A fully custom sauna with ambient LED lighting and Wi-Fi–enabled controls that manage temperature, lighting, speakers, and ventilation with ease.
Minimalist wood wall basement photo in Milwaukee

By the time we began this kitchen in Jamison we were already well versed in our clients preferences having previously completed an entire finished basement and staircase renovation. Deep natural wood tones, lots of modern technology, and an expansive island made this kitchen their own. Custom inserts inside the cabinets and lots of lower drawers added functionality and ease of access while up above the cabinets we added a row of false fronts that enabled us to implement over cabinet as well as under cabinet lighting. The natural stone tile backsplash added to the grounding earthy elements of this kitchen to create a space that is open and inviting yet also grounding and cozy. All of the appliances are WiFi enabled smart devices and the sink has a smart faucet that can be turned on just by being touched.

The owners of this home sought to modernize and open the entire first floor, enabling an open kitchen and family room concept. With this first floor remodel, we created a contemporary space by removing all of the interior walls, reinforcing the roof structure and raising the ceiling height four feet. This remodel involved sleek custom black walnut cabinets, radius walls with niches in the entryway and a three-sided contemporary gas fireplace. Designer: Jo Levine, AKBD Photography: Bird and Branch Architect: Constantine Design Group

Spectrum Construction & Development, based out of Roxbury Twp., New Jersey is the recipient of the 2016 Awards of Excellence presented by the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey in the Custom Single-Family Home Category ($1,000,000 - $2,000,000) The homeowners moved to Morris County, New Jersey to be closer to their grown children and their families. They found a mid-century style home on a beautiful tree-lined street less than a mile away from their children's homes. Although the location was ideal and the corner lot perfectly situated for the homeowners, it was in disrepair and did not offer them the space, design features and finishes they wanted. Spectrum Construction arranged for the original home to be deconstructed with any salvageable material sold to the public for reuse or re-purposing. The custom 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home that Spectrum Construction designed and built in its place combines country charm with modern elegance. This new home incorporates many unique features including the “drive through” two-car garage that allows the homeowners access to the converging streets. The massive first-floor master bedroom suite consists of a marble surround fireplace, 2 sizeable walk-in-closets as well as his and her luxurious master bathrooms. Two home offices provide the homeowners with ample room to take care of business. An elevator was installed to enable the homeowners and aging guests to easily and safely access the second floor. Abundant storage areas throughout the home, including the cavernous full basement, offer plenty of space to stow extra belongings. The second story was designed with the homeowners’ grandchildren in mind. The additional bedrooms, playroom and upstairs den make room for both daytime visits and overnight stays. Space for entertaining adult guests was also considered. The first floor includes a spacious great room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace which opens to a covered, screened-in back porch with a second stone fireplace. The stylish kitchen, containing two counter seating areas and an eat-in nook, along with the formal dining room give the homeowners plenty of room to accommodate large gatherings.

The kitchen is defined by a large double sided plastered fireplace. The cabinets are all horizontal grain flat panel with light upper cabinets and dark lower cabinets. The Quartzite countertops provide beauty and function. Appliances are all Thermador including the 48" range and 60" fridge. A large butler's pantry comes off the kitchen enabling all appliances to stay off the main kitchen counters. Floating wood ceilings also clearly define the space. A 5' built-in turtle aquarium was also put in at the request of the buyer. -Mike Larson Estate Photography

The owners of this home sought to modernize and open the entire first floor, enabling an open kitchen and family room concept. With this first floor remodel, we created a contemporary space by removing all of the interior walls, reinforcing the roof structure and raising the ceiling height four feet. This remodel involved sleek custom black walnut cabinets, radius walls with niches in the entryway and a three-sided contemporary gas fireplace. Designer: Jo Levine, AKBD Photography: Bird and Branch Architect: Constantine Design Group

