Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

When local business owners with four kids and an extended family decided to build their custom home with OakWood, they knew what they wanted – a luxurious yet functional space. This kitchen was designed with the intention of considering the fast-paced lives the family members while also looking to provide a space where everyone can interact and spend time together. Not only was this spacious kitchen inspired by a love of cooking, it was configured to easily facilitate informal dining for the whole large family. A large window behind the main sink brings natural light into the space but also provides a nice view into the backyard so mom can be in the kitchen and see the kids in the backyard. The kitchen was also designed with a variety of entry points; clients can access the kitchen from their sunroom, mudroom, formal dining area and more. As a result, the space is a central space for the family. Directly adjacent to this space is the informal dining area and a desk with a computer which allows the clients to work while still being present for the comings and goings of everyone in this family space. Although two colours and textures are used for the cabinetry, there is harmony created between them as a result of the raised panel being used. The cloudy glass backsplash not only breaks up the light toned cabinetry but also adds a glossy finish that contrasts with the smooth wood finishes. Seagrove quartz is present on both the counter and island. This highly detailed quartz adds a great deal of texture and also helps to guide the viewer’s eye around the space. Pendant lights placed above the island help to draw attention toward the center of the space while also mimicking the glass seen in the cabinetry. This project was a finalist for the GOHBA Awards in the category Traditional Custom Kitchen and was also featured in the Fall issue of LUXE Magazine Ottawa. You can read the full story here: https://console.virtualpaper.com/luxe/luxe-fall-2020/#42/

When local business owners with four kids and an extended family decided to build their custom home with OakWood, they knew what they wanted – a luxurious yet functional space. This kitchen was designed with the intention of considering the fast-paced lives the family members while also looking to provide a space where everyone can interact and spend time together. Not only was this spacious kitchen inspired by a love of cooking, it was configured to easily facilitate informal dining for the whole large family. A large window behind the main sink brings natural light into the space but also provides a nice view into the backyard so mom can be in the kitchen and see the kids in the backyard. The kitchen was also designed with a variety of entry points; clients can access the kitchen from their sunroom, mudroom, formal dining area and more. As a result, the space is a central space for the family. Directly adjacent to this space is the informal dining area and a desk with a computer which allows the clients to work while still being present for the comings and goings of everyone in this family space. Although two colours and textures are used for the cabinetry, there is harmony created between them as a result of the raised panel being used. The cloudy glass backsplash not only breaks up the light toned cabinetry but also adds a glossy finish that contrasts with the smooth wood finishes. Seagrove quartz is present on both the counter and island. This highly detailed quartz adds a great deal of texture and also helps to guide the viewer’s eye around the space. Pendant lights placed above the island help to draw attention toward the center of the space while also mimicking the glass seen in the cabinetry. This project was a finalist for the GOHBA Awards in the category Traditional Custom Kitchen and was also featured in the Fall issue of LUXE Magazine Ottawa. You can read the full story here: https://console.virtualpaper.com/luxe/luxe-fall-2020/#42/

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, but if it's outdated and in desperate need of a makeover, it can be difficult to enjoy spending time in it. Fortunately, a kitchen reface update can completely transform your space and give it a fresh, modern look without the need for a full remodel. And if you're looking for a timeless and elegant design, a white shaker reface may be just what you need. Why Choose a White Shaker Reface? The white shaker style is a classic design that has been popular for decades. It features clean, simple lines and a versatile color that can be easily paired with a wide range of decor styles. White shaker cabinets are also a great choice for those who want a bright and airy kitchen, as the light color reflects natural light and makes the space feel larger. When it comes to a reface update, choosing a white shaker design can help to modernize your kitchen and make it feel more up-to-date. Whether your existing cabinets are dark and dated, or simply in need of a refresh, a white shaker reface can give them a fresh new look that will stand the test of time. The Refacing Process One of the benefits of a reface update is that it is a much quicker and less invasive process than a full remodel. Instead of tearing out your existing cabinets and starting from scratch, a reface involves removing the doors and drawers and replacing them with new ones that are custom-made to fit your existing cabinets. In the case of a white shaker reface, your new doors and drawers will feature the classic shaker style, with clean lines and a fresh white finish. You may also choose to update other elements of your kitchen, such as the hardware or countertops, to complete the look.

