Water leaks can be frustrating and happen often unexpectedly… especially when the water is coming from your upstairs neighbor! Once the leak occurred, the homeowners decided that it was the perfect opportunity to create their dream kitchen and entryway. The decision was made and the homeowners went shopping to purchase materials for their renovation. One problem; they hadn’t hired a contractor yet. They quickly discovered they would need help building their dream kitchen and entryway which is where we came in. Scope: Create a versatile space that reflects the homeowners’ vibrant personalities where they could cook, work, relax and entertain. Desired features include: Color changing LED tape lighting was essential to help create ambiance. Smaller can lights with updated trim to modernize the lighting. Disguising a “workspace” into the island design. Installing a compost bin that doubles as a wine chiller for entertaining. Separate wine bar. Installing an intricate piece of mirror art and lighting in the entryway. Installing custom waved back splash tile. Challenges: Creating a working set of construction plans from cabinet drawings was a challenge. The process entailed continuous communication with the clients including several walkthroughs before final installation of each aspect throughout the project. Incorporating high-gloss and muted surfaces into the space without creating glare from the natural light coming in from many existing windows. Wavy tile became difficult to install with the desired layout of backsplash outlet style and locations. Solutions: The core design issues were resolved with exceptional communication between our field team and the homeowners. Satin finish countertops and matte paint offset the high gloss cabinetry and backsplash. Because of the size of tiles in the space, the outlets needed to be cut in the center of the tile to look uniform. Time and a steady hand made this possible for the best visual result. Result: Thoughtful execution helped to create a versatile dream kitchen and entry way that also provides an at-home workspace. This now versatile space is useful and aesthetically pleasing, exceeding the homeowners’ vision. The small details ranging from accent lighting to the compost bin turned wine chiller make this a luxurious statement piece.

Water leaks can be frustrating and happen often unexpectedly… especially when the water is coming from your upstairs neighbor! Once the leak occurred, the homeowners decided that it was the perfect opportunity to create their dream kitchen and entryway. The decision was made and the homeowners went shopping to purchase materials for their renovation. One problem; they hadn’t hired a contractor yet. They quickly discovered they would need help building their dream kitchen and entryway which is where we came in. Scope: Create a versatile space that reflects the homeowners’ vibrant personalities where they could cook, work, relax and entertain. Desired features include: Color changing LED tape lighting was essential to help create ambiance. Smaller can lights with updated trim to modernize the lighting. Disguising a “workspace” into the island design. Installing a compost bin that doubles as a wine chiller for entertaining. Separate wine bar. Installing an intricate piece of mirror art and lighting in the entryway. Installing custom waved back splash tile. Challenges: Creating a working set of construction plans from cabinet drawings was a challenge. The process entailed continuous communication with the clients including several walkthroughs before final installation of each aspect throughout the project. Incorporating high-gloss and muted surfaces into the space without creating glare from the natural light coming in from many existing windows. Wavy tile became difficult to install with the desired layout of backsplash outlet style and locations. Solutions: The core design issues were resolved with exceptional communication between our field team and the homeowners. Satin finish countertops and matte paint offset the high gloss cabinetry and backsplash. Because of the size of tiles in the space, the outlets needed to be cut in the center of the tile to look uniform. Time and a steady hand made this possible for the best visual result. Result: Thoughtful execution helped to create a versatile dream kitchen and entry way that also provides an at-home workspace. This now versatile space is useful and aesthetically pleasing, exceeding the homeowners’ vision. The small details ranging from accent lighting to the compost bin turned wine chiller make this a luxurious statement piece.

