This summer travel season, we're especially inspired by the possibilities presented by the Barndominium - a unique style of home which has emerged as a popular "up north" family getaway concept over the last couple of years. Barndominiums are the product of large barn kits which are converted into a living space. They tend to be affordable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient houses that typically include a large attached garage. For large families and outdoor enthusiasts, the allure of the barndominium is clear - it combines a cottage-like, open-concept living space with a large attached garage capable of accommodating all of your vacation toys! We recently had the pleasure of helping make one Byron Center client's barndominium dream a reality. The home sits on several acres of northern Michigan land in which the family enjoys hunting, fishing, and all the recreational activities that the great outdoors have to offer.

A fully functional kitchen comes from this small but efficient space.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Diego with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and stone slab backsplash

This full-home remodel in the Broadmoor neighborhood of Seattle aimed towards functionality and a cohesive living environment tailored to modern needs. Central to the project was redesigning the kitchen with a new layout, updated finishes, fixtures, and appliances. We reconfigured the hallway to expand the primary bedroom and revamped the bathroom with a new layout and all-new finishes. An underutilized courtyard was converted to interior living space, seamlessly integrating it into the home’s footprint. The floors and windows were replaced throughout, along with other energy efficient exterior upgrades.

Are you ready to build your dream home? Cavalier Homes Inc. will help you build your dream home from start to finish. We will facilitate the purchase of your property, design your home, and build it to your specifications. Everybody dreams of living in a cozy house that has everything they need. Nothing beats the elegance of a custom-built new home. The process might take longer than buying a home off the market, but it’s worth the wait in the end. There are probably a dozen things about your current home that you would like to alter, but the size or design may make those changes impossible. Therefore, the best way to make your dream a reality is to find a trustworthy general contractor. Although purchasing an existing home may bring you closer to your ideal home, you may still need to make some adjustments and compromises. If you have a specific requirement, new home construction is the better choice. Having a home specifically designed for you is the only option if you want a place that you can truly call home. As one of the skilled custom home builders, we collaborate with you to make sure that your house is made to suit all of your requirements. At each stage of the home-building process, we place a strong emphasis on quality, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and complete customization. Let’s take a closer look at why Cavalier Homes; a Long Island custom home builder is the best of the best. Personalized, one-of-a-kind custom home construction One of the most compelling advantages is that each of our designs is completely personalized and one-of-a-kind. One of the pillars of our philosophy is that we prefer to forego cookie-cutter, mass-produced design in favor of distinctive homes that we can be proud of. We work as consultants with our homeowners, taking into account their needs, concerns, and desires to ensure that the finished product is a home they will be proud to call their own for a lifetime. Work with seasoned architects We have a team of highly qualified and experienced architects to convert your ideas into reality with every single home we create. Our architects are sensitive to the needs of our clients and can quickly incorporate your vision into the homes that we design for you. Gorgeous Modern Design You will be glad to see that Cavalier Homes emphasizes gorgeous, high-quality contemporary design in every square inch of your newly built home. We adhere to the most recent modern design trends while also emphasizing components like natural light, open areas, and people-centered decor to make sure that every new home we construct looks exciting and new throughout its lifespan. If you’re looking for some ideas for your new home in Long Island, be sure to look through some of our most recent designs to get an idea of how it might turn out. Planning, management, scheduling, and quality assurance Planning every detail of your new home with you is something we would love to do. We plan the entire construction within your budget and look for ways to secure a new home for you that fits your vision while providing the best value for money. We will collaborate with you and our expert designers to create a schedule that is both realistic and convenient. From the initial installation of the floorboards to the final installation of the modular additions, we will oversee every stage of the construction process. Most importantly, we promise strict quality control at every stage of the procedure, ensuring that your home is truly perfect.

What was once an unfinished, bare, cluttered, cold laundry and mud room was converted into an organized, attractive, functional and adaptive space. A bamboo laundry folding or craft table has hinged legs that fold under the table allowing the table to hinge down flat against the wall vastly opening the space for everyday use. Fold down laundry drying racks above the table will also lay flat against the wall. Bead board walls hide large storage closets. Bead board doors blend in and when opened LED light strips illuminate large sport gear bag shelving, closet rods for out of season jackets. Other closets also hide an electrical panel, water heater, water softener and provide rough storage of softener salt, house paints and other unsightly but needed items. The built in washer and dryer are conveniently raised with laundry basket storage underneath and laundry supply cabinets above. A built in mud room cubbie and bench are in the back right. An efficient electric panel heater hangs on the wall to the left. To the left of the W/D and out of view is a built in dog wash that doubles as a utility sink as well as an additional closet for ironing board and supplies. The flooring is a 3/4" thick rubber mat tile with a raised dimple pattern designed for athletic rooms that is durable yet soft and warm to walk on even with bare feet.