Julian Hodges - Featured Project of the Month by Truitt & White This month featured project brings you beautifully crafted gates and entryways from local craftsman Julian Hodges. For over 35 years, Mr. Hodges has been designing and crafting custom wooden gates in Berkeley and the greater Bay Area. His projects mainly feature old growth, vertical grained redwood or western red cedar which is air or kiln dried. The gates are fully mortised and tenoned (male / female joints) and a very powerful epoxy is used to glue the parts together. Wherever a floating panel rides in a dado, drainage is provided in the form of several holes that are out of sight that allow any rain water to be ushered out at the bottom of the gate enabling the gate to dry itself rather than staying damp which otherwise could lead to long term decomposition of the wood. Adding to the unique feel of each gate, Julian creates his own custom hardware from heavy gauge steel, which also provides a pleasing solid sound as it operates. All gates are then finished in a penetrating oil seal which optimizes the longevity and good appearance of the gates. For more information on Julian Hodges' work, visit www.julianhodges.com.

Photos by: Ledyard Homes This is a new custom luxury home built by Ledyard Homes in Utah – This is the Juniper model at the Lookout Ridge Promontory community features Panda’s thermally broken technology in their 12′ high doors. These custom thermally broken luxury doors were needed at this palatial rural home and Ledyard Homes selected Panda Windows and Doors to supply their thermally broken TS.19 in order for the future residents to fully enjoy their outdoor atmosphere from the comfort of their living space. While closed the thermal brake technology engineered into the TS.19 produces an air tight seal which enables the home to save energy and keep the great room interior space comfortable in both winter and summer and during harsh weather conditions. In addition to the energy and thermal benefits the doors also greatly reduce outdoor sound producing a serene environment inside the living space.

Now client's daughter’s room, this room had been functioning as a second guest bedroom and was ready for a makeover, starting with the wall covering. We were able to keep the existing drapes, and repurpose the giant mirror by painting the frame; thus creating a savings in the budget and enabling the client to choose to indulge in a new high-quality chair, a gorgeous, unique, high-end fabric for the ottoman, by Katie Ridder — and the biggest investment, the custom-designed and hand-built bunk bed by Randall Wilson and Sons. The rose-colored hand-knotted oriental rug, sourced via PAK is another high-quality piece that had originally been purchased for the daughter’s nursery and transitioned easily to her new room. A lot of love and time went into designing that custom bed. Especially the detailed railing, the drawer handles, incorporating the bookshelf into the headboard, and the choosing the contrasting wood for the ladder. The bed will hold its own long into teenage-hood — because sleepovers. Photo credit: Mo Saito

Full Bathroom Remodel with Modern Elegance and Functionality BMR Belmax Remodeling recently completed an exceptional full bathroom remodel, transforming a dated space into a luxurious retreat that combines style, function, and elegance. This Richboro-based project showcases our team’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and efficiency, with the entire remodel completed in just 12 days. From large-format tiles to a new walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub, every detail was carefully selected and executed to meet the client’s vision and lifestyle. Project Details: Elegant Modern Touches The remodel started with a complete demolition of the existing bathroom, allowing us to design and rebuild the space from scratch. This fresh start enabled our designers to create a seamless flow between key features, maximizing both space and functionality. Large-format tiles were chosen for the floors and walls, creating a sleek, sophisticated look while minimizing grout lines for easier maintenance. The neutral tones of the tiles bring warmth and elegance, setting a relaxing ambiance for the entire bathroom. Walk-In Shower and Freestanding Bathtub One of the primary highlights of this remodel is the new walk-in shower, designed with clean lines and glass doors that enhance the spacious feel of the bathroom. Equipped with a modern rain showerhead and stylish matte black fixtures, the shower provides a luxurious, spa-like experience. Adjacent to the shower, a freestanding bathtub adds a touch of modern sophistication. Its elegant design serves as a focal point, offering a perfect spot for relaxation after a long day, enhanced by the striking black finish on all fixtures. Custom Vanity and Lighting The client wanted both style and storage in their vanity, so we installed a custom-built vanity with ample drawer space and a sleek countertop. The vanity’s design complements the bathroom’s overall aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the large-format tiles and matte black fixtures. Above the vanity, new lighting fixtures were installed to provide soft, even illumination, perfect for daily routines. The strategically placed lights not only add to the bathroom’s functionality but also enhance the room’s calming, inviting atmosphere. Updated Plumbing Fixtures and High-Quality Materials Throughout the remodel, our team used only high-quality materials, ensuring the bathroom is built to last. The updated plumbing fixtures, finished in matte black, add a contemporary edge to the space. This finish not only complements the neutral tones of the large-format tiles but also contributes a modern sophistication to the bathroom. Every element, from the large tiles to the smallest fixtures, was selected for its durability, function, and style. A Smooth and Efficient Remodel One of the most remarkable aspects of this project was its timeline—completed in just 12 days. BMR Belmax Remodeling’s skilled team managed each phase meticulously, from demolition to final touches, ensuring a seamless process. The client was thrilled with both the efficiency and the high-quality finish, expressing delight in the transformation of their bathroom into a functional, beautiful retreat. In this project, BMR Belmax Remodeling delivered a bathroom that is not only visually stunning but also optimized for comfort and convenience. Our commitment to quality and client satisfaction is evident in every detail, making this Richboro bathroom remodel a proud addition to our portfolio.

