Maximizing storage without compromising the kitchen's timeless aesthetic required meticulous space planning and custom cabinetry design. Every inch was carefully optimized to increase functionality while maintaining the proportions and character of this luxury historic kitchen. A narrow space between the refrigerator and the wall ovens was transformed into full-height pull-out pantry cabinets, converting what could have been wasted space into highly efficient storage. These custom pull-out pantries provide exceptional organization and effortless access to pantry staples, spices, baking supplies, and small kitchen essentials, keeping everything within easy reach while preserving clean, uncluttered countertops. By extending the cabinetry to the ceiling, the design also enhances the room's architectural presence and reinforces the bespoke, furniture-quality craftsmanship throughout the kitchen. This thoughtful storage solution demonstrates how intelligent space planning and custom millwork can dramatically improve the functionality of a luxury kitchen while remaining true to the home's historic character.

Conversion of a small ranch house to a larger simplified-Craftsman style house. We retained most of the original house, rearranging a few walls to improve an awkward layout in the original house, and added a partial second story and converted a covered patio space to a dining and family room. The clients had read Sarah Susanka’s Not So Big books and wanted to use these principles in making a beautiful and ecological house that uses space efficiently. Photography by Phil Bond. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/ranch-to-craftsman/

During the construction phase, the owners of this Nantucket style carriage house tasked Sew Beautiful with the challenge of designing versatile, well-appointed and comfortable rooms. Above the garage, is an inviting living area finished with wide moldings and clean straight lines. Serving as home office, gathering space and guest bedroom suite, it is complete with a small efficiency kitchen, full bath and sweeping views of the Severn River from the adjacent outdoor deck. Natural elements bring together multipurpose design pieces. A herringbone staircase runner leads visitors up to the living area that is anchored with a tone on tone patterned wool rug, bordered by a leather band. Drapery panels with natural tape trim frame the expansive glass sliding doors, through which guests can move to comfortable outdoor deck furniture, shaded from the hot afternoon sun by a retractable awning. Most of the furnishings and artwork are locally sourced. A print, by Annapolis artist Nancy Hammond, sits above the desk in the great room which doubles as a table for entertaining. The sofa converts to a queen-size sleeping area. Upholstered chairs swivel to allow for views of the water and/or the television. The bedroom is large enough to fit a small dresser, side tables and king-size bed, draped in cozy, eye-catching bedding. Light from the wall mounted sconces accentuate the contemporary painting by local artist, Kim Hovell.

This kitchen began as an unfunctional, cluttered space with limited storage. The homeowners envisioned transforming it into their ideal kitchen: bright, open, and highly functional. The existing bench, once an impractical painted wood feature with open storage columns, was reimagined into a beautifully integrated pantry solution. The base now provides generous bulk storage, while the former columns have been converted into vertical cabinetry with adjustable shelving, maximizing both function and efficiency.

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.

home office/convertible 3rd bedroom - by inserting one wall with door. anticipated floor finish and closet. high efficiency fan. Photos by Michael Stavaridis

The Durham makes every bit of its 1323 square feet, offering great comfort in a modestly sized single level plan. Featuring an alley-access garage, the home has extraordinary street appeal. The spacious living room that adjoins the dining room, and the efficiently planned kitchen boasts ample counter space and cupboard storage. An expansive master suite features a dual vanity bathroom and a generous closet. While the other two sizeable bedrooms—one of which may be converted into an optional den—boast large closets and share the second bathroom. It’s no surprise this home is as popular as ever.

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.

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/

In the basement, a standard closet that once exposed the water heater and venting was converted into a smart, efficient laundry space. A stacking washer and dryer freed up space for navy cabinetry, full-height storage, and a new closet that neatly conceals the water heater. A concrete-look countertop, stainless hanging rod, and oil-rubbed bronze hardware echo finishes used elsewhere in the home, tying the spaces together.

Title: Scottsdale Golf Course Kitchen: Modern Elegance Meets Timeless Function Description: This aesthetic equity refresh transformed a dated kitchen into a sophisticated, highly functional space for a Scottsdale couple who love to entertain and enjoy their stunning 9th-hole golf course views. Working within the home's existing architectural character—including soaring ceilings with natural skylights and original flooring—we created a kitchen that honors the clients' cherished antiques while delivering modern convenience for a passionate home cook. Key Design Solutions: Custom beverage station with wine and liquor storage for seamless entertaining Workstation sink with integrated waste bin for efficient meal prep Interior cabinet organizers maximizing storage throughout Height-enhanced cabinetry adding visual impact and storage capacity Patio door converted to an expansive window with custom-fabricated coffee table, creating an intimate morning nook overlooking the fairway Expert retrofitting of angled cabinet runs for a cohesive, built-in appearance Design Challenges: The project required careful coordination of updated finishes with existing tile flooring and the clients' antique furnishings, ensuring the refresh felt intentional rather than piecemeal. Complex angles demanded custom cabinet solutions to maintain clean lines and maximize function. The result is a kitchen that gives these homeowners—now in their 70s—decades more enjoyment from their home, blending style, accessibility, and the functional details that make daily life effortless.

