This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years. Photographer: Hannah Lloyd

This Pond project consisted of removal and rebuilding of existing stream and pond. All new pond components were installed. The installation included pond liner, pump, rock, skimmer and filtration. This is a complete Aquascape ecosystem pond. The pond is roughly 15’x 20′ at its largest and has a 20′ meandering stream. We also installed a custom fire bowl spillway fountain. The self-contained fire fountain is a water feature with a fire feature in the center making it an ideal focal point or centerpiece to any outdoor setting. We customized this fountain to include a spillway as well. it is no longer self-contained. We incorporated it to work with the pond system. Simply add paraffin or “tiki torch fuel” and you’re ready to go. We also installed an automatic dosing system for ease of maintenance. This Pond was installed in Lancaster, PA. We also did some renovation work on the flagstone walkway along the pond.

What a transformation! By removing the wall between the existing kitchen and front living room and vaulting the ceiling, we created the open floor plan our clients desired. An extra wall of cabinetry, over-sized center island, and new appliances increases the functionality of this kitchen. We also updated the fireplace with a new surround and built-in bookcases.

This Large scale Pond Project included removal of existing pond and various plants in the driveway island and housing koi in tanks until the pond was complete. We installed a 15′ wide pond at its widest point and 20′ long pond at its longest point with a maximum depth of 4′. This pond will then provide more room for the existing koi as well as use more of the given space for the feature. We then installed a waterfall and stream combination approximately 15′ in length for desired sounds and visual impact. Our goal is to have the water feature be seen as you are pulling up to the house as a way to usher you into the home. We installed LED lighting in the pond as well as up lighting the paper bark maples and path lights around the sitting bench area and steps. also installed was a natural irregular flagstone patio to measure roughly 5’x10′ and make a nice surface to place the existing bench and patio furniture. The pond is complete with a fish cave as a means for heron protection should that become a problem. This will give the fish a place to enter should there be a heron attack. The overall look of the pond is to be a close to mother nature as possible including some strategically placed driftwood in the pond and falls as well a use of native rock currently on site as a way to further naturalize the feature. This pond project was constructed in Dillsburg, PA.

It may be Winter but the party doesn’t stop for the Pontz boys. Check out our latest backyard koi pond build completed at the end of December. While it was mighty cold we pushed through and created another masterpiece. This winter pond build included installation of an Aquascape 8’x11′ ecosystem pond and removal of small existing pond . We also installed aquatic plants, and a fish cave. Due to the winter weather we are holding of on introducing the koi to their new home until the spring. The pond was finished off with a mulch bed around the perimeter and fine grading and seeding of damaged lawn from construction.

It may be Winter but the party doesn’t stop for the Pontz boys. Check out our latest backyard koi pond build completed at the end of December. While it was mighty cold we pushed through and created another masterpiece. This winter pond build included installation of an Aquascape 8’x11′ ecosystem pond and removal of small existing pond . We also installed aquatic plants, and a fish cave. Due to the winter weather we are holding of on introducing the koi to their new home until the spring. The pond was finished off with a mulch bed around the perimeter and fine grading and seeding of damaged lawn from construction.

This 1938 South Minneapolis Tudor was ready for a Kitchen remodel that not only improved the aesthetics, but also the function. Luckily, the home was asking for a larger kitchen. By removing what was originally a breakfast room or informal dining, we were able to expand the kitchen for new potential. A new archway was designed to open the new kitchen to the formal dining and living room. We had a small list of “must haves” including a large pantry wall, double oven, and custom bench seating. All new custom cabinetry was designed with practical storage including a lazy susan corner, trash/recycle pull-out, sink tip-out, full extension drawers, shelf pull-outs, silverware organizers, tray tip-up, pocket door appliance garage, a space in the pantry for their vacuum, and a messaging corner. To complement the homes dark woodwork and stone front facade, new porcelain slate tile floors, rich cherry stained cabinets, and natural slate tile backsplash were paired with a neutral Cambria quartz countertop. Fun details were included across the room including a new Kohler cast iron sink, Delta Touch-less faucet, pewter knobs and pulls, bronze lighting, and a rich wall color by Benjamin Moore. The homeowner’s couldn’t be happier and are enjoying the new kitchen with family and friends.

Susan Gilmore Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped enclosed kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This Pond Project included removal of an existing small preformed pond located next to the back porch and deck area. We then installed a new properly filtered ecosystem pond with the waterfalls falling towards the large windows and patio area. The project also included installation of underwater LED lighting in the pond and stream for night time enjoyment as well as a bacteria dosing system which will aide in keeping the pond clear during the season. This Pond project was installed in Lancaster, PA.

Owners of this Shoreview home needed to update their kitchen to better fit their families sustainable life style. By removing two walls and adding a South facing bay window, the new space feels bright and inviting. The spacious kitchen allows for multiple persons to be in the kitchen comfortably without stepping on anyone’s toes. Adding functionality and seating space, the new island also provides additional counter space for food prep. The island features an open book shelf for cook books and two pull out drawers that hide both trash and recycling receptacles. Keeping with the earth-conscious theme, the homeowners chose recycled glass countertops in two contrasting color selections. The kitchen and dining were highlighted with energy star rated blue accent pendants and sleek ceiling fan. New oak hardwood floors were installed on the main level and stairs that bring warmth into the space. The entry way was refreshed with new natural Marmoleum flooring that accent the colors of the kitchen. The homeowners now have a home they will be able to enjoy for many years to come. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

Princeton, NJ. Complete master bathroom remodel. Over-sized built-in tub was removed and replaced with gorgeous, modern freestanding soaking tub. Hexagon porcelain wall tiles surround tub and shower walls. Ceramic 12 x 12 floor tile with brushed cement effect adds to this fresh look. Painted gray double vanity includes undermount sinks, and silestone pearl jasmine countertops. Custom closet cabinetry provides ample storage. Oversized shower includes wall niche, hexagon mosaic floor tile, standard & handheld shower fixtures, and sliding glass door.