Photos by: Ledyard Homes This is a new custom luxury home built by Ledyard Homes in Utah – This is the Juniper model at the Lookout Ridge Promontory community features Panda’s thermally broken technology in their 12′ high doors. These custom thermally broken luxury doors were needed at this palatial rural home and Ledyard Homes selected Panda Windows and Doors to supply their thermally broken TS.19 in order for the future residents to fully enjoy their outdoor atmosphere from the comfort of their living space. While closed the thermal brake technology engineered into the TS.19 produces an air tight seal which enables the home to save energy and keep the great room interior space comfortable in both winter and summer and during harsh weather conditions. In addition to the energy and thermal benefits the doors also greatly reduce outdoor sound producing a serene environment inside the living space.

THE SETUP Upon moving to Glen Ellyn, the homeowners were eager to infuse their new residence with a style that resonated with their modern aesthetic sensibilities. The primary bathroom, while spacious and structurally impressive with its dramatic high ceilings, presented a dated, overly traditional appearance that clashed with their vision. Design objectives: Transform the space into a serene, modern spa-like sanctuary. Integrate a palette of deep, earthy tones to create a rich, enveloping ambiance. Employ a blend of organic and natural textures to foster a connection with nature. THE REMODEL Design challenges: Take full advantage of the vaulted ceiling Source unique marble that is more grounding than fanciful Design minimal, modern cabinetry with a natural, organic finish Offer a unique lighting plan to create a sexy, Zen vibe Design solutions: To highlight the vaulted ceiling, we extended the shower tile to the ceiling and added a skylight to bathe the area in natural light. Sourced unique marble with raw, chiseled edges that provide a tactile, earthy element. Our custom-designed cabinetry in a minimal, modern style features a natural finish, complementing the organic theme. A truly creative layered lighting strategy dials in the perfect Zen-like atmosphere. The wavy protruding wall tile lights triggered our inspiration but came with an unintended harsh direct-light effect so we sourced a solution: bespoke diffusers measured and cut for the top and bottom of each tile light gap. THE RENEWED SPACE The homeowners dreamed of a tranquil, luxurious retreat that embraced natural materials and a captivating color scheme. Our collaborative effort brought this vision to life, creating a bathroom that not only meets the clients’ functional needs but also serves as a daily sanctuary. The carefully chosen materials and lighting design enable the space to shift its character with the changing light of day. “Trust the process and it will all come together,” the home owners shared. “Sometimes we just stand here and think, ‘Wow, this is lovely!'”