This project was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and installed by Gappsi at a fully custom built luxury home in the secluded area of Huntington Bay on Long Island. Simple, clean lines, and elegant design incorporates a 20×40 gunite swimming pool with many features. It includes a built-in spa, finished with waterline porcelain tiles and a blue diamond brite quartz finish made to last a long time. The spa, swimming pool, and all the other options are fully automated by a control accessible through a smartphone. The swimming pool is also equipped with a safety auto cover, that can open and close in one minute. The swimming pool equipment includes a gas heater, multiple VS pumps, an air blower for the spa, a salt-chlorine generator system, and an ozone system. The pool also includes 2 water spill over fire bowls with LED lighting, a full sized diving board, and a sundeck LED bubbler water jet. This backyard setting includes a gas fire pit area with a masonry patio fire pit structure, and 36 inches columns built to hold the fire bowls next to the pool. There is also an outdoor kitchen built with Wolf outdoor cabinets and a Twin Eagles grill. All patios and walls were paved and veneered with Fiorito travertine, and the pool coping and stepping stone walkways are custom cut flamed Pennsylvania blue stone. A custom-built pavilion was incorporated in the layout to match the house’s architectural design, colors, and materials. This structure was built to cover the couch sitting area and protect it from the rain and sun. The landscaping entails many types of trees and flowers, natural rock walls, precast step risers built to lead to the lower backyard area, and all new sod with an irrigation system for the entire backyard. Gappsi is a pool & masonry contractor that provides full services from design concepts to management and construction. Gappsi provides backyard and pool designer services in Huntington Bay NY 11743. Feel free to visit our website also at Gappsi.com.

This project was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and installed by Gappsi at a fully custom built luxury home in the secluded area of Huntington Bay on Long Island. Simple, clean lines, and elegant design incorporates a 20×40 gunite swimming pool with many features. It includes a built-in spa, finished with waterline porcelain tiles and a blue diamond brite quartz finish made to last a long time. The spa, swimming pool, and all the other options are fully automated by a control accessible through a smartphone. The swimming pool is also equipped with a safety auto cover, that can open and close in one minute. The swimming pool equipment includes a gas heater, multiple VS pumps, an air blower for the spa, a salt-chlorine generator system, and an ozone system. The pool also includes 2 water spill over fire bowls with LED lighting, a full sized diving board, and a sundeck LED bubbler water jet. This backyard setting includes a gas fire pit area with a masonry patio fire pit structure, and 36 inches columns built to hold the fire bowls next to the pool. There is also an outdoor kitchen built with Wolf outdoor cabinets and a Twin Eagles grill. All patios and walls were paved and veneered with Fiorito travertine, and the pool coping and stepping stone walkways are custom cut flamed Pennsylvania blue stone. A custom-built pavilion was incorporated in the layout to match the house’s architectural design, colors, and materials. This structure was built to cover the couch sitting area and protect it from the rain and sun. The landscaping entails many types of trees and flowers, natural rock walls, precast step risers built to lead to the lower backyard area, and all new sod with an irrigation system for the entire backyard. Gappsi is a pool & masonry contractor that provides full services from design concepts to management and construction. Gappsi provides backyard and pool designer services in Huntington Bay NY 11743. Feel free to visit our website also at Gappsi.com.

Copyright 2019 Rebecca McAlpin. All Rights Reserved.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Philadelphia with green walls and no fireplace

Water leaks can be frustrating and happen often unexpectedly… especially when the water is coming from your upstairs neighbor! Once the leak occurred, the homeowners decided that it was the perfect opportunity to create their dream kitchen and entryway. The decision was made and the homeowners went shopping to purchase materials for their renovation. One problem; they hadn’t hired a contractor yet. They quickly discovered they would need help building their dream kitchen and entryway which is where we came in. Scope: Create a versatile space that reflects the homeowners’ vibrant personalities where they could cook, work, relax and entertain. Desired features include: Color changing LED tape lighting was essential to help create ambiance. Smaller can lights with updated trim to modernize the lighting. Disguising a “workspace” into the island design. Installing a compost bin that doubles as a wine chiller for entertaining. Separate wine bar. Installing an intricate piece of mirror art and lighting in the entryway. Installing custom waved back splash tile. Challenges: Creating a working set of construction plans from cabinet drawings was a challenge. The process entailed continuous communication with the clients including several walkthroughs before final installation of each aspect throughout the project. Incorporating high-gloss and muted surfaces into the space without creating glare from the natural light coming in from many existing windows. Wavy tile became difficult to install with the desired layout of backsplash outlet style and locations. Solutions: The core design issues were resolved with exceptional communication between our field team and the homeowners. Satin finish countertops and matte paint offset the high gloss cabinetry and backsplash. Because of the size of tiles in the space, the outlets needed to be cut in the center of the tile to look uniform. Time and a steady hand made this possible for the best visual result. Result: Thoughtful execution helped to create a versatile dream kitchen and entry way that also provides an at-home workspace. This now versatile space is useful and aesthetically pleasing, exceeding the homeowners’ vision. The small details ranging from accent lighting to the compost bin turned wine chiller make this a luxurious statement piece.

