granite island w/seating, and endless views from all windows. Enjoy the luxury of a Butler’s Pantry plus an oversized walkin pantry, ideal for staying stocked and organized w/everyday essentials + entertainer’s supplies. Inviting full size granite-clad wet bar is open to family room w/fireplace as well as the kitchen area with eat-in dining. An intentional front Parlor room is utilized as the perfect Piano Lounge, ideal for entertaining guests as they enter or as they enjoy a meal in the adjacent Dining Room. Efficiency at its finest! A mudroom hallway & workhorse laundry rm w/hookups for 2 washer/dryer sets. Dualpane windows, newer AC w/new ductwork, newer paint, plumbed for central vac, and security camera sys. With plenty of natural light & mountain views, the master bed/bath rivals the amenities of any day spa. Marble clad finishes, include walkin frameless glass shower w/multi-showerheads + bench. Two walkin closets, soaking tub, W/C, and segregated dual sinks w/custom seated vanity. Total of 3 bedrooms in west wing + 2 bedrooms in east wing. Ensuite bathrooms & walkin closets in nearly each bedroom! Floorplan suitable for multi-generational living and/or caretaker quarters. Wheelchair accessible/RV Access + hookups. Park 10+ cars on paver driveway! 4 car direct & finished garage! Ready for recreation in the comfort of your own home? Built in trampoline, sandpit + playset w/turf. Zoned for Horses w/equestrian trails, hiking in backyard, room for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. In addition to the putting green, property is located near Sunset Hills, WoodRanch & Moorpark Country Club Golf Courses. Near Presidential Library, Underwood Farms, beaches & easy FWY access. Ideally located near: 47mi to LAX, 6mi to Westlake Village, 5mi to T.O. Mall. Find peace and tranquility at 5018 Read Rd: Where the outdoor & indoor spaces feel more like a sanctuary and less like the outside world.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano. Project Goals + Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather + Cooking functionality for their family farm + Add a workstation sink for easy food prep + Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection + Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style Challenges & Issues + Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist + Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop + Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home + The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions Country Kitchen Features: Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining. Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals. Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty. Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens. Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together. New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests. Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks. Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently. Country House Living Room: New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC. Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling. Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room. New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.

AFTER PHOTO: The new opening into the dining room provides more natural daylight and makes the kitchen feel much larger than it is. Hidden in the walls to either side are the ductwork lines and main sanitary stack.

Inspiration for a transitional home gym remodel

Removal of closets and ductwork which separated these spaces has created bright and spacious kitchen and dining room space
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Bedroom photo in New York

The project skillfully repurposed an existing 873-square-foot barn, retaining its original character while adding 821 square feet of living space with a new garage and a welcoming front porch. The interior showcases a captivating interplay of textures and finishes. Existing barn timbers, meticulously refinished and adorned with decorative hardware, form the heart of the structure. Knotty pine wall paneling envelops the space, evoking a warm and inviting mountain retreat atmosphere. Brick paver flooring seamlessly connects the interior with the outdoors, while exposed ductwork and stylized lighting infuse the space with an industrial edge, creating a loft-like ambiance.

Retirement, and the need for a dedicated home office, prompted this Mountain Brook couple to engage in a remodel of their detached apartment-garage. This was the couple’s second remodel with Oak Alley. Inside, the work focused on transforming and updating the old storage area into a practical office space for the homeowner and separate laundry area for the upstairs tenant. Rot was discovered and removed. New stud walls were constructed. The room was insulated with foam, and ductwork was connected to the existing HVAC unit to provide climate control. The wiring was replaced, and outlets installed. The walls and suspended ceiling system were finished in gypsum wallboard to give a clean look. To separate the laundry, HVAC system, and water heater from the office area, we installed frosted glass doors to provide access while retaining the natural light. LED lights throughout the room provide abundant brightness. The original concrete floor was stained and left visible. Outside, the rotten and aged wood siding was removed entirely. Where water had flowed for years, copious amounts of rot were cut away. The structure was wrapped using Zip System sheathing. Allura ColorMax 7.25” smooth lap siding and ColorMax trim were used on the exterior. Excluding a few newer windows at the rear, all windows were replaced with insulated, vinyl, Low-E windows with grills. Aluminum gutters and downspouts were installed. Sherwin Williams “Aurora Brown,” was found to blend with the color of the main house’s bricks and shingle siding, bringing the exterior color as close as possible to the original color. Cedar braced awnings with cedar shingles dressed each entryway, finishing the structure in style, blending it perfectly with the existing house.