Move right in to this immaculate and updated home situated on a beautiful pond lot. You will be delighted when you step into the foyer and see the gleaming hardwood floors that are throughout the first floor living space. The foyer also offers a large coat closet with extra storage under the stairs. The formal living room features dental molding and chair rail and is also the perfect home office space. The formal dining room features a crystal chandelier, chair rail, and dental molding. The family room is bright and sunny with a fireplace with a white brick hearth and mantle, recessed lighting, ceiling fan, open to the kitchen, beautiful views, and French doors to the screen porch. The kitchen is open with pond views, a breakfast area with a bay window and crystal chandelier, lots of cabinets, granite countertops, dual embedded stainless sink, stainless appliances, two pantries, Jenn-Air gas range with a down draft, porcelain tile floor, and more. The powder bathroom has just been updated with a refinished large vanity, granite counter, new sink, new toilet, and new faucet. The laundry room features a tile floor and extra cabinets. The spacious master bedroom offers pond views, Berber carpet, a large dual sink vanity with knee space, tiled walk in shower, linen closet, tub with tile surround, and a huge walk in closet. Bedrooms two and three are quite spacious with ceiling fans and ample closet space. Bedroom four is a great size with a ceiling fan and extra storage space. It does not currently have a closet, but one could easily be added. The second bathroom features a refinished large vanity with a quartz counter, new sink, new faucet, new toilet, tile floor, linen closet, and a tub and shower combo. You will enjoy spending the afternoons on the screen porch enjoying the backyard with beautiful views, oak trees, and an iron fence.

Lauren Edith Andersen
Inspiration for a 1960s home design remodel in Seattle

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

This well-loved home belonging to a family of seven was overdue for some more room. Renovations by the team at Advance Design Studio entailed both a lower and upper level addition to original home. Included in the project was a much larger kitchen, eating area, family room and mud room with a renovated powder room on the first floor. The new upper level included a new master suite with his and hers closets, a new master bath, outdoor balcony patio space, and a renovation to the only other full bath on in that part of the house. Having five children formerly meant that when everyone was seated at the large kitchen table, they couldn’t open the refrigerator door! So naturally the main focus was on the kitchen, with a desire to create a gathering place where the whole family could hang out easily with room to spare. The homeowner had a love of all things Irish, and careful details in the crown molding, hardware and tile backsplash were a reflection. Rich cherry cabinetry and green granite counter tops complete a traditional look so as to fit right in with the elegant old molding and door profiles in this fine old home. The second focus for these parents was a master suite and bathroom of their own! After years of sharing, this was an important feature in the new space. This simple yet efficient bath space needed to accommodate a long wall of windows to work with the exterior design. A generous shower enclosure with a comfortable bench seat is open visually to the his and hers vanity areas, and a spacious tub. The makeup table enjoys lots of natural light spilling through large windows and an exit door to the adult’s only exclusive coffee retreat on the rooftop adjacent. Added square footage to the footprint of the house allowed for a spacious family room and much needed breakfast area. The dining room pass through was accentuated by a period appropriate transom detail encasing custom designed carved glass detailing that appears as if it’s been there all along. Reclaimed painted tin panels were added to the dining room ceiling amongst elegant crown molding for unique and dramatic dining room flair. An efficient dry bar area was tucked neatly between the great room spaces, offering an excellent entertainment area to circulating guests and family at any time. This large family now enjoys regular Sunday breakfasts and dinners in a space that they all love to hang out in. The client reports that they spend more time as a family now than they did before because their house is more accommodating to them all. That’s quite a feat anyone with teenagers can relate to! Advance Design was thrilled to work on this project and bring this family the home they had been dreaming about for many, many years. Photographer: Joe Nowak

Our clients needed a new kitchen that would work for their growing family. They knew an open concept would allow for the most interaction during their busy days, and they needed the design to incorporate a lot of storage. The features include a seamlessly integrated coffee station, a spot in the corner cabinetry for the microwave, an island that includes a steam oven, a paper towel holder and a pull-out trash bin, and a custom-designed vent hood that accommodates the 48-inch Wolf range. The cabinetry continues into the bar area but stands out due to its stunning antiqued mirror backsplash, which creates a focal point. Placing an ice maker and a beverage fridge in this area makes it easily accessible and out of the cook’s way — perfect for entertaining and for their kids to grab their own drinks. The large island now allows for the family to spend a lot of time together comfortably whether cooking, eating or doing homework. Although the laundry room was reduced, its new layout makes for a better functioning, tidy space. Another must-have for a bustling family is the message center hidden away in the hallway. Its design allows for storage of keys, paperwork, calendars and more. In order to open up the staircase, we removed the original bulky landing that blocked views and replaced it with a more open one that includes decorative newel posts and wrought iron balusters that were more in line with the new design style of the main floor. Our clients are thrilled with the final renovation.

