Our clients called us wanting to not only update their master bathroom but to specifically make it more functional. She had just had knee surgery, so taking a shower wasn’t easy. They wanted to remove the tub and enlarge the shower, as much as possible, and add a bench. She really wanted a seated makeup vanity area, too. They wanted to replace all vanity cabinets making them one height, and possibly add tower storage. With the current layout, they felt that there were too many doors, so we discussed possibly using a barn door to the bedroom. We removed the large oval bathtub and expanded the shower, with an added bench. She got her seated makeup vanity and it’s placed between the shower and the window, right where she wanted it by the natural light. A tilting oval mirror sits above the makeup vanity flanked with Pottery Barn “Hayden” brushed nickel vanity lights. A lit swing arm makeup mirror was installed, making for a perfect makeup vanity! New taller Shiloh “Eclipse” bathroom cabinets painted in Polar with Slate highlights were installed (all at one height), with Kohler “Caxton” square double sinks. Two large beautiful mirrors are hung above each sink, again, flanked with Pottery Barn “Hayden” brushed nickel vanity lights on either side. Beautiful Quartzmasters Polished Calacutta Borghini countertops were installed on both vanities, as well as the shower bench top and shower wall cap. Carrara Valentino basketweave mosaic marble tiles was installed on the shower floor and the back of the niches, while Heirloom Clay 3x9 tile was installed on the shower walls. A Delta Shower System was installed with both a hand held shower and a rainshower. The linen closet that used to have a standard door opening into the middle of the bathroom is now storage cabinets, with the classic Restoration Hardware “Campaign” pulls on the drawers and doors. A beautiful Birch forest gray 6”x 36” floor tile, laid in a random offset pattern was installed for an updated look on the floor. New glass paneled doors were installed to the closet and the water closet, matching the barn door. A gorgeous Shades of Light 20” “Pyramid Crystals” chandelier was hung in the center of the bathroom to top it all off! The bedroom was painted a soothing Magnetic Gray and a classic updated Capital Lighting “Harlow” Chandelier was hung for an updated look. We were able to meet all of our clients needs by removing the tub, enlarging the shower, installing the seated makeup vanity, by the natural light, right were she wanted it and by installing a beautiful barn door between the bathroom from the bedroom! Not only is it beautiful, but it’s more functional for them now and they love it! Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units. 330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans. The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates. Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality; Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city. To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside. We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building. Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique. It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space. All images by KURV Architecture ©

Request Free Quote The photos below are various container and planter landscaping projects which have been completed by Schmechtig Landscapes. Containers are a great way to add color to your patios, entrances, and other areas in your landscape. Simply click on any photo to enlarge it and scroll through our photos.

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

In a wooded area of Lafayette, a mid-century home was re-imagined for a graphic designer and kindergarten teacher couple and their three children. A major new design feature is a high ceiling great room that wraps from the front to the back yard, turning a corner at the kitchen and ending at the family room fireplace. This room was designed with a high flat roof to work in conjunction with existing roof forms to create a unified whole, and raise interior ceiling heights from eight to over ten feet. All new lighting and large floor to ceiling Fleetwood aluminum windows expand views of the trees beyond. The existing home was enlarged by 700 square feet with a small exterior addition enlarging the kitchen over an existing deck, and a larger amount by excavating out crawlspace at the garage level to create a new home office with full bath, and separate laundry utility room. The remodeled residence became 3,847 square feet in total area including the garage. Exterior curb appeal was improved with all new Fleetwood windows, stained wood siding and stucco. New steel railing and concrete steps lead up to the front entry. Front and rear yard new landscape design by Huettl Landscape Architecture dramatically alters the site. New planting was added at the front yard with landscape lighting and modern concrete pavers and the rear yard has multiple decks for family gatherings with the focal point a concrete conversation circle with central fire feature. Everything revolves around the corner kitchen, large windows to the backyard, quartz countertops and cabinetry in painted and walnut finishes. The homeowners enjoyed the process of selecting Heath Tile for the kitchen backsplash and white oval tiles at the family room fireplace. Black brick tiles by Fireclay were used on the living room hearth. The kitchen flows into the family room all with views to the beautifully landscaped yards. The primary suite has a built-in window seat with large windows overlooking the garden, walnut cabinetry in a skylit walk-in closet, and a large dramatic skylight bouncing light into the shower. The kid’s bath also has a skylight slot with light angling downward over double sinks. More colorful tile shows up in these spaces, as does a geometric patterned tile in the downstairs office bath shower. The large yard is taken full advantage of with concrete paved walkways, stairs and firepit circle. New retaining walls in the rear yard helped to add more level usable outdoor space, with wood slats to visually blend them into the overall design. The end result is a beautiful transformation of a mid-century home, that both captures the client’s personalities and elevates the house into the modern age.