This well-loved home belonging to a family of seven was overdue for some more room. Renovations by the team at Advance Design Studio entailed both a lower and upper level addition to original home. Included in the project was a much larger kitchen, eating area, family room and mud room with a renovated powder room on the first floor. The new upper level included a new master suite with his and hers closets, a new master bath, outdoor balcony patio space, and a renovation to the only other full bath on in that part of the house. Having five children formerly meant that when everyone was seated at the large kitchen table, they couldn’t open the refrigerator door! So naturally the main focus was on the kitchen, with a desire to create a gathering place where the whole family could hang out easily with room to spare. The homeowner had a love of all things Irish, and careful details in the crown molding, hardware and tile backsplash were a reflection. Rich cherry cabinetry and green granite counter tops complete a traditional look so as to fit right in with the elegant old molding and door profiles in this fine old home. The second focus for these parents was a master suite and bathroom of their own! After years of sharing, this was an important feature in the new space. This simple yet efficient bath space needed to accommodate a long wall of windows to work with the exterior design. A generous shower enclosure with a comfortable bench seat is open visually to the his and hers vanity areas, and a spacious tub. The makeup table enjoys lots of natural light spilling through large windows and an exit door to the adult’s only exclusive coffee retreat on the rooftop adjacent. Added square footage to the footprint of the house allowed for a spacious family room and much needed breakfast area. The dining room pass through was accentuated by a period appropriate transom detail encasing custom designed carved glass detailing that appears as if it’s been there all along. Reclaimed painted tin panels were added to the dining room ceiling amongst elegant crown molding for unique and dramatic dining room flair. An efficient dry bar area was tucked neatly between the great room spaces, offering an excellent entertainment area to circulating guests and family at any time. This large family now enjoys regular Sunday breakfasts and dinners in a space that they all love to hang out in. The client reports that they spend more time as a family now than they did before because their house is more accommodating to them all. That’s quite a feat anyone with teenagers can relate to! Advance Design was thrilled to work on this project and bring this family the home they had been dreaming about for many, many years. Photographer: Joe Nowak

Unique pivot front door with frosted glass.
Front door - large contemporary dark wood floor front door idea with beige walls and a glass front door

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope-- The owners of this 1990’s colonial home were seeking to convert the existing space-constricted builder-grade kitchen into a generously-apportioned Tuscan-style country kitchen with lots of natural light, high-end appointments and a warmly textured interior design concept. Among other features they sought a mid-room island that would house critical appliances, complete the work triangle and provide dining counter space for three. They also wanted to include a professional-grade gas range. Challenges-- Situated between dining room and family room, the existing kitchen was small and poorly planned. The sink faced a blank wall and the appliances were inadequate for the owner’s gourmet cooking ambitions. To create the desired footprint, the contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, created a plan that called for consolidating square footage in several rooms adjacent to the kitchen. This entailed removing two load bearing walls– one between the kitchen and dining room, a second separating the kitchen and family room– and shifting loads to newly installed structural supports carefully concealed within the resultant “open” floor plan. To accommodate new appliances (and work efficiencies) called for by this radically altered space plan, the design located the new professional gas range and other key features in the footprint formerly occupied by the breakfast room, a change that takes advantage of opportunities for a higher cathedral ceiling, better natural lighting and greater space. Solutions-- With this space plan resolved, the design team could now eliminate a picture window on the west elevation, designing a new elevation to accommodate a stucco cooktop flanked by a pair of custom Palladium windows. A side elevation slider was replaced with a French door. Infrastructure considerations included introducing gas lines needed for the 48” Viking cooktop range and re-routing plumbing. The 5’ x 9’ granite-surfaced custom designed island includes the primary kitchen sink, a dishwasher, microwave and dining overhang that provided seating for up to four. On another wall, the design called for installing ceiling flush “beaded” display pantries with open bookcases, and routed-in plumbing for a water fountain, a faucet and an ice-making machine. Glazed maple and cherry cabinetry increased available storage by over 50%. A recessed space was also created for a built-in vertical wine rack. Style-appropriate terra cotta tiling with mosaic bordering detailing extends into the home’s foyer. Other finishing work elements include crown molding with rounded turn posts and corbels.

