With two small children and a third on the way, the owners of an original eighteenth century Cape were quickly out-growing it, but they had no desire to move away from the Cape Cod home and location they loved. They simply needed a reconfigured layout and more space. Their goals included repurposing some existing rooms, adding a new kitchen/family area plus screen porch on the first level, and creating a master suite and roof deck with an outdoor shower on the second level, connected by a new stair. Our challenge was to improve the flow between existing spaces, and design the two-story addition without overwhelming the pint-sized original Cape. We took advantage of the lower grade at the rear of the property to step the first floor of the addition down two steps from the existing main level. This allowed us to align the second floor in the addition with the existing second floor, while gaining ceiling height in the new first-floor kitchen/family area. We composed a cross-gabled form for the addition to improve the second floor headroom, while maintaining the existing eave line. We then extended some existing shed dormers to gain headroom and enhance function. We also expanded the outdoor living area with privacy walls along the roof deck. New, larger, double–hung windows that match the lite configuration of the existing windows, along with new side-wall shingles and trim which resemble the existing exterior treatment help to tie the new addition to the old Cape. Though there’s no mistaking the new for the old, the two are simpatico. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the Yarmouth Port Antique Cape Renovation and Addition. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

For this driveway remodel, we used Angelus Courtyard Pavers in the color Gray Charcoal with a 6x9 border in Solid Charcoal. This paving stone was selected to complement and enhance the existing style of the house by using a clean and contemporary design.

Designed to work harmoniously with the materials and forms of the existing residence, paths of neat bluestone and layered plantings enhance the formal elegance of the entry court. Photo by John Carlson.

Our client purchased an apartment on the top floor of an old 1930’s building with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay from the palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, to Alcatraz Island. The existing apartment retained some of the original detailing and the owner wished to enhance and build on the existing traditional themes that existed there. We reconfigured the apartment to add another bedroom, relocated the kitchen, and remodeled the remaining spaces. The design included moving the kitchen to free up space to add an additional bedroom. We also did the interior design and detailing for the two existing bathrooms. The master bath was reconfigured entirely. We detailed and guided the selection of all of the fixtures, finishes and lighting design for a complete and integrated interior design of all of the spaces.

For this driveway remodel, we used Angelus Courtyard Pavers in the color Gray Charcoal with a 6x9 border in Solid Charcoal. This paving stone was selected to complement and enhance the existing style of the house by using a clean and contemporary design.

The key design driver for the project was to create a simple but contemporary extension that responded to the existing dramatic topography in the property’s rear garden. The concept was to provide a single elegant form, cantilevering out into the tree canopies and over the landscape. Conceived as a house within the tree canopies the extension is clad in sweet chestnut which enhances the relationship to the surrounding mature trees. Large sliding glass panels link the inside spaces to its unique environment. Internally the design successfully resolves the Client’s brief to provide an open plan and fluid layout, that subtly defines distinct living and dining areas. The scheme was completed in April 2016

Our client, with whom we had worked on a number of projects over the years, enlisted our help in transforming her family’s beloved but deteriorating rustic summer retreat, built by her grandparents in the mid-1920’s, into a house that would be livable year-‘round. It had served the family well but needed to be renewed for the decades to come without losing the flavor and patina they were attached to. The house was designed by Ruth Adams, a rare female architect of the day, who also designed in a similar vein a nearby summer colony of Vassar faculty and alumnae. To make Treetop habitable throughout the year, the whole house had to be gutted and insulated. The raw homosote interior wall finishes were replaced with plaster, but all the wood trim was retained and reused, as were all old doors and hardware. The old single-glazed casement windows were restored, and removable storm panels fitted into the existing in-swinging screen frames. New windows were made to match the old ones where new windows were added. This approach was inherently sustainable, making the house energy-efficient while preserving most of the original fabric. Changes to the original design were as seamless as possible, compatible with and enhancing the old character. Some plan modifications were made, and some windows moved around. The existing cave-like recessed entry porch was enclosed as a new book-lined entry hall and a new entry porch added, using posts made from an oak tree on the site. The kitchen and bathrooms are entirely new but in the spirit of the place. All the bookshelves are new. A thoroughly ramshackle garage couldn’t be saved, and we replaced it with a new one built in a compatible style, with a studio above for our client, who is a writer.

