This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

This modern outdoor kitchen and dining area is a perfect blend of style and function. The cantilevered grill station, featuring a stainless steel gas natural gas grill and a Big Green Egg, is framed by a contemporary pergola with steel and Douglas Fir wood beams, creating an open yet defined space for cooking and entertaining. The floating countertops provide ample workspace for food prep, while the natural elements, like the wooden slats and the surrounding greenery, blend the structure seamlessly with the outdoor environment. Beneath the pergola, a long steel and stone dining table with minimalist chairs invites guests to enjoy al fresco meals. With its clean lines, functional design, and modern aesthetic, this outdoor kitchen is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor dining and entertaining in style.

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2017 Houzz
Example of an eclectic living room design in New Orleans

Shots of our iconic shed "Hanssel or Gretel". A play on words from the famous story, due to the families last name and this being a his or hers (#heshed #sheshed or #theyshed), but not a play on function. This dynamic homeowner crew uses the shed for their private offices, alongside e-learning, meeting, relaxing and to unwind. This 10'x10' are requires no permit and can be completed in less that 3 days (interior excluded). The exterior space is approximately 40'x40', still required no permitting and was done in conjunction with a landscape designer. Bringing the indoor to the outdoor for all to enjoy, or close the french doors and escape to zen! To see the video, go to: https://youtu.be/zMo01-SpaTs

Morningside Architects, LLP Structural Engineers: Palm Coast Structural Contractor: Purple Sage Construction, Inc. Interior Designer: Lisa McCollam Designs, LLC Photographer: Rick Gardner Photography

The owners of this beautiful historic farmhouse had been painstakingly restoring it bit by bit. One of the last items on their list was to create a wrap-around front porch to create a more distinct and obvious entrance to the front of their home. Aside from the functional reasons for the new porch, our client also had very specific ideas for its design. She wanted to recreate her grandmother’s porch so that she could carry on the same wonderful traditions with her own grandchildren someday. Key requirements for this front porch remodel included: - Creating a seamless connection to the main house. - A floorplan with areas for dining, reading, having coffee and playing games. - Respecting and maintaining the historic details of the home and making sure the addition felt authentic. Upon entering, you will notice the authentic real pine porch decking. Real windows were used instead of three season porch windows which also have molding around them to match the existing home’s windows. The left wing of the porch includes a dining area and a game and craft space. Ceiling fans provide light and additional comfort in the summer months. Iron wall sconces supply additional lighting throughout. Exposed rafters with hidden fasteners were used in the ceiling. Handmade shiplap graces the walls. On the left side of the front porch, a reading area enjoys plenty of natural light from the windows. The new porch blends perfectly with the existing home much nicer front facade. There is a clear front entrance to the home, where previously guests weren’t sure where to enter. We successfully created a place for the client to enjoy with her future grandchildren that’s filled with nostalgic nods to the memories she made with her own grandmother. "We have had many people who asked us what changed on the house but did not know what we did. When we told them we put the porch on, all of them made the statement that they did not notice it was a new addition and fit into the house perfectly.” – Homeowner

Basement - traditional basement idea in DC Metro

This exquisite Wine Cellar is the result of our clients desires to create the finest tasting room for guests to gather and enjoy wine and food. This is the ideal place for entertaining. Lutron Lighting Control System The mood is easily set throughout this elegant space with the Lutron lighting control system installed by our team. The Lutron Lighting Control System is a great way for our clients to have the capability to adjust the lighting and shade levels within a single room or throughout an entire home with the touch of a button. Sonance Speaker System The right sound resonating in the background plays a significant role in setting the atmosphere while entertaining or relaxing. With in-ceiling Sonance Speakers, our client and their guests will be surrounded by audio. Custom Programming Complimentary with the architectural design of curved walls, we installed two curved Samsung TVs. Through custom programming we were able to provide our client the ability to use both TVs simultaneously. With the ingenuity of our team we created an eye captivating custom designed 4K background scenery of wineries that scroll through the TVs providing an additional WOW factor to this already exquisite room. Motorized Shades Motorized shades were installed for the floor to ceiling windows. With easy to use controls, our client can enjoy amazing views or minimize harsh glare on the TVs. The shades are hidden inside custom soffits so they don’t distract from the beautiful view of the landscape or the exquisite design of the room. Savant Control System The Savant Control system was installed to provide our clients the ability and ease of controlling everything in one central location with one touch technology.