Our clients wanted to open up their living space for better flow so that they could entertain friends and family in a more functional space. They wanted to remove the wall separating the family room and the kitchen and completely gut the kitchen and start over. This also entailed removing the built-in bar area and breakfast nook. They weren’t sure if they wanted to keep the skylight or if it would even work with the new layout or not. The various ceiling heights were also going to be a challenge in the family room and breakfast nook. They also wanted to explore options for a dry bar and/or a coffee bar area. They wanted to keep their new kitchen classic, simple, and clean, and they definitely needed design help to see what it was going to look like. We removed the door to the hallway, closed off the pass-through to the wet bar, and moved two doors on the opposite end of the kitchen. Most importantly, we removed the large built-in bookcase wall between the kitchen and living room! The entire kitchen was demolished, and the renovation began. Linen painted Waypoint cabinets were installed with Successi French Gold hardware. Our client picked out gorgeous Sea Pearl quartzite countertops, making this kitchen clean and sophisticated, with a subtle backsplash using Nabi Tundra 3x6 Ceramic Tile to create a slight contrast. A white Platus 33” single-basin farmhouse fireclay kitchen sink with an apron front was put in, giving it that modern farmhouse feel. All new stainless steel Thermador appliances were installed, really making this kitchen pop! To top it off, the skylight remained as-is and worked perfectly with the new layout, sitting directly above the center of the new large island. Two Darlana small lantern island pendants from Visual Comfort were hung to add a simple, decorative touch to the center of their new open kitchen. New built-ins were installed in the dining area, with floor-to-ceiling cabinets on either end for extra storage and glass front cabinets in the center, above a gorgeous coffee bar. Our clients chose a Metrolume Chandelier from Shades of Light to hang over the dining room table and create a warm eating area. This space went from totally closed off and not their style to a beautiful, classic kitchen that our clients absolutely love. Their boys and their dog, Rusty, also love their new, wide-open living space!

Only $1389 Hypotheory HTRT366 36" Six Burner Gas / Propane Range Top Design Idea 18,255 BTU Triple Ring Burner to provide incredibly even heating for any variety of pots and pans. Brass burner's eliminates corrosion and provides for easy cleaning. UL Certified Incredibly thick stainless steel panels ensure your appliance is less vulnerable to denting or deforming over time unlike other brands. Approximately 0.4 mm thicker then all other brands. 0.9 mm total over all flawless professional grade stainless steel. A small Hypotheory logo is beneath the middle knobs. 2-18,255 BTU Power Burners. Perfect for quickly boiling a large pot of water or liquid. 1- 13,236 BTU all purpose burner and 3-6,824-9,824 BTU Simmer Burners for the delicate gourmet item Child safety knobs protect your major appliance from unauthorized use by children. Smart patented child safety knobs ensure your child's safety, along with your kitchen. Matte black cast iron burners 304 L Grade Stainless Steel. Only the most luxurious of brands use this superior quality grade of stainless steel. Smart patented gas safety turn off knobs ensure a trustworthy luxury edition to your kitchen. If your flame were ever to unlikely go out while on; the HTRT366NG has an advanced flame retardant technology to automatically turn off the knob Continuous Matte Dishwasher Safe Grates for easy cleaning and easy transfer of pots and pans from burner to burner. Easy to remove and assemble back together. Premium, Heavy Duty Professional Style Stainless Steel Knob Controls Stainless steel from head to toe. Every possible aspect of this appliance entails thick stainless steel from bottom to top. "Simply Above The Rest" Dimensions: Actual Depth: 23 5/8 inches Approximately 24 in. Actual Width: 35 3/8 inches Approximately 36 in. Actual Height: 8 1/3 inches Approximately 8 1/2 inches