Julian Hodges - Featured Project of the Month by Truitt & White This month featured project brings you beautifully crafted gates and entryways from local craftsman Julian Hodges. For over 35 years, Mr. Hodges has been designing and crafting custom wooden gates in Berkeley and the greater Bay Area. His projects mainly feature old growth, vertical grained redwood or western red cedar which is air or kiln dried. The gates are fully mortised and tenoned (male / female joints) and a very powerful epoxy is used to glue the parts together. Wherever a floating panel rides in a dado, drainage is provided in the form of several holes that are out of sight that allow any rain water to be ushered out at the bottom of the gate enabling the gate to dry itself rather than staying damp which otherwise could lead to long term decomposition of the wood. Adding to the unique feel of each gate, Julian creates his own custom hardware from heavy gauge steel, which also provides a pleasing solid sound as it operates. All gates are then finished in a penetrating oil seal which optimizes the longevity and good appearance of the gates. For more information on Julian Hodges' work, visit www.julianhodges.com.

The master suite area for this 1854 Farmhouse is completely revamped. Custom built in closets were created in the bedroom to enable us to utilize the original closets and bathroom footprint thus creating a bright and open master bath with timeless yet modern finishes.

Full Bathroom Remodel with Modern Elegance and Functionality BMR Belmax Remodeling recently completed an exceptional full bathroom remodel, transforming a dated space into a luxurious retreat that combines style, function, and elegance. This Richboro-based project showcases our team’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and efficiency, with the entire remodel completed in just 12 days. From large-format tiles to a new walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub, every detail was carefully selected and executed to meet the client’s vision and lifestyle. Project Details: Elegant Modern Touches The remodel started with a complete demolition of the existing bathroom, allowing us to design and rebuild the space from scratch. This fresh start enabled our designers to create a seamless flow between key features, maximizing both space and functionality. Large-format tiles were chosen for the floors and walls, creating a sleek, sophisticated look while minimizing grout lines for easier maintenance. The neutral tones of the tiles bring warmth and elegance, setting a relaxing ambiance for the entire bathroom. Walk-In Shower and Freestanding Bathtub One of the primary highlights of this remodel is the new walk-in shower, designed with clean lines and glass doors that enhance the spacious feel of the bathroom. Equipped with a modern rain showerhead and stylish matte black fixtures, the shower provides a luxurious, spa-like experience. Adjacent to the shower, a freestanding bathtub adds a touch of modern sophistication. Its elegant design serves as a focal point, offering a perfect spot for relaxation after a long day, enhanced by the striking black finish on all fixtures. Custom Vanity and Lighting The client wanted both style and storage in their vanity, so we installed a custom-built vanity with ample drawer space and a sleek countertop. The vanity’s design complements the bathroom’s overall aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the large-format tiles and matte black fixtures. Above the vanity, new lighting fixtures were installed to provide soft, even illumination, perfect for daily routines. The strategically placed lights not only add to the bathroom’s functionality but also enhance the room’s calming, inviting atmosphere. Updated Plumbing Fixtures and High-Quality Materials Throughout the remodel, our team used only high-quality materials, ensuring the bathroom is built to last. The updated plumbing fixtures, finished in matte black, add a contemporary edge to the space. This finish not only complements the neutral tones of the large-format tiles but also contributes a modern sophistication to the bathroom. Every element, from the large tiles to the smallest fixtures, was selected for its durability, function, and style. A Smooth and Efficient Remodel One of the most remarkable aspects of this project was its timeline—completed in just 12 days. BMR Belmax Remodeling’s skilled team managed each phase meticulously, from demolition to final touches, ensuring a seamless process. The client was thrilled with both the efficiency and the high-quality finish, expressing delight in the transformation of their bathroom into a functional, beautiful retreat. In this project, BMR Belmax Remodeling delivered a bathroom that is not only visually stunning but also optimized for comfort and convenience. Our commitment to quality and client satisfaction is evident in every detail, making this Richboro bathroom remodel a proud addition to our portfolio.