Clients wanted to create a design that really focused on the children. They wanted a hang out space for the kids so that all the kids want to stay over. They also want to enjoy watching their children play in the yard so an improved deck would be needed. There are many ideas for future plans. The first phase inlcuded a fence, patio, sports court and patio. The fence was black aluminum with gates. The patio is curved using Belgard Hardscapes rustic slab in danville blend with a laffit border in sable blend. The steps are Belgard belair wall in silex blend. The existing deck was torn down and removed. The new deck was constructed using Fiberon Horizon series composite decking with an Ipe inlay and steps; tudor brown for main deck border. The railing is white vinyl with round black balusters. A EPDM liner drainage system was installed below decking boards and ran into a gutter. The asphalt basketball court was installed and painted green with white striping. All in all a wonderful space for family and friends. After photos: Candy Wheelock Photography

Clients wanted to create a design that really focused on the children. They wanted a hang out space for the kids so that all the kids want to stay over. They also want to enjoy watching their children play in the yard so an improved deck would be needed. There are many ideas for future plans. The first phase inlcuded a fence, patio, sports court and patio. The fence was black aluminum with gates. The patio is curved using Belgard Hardscapes rustic slab in danville blend with a laffit border in sable blend. The steps are Belgard belair wall in silex blend. The existing deck was torn down and removed. The new deck was constructed using Fiberon Horizon series composite decking with an Ipe inlay and steps; tudor brown for main deck border. The railing is white vinyl with round black balusters. A EPDM liner drainage system was installed below decking boards and ran into a gutter. The asphalt basketball court was installed and painted green with white striping. All in all a wonderful space for family and friends. After photos: Candy Wheelock Photography

An American family with three young children, living in Geneva Switzerland wanted a vacation property in Los Angeles and were thrilled to find a brand new contemporary home 2 blocks from the beach in Redondo Beach. This 3,200 square foot home with four bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths was designed by Los Angeles architect Patrick John Killen, founder and Managing Principal of Studio 9 one 2. Both the husband and the wife in this family have built careers in the fashion industry and wanted their home to reflect their international sense of style while still being a comfortable and playful environment for their children - and to honor the fact that this is - after all - a beach house. Surf's Up! The house is close enough to the beach to receive lots of ocean air and breezes; the property is also designed with an abundance of glass in large sweeping windows that flood this very open floor plan with natural light. The extra large patio that is revealed by sliding back several large glass panel doors expands the primary living area to include this outdoor space. The rooftop deck offers an additional private lounge area for daytime sunning or sunset cocktails with a teasing glimpse of the ocean and a panoramic view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Each bedroom has its own private bath and there is a fireplace in one of the two living rooms and in the Master suite, to warm those South Bay evenings. All of this within a five minute stroll to the beach! Surf's Up! The interior designed by Studio 9 one 2 utilized an assortment of “green-friendly” materials, including cherry stained bamboo flooring. The colors of granite used in the chef-friendly kitchen accenting the stainless steel appliances are dark greens and rich browns .. all bathed in lots of natural light. In keeping with Cantoni’s motto of ”Great Design is a Way of Life” Bernadette designed a playroom for the children where they could have their own space to just hang out, play video games and watch movies. Each bedroom reflects the personalities of the children and the Master Bedroom is a soothing and relaxing retreat for the parents. On the main level the large open floor plan the Mercer sectional just beckons you to kick back and relax especially after spending the day at the beach. The dark oak Ritz dining table is perfect for entertaining the many friends and family who Surf's Up!get together for bar-b-ques and gourmet dining. The artwork has a wonderful punch of color to underscore the playfulness and Southern California beach vibe. What better way to enjoy a vacation with family and friends! This is a great home away from home with plenty of space and light and only two blocks to the ocean. That’s why Jake says “Surf’s Up!”

These Clayton homeowners transformed their backyard space by adding a delightful deck. They worked with the existing architectural look of columns, stone and tile to recreate this dream space. They took their ideas and worked with our 3D designer to see photo realistic views. That way, they could know exactly what they were creating. And they knew their investment range well before construction. Now they enjoy their backyard much more, sipping wine and having hor d'oeuvres with friends. Imagine watching the sunset in this backyard! Marilyn Cunningham Photography

A little corner purely for playing and reading books in. The little mat acts as a comfy place to play and enjoy in.
Example of a mid-sized danish boy carpeted and beige floor nursery design in Sussex with green walls

Marshfield Custom Backyard Basketball Court with rebounder and hockey boards. Year round backyard enjoyment - flood court area during winter months for hockey and skating

Tree houses continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of children of all ages, and this spectacular Bungalow style tree house is no exception. The tree house features two types of swings, a spacious deck, play spaces in both the tree and playhouse, and an exhilarating twisty slide for a thrilling descent. Perfect for residential applications, themed parks and playgrounds. One of the most interesting features of this tree house is that it doesn't incorporate a real tree into it's play space. The tree is crafted from environmentally friendly gfrc (glass fiber reinforced concrete), and will not die or degrade over time. In fact, gfrc strengthens as it ages, providing a play element that will be enjoyed by children for many years to come.

