Search results for "Enjoyable" in Home Design Ideas

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Enjoy luxury living in the comfort of your own garden, with ultimate flexibility depending on the weather! Who wouldn’t want that? The Verdeca consists of a UPVC canopy roof and an anthracite aluminum frame, for a sleek and modern look. If you would like to enjoy the sun, with one push of a button, you can slide the roof to any point you like, so you can immediately enjoy maximum light and beautiful weather. When the rain starts to come down, you can move the roof back into a closed position with the same ease of remote control.
By adding glass sliding walls you can choose to extend your Verdeca folding roof to a complete garden room. With the flexible Verdeca patio roof, you can therefore enjoy optimum comfort on your terrace.
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Our clients will enjoy their outdoor living space year-around. The Concrete Fire Bowl with the jade blue glass is clearly the focal point in this back yard. Notice however, the beautiful gray cement circular patio partially enclosed by buff and red strip stone seating benches. Simply elegant!
Kids will enjoy playing games on the Kentucky Bluegrass mix sod. Adults will enjoy the view of the Rockies framed by a Bosnian Pine on one side of the yard and a Colorado Blue Spruce on the other. In the Spring and Summer our clients will enjoy the flowering shrubs and flowers planted near the fence line which include: Climbing Yellow Rose, Climbing Red Rose, Dwarf Tinkerbelle Pink Lilac, Karl Forester Feather Reed Grass and Yellow Ice Plant.
Stonemason: Arturo Munoz
Photographer: Tom Z Productions

