This view shows the peninsula, which is a gathering place for guests and a feature of the new kitchen. A pantry on the inside of the peninsula provides room for the client's many small kitchen appliances. The "pantry" on the opposite side actually conceals existing ductwork.

OAKVILLE | COMPLETE MAIN-FLOOR TRANSFORMATION ? From structural modifications and major mechanical relocations to a completely redesigned kitchen and living space — this Oakville project was a comprehensive main-floor renovation from start to finish. The existing layout was extensively reconfigured to create a brighter, more functional and open main floor. The project included: ✓ Structural engineering, drawings & permits ✓ Removal and modification of existing walls ✓ Installation of steel and LVL structural beams ✓ Kitchen relocated and completely redesigned ✓ Full-size custom U-shaped kitchen ✓ Large central island with generous work and seating space ✓ Custom cabinetry and millwork ✓ Window removal, enlargement/replacement and associated structural work ✓ HVAC ductwork relocation and modifications ✓ Extensive plumbing relocations ✓ Electrical rewiring and new lighting layout ✓ New flooring and interior finishes ✓ Custom dining-area cabinetry ✓ Laundry-room cabinetry, countertop and utility sink ✓ Complete finishing, painting and trim work The result is a completely transformed main floor where the kitchen, dining and living areas now work together as one cohesive space — with significantly more storage, natural light and functionality. From the engineering and permit stage through structural construction, mechanical work, cabinetry and final finishes, the entire transformation was coordinated from start to finish. M & D Buildings Residential & Commercial Contractors Engineering • Design • Permits • Construction Mississauga • Oakville • GTA

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.

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 this Brooklyn condo renovation, Gallery Kitchen and Bath updated the entire kitchen and both bathrooms, as well as painted and laid out new flooring throughout the entire apartment. The owners wanted to unite the seeming medley of the existing space into a cohesive design more representative of their own style. With its ultra-high ceilings and exposed joints and beams, the space already lent itself to the farmhouse look. The end result is a modernized, eclectic farmhouse style that we keenly carried throughout the home. MORE DETAILS Compelling textures and color combos reign supreme. The kitchen features semi-custom Shaker-style stone gray cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash running all the way up the wall, and white quartz countertops. We built the island in part to create a pleasing yet efficient flow from the kitchen into the living and dining areas as the space was opened up. We also painted the plumbing stack white to not make it stand out. We also redesigned the bathrooms, giving each a unique treatment. In the master bath, we took a Victorian-goes-modern approach with coral walls, champagne fixtures, and a clawfoot tub. In the guest bathroom, we stuck to a transitional style that approaches modern without becoming contemporary, pairing herringbone marble floor tiles with a mix of subway and penny tiles on the walls and in the shower. Both maintain elements, such as tiles, fixtures, and colors, that coordinate with the overall eclectic farmhouse look. HOW WE COLLABORATE Collaboration with our clients to their desired degree is one of our core pillars. In this condo renovation, the clients wanted central air and were initially considering a true central air system. We advised against it, as not only would it take away from the unique beauty of unusually tall ceilings by adding unsightly ductwork, but it would also significantly detract from the farmhouse look. Instead, we suggested a mini-split system. Our recommended units were both cost-effective and much more complementary to the comprehensive theme. Of course, we ultimately always honor the clients’ choices but it’s just as important to us that we make sure to provide all the necessary information so our clients can make educated decisions that are best for their needs. SPACE PLANNING Another key element of the renovation process is space planning. From this perspective, we consider the placement and positioning of objects with regard to the overall flow of space. The building where this renovation took place is U-shaped at one end, which happens to be where this particular apartment is located. Uniquely-shaped spaces naturally require more concentration than those built in the standard rectangular shape. Questions we consider include: Where will people really spend time in this space? What will the flow of foot traffic be? Is there easy access to the kitchen island? Does it flow well into the hallways? Does the island protrude into anything? Working in New York, with its variety of homes and architectural styles, has greatly developed our experience with standard spaces and unconventional ones alike. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Ultra-tall ceilings, allowing for stacked cabinets in the kitchen, as well as long pendant light fixtures and more chandeliers than usual throughout the home - Completely refurbished cast iron clawfoot tub in one bathroom, with a 270-degree shower curtain around the tub - Vibrant color choices, including an all-blue bedroom in various shades - Treated exposed brick walls Fun Fact: A client once showed us inspiration photos that they sourced online of this exact project, having no idea it was one of ours. Thinking about renovating your condo? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City condos. We are a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach that handles every single aspect of your condo renovation from start to finish.

The former boiler room of the Lebanon Mills jewelry manufacturing complex in Pawtucket, RI is transformed into a sleek, modern graphic design office and private residence. The space – featuring 30 foot high ceilings and the remnants of the original boiler room configuration – required a visionary approach, and the final product is a vision of spare, minimalist elegance. New floor systems were inserted into the grand ceiling spaces, along with luminescent, glowing acrylic panel feature wall systems. The kitchen and living area features 15 foot high windows leading out onto a deck with views onto the blackstone river.

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.

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.

View of light colored ceiling to keep bugs away. Modern fans and picture windows give beautiful view of lake from inside.
Huge minimalist gray three-story concrete fiberboard house exterior photo in Houston with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Industrial-Inspired Condominium Living Room: This modern industrial-style living room combines comfort and elegance. With large windows offering a breathtaking view, the space is naturally lit. High ceilings with wood beams and metal ductwork create a contemporary ambiance. The social area features a comfortable sofa, two vibrant yellow armchairs, and a modern fireplace as a focal point.

Located in Church Hill, Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, this very early 1900s Victorian had tons of historical details, but the house itself had been neglected (badly!). The home had two major renovation periods – one in 1950’s, and then again in the 1980s’s, which covered over or disrupted the original aesthetics of the house (think open ductwork, framing and drywall obscuring the beautiful mantels and moldings, and the hot water heater taking up valuable kitchen space). Our Piperbear team had to “undo” much before we could tackle the restoration of the historical features, while at the same time modernizing the layout.

Basement - 1960s basement idea in Columbus

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

As part of a complete remodel on this McKinney Avenue high rise condo, Edict designed a complete kitchen remodel. The cabinetry is 100% custom designed, no off the shelf or RTA cabinetry here. Made from rift cut white oak, the lighter cabinets have a clear coat natural finish and the darker cabinets are stained in an ebony finish giving a great sense of contrast and interest to this kitchen. The kitchen is packed with high end appliances including a Miele built in coffee machine, a wine fridge, Miele integrated hood and Miele gas cooktop as well as a deep single stainless steel sink, an integrated trash compactor and new integrated SubZero refrigerator. The kitchen's lighting has cable lighting for the main source of light which pulls in the industrial feel of the loft's exposed beams and ductwork, a new custom lightbox suspended above the new island with integrated LED cans and 3 pendants to light it. Also, above the ceiling panel, above the cabinets, under the cabinets and the toe kicks all have integrated LED lighting - all lighting is dimmable giving the most diverse options for a lighting solution. All of the cabinetry doors and drawers have Blum hardware and most are without handles for the most seamless look possible. Instead, one presses the drawers and cabinets and they pop open and close with soft close drawers. There is abundant deep drawer storage for easier access in the new island as well as under the cooktop and sink. The countertops are Quartz. Donovan Lord: Designer Michael Hunter: Photographer

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.

Industrial-style office kitchenette with exposed ceiling and custom tile detail.
Example of a trendy kitchen design in DC Metro