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   We went with a minimalist, clean, industrial look that feels light, bright and airy. The island is a dark charcoal with cool undertones that coordinates with the cabinetry and transom work in both the neighboring mudroom and breakfast area. White subway tile, quartz countertops, white enamel pendants and gold fixtures complete the update. The ends of the island are shiplap material that is also used on the fireplace in the next room. In the new mudroom, we used a fun porcelain tile on the floor to get a pop of pattern, and walnut accents add some warmth. Each child has their own cubby, and there is a spot for shoes below a long bench. Open shelving with spots for baskets provides additional storage for the room. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

knoll landscape design miami designer brent knoll hummingbird nectaring on red flower
Design ideas for a tropical landscaping in Miami.

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

This expansive outdoor deck and garden is the ultimate in luxury entertaining, lounging, dining and includes amenities for shade, a vegetable garden, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, grilling and a glass enclosure with heaters to get the most enjoyment and extended use year round. Rooftopia incorporated multiple customized Renson pergolas into the central dining and lounge areas. Each of three Renson pergola systems and their unique features are controlled with the touch of a button. The motorized overhead louvers can be enjoyed open or fully closed to provide shade and a waterproof cover. Each pergola has integrated dimmable LED lighting in the roof blades or louvers. The seating and lounge area was designed with gorgeous modern furnishings and a luxurious fire table. The lounge area can be fully enclosed by sliding glass panels around its walls, to capture the heat from the fire table and integrated Renson heaters. A privacy and shade screen can also be retractable at the west to offer another layer of protection from the intensity of the setting sun. The lounges also feature an integrated sound system and mobile TV cabinet so the space can be used year round to stay warm and cozy while watching a movie or a football game. The outdoor kitchen and dining area features appliances by Hestan and highly customized concrete countertops with matching shelves mounted on the wall. The aluminum cabinets are custom made by Urban Bonfire and feature accessories for storing kitchen items like dishes, appliances, beverages, an ice maker and receptacles for recycling and refuse. The Renson pergola over the dining area also integrates a set of sliding loggia panels to offer a modern backdrop, add privacy and block the sun. Rooftopia partnered with the talented Derek Lerner for original artwork that was transformed into a large-scale mural, and with the help of Chicago Sign Systems, the artwork was enlarged, printed and installed as one full wall of the penthouse. This artwork is truly a special part of the design. Rooftopia customized the design of the planter boxes in partnership with ORE Designs to streamline the look and finish of the metal planter containers. Many of the planter boxes also have toe kick lighting to improve the evening ambiance. Several large planters are home to birch trees, ornamental grasses, annual flowers and the design incorporates containers for seasonal vegetables and an herb garden. Our teams partnered with Architects, Structural engineers, electricians, plumbers and sound engineers to upgrade the roof to support the pergola systems, integrate lighting and appliances, an automatic watering system and outdoor sound systems. This large residential roof deck required a multi year development, permitting and installation timeline, proving that the best things are worth the wait.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This master bath remodel is the cat's meow for more than one reason! The materials in the room are soothing and give a nice vintage vibe in keeping with the rest of the home. We completed a kitchen remodel for this client a few years’ ago and were delighted when she contacted us for help with her master bath! The bathroom was fine but was lacking in interesting design elements, and the shower was very small. We started by eliminating the shower curb which allowed us to enlarge the footprint of the shower all the way to the edge of the bathtub, creating a modified wet room. The shower is pitched toward a linear drain so the water stays in the shower. A glass divider allows for the light from the window to expand into the room, while a freestanding tub adds a spa like feel. The radiator was removed and both heated flooring and a towel warmer were added to provide heat. Since the unit is on the top floor in a multi-unit building it shares some of the heat from the floors below, so this was a great solution for the space. The custom vanity includes a spot for storing styling tools and a new built in linen cabinet provides plenty of the storage. The doors at the top of the linen cabinet open to stow away towels and other personal care products, and are lighted to ensure everything is easy to find. The doors below are false doors that disguise a hidden storage area. The hidden storage area features a custom litterbox pull out for the homeowner’s cat! Her kitty enters through the cutout, and the pull out drawer allows for easy clean ups. The materials in the room – white and gray marble, charcoal blue cabinetry and gold accents – have a vintage vibe in keeping with the rest of the home. Polished nickel fixtures and hardware add sparkle, while colorful artwork adds some life to the space.