We worked alongside ACG Architects and accessible kitchen design specialist, Adam Thomas to create this stunning wheelchair-accessible kitchen so our client could prepare, cook and serve meals for her family independently. We designed this kitchen to have three different heights to enable our client and family to prepare and cook food easily. For example, the accessible worktop with a custom-made sink was made to be 870mm - the perfect height for a wheelchair user. Other key features in this design include wheelchair level ovens with tray slides that sit directly under two Neff Slide & Glide ovens, a Neff Steamer and a Microwave, so hot oven trays can be moved easily across each tray slide. A pull-out shelf allows for food/trays to be moved easily to the worktop level that was designed to be lower than standard for wheel-chair use. In front of the hob, there is also a protective lip at the edge of the worktop to stop a pan from boiling over onto the floor, or onto the client's lap. A stone sink was also custom made by Cosentino, so it wasn’t too deep for our client to reach into. The architects included wood slatting across the entire ground floor that creating a stunning feature in the kitchen space. Each slat was designed to run with precision over the door units - there were also toasters and pull-out drawers hidden behind this area which were designed to be isolated from the power when the doors were closed. Mixing different materials and textures in a kitchen space created interest and contrast. The striking mix of the stained wood slatting, Graphite Grey cabinetry and durable Dekton Keon worktops in this collaborative kitchen design creates a real wow factor. This kitchen design works for each family member with varying needs and heights so that it is a space that allows for the whole family to enjoy and create memories together. Photography by: Paul Craig Kitchen designed by The Myers Touch in collaboration with Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt Architects & Adam Thomas adamthomasconsultancy.com

Julian Hodges - Featured Project of the Month by Truitt & White This month featured project brings you beautifully crafted gates and entryways from local craftsman Julian Hodges. For over 35 years, Mr. Hodges has been designing and crafting custom wooden gates in Berkeley and the greater Bay Area. His projects mainly feature old growth, vertical grained redwood or western red cedar which is air or kiln dried. The gates are fully mortised and tenoned (male / female joints) and a very powerful epoxy is used to glue the parts together. Wherever a floating panel rides in a dado, drainage is provided in the form of several holes that are out of sight that allow any rain water to be ushered out at the bottom of the gate enabling the gate to dry itself rather than staying damp which otherwise could lead to long term decomposition of the wood. Adding to the unique feel of each gate, Julian creates his own custom hardware from heavy gauge steel, which also provides a pleasing solid sound as it operates. All gates are then finished in a penetrating oil seal which optimizes the longevity and good appearance of the gates. For more information on Julian Hodges' work, visit www.julianhodges.com.

Looking for revitalized perspective in their own backyard, our clients chose to stay in their neighborhood and renovate bottom to top, enlisting Moore Design Group to reimagine and transform their average home into an inspiring and restorative sanctuary. Stairs and unwanted soffits were removed, walls reconfigured, fireplaces and their surrounds re-invented, and architectural elements redefined. Beautiful hardwoods were featured in custom designed cabinetry and niches. Wide plank European oak replaced carpet, newly fabricated porcelain countertops were installed throughout, and sculptural light fixtures were hung in cavernous spaces, highlighting new outlooks. Our client’s preference for simple yet sophisticated style enabled us to set the tone by creating an elegant backdrop for a new collection of fine art and sculpture, which quietly takes center stage. More than just a surface renovation, our scope ensured that our clients’ environmental sensitivities were the driving force behind all decisions to reduce and eliminate known allergens and protect indoor air quality. Zero-VOC paints were used, a nontoxic, water-based finish was applied to natural wood cabinetry and floors, and custom upholstery was made from fire-retardant-free foams and FSC-certified woods, eliminating harmful chemicals from the home without sacrificing a trace of design.

The oversized open room area on the second floor of this Fort Worth home was given a new lease on life when we converted it from a kids toy catch all area into a charming and organized Game Room to suit the family's changing requirements. Custom plantation shutters were added to the exterior window and also to the curved interior window opening (which overlooks the downstairs family room) enabling the option of being a closed or open room. A matching custom bench with storage was also included to encase and store away possessions.