Great American Fireplace converted an old dirty wood fireplace to a gas burning built in fireplace by removing the stone around the opening, removing the metal fireplace box and chimney, re-installing new gas piping, fixing the interior chase water damage, installing this Mendota Full View 34 Arch Fireplace and Re-installing the field stone. The Mendota high efficient gas fireplace has panoramic reflective porcelain interior, high definition birch logs and decorative copper grace front.

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget. New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden. The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces. New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace. We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space. We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house. Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

Built-in 1962 and converted to a co-op in 1984, the 17 story building near Gramercy Plaza, is comprised of 287 mostly studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. A Misuraemme linear closet composed of different modules with doors plays on the variability of finishes and the see-through contrast. The first module enriched with London leather doors is flanked by reflective glass doors, which create a play of perspectives. This imbortant proejct, has been created from the combination of 2 units, where the unit added to the main an previous apartment, became the new master bdr area. In this complex project, we designed all the interior frameless doors, that will look invisibile in the long hallways. We completed redesigned the kitchen, using all the high end details provided by The Cut, using the Minima doors, to create and endless stone solutions for the kithchen and the island, and using all walnut ribs doors, for the pantry and fridge wall. The new master bdr area, has been designed for a fashionable glass wardrobe, and very efficient laquared doors wardrobes has been provided for the kids bedrooms and the hallway storage

The PLJW 117 is a thin, sleek under cabinet range hood. This is a fantastic option if you want to make a subtle statement in your kitchen, while keeping the air clean too! This under cabinet hood can also be installed as a wall hood. Not to mention that it is convertible! Simply purchase a recirculating kit with your order and install it on the top of the hood. The user-friendly control panel in the front of the hood allows you to adjust the blower to four different speeds. You can also control the lights and the range hood. The panel looks sleek too, featuring a modern LCD touch display! This under cabinet hood includes stainless steel baffle filters, which trap grease and dirt from your kitchen air as it travels through your ductwork and outside your home. The baffle design is incredibly efficient and the filters are safe to put into your dishwasher. For more information on the PLJW 117, click on the link below: https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=pljw%20117

This project features a complete single-car garage conversion into a fully permitted Junior ADU in Banning, California. Our team at Fissile Home Solutions handled every phase — from in-house design and plan drafting to city submittal, permits, and final inspections. The existing foundation was opened and modified for new plumbing, then raised and leveled with rebar reinforcement. We converted the original 2x4 framing to 2x6 walls to meet Title 24 insulation requirements, and completed full electrical, plumbing, drywall, and finish work. Exterior stucco was patched and blended seamlessly, while new windows, doors, and paint transformed the structure into a bright, efficient living space. Appliances, trim, and baseboards were installed to complete the turnkey ADU — designed, built, and delivered by one team under one roof. For more projects, services, and design ideas, visit www.thefissile.com.

Converted existing patio into a living space to increase square footage of home & create a studio space for homeowner. A 12’ X 62’ Pergola built out of very large cedar timbers for durability & design purpose to cool down back part of the house from west setting sun & a space to relax with her husband & enjoy watching the dogs. Walkway under the Pergola are thin brick pavers. All windows & doors installed on patio are energy efficient & the patio floor is a faux finish stamped concrete overlayed on top of old concrete to give a better look to the finish for the living space.