The different levels of this space not only suggest distinct areas for lounging and dining but the raised area enhances the views of the outdoors over the living room seating. The built in bookcase was existing but was in a dark wood and so we painted it and had all the sections lit to highliight the owners' arrowhead collection. The floors and handrails throughout the house were originally a high gloss gymnasium yellow floor - they were sanded and given a satin sheen. More images on our website: http://www.romero-obeji-interiordesign.com

The existing kitchen was in a word, "stuck" between the family room, mudroom and the rest of the house. The client has renovated most of the home but did not know what to do with the kitchen. The space was visually cut off from the family room, had underwhelming storage capabilities, and could not accommodate family gatherings at the table. Access to the recently redesigned backyard was down a step and through the mud room. We began by relocating the access to the yard into the kitchen with a French door. The remaining space was converted into a walk-in pantry accessible from the kitchen. Next, we opened a window to the family room, so the children were visible from the kitchen side. The old peninsula plan was replaced with a beautiful blue painted island with seating for 4. The outdated appliances received a major upgrade with Sub Zero Wolf cooking and food preservation products. The visual beauty of the vaulted ceiling is enhanced by long pendants and oversized crown molding. A hard-working wood tile floor grounds the blue and white colorway. The colors are repeated in a lovely blue and white screened marble tile. White porcelain subway tiles frame the feature. The biggest and possibly the most appreciated change to the space was when we opened the wall from the kitchen into the dining room to connect the disjointed spaces. Now the family has experienced a new appreciation for their home. Rooms which were previously storage areas and now integrated into the family lifestyle. The open space is so conducive to entertaining visitors frequently just "drop in”. In the dining area, we designed custom cabinets complete with a window seat, the perfect spot for additional diners or a perch for the family cat. The tall cabinets store all the china and crystal once stored in a back closet. Now it is always ready to be used. The last repurposed space is now home to a refreshment center. Cocktails and coffee are easily stored and served convenient to the kitchen but out of the main cooking area. How do they feel about their new space? It has changed the way they live and use their home. The remodel has created a new environment to live, work and play at home. They could not be happier.

AFTER -- New Quartz Countertops in Staron "Mirama Bronze" enhance the wood tone & hardware of the existing Cabinetry. It is a dramatic upgrade!
Large elegant l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor open concept kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, brown backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

We mad this beautiful custom built-in unit to match with the existing mantle. Custom laser cut panel doors were used for maximum ventilation and to enhance the detailed look of the finished piece.

At Bulldog Paving we specialize in the design and installation of concrete interlocking pavers, landscape and hardscape projects. We believe that the use of paving stones for your next driveway, patio, walkway or pool deck is going to enhance the overall appeal of your property. So, if you would like to set up a free consultation for your new paver installation or perhaps you want to seal your existing pavers? Then contact us today and we will discuss all of your options!

For this driveway remodel, we used Angelus Courtyard Pavers in the color Gray Charcoal with a 6x9 border in Solid Charcoal. This paving stone was selected to complement and enhance the existing style of the house by using a clean and contemporary design.

This large expanse of lawn needed a major make over. Designer added many color full water wise shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials. Took out 85% of existing lawn and added a new patio, steps, garden with grow boxes and strategic screens too. Designed for maximum enjoyment and preserving/enhancing their views while saving much water and maintenance. Rick Laughlin, APLD

Our client purchased an apartment on the top floor of an old 1930’s building with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay from the palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, to Alcatraz Island. The existing apartment retained some of the original detailing and the owner wished to enhance and build on the existing traditional themes that existed there. We reconfigured the apartment to add another bedroom, relocated the kitchen, and remodeled the remaining spaces. The design included moving the kitchen to free up space to add an additional bedroom. We also did the interior design and detailing for the two existing bathrooms. The master bath was reconfigured entirely. We detailed and guided the selection of all of the fixtures, finishes and lighting design for a complete and integrated interior design of all of the spaces.

The design maintains sensitivity to the existing structure by integrating the roofline and matching the pitch of the original structure. Specific elements that enhance the exterior aesthetic include the stone veneer from the outdoor fireplace, the unobstrusive black aluminum spindles on the staircase, and minimalist screen framed by wood timbers. Charlie Whitescarver

Mid-century modern white tile claw-foot bathtub photo in Los Angeles with a pedestal sink

Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Toronto with beige walls and a standard fireplace

Apache Plume, and Autumn Sage and native boulders were added as enhancement to existing native goldenrod and Wright's Buckwheat. This "wild" landscape creates both beauty and habitat for birds and butterflies. Photo: Nichole Trushell