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

This cozy rooftop deck is a charming oasis high above the bustling city below. With comfortable seating, lush greenery, and breathtaking views, it's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the fresh air.
Whether enjoying a glass of wine or curling up with a good book, this cozy rooftop deck is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility.
Overall, this cozy rooftop deck is a beautiful example of how a small outdoor space can be transformed into a relaxing and inviting oasis. The comfortable seating, lush greenery, and breathtaking views come together to create a space that is both cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Creating a comfortable outdoor living space is a priority for many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. With rising summer temperatures, installing a shade tarp in your backyard offers an affordable and effective solution for sun protection. We’ve developed this detailed, step-by-step guide to help you confidently install a shade tarp that not only shields you from the sun but also adds aesthetic appeal to your outdoor area.
Benefits of Installing a Backyard Shade Tarp
Before diving into the installation process, let’s explore the key benefits of having a backyard shade tarp:
Provides UV Protection: Keeps your family and guests safe from harmful sun exposure.
Reduces Outdoor Temperatures: Creates a cooler, more enjoyable outdoor space.
Protects Outdoor Furniture: Extends the life of patio furniture by reducing sun damage.
Enhances Outdoor Aesthetics: Adds a modern, stylish look to your yard.
Budget-Friendly: More affordable compared to permanent structures like pergolas.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
To begin your DIY backyard shade project, gather the following materials and tools:
Materials:
Shade tarp (UV-resistant and breathable)
Sturdy posts or existing structures (trees, fences, walls)
Mounting hardware (eye bolts, D-rings, turnbuckles, snap hooks)
Nylon or polyester rope, or stainless-steel wire
Concrete (if installing new posts)
Tools:
Power drill
Measuring tape
Level
Ladder
Wrench or adjustable spanner
Post hole digger (if installing new posts)
Step 1: Plan Your Shade Tarp Layout
The first step in installing your backyard shade tarp is careful planning. Take time to assess your outdoor area and answer these key questions:
Where is the sun’s path throughout the day?
What size and shape of tarp best suits your space?
Will you anchor the tarp to existing structures or install new posts?
What height do you want the tarp to sit at for maximum shade and airflow?
Pro Tip: Use string or garden hoses to visualize the tarp layout on the ground before making permanent decisions.
Step 2: Measure and Mark Anchor Points
Once you’ve determined the tarp’s location and orientation:
Measure the tarp dimensions.
Mark the exact points where each corner of the tarp will be anchored.
Ensure that the anchor points are at least 5–10% longer than the tarp size to allow for tensioning and slight adjustments.
Consider slope angles for water runoff. Aim for at least a 20-degree angle to prevent water pooling on the tarp.
Step 3: Install Support Posts (If Necessary)
If your backyard lacks existing anchor points like trees or fences, you’ll need to install sturdy support posts:
Dig post holes at least 24 inches deep and 8-12 inches wide for stability.
Set posts in concrete, making sure they remain plumb and level.
Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24–48 hours before applying tension from the tarp.
We recommend using pressure-treated wood, galvanized steel poles, or aluminum posts for longevity and strength.
Step 4: Install Mounting Hardware
With your anchor points ready, it’s time to install the necessary hardware:
Attach eye bolts or pad eyes securely into walls, posts, or other fixed structures.
For added flexibility and adjustability, install turnbuckles or tensioners to fine-tune the tarp’s tightness.
Connect snap hooks, D-rings, or carabiners to make assembly and disassembly easier.
Make sure all hardware is rated for outdoor use to prevent rust and corrosion.
Step 5: Attach and Tension the Shade Tarp
Now it’s time for the most satisfying part—mounting the shade tarp:
Begin by attaching one corner of the tarp to an anchor point.
Gradually attach the remaining corners, moving diagonally for even tension.
Adjust each connection point using your turnbuckles, ropes, or cables.
Pull the tarp tight enough to avoid sagging, but not so tight that it risks tearing.
Check that the tarp maintains the desired slope for rainwater runoff and adjust tension as needed.
Step 6: Final Adjustments and Safety Check
Before enjoying your new shaded area:
Inspect all anchor points and hardware for stability.
Test the tarp’s tension and make adjustments for even distribution.
Ensure that no sharp edges or loose connections remain that could damage the tarp or pose a safety hazard.
Confirm that the tarp is secure in windy conditions by giving it a gentle tug.
If you live in an area with frequent high winds, consider removing the tarp during storms to prevent damage.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Shaded Backyard Oasis
Once installed, your backyard shade tarp provides a comfortable and protective space for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, or family activities. You can decorate underneath with outdoor furniture, string lights, or potted plants to create a personalized outdoor retreat.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Shade Tarp Performance
To extend the life of your shade tarp, follow these maintenance guidelines:
Regularly check for wear and tear, especially around anchor points and seams.
Clean the tarp periodically with mild soap and water to prevent mildew buildup.
Store the tarp indoors during harsh weather seasons if it's not designed for year-round use.
Tighten hardware as needed to maintain proper tension and avoid sagging.
By following these simple care steps, your shade tarp will continue to deliver years of sun protection and outdoor comfort.
Conclusion: Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with a DIY Shade Tarp
Installing a shade tarp in your backyard is a cost-effective and rewarding DIY project. With careful planning, quality materials, and proper installation techniques, you’ll enjoy cool, shaded outdoor living all season long. This step-by-step guide ensures your project goes smoothly from start to finish.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented.
On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent.
Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining.
Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge?
The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic!
To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home.
Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

4 beds 4 baths
Total 7301 sq ft , Living 4,106 sq ft
From the moment you walk in, you will feel the love in the details. Whether enjoying a handcrafted cocktail on the dock, or a glass of bubbly in the spacious outdoor lanai over looking the water , you?ll enjoy the luxurious upgrades that make this coastal gem feel like home. With the perfect combination of wonderful weather and thoughtful convenience, you?ll love strolling home from some of St. Petersburg's most popular eateries, jogging down the beach, enjoying the majestic sunsets ,lingering over coffee at a nearby cafe, or even entertaining friends in the fantastic indoor/outdoor open floor plan, and creating delicious meals at home in the gourmet chef?s kitchen. How about hoping on your boat and enjoy some water sports. You are going to love living here.