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope-- The owners of this 1990’s colonial home were seeking to convert the existing space-constricted builder-grade kitchen into a generously-apportioned Tuscan-style country kitchen with lots of natural light, high-end appointments and a warmly textured interior design concept. Among other features they sought a mid-room island that would house critical appliances, complete the work triangle and provide dining counter space for three. They also wanted to include a professional-grade gas range. Challenges-- Situated between dining room and family room, the existing kitchen was small and poorly planned. The sink faced a blank wall and the appliances were inadequate for the owner’s gourmet cooking ambitions. To create the desired footprint, the contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, created a plan that called for consolidating square footage in several rooms adjacent to the kitchen. This entailed removing two load bearing walls– one between the kitchen and dining room, a second separating the kitchen and family room– and shifting loads to newly installed structural supports carefully concealed within the resultant “open” floor plan. To accommodate new appliances (and work efficiencies) called for by this radically altered space plan, the design located the new professional gas range and other key features in the footprint formerly occupied by the breakfast room, a change that takes advantage of opportunities for a higher cathedral ceiling, better natural lighting and greater space. Solutions-- With this space plan resolved, the design team could now eliminate a picture window on the west elevation, designing a new elevation to accommodate a stucco cooktop flanked by a pair of custom Palladium windows. A side elevation slider was replaced with a French door. Infrastructure considerations included introducing gas lines needed for the 48” Viking cooktop range and re-routing plumbing. The 5’ x 9’ granite-surfaced custom designed island includes the primary kitchen sink, a dishwasher, microwave and dining overhang that provided seating for up to four. On another wall, the design called for installing ceiling flush “beaded” display pantries with open bookcases, and routed-in plumbing for a water fountain, a faucet and an ice-making machine. Glazed maple and cherry cabinetry increased available storage by over 50%. A recessed space was also created for a built-in vertical wine rack. Style-appropriate terra cotta tiling with mosaic bordering detailing extends into the home’s foyer. Other finishing work elements include crown molding with rounded turn posts and corbels.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope-- The owners of this 1990’s colonial home were seeking to convert the existing space-constricted builder-grade kitchen into a generously-apportioned Tuscan-style country kitchen with lots of natural light, high-end appointments and a warmly textured interior design concept. Among other features they sought a mid-room island that would house critical appliances, complete the work triangle and provide dining counter space for three. They also wanted to include a professional-grade gas range. Challenges-- Situated between dining room and family room, the existing kitchen was small and poorly planned. The sink faced a blank wall and the appliances were inadequate for the owner’s gourmet cooking ambitions. To create the desired footprint, the contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, created a plan that called for consolidating square footage in several rooms adjacent to the kitchen. This entailed removing two load bearing walls– one between the kitchen and dining room, a second separating the kitchen and family room– and shifting loads to newly installed structural supports carefully concealed within the resultant “open” floor plan. To accommodate new appliances (and work efficiencies) called for by this radically altered space plan, the design located the new professional gas range and other key features in the footprint formerly occupied by the breakfast room, a change that takes advantage of opportunities for a higher cathedral ceiling, better natural lighting and greater space. Solutions-- With this space plan resolved, the design team could now eliminate a picture window on the west elevation, designing a new elevation to accommodate a stucco cooktop flanked by a pair of custom Palladium windows. A side elevation slider was replaced with a French door. Infrastructure considerations included introducing gas lines needed for the 48” Viking cooktop range and re-routing plumbing. The 5’ x 9’ granite-surfaced custom designed island includes the primary kitchen sink, a dishwasher, microwave and dining overhang that provided seating for up to four. On another wall, the design called for installing ceiling flush “beaded” display pantries with open bookcases, and routed-in plumbing for a water fountain, a faucet and an ice-making machine. Glazed maple and cherry cabinetry increased available storage by over 50%. A recessed space was also created for a built-in vertical wine rack. Style-appropriate terra cotta tiling with mosaic bordering detailing extends into the home’s foyer. Other finishing work elements include crown molding with rounded turn posts and corbels.