Our clients, a vibrant young family with two energetic kids and a playful dog, were feeling the constraints of their outdated, cramped house. The Main Floor was divided by walls, fragmenting the Kitchen, Dining Room, and living areas, making family time and entertaining a bit of a struggle. The Kitchen was small and dim, lacking counter space and storage. The kids' study/play table was squeezed into a tight corner, emphasizing the lack of space. The dark hardwood floors were scratched and worn, and the foyer felt cramped and uninviting. The powder room was also The idea of a major renovation brought both excitement and a bit of anxiety. The couple was unsure about design decisions and worried about the challenges of dealing with structural columns and beams. Collaborating with Sosna designer Camila, the family embarked on a journey to transform their outdated house into a bright, functional home. To open up the space, walls were removed, creating a seamless flow between the foyer, living room, dining room, and kitchen. The kitchen was relocated and expanded to include generous counter space and a large island, providing the ideal spot for the kids to help prepare meals—a task they’ve come to enjoy since the renovation—or work on their homework. Additionally, the addition of a cozy window bench offers extra seating for hanging out with the family. It’s also the perfect place to curl up with a good book. The once dark and gloomy powder room was completely refreshed with new fixtures, a white oak vanity, and beautiful floor tiles, which significantly brightened it up. Additionally, the dark hardwood floors were replaced with a lighter, more modern option, brightening the entire main floor. The renovation wasn't without its hiccups. A mix-up with the hardwood flooring led to a last-minute scramble for a replacement. But in the end, the family fell in love with the new flooring, proving that sometimes unexpected changes can lead to even better outcomes. The renovation completely transformed the home. What was once a cramped and segmented main floor is now a bright, open space perfectly suited to the family's lifestyle. The new kitchen island became the heart of the home, providing a place for the kids to do homework while their parents cooked, fostering a sense of togetherness. The open layout also made hosting gatherings effortless. Throughout the renovation, the kids and their dog brought a playful energy to the construction site, forming a special bond with the crew. Despite the challenges of living through a renovation, the family managed to maintain a sense of normalcy, working from home when possible and appreciating the crew's efforts to keep things tidy. What started as a simple update turned into a full-scale transformation that reflects the family’s needs and personal style. Their willingness to embrace bold design choices, such as blush pink tiles and bright floral patterns, adds a unique touch to the space. And that hardwood flooring mix-up? It turned out to be a happy accident, resulting in a floor they love even more. In the end, this renovation was more than just a home makeover; it was about creating a space that truly feels like home, nurturing family connections, and bringing joy to everyday life.

Hidden Technology at It’s Best As you walk into this modern living space, you are greeted by the amble sunlight from the skylights and large window that extends from the ground to the ceiling. A pleasing space to enjoy a book next to the fireplace but it much more than that. With a press of a button, shades lower covering every window, blocking all sunlight. A screen descend from above the fireplace and a projector lowers from the ceiling. The Meridian speakers that were artfully accenting the room begin to play. This modern living space seamlessly is transitioned to a high performing theater room. Spire Integrated Systems Inc. specializes in the design and installation of award-winning theater systems that meet the lifestyle, decor and budget of the homeowner. In the comforts of your own home enjoy the dynamics of a full-screen viewing arena, complete with spectacular surround sound system, custom acoustical treatments, ambiance lighting, simple automated touch panel control and luxurious theater seating. Whether watching the latest high-definition cinematic astonishment, hearing every note of a composition, or partaking in a larger-than-life game experience, a home theater will enhance your home. When you are ready to enjoy the convenience and rewards of a home theater system, contact Spire Integrated Systems. Spire’s expertise in conscious design, ever-changing technology and priority service, will make you a captive audience. Please schedule a private tour of our showroom in Troy, MI to learn how we can take your home to a new level.

With floor to ceiling windows, this luxurious lake house was designed to showcase every breathtaking view throughout the home. With a Savant system, Spire integrated the technology to be controlled on demand as to not detract from the home’s beauty or scenery. Hidden Motorized Window Treatments With the installation of dual motorized Lutron shades throughout the home, the client has the ability to choose how they want to enjoy the view with just the touch of a button. The sheer shades provide protection from the sun, while the blackout shades provide complete privacy.Custom staggered shades were installed for complete coverage of the corner to corner glass windows. When not in use, the shades are completely hidden inside custom made soffits. Lighting Control System The Lutron RadioRA2 Lighting Control provides our clients the ability to customize the level of illuminating ambiance they desire from kitchen to the family room and throughout their entire home. Set the mood, bright for entertaining or dim for relaxing. The ease of controlling the levels of lighting with a touch of a button is technology at its finest. Home Theater Room With the Epson projector and B&W speakers that we’ve installed in the Theater Room, our clients can relax and enjoy their favorite movie as if they were in a high quality theater without having to leave home. Whole Home Audio System Guests won’t miss a beat as they roam from room to room with the resonating sound of the audio system equipped with B&W Speakers installed throughout the entire home. This sound system provides a great background when entertaining guests or sitting back and relaxing by the fireplace. Hidden Entertainment When a TV stand is just too intrusive, a drop down projector is the perfect solution. With a push of a button, the master bedroom can transform from a relaxing oasis to an entertainment space. The projector lowers from the ceiling, the lights dim and audio plays from the in-ceiling speakers. The motorized shades lower and provide a solid backdrop for enjoying a movie. The possibilities are endless with Spire’s home integration solution. Contact us for information on how we can integrate the latest technology into your home.

These Clayton homeowners transformed their backyard space by adding a delightful deck. They worked with the existing architectural look of columns, stone and tile to recreate this dream space. They took their ideas and worked with our 3D designer to see photo realistic views. That way, they could know exactly what they were creating. And they knew their investment range well before construction. Now they enjoy their backyard much more, sipping wine and having hor d'oeuvres with friends. Imagine watching the sunset in this backyard! Marilyn Cunningham Photography