Beautiful summer nights make you want to relish the evening on your decking, enjoying being under the stars.
You’re more than likely spending most evenings and weekends enjoying the outdoors and that’s likely to include you hosting family and friends enjoying your outdoor entertainment area. The fun doesn’t have to stop at dusk just because your outdoor lighting isn’t sufficient.
Creating the right ambiance is all about choosing the right lights; Decker’s Deck Toronto can help you choose the right type of deck lighting.
It’s very affordable and easy to upgrade your outdoor entertainment area by adding deck lighting. The cozy ambiance will have you enjoying quality family time year-round.
You no longer have to be blinded by floodlights or sitting in the darkness, as Solar deck lighting provides a great alternative. Modern solar deck lights have great illumination, providing a great intensity of light, durability and are increasingly stylish that can blend into any deck or decor.
A deck is far more useful when you have the ability of using it day and night and utilizing solar deck lights can help illuminate seating areas
Each deck light comes with built-in day/night sensors that automatically turn on when the sun sets and the evening light dims to provide illumination to your decking. Each solar deck lights running time differs, depending on location and how much direct sunlight it receives, but they are capable of running for hours fully charged. They provide great options for large decks, verandas, or stairs.

Enjoy luxury living in the comfort of your own garden, with ultimate flexibility depending on the weather! Who wouldn’t want that? The Verdeca consists of a UPVC canopy roof and an anthracite aluminum frame, for a sleek and modern look. If you would like to enjoy the sun, with one push of a button, you can slide the roof to any point you like, so you can immediately enjoy maximum light and beautiful weather. When the rain starts to come down, you can move the roof back into a closed position with the same ease of remote control.
By adding glass sliding walls you can choose to extend your Verdeca folding roof to a complete garden room. With the flexible Verdeca patio roof, you can therefore enjoy optimum comfort on your terrace.

4 beds 4 baths
Total 7301 sq ft , Living 4,106 sq ft
From the moment you walk in, you will feel the love in the details. Whether enjoying a handcrafted cocktail on the dock, or a glass of bubbly in the spacious outdoor lanai over looking the water , you?ll enjoy the luxurious upgrades that make this coastal gem feel like home. With the perfect combination of wonderful weather and thoughtful convenience, you?ll love strolling home from some of St. Petersburg's most popular eateries, jogging down the beach, enjoying the majestic sunsets ,lingering over coffee at a nearby cafe, or even entertaining friends in the fantastic indoor/outdoor open floor plan, and creating delicious meals at home in the gourmet chef?s kitchen. How about hoping on your boat and enjoy some water sports. You are going to love living here.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented.
On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent.
Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining.
Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge?
The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic!
To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home.
Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH.
Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System.
Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits.
The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary.
Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind.
Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

The Westport sectional is elegant in its simplicity and versatility. A limitless range of seating configurations can be made using varying combinations of the armless chair and corner/side units. A large ottoman and square coffee table complete the collection. Recessed teak plinths give the unit a floating appearance, and the piece is hand-woven with the finest all-weather wicker around a powder coated aluminum frame, ensuring years of enjoyment. Stainless steel clips are provided to secure seating units together.

4 beds 4 baths
Total 7301 sq ft , Living 4,106 sq ft
From the moment you walk in, you will feel the love in the details. Whether enjoying a handcrafted cocktail on the dock, or a glass of bubbly in the spacious outdoor lanai over looking the water , you?ll enjoy the luxurious upgrades that make this coastal gem feel like home. With the perfect combination of wonderful weather and thoughtful convenience, you?ll love strolling home from some of St. Petersburg's most popular eateries, jogging down the beach, enjoying the majestic sunsets ,lingering over coffee at a nearby cafe, or even entertaining friends in the fantastic indoor/outdoor open floor plan, and creating delicious meals at home in the gourmet chef?s kitchen. How about hoping on your boat and enjoy some water sports. You are going to love living here.

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for.
“They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”.
The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends.
The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system.
The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet.
Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen.
Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout.
The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace.
One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed!
After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet.
Designer: Nicole Ryan
Photographer: Joe Nowak
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