Brandon Farms, Pennington, NJ. Dream kitchen! Our clients were ready to update their kitchen and increase its functionality. We removed the small eat-in area and extended cabinetry along the back wall. An over-sized island works for gathering, dining, and prep. Island includes under-counter microwave and beverage center. Beautiful custom cabinetry and range hood, stunning quartzite countertops, glass subway tile including a herringbone detail with metal listello above the range complete this update.

This 1921 Longfellow home was ready for some changes for the family home. The kitchen and 2nd floor bathroom were priority projects to expand storage in the existing kitchen and add a bathtub for full bath to the existing 2nd floor 1/2 bath. After exploring many layout options of the kitchen, we landed on a layout that included opening up the kitchen to dining room and removing existing built-ins to be reinstalled at new locations. The new kitchen creates a better flow and function of the space as well as more efficient storage. Custom Woodshop of Avon cabinetry, Silestone quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, kohler fixtures, all new electrical, and refinishing hardwoods were included to complete the kitchen. In addition to the kitchen, we added function and aesthetic to the back entry with a new roof, brackets, new window, and new back door. Inside the back entry Custom bench seat, hooks and storage were installed with new Adura luxury vinyl flooring. Upstairs in the bathroom, a new layout was designed to incorporate a space for a tub. Hex porcelain tile flooring, custom cabinetry and built-in storage, cultured marble countertops, subway tile in the shower, and all kohler fixtures complete the space. Both spaces in the home are warm, inviting, and match the homes transitional style.

A kitchen from the heart of a Rustic-Modern styled project, is the heart beat of this home. During the original design visit to this home, this kitchen was pink, purple and yellow, with a wall where the island is now. By removing the wall and allowing the island to push past the edge of the dropped down ceiling, it created this space to feel bigger and more welcoming. Pushing the island past the ceiling line, is an off-set in this kitchen. A space often feels happier when it works in odds (or in off-sets); ie; 3 pendants, 5 stools, and an island that doesn't end exactly with the ceiling. The choice of a golden-copper granite countertop was a scary step for this client. Originally he had requested something black. By using the golden-copper push of this granite, lifts this kitchen, and helps it to feel inspired and hopeful. The back countertop is a copper porcelain slab, which married seamlessly together with the golden-copper granite.

This home had been a rental for a while and the homeowners were ready to move in full time and make this house their home! The original kitchen was a ‘U-shaped’ layout that felt closed off from the great room, so by removing a couple of walls (and getting some structural engineering!) we were able to use the existing square footage for a more open layout with a large center island. Blue and white cabinets in the kitchen are topped with a concrete look-a-like quartz countertop and white subway tile for a casual, classic look. We also updated the flooring throughout and re-designed the master bath and closet to provide a much more functional (and updated) aesthetic!

Bradley Beach Residence | Situated on a corner lot in the seaside town of Bradley Beach, NJ. Our client wanted to update this 1930’s beach bungalow without losing its coastal charm. The design strategy was to strengthen the connection between interior & exterior spaces. In order to re-orient the internal organization, the main entry was relocated from the north to the east side of the house. On the north façade a new two level porch was added keeping the massing of the house in concert with the neighborhood fabric and provided views to the Atlantic Ocean from the Master Suite. Past renovations and additions caused a fragmented floor plan with no connection the backyard. By removing a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor we were able to enlarge the kitchen while creating a visual connection to the new pool area and backyard. The addition of a butler panty walk-thru acts as a transition between the informal kitchen and the new entry foyer. The interior design, material selections and articulations lend color & texture to the once bland palette. Every finishing detail unifies the coastal location, existing charm, & eclectic style of our client, resulting in a vibrant yet intimate space.

What a transformation! We created an open, airy, beautiful space by removing the wall and soffit between the kitchen and dining room. This plan opens up sight lines and allows more functional storage and seating. Our client chose stunning finishes including quartz countertops, glossy ceramic subway backsplash, white inset custom cabinetry, brushed nickel hardware, and warm wood accents throughout. New appliances and custom lighting complete the transformation. Hall bath features gorgeous floral/arabesque porcelain floor & shower niche tile which ties in perfectly with bright white surfaces and warm wood tone vanity. Light gray walls, warm wall sconces and wall mirrors complete the look.

Pennington, NJ. Bathroom update. By removing the tub/shower combination, we were able to give our client an oversized shower, tiled with beautiful carrara gris ceramic subway tile, a wall niche using stria porcelain & glass tile, and beautiful mirabelle fixtures. Oversized 12x24 gray tiles are used for the flooring. Shiplap walls and ceiling are painted bright white for a fresh, clean look!

BEFORE: The removal of the kitchen wall between the dining room and kitchen, increases the flow of this project. Changing the colors, flooring, cabinets and countertops became a remarkable face lift for this home.