Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

At our design firm, we frequently cater to Notre Dame football enthusiasts and homeowners along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. Our clients often require homes capable of accommodating large gatherings, as they prepare to host their families for football games and reunions. In this world, sleep count becomes a significant consideration. As a result, requests for bunk beds, murphy beds, and sleeper sofas are common needs for our clientele. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ However, while bunk beds serve a functional purpose, they sometimes lack aesthetic appeal. However, our team of designers is here to solve this concern. We understand the importance of ensuring functional items not only serve their purpose but also enhance the overall beauty of our clients' homes. In the case of bunk beds, such as in this bedroom from our Harters Heights Home, we expertly blended transitional style with practical design to fashion a tranquil bunk room that exudes style while sleeping at least three people

At our design firm, we frequently cater to Notre Dame football enthusiasts and homeowners along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. Our clients often require homes capable of accommodating large gatherings, as they prepare to host their families for football games and reunions. In this world, sleep count becomes a significant consideration. As a result, requests for bunk beds, murphy beds, and sleeper sofas are common needs for our clientele. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ However, while bunk beds serve a functional purpose, they sometimes lack aesthetic appeal. However, our team of designers is here to solve this concern. We understand the importance of ensuring functional items not only serve their purpose but also enhance the overall beauty of our clients' homes. In the case of bunk beds, such as in this bedroom from our Harters Heights Home, we expertly blended transitional style with practical design to fashion a tranquil bunk room that exudes style while sleeping at least three people

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

At our design firm, we frequently cater to Notre Dame football enthusiasts and homeowners along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. Our clients often require homes capable of accommodating large gatherings, as they prepare to host their families for football games and reunions. In this world, sleep count becomes a significant consideration. As a result, requests for bunk beds, murphy beds, and sleeper sofas are common needs for our clientele. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ However, while bunk beds serve a functional purpose, they sometimes lack aesthetic appeal. However, our team of designers is here to solve this concern. We understand the importance of ensuring functional items not only serve their purpose but also enhance the overall beauty of our clients' homes. In the case of bunk beds, such as in this bedroom from our Harters Heights Home, we expertly blended transitional style with practical design to fashion a tranquil bunk room that exudes style while sleeping at least three people

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.

Living room - modern living room idea

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

This farmhouse style home was already lovely and inviting. We just added some finishing touches in the kitchen and expanded and enhanced the basement. In the kitchen we enlarged the center island so that it is now five-feet-wide. We rebuilt the sides, added the cross-back, “x”, design to each end and installed new fixtures. We also installed new counters and painted all the cabinetry. Already the center of the home’s everyday living and entertaining, there’s now even more space for gathering. We expanded the already finished basement to include a main room with kitchenet, a multi-purpose/guestroom with a murphy bed, full bathroom, and a home theatre. The COREtec vinyl flooring is waterproof and strong enough to take the beating of everyday use. In the main room, the ship lap walls and farmhouse lantern lighting coordinates beautifully with the vintage farmhouse tuxedo bathroom. Who needs to go out to the movies with a home theatre like this one? With tiered seating for six, featuring reclining chair on platforms, tray ceiling lighting and theatre sconces, this is the perfect spot for family movie night! Rudloff Custom Builders has won Best of Houzz for Customer Service in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. We also were voted Best of Design in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, which only 2% of professionals receive. Rudloff Custom Builders has been featured on Houzz in their Kitchen of the Week, What to Know About Using Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen as well as included in their Bathroom WorkBook article. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area. This business, like most others, developed from a friendship of young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in their clients’ lives, one household at a time. This relationship between partners is much more than a friendship. Edward and Stephen Rudloff are brothers who have renovated and built custom homes together paying close attention to detail. They are carpenters by trade and understand concept and execution. Rudloff Custom Builders will provide services for you with the highest level of professionalism, quality, detail, punctuality and craftsmanship, every step of the way along our journey together. Specializing in residential construction allows us to connect with our clients early in the design phase to ensure that every detail is captured as you imagined. One stop shopping is essentially what you will receive with Rudloff Custom Builders from design of your project to the construction of your dreams, executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsmen. Our concept: envision our client’s ideas and make them a reality. Our mission: CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND INTEGRITY. Photo Credit: Linda McManus Images

Design: This Boulder family loved their home in Frasier Meadows for its generous yard and welcoming spirit. Set on nearly a third of an acre, it was a place for gardening, neighborhood connection, and board game nights with kids and friends. But while the property had heart, the interior felt dark in winter, disconnected from the backyard, and no longer aligned with how they lived. The kitchen was the biggest challenge. It lacked functionality, prep space, and the thoughtful storage needed for a family that hosts often. Through this Boulder home remodel, we made a bold move, relocating the kitchen to the opposite side of the house. This allowed us to create a hybrid enclosed kitchen with glass dividers: light-filled, but tucked away enough to reduce noise and conceal clutter. Designed in a Japandi-meets-cottage aesthetic, the kitchen balances warmth and minimalism with layered woods and soft greens. Appliance garages, ceiling-height cabinetry, hidden outlets, spice storage, pull-out trash bins, and a generous island ensure everything has its place. The dining and living spaces were reoriented to strengthen flow to the backyard, while a new genkan-inspired entry and custom mudroom cabinetry support their love of gardening. Build: As a design build Boulder team, collaboration guided every step. The homeowners knew exactly how they wanted to use their space; they simply needed the right structural and layout changes to bring it to life. Expanding the primary bedroom over the garage was transformative. The added square footage made room for built-in wardrobes, relocated laundry, and a Japanese-inspired ensuite featuring a wet room with a soaking tub. This expansion solved their need for space while creating a true retreat within the home. By moving the kitchen and enhancing indoor-outdoor flow, we addressed both function and feeling. The home now feels brighter, more connected to the yard, and better equipped for hosting, whether it’s casual weeknight dinners or full-house game nights. This thoughtful Boulder home remodel reflects a home that works beautifully as it gathers people together.

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

Step into this Elegant Torrance Kitchen Remodel, where timeless design meets modern functionality. The centerpiece of this kitchen is a stunning dual-tone island, featuring rich wood contrasted against the sleek white cabinetry. It's not just for show; the expansive countertop space makes it perfect for meal prep and casual dining. We went with a classic subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern, adding just the right amount of texture to the clean, neutral palette. Stainless steel appliances and a custom range hood bring a professional-grade touch, while glass-front upper cabinets provide a stylish display for glassware and dishware. Lighting was a game-changer here. We installed a trio of pendant lights over the island, casting beautiful patterns that enhance the overall ambiance. The open layout ensures an easy flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining. For this Torrance home, the goal was simple: combine elegance with everyday practicality, and we think it hit the mark beautifully.