This lovely white home office optimizes natural daylight. The new, enlarged window with transom lights above mirrors the shape of the kitchen window in the room next door, so that the exterior facade has a harmonious symmetry. The built-in desk and built-in corner shelving contain ample storage space for office sundries, and the custom fabric covered bulletin board offers display space for personal memorabilia. A white Aeron chair gives this traditional room a note of modern style. For this project WKD was asked to design a new kitchen, and new millwork in the adjacent family room, creating more of a kitchen lounge. They were also asked to find space for a much needed walk-in pantry, reconfigure a home office and create a mudroom. By moving walls and reorienting doors, spaces were reconfigured to provide more storage and a more welcoming atmosphere. A feature of this kitchen remodel was the unusual combination of a glass counter top for dining, which meets the granite of the island. The custom painted floor creates a happy balance with all the wood tones in the room. Photos by Michael Lee

Kitchen windows are covered in a natural jute shades to hone in on the coastal theme. Wall sconces placed over the windows provides ample task lighting

Kitchen - coastal kitchen idea in Austin

In this recent kitchen design and renovation project, these long time clients came to me originally, several years ago to start discussing the design of their kitchen. At that time, the kitchen in this 1800’s home included a kitchen that had been poorly remodeled in the 1980’s, so the kitchen had already lost most of it’s original charm. I created a design plan creating a beautiful large kitchen expanding the space into the adjacent rooms. My clients loved this design plan, but other home issues took precedence, so after a few additional years, my clients were now ready to start their kitchen project. Their overall goals for the property did change since we first looked at this project, my clients decided that they did not want to enlarge or expand the small kitchen by opening it up to the adjacent rooms. So, I went back to the drawing board to create a kitchen in the existing kitchen space that fulfilled their new goals and created a beautiful functional space within the existing kitchen space. This new design, like my former design, honored this home’s traditional architecture, but added a light, fresh feel to the space using updated colors and material selections. This design consisted of additional storage and cabinetry, additional countertop space, and a small space to sit. We added new cabinetry, appliances, electrical, plumbing, beautiful quartz countertops, glass backsplash tile, traditional lighting fixtures, and finished everything off using beautiful classic hardware elements. My clients are now in love with this new renovated kitchen space. It contains many of the elements of a much larger kitchen, and melds beautifully with the rest of the house which we have also designed renovated over the last few years. Finally my client’s get to enjoy their new kitchen space as much as they enjoy the rest of this beautiful home!

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/