sam oberter
Urban living room photo in Philadelphia

* For more information please contact The Olive House directly through their website @ www.theoliverhousetoledo.com/ thank you. New, loft style, apartments inserted into the context of an existing historic warehouse building in downtown Toledo, Ohio. Living-kitchen area of a small one-bedroom unit with open living plan. The small one-bedroom opens to the living area via a pair of sliding, pebbled-glass doors that offer both a sense of openness and privacy as desired. The existing wood floors were refinished, existing casing, brick, columns and duct-work were left exposed and painted. Photo: Kent Murnen

The XXTwo Plan merges ultimate functionality with a clean Scandinavian-inspired modern farmhouse minimalism. From the curb, the design presents with an impressive stature marked by a tall 2-story gable massing, flanked by a flat-roofed wing and entryway sheltered by a quaint second-story deck above. This rendition is skinned with a dark concrete brick, accented by a richly-stained tongue and groove cedar wood facade. Designed specifically for NE16, my OKC Urban Renewal-awarded redevelopment project in inner Oklahoma City, this plan is compatible with narrow lots while still packing in nearly 1900 square feet of pure, functional living space. It includes a standard 1-car garage with modern, satin-glass window garage door, but when building from scratch, can also be re-configured as a pull-through breezeway into a backyard parking scenario, where a detached garage is also possible. Guests are greeted with an impressive two-story vaulted, naturally-lit staircase immediately adjacent to the front door. The great room, complete with a touch of industrial-modern with its exposed HVAC ductwork, is vast with a roomy kitchen on one end and living room at the other. Just beyond the living room is a 3-panel door system to the back patio and yard. Kitchen-wise, modern enthusiasts who love to cook will enjoy the large kitchen wall that includes an impressive range and vent hood with a horizontal slider window built right into the backsplash over the cooktop. The island also includes one of my signature built-in tables that comfortably seats six, and is one less piece of furniture to buy. A powder bathroom also resides downstairs, saving you that quick climb up the stairs just for a quick bathroom stop. When it's time to retire for the evening, the upstairs offers several living options. Just atop the staircase is a double-door system that provides not only natural light, but access to the quaint rooftop deck overlooking the front yard. The hall leads to a full bathroom, linen closet, and spacious back bedroom with walk-in closet. Down the other end of the hall leads to the master suite, utility room, and 3rd bedroom, also with its own master closet. The master suite, the largest of the three bedrooms, has its own full bathroom with dual sinks, shower, toilet room, and large walk-in closet with that direct, secondary connectivity to the utility room that many of my designs are known for. If a truly-modern curb appeal that doesn't skimp on functional space is what you're after, give the XXTwo a good look. | jC

When we first stepped into this contemporary loft, we felt the energy of the space – and of the homeowners. They loves to cook, entertain, and unwind together. Right away, we knew our design direction had to feel moody, upscale, and a little industrial – but warm and grounded too. We took inspiration from the exposed beams and ductwork, letting those architectural elements guide our material palette and layout.

The project skillfully repurposed an existing 873-square-foot barn, retaining its original character while adding 821 square feet of living space with a new garage and a welcoming front porch. The interior showcases a captivating interplay of textures and finishes. Existing barn timbers, meticulously refinished and adorned with decorative hardware, form the heart of the structure. Knotty pine wall paneling envelops the space, evoking a warm and inviting mountain retreat atmosphere. Brick paver flooring seamlessly connects the interior with the outdoors, while exposed ductwork and stylized lighting infuse the space with an industrial edge, creating a loft-like ambiance.

A glass-enclosed conference room anchors this Gulfport, FL office, allowing natural light to flow throughout the space. Exposed mechanical systems and clean finishes highlight the modern industrial aesthetic of this commercial build-out.