New Home Construction with a transitional flair with bold colors in this Butler's Pantry... that defines this home owners personality. Young and Energetic with a twist... Photography Courtesy of: Rojahn Custom Cabinets

Our clients needed a new kitchen that would work for their growing family. They knew an open concept would allow for the most interaction during their busy days, and they needed the design to incorporate a lot of storage. The features include a seamlessly integrated coffee station, a spot in the corner cabinetry for the microwave, an island that includes a steam oven, a paper towel holder and a pull-out trash bin, and a custom-designed vent hood that accommodates the 48-inch Wolf range. The cabinetry continues into the bar area but stands out due to its stunning antiqued mirror backsplash, which creates a focal point. Placing an ice maker and a beverage fridge in this area makes it easily accessible and out of the cook’s way — perfect for entertaining and for their kids to grab their own drinks. The large island now allows for the family to spend a lot of time together comfortably whether cooking, eating or doing homework. Although the laundry room was reduced, its new layout makes for a better functioning, tidy space. Another must-have for a bustling family is the message center hidden away in the hallway. Its design allows for storage of keys, paperwork, calendars and more. In order to open up the staircase, we removed the original bulky landing that blocked views and replaced it with a more open one that includes decorative newel posts and wrought iron balusters that were more in line with the new design style of the main floor. Our clients are thrilled with the final renovation.

This kitchen remodel is truly one of a character. The warmth of these cabinets from New River, the sleek back-splash pattern, and the enormous amount of light coming in from a clerestory window, make this kitchen scream inviting. Before this kitchen was somewhat dark, and did not reflect the personalities of our homeowners. They invited us into their homes, and together we created this gorgeous new kitchen. Our homeowners frequently found themselves sitting in the balcony area of this kitchen, so together we came up with a design that incorporated this area into the kitchen. With Coffee or tea within an arm’s length, who wouldn’t want to spend the morning watching the sun rise right in this little area? We wanted to create the look of “cabinetry to ceiling” but were unable to move the soffits in this kitchen. Our solution? Custom Cabinetry trim to create this illusion. We think it turned out beautifully! We also wanted to work together to open up the kitchen into the formal dining space, but didn’t want to remove too many walls or sacrifice cabinetry storage. We created a pass through above standard counter top height with it’s own bar top between these two rooms. Now food, drinks, and conversation can easily pass through these areas. Two recessed lights built into the cabinets add visual interest, and functional lighting in our new pass through area. The products that you find in this kitchen are contributors of the warm feeling you get when you walk into this kitchen. The cabinetry is from New River, made in Roanoke, VA. The wood species is Maple, and the door style is “Somerset.” The finish called “choral” adds warmth with it’s reddish undertone. On of our favorite features in this kitchen is the glass inserts in the cabinetry above and adjacent to the new gas stove from GE. Glass detail in cabinetry always breaks up the cabinets by adding a place for the eye to immediately go to. These are unique as they are a wavy textured glass that allow you to get a peek inside of the cabinets, but are not fully transparent. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Our clients needed a new kitchen that would work for their growing family. They knew an open concept would allow for the most interaction during their busy days, and they needed the design to incorporate a lot of storage. The features include a seamlessly integrated coffee station, a spot in the corner cabinetry for the microwave, an island that includes a steam oven, a paper towel holder and a pull-out trash bin, and a custom-designed vent hood that accommodates the 48-inch Wolf range. The cabinetry continues into the bar area but stands out due to its stunning antiqued mirror backsplash, which creates a focal point. Placing an ice maker and a beverage fridge in this area makes it easily accessible and out of the cook’s way — perfect for entertaining and for their kids to grab their own drinks. The large island now allows for the family to spend a lot of time together comfortably whether cooking, eating or doing homework. Although the laundry room was reduced, its new layout makes for a better functioning, tidy space. Another must-have for a bustling family is the message center hidden away in the hallway. Its design allows for storage of keys, paperwork, calendars and more. In order to open up the staircase, we removed the original bulky landing that blocked views and replaced it with a more open one that includes decorative newel posts and wrought iron balusters that were more in line with the new design style of the main floor. Our clients are thrilled with the final renovation.