We just repainted a Victorian house, Circa 1885, for a new client in Chicago. When you see a house of this size and this level of detail, a question comes to mind: How often do you want to have to repaint a house like this? The answer is simple: The least often possible! The related question is: What can you do to extend the life of a paint job? Depending on its size, its level of detail and the condition of its coatings and substrates, a Painted Lady’s paint job can cost between $20,000 and $50,000, sometimes even more. Because of its clapboard and extensive trim and millwork, a Victorian house is especially vulnerable to deterioration. Before having us start the painting project, the owners spent about $8,000 on carpentry repair work to the house. To minimize the future cost of carpentry repairs and prolong the longevity of the paint job, we recommend what we call “Maintenance Painting” to our clients. What does maintenance painting entail? Maintenance painting consists of doing a close inspection of the coatings of a house, every couple of years. What do we look for: signs of failure in the caulking and coatings. When the coating or caulking starts to crack, it is an entry point to moisture, which gets trapped, rots the wood and causes paint failure. Once caulk starts to fail, the deterioration of the substrate and coatings accelerates rapidly. This is why early detection is critical to maintain the integrity of the paint job. We then do caulk and coating maintenance on those spots we detected. When we notice the beginning signs of wood rot, we also do epoxy restoration in those areas. A homeowner needs the assistance of a dedicated painting and decorating contractor in order execute this periodic maintenance. The challenge is two-fold. One, owners are typically unaware of the importance of coating maintenance. Two, painting contractors do not seem to recognize the opportunity of offering this service to their clients. So, these expensive paint jobs are allowed to deteriorate, which adds to the future cost of the repaints. The kind of coating maintenance we are talking about can cost between $500 and $1,500 every two years. The money saved in avoiding expensive carpentry repairs alone more than justifies coating maintenance. Our clients who own historic Victorian home or other “Period” homes in the Chicago area really appreciate this additional service we offer them.

Bedroom - large transitional master light wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Orlando with white walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

When a beloved hobby becomes more of a lifestyle, a custom home wine cellar room just makes sense. Steve Kotfis approached Wine Racks America in 2022 to start his custom built wine cellar in Pittsburgh because he not only collects wine, but enjoys making it too. Creating a home, one that spoke to his style and preservation needs, for his beloved collection was the ultimate goal. The challenge Steve and our design team faced with this Pittsburgh wine cellar was the size constraints the room entailed. The desired cellar space was 95” long, 55.5” wide and 95” tall. The hope was to create a functional storage system that could hold a good number of bottles for his ever growing wine collection. After a couple of rounds of revisions, he landed on a beautiful wine cellar featuring display row racks, lattice extenders, high-reveal rack with a diamond cube combo, an arch with a half-height case bin combo, polished off with base, extender and crown molding. Steve chose the base wood material pine finished with our custom WineSafe™water-based cherry stain and Wine-Safe™ satin finish. Not only did the final product come out stunning, he and the team were able to create a storage system with a 540 bottle capacity. Steve’s favorite aspect of his finished Pittsburgh wine cellar product is the design. Having previously worked with our cellar specialists to design his first wine cellar, Steve turned to Wine Racks America a second time to create his custom wine cellar for this unique space. Our goal is not only to bring wine storage dreams to life once but to continue fostering creativity and collaboration on many future wine projects. If you’re ready to start designing your custom wine cellar, schedule your personal complimentary cellar design consultation appointments with one of our cellar design experts or fill out this design form to start your complimentary colored wine cellar design today.

This 4' by 7' walk-in shower features 12" by 24" polished carrara tiles, installed on a simple subway pattern. This modern layout becomes a bit more classic with the use of more traditional tile materials. In addition to the modern layout, we added some sleek modern fixtures adding another layer of subtle elegance. All told the shower is a perfect blend of tradition meets modernity, consistent with the overall theme and style of the bathroom. Joel Hess

Example of a huge trendy metal floating open staircase design in Minneapolis

Emily Minton-Redfield
Transitional bedroom photo in Denver