This summer cottage was winterized in the 1960’s as a year round home. The new owners decided to remodel the master suite to achieve more efficient energy saving and storage needs. After a design by another builder failed to inspire them, Excelsior Design Group was commissioned to review the project. Client Objectives The homeowners were looking to convert an old master bathroom into a walk in closet, remodel a guest bedroom into a master bathroom and remodel a hall bathroom into a laundry room. Project Details It was immediately determined that the master bath and closet layout previously designed needed to be flipped. The old master bathroom became the walk in closet for Susan. The new walk-in closet, designed to accommodate hundreds of shoes, was designed by Janis Gaut of Closet Factory and incorporates the same marble tops as the vanities and the fireplace.

S+H Construction and Architect Will Ruhl collaborated to transform and modernize this 3,500-square-foot contemporary home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Doug Hanna of S+H Construction recognized that this building, originally an abandoned municipal garage that was later converted to residential space in the late 1950’s by renowned architect Paul Rudolph, was not a typical project. With evidence of water damage and poor insulation, the goal was to make the house energy-efficient and weather tight home with the help of Zero Energy Design. S+H installed translucent polycarbonate window panels to bring light and warmth to the back room of the house, which was formerly unlivable for several months of the year due to the lack of installation. The improved room now offers heating, cooling, and high density foam insulation, and is now home to the new owners’ extensive book collection. The S+H team also installed triple-glazed, super insulated, sliding glass doors—which required modification of the slab deck and steel trusses—to offer outdoor access for the new residents. Photo Credit: Tony Luong Architects: Ruhl Walker Architects Energy Consultants: Zero Energy Design

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/

Interior Rehab/Renovation and Rear addition for a Multi-unit residential building in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. We converted this vintage 2 flat into a lovely private residence for the owners duplexing the 1st & 2nd floors. We also designed a separate "In-Law" unit at the gardel level for rentals. We also added a "living" Green roof which increased thermal efficiency and reduced energy costs for the owners. Probably the 1st and only Green roof in the Little Italy neighborhood for a private residence. Overall a very positive and sustainable renovation adding tons of Value for the client and great for the environment.

Interior Rehab/Renovation and Rear addition for a Multi-unit residential building in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. We converted this vintage 2 flat into a lovely private residence for the owners duplexing the 1st & 2nd floors. We also designed a separate "In-Law" unit at the gardel level for rentals. We also added a "living" Green roof which increased thermal efficiency and reduced energy costs for the owners. Probably the 1st and only Green roof in the Little Italy neighborhood for a private residence. Overall a very positive and sustainable renovation adding tons of Value for the client and great for the environment.

Conversion of a small ranch house to a larger simplified-Craftsman style house. We retained most of the original house, rearranging a few walls to improve an awkward layout in the original house, and added a partial second story and converted a covered patio space to a dining and family room. The clients had read Sarah Susanka’s Not So Big books and wanted to use these principles in making a beautiful and ecological house that uses space efficiently. Photography by Phil Bond. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/ranch-to-craftsman/

Castle converted a toilet and shower stall in the basement to a 1/2 bath.
Example of a mid-sized 1960s look-out carpeted, gray floor and brick wall basement design in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

When this homeowner decided to move back to Seattle from Las Vegas to support her daughter’s culinary studies, she chose to make a beloved 1940s bungalow her permanent home. To fit her lifestyle, the house needed a full transformation that made the most of its modest footprint while preserving its charm. The remodel reimagined every inch of the space. The front porch was converted into a comfortable primary suite, providing a private retreat within the home. In the kitchen, smart storage solutions and a thoughtful layout created an efficient, welcoming space perfect for a family passionate about food. A particularly creative update was the redesign of a small studio-style bedroom at the back of the house. Once accessible only by ladder, the space now features a stylish spiral staircase, offering both safety and architectural interest while maintaining its cozy character. The result is a whole-home remodel that feels functional, personal, and true to its historic roots.