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget. New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden. The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces. New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace. We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space. We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house. Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

We updated this 1907 two-story family home for re-sale. We added modern design elements and amenities while retaining the home’s original charm in the layout and key details. The aim was to optimize the value of the property for a prospective buyer, within a reasonable budget. New French doors from kitchen and a rear bedroom open out to a new bi-level deck that allows good sight lines, functional outdoor living space, and easy access to a garden full of mature fruit trees. French doors from an upstairs bedroom open out to a private high deck overlooking the garden. The garage has been converted to a family room that opens to the garden. The bathrooms and kitchen were remodeled the kitchen with simple, light, classic materials and contemporary lighting fixtures. New windows and skylights flood the spaces with light. Stained wood windows and doors at the kitchen pick up on the original stained wood of the other living spaces. New redwood picture molding was created for the living room where traces in the plaster suggested that picture molding has originally been. A sweet corner window seat at the living room was restored. At a downstairs bedroom we created a new plate rail and other redwood trim matching the original at the dining room. The original dining room hutch and woodwork were restored and a new mantel built for the fireplace. We built deep shelves into space carved out of the attic next to upstairs bedrooms and added other built-ins for character and usefulness. Storage was created in nooks throughout the house. A small room off the kitchen was set up for efficient laundry and pantry space. We provided the future owner of the house with plans showing design possibilities for expanding the house and creating a master suite with upstairs roof dormers and a small addition downstairs. The proposed design would optimize the house for current use while respecting the original integrity of the house. Photography: John Hayes, Open Homes Photography https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/classic-craftsman-update/

Bright Modern Farmhouse with Flexible Living Spaces The STROM 2 Farmhouse plan reimagines one of our most popular contemporary designs with warm farmhouse character and family-friendly functionality. Filled with natural light, this two-story home offers inviting living spaces and a layout designed to adapt to today’s lifestyles. The upper level includes 3 to 4 comfortable bedrooms, along with a versatile office that can easily convert into an additional bedroom. For growing families or guests, the optional finished basement allows for up to two more bedrooms, creating a home that can grow with your needs. A second-floor laundry room adds everyday convenience and efficiency. On the main level, the welcoming entry features practical storage and a built-in bench, setting the tone for an organized and stylish home. The living room stands out with its cathedral ceiling and cozy fireplace, while the kitchen and dining area flow seamlessly together around a central island and pantry—perfect for both daily life and entertaining. A covered rear terrace extends the living space outdoors, offering a sheltered spot to enjoy meals or relax in any season. With its timeless farmhouse appeal and flexible design, STROM 2 is a bright, welcoming home designed for modern family living.

This homeowner lived on a very prominent golf course and wanted to feel like he was on the putting green of the 9th hole while standing at his family room window. The existing layout of the home had the garage enjoying that view with the outdated dining room, family room and kitchen further back on the lot. We completely demoed the garage and a section of the home, allowing us to design and build with that view in mind. The completed project has the family room at the back of the home with a gorgeous view of the golf course from two large curved bay windows. A new fireplace with custom cabinetry and shelf niches and coffered high ceilings makes this room a treasure. The new kitchen boasts of white painted cabinetry, an island with wood top and a 6 burner Wolf cooktop with a custom hood, white tile with multiple trim details and a pot filler faucet. A Butler’s Pantry was added for entertaining complete with beautiful white painted cabinetry with glass upper cabinets, marble countertops and a prep sink and faucet. We converted an unused dining room into a custom, high-end home office with beautiful site- built mahogany bookcases to showcase the homeowners book collections. To complete this renovation, we added a “friends” entry and a mudroom for improved access and functionality. The transformation is not only efficient but aesthetically pleasing to the eye and exceeded the homeowner’s expectations to enjoy their view of the 9th hole.

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers. A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen. The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries. “I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.” Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Our client from Brampton has envisaged converting a basement into an ergonomically efficient and creative space that would be at the intersection of functionality and design.

This extensive renovation designed by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEED AP and built by Arlene Dean, completely transforms the look of the original structure. The main source of inspiration for the new design came from Greene & Greene’s Gamble House, which is considered by many as the pinnacle of the original turn of the century Craftsman Style Homes. Distinctive features from that style include the use of exposed timber framing, low pitched roof forms with large overhangs, gangs of windows, and extensive built-in furniture. We removed the front porch brick addition on the right side of the original house and reused about 90% of the original floor system along with more than 50% of the original walls. The original garage was converted into a pool house and the new garage was built in front of it. The upper level terrace on the front of the house serves a dual purpose as a carport while also creating a signature display of complex exposed timber frame construction synonymous with the Craftsman Style of Greene & Greene. The roof structure is made of 4x8 rafters about 5ft apart and 2x6 tongue and groove decking which creates an exposed wood ceiling finish as well as being the structural roof deck. Photos by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEEP AP.

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.