The modest 96-square-foot addition we built off the existing kitchen allowed our designer to completely reorient the kitchen and create a better layout. (See the before floor plan). The kitchen has a new side entry that leads to a small deck. A large window above the sink offers views of the back yard. The island is small, but has storage on one side and seating for two on the other. There is also built-in seating in the new breakfast room with a cantilevered table.

Stone Ridge, NY Sited on top of a bluff overlooking the Esopus Creek in New York’s Catskill Mountains, an existing house was built by the client’s grandfather in the 1930’s. While the wood structure was unsalvageable, existing stonework walls and chimney could be preserved. The new design is built on the ruin of this stonework. The main living space is extended towards the edge of the bluff to overlook the valley below. This ties the house to the existing stonewall that runs along this edge and anchors the house to the surrounding landscape. Existing bedroom and living areas were expanded and the surrounding landscape and daylight drawn into the interior with large windows, open corners, and clerestories. Adirondack, Mission, and Prarie styles are each turn-of-the-century American traditions and each influenced by Japanese architecture from which this design developed.

Challenge As part-time residents of this Bonita Springs home, our clients were looking to update their outdoor entertainment area. They also planned to be away for the summer during the remodel and needed their renovation project to be finished prior to their return for the winter. Their needs included: Changing the color pallet to a monochromatic scheme, removing the yellow brick pavers, adding an outdoor kitchen area, adding an outdoor fireplace, resurfacing the pool and updating the tile, installing a new screen enclosure, and creating privacy from the neighbors, particularly the main sitting areas, pool and outdoor kitchen. Although there was already a 1,221 sq. ft. lanai under the roof, it lacked functionality needed by the homeowners. Most of its amenities were located at one end of the lanai, and lacked privacy that the homeowners valued. Solution The final project design required two additions to the lanai area adding an accumulative 265 sq. ft. to the existing space expanding their sitting area and accommodating a much-needed outdoor kitchen. The new additions also needed to blend with the home’s existing style. Addition #1—Sitting Area: The first addition added approximately 145 sq. ft. to the end of the lanai. This allowed Progressive Design Build to tie into the existing gable room for the new space and create privacy from the neighbors. Addition #2—Outdoor Kitchen: The second addition was a bump out that added approximately 120 sq. ft. to the end of the house close to the interior kitchen. This allowed the client to add an outdoor over and 52” Viking grill (with a side burner) to their outdoor living space. Other amenities included a new sink and under counter fridge, granite countertops, tumbled stone stile and Cypress cabinetry, custom-fabricated with marine grade plywood boxes and marine grade finishes to withstand moisture, common in the Bonita Bay community. Special attention was given to the preparation area on either side of the stove, the landing area next to the oven and the serving counter behind the bar. Bar seating was added to the outdoor kitchen, allowing guests to visit with the cook comfortably and easily. Brick Pavers During the design phase, we discovered that the original brick pavers were set in sand, with no concrete pad below. Consequently, the retaining wall and several pavers were starting to fail, caused by the shifting sands. To remedy the problem, we installed a new concrete deck and laid new nonslip pavers on top of the deck—ideal for wet area applications. Pool Renovations To dramatically improve the enjoyment and ambiance of their pool, Progressive Design Build completely re-plumbed it, putting in additional lighting and new water features. New decorative pool tile, coping, and a paver deck were also installed around the pool. The pool finish chosen by our clients was a nice tropical blue color. Screen Enclosure A new screen enclosure was installed in compliance with new local building codes, making it more stable and solid than the existing one. The color change from white to bronze coordinated well with the homeowners’ new color scheme; and the location of the service door and stairs provided convenient access to the new pool equipment. Results This project was completed on time and within budget before these homeowners returned for their winter holiday. They were thrilled with the weekly communication, which included two-way phone calls and email photo sharing. They always knew where their project was in the construction process and what was happening at all times—providing security and peace of mind.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

The fabulous Kitchen we shared with you earlier is open to the Breakfast Area & Hearth Room. We kept most of the homeowner’s existing furniture including the table and chairs, small bookcase, leather chair & ottoman and the rugs. In order to unify the existing pieces with our new color scheme, we installed valances in a colorful paisley print on the 3 large windows along the back wall. They pop off our walls in Sherwin Williams’ White Heron (SW7627). The chandelier in the Breakfast Area was slightly off center and unfortunately could not be moved. We install this oversized, dimensional chandelier that fills the space nicely. We added cushions in a fun denim stripe to the chairs. In the Hearth Room, we paired a sofa with chaise in a sharp tweed fabric with the existing leather chair. We finished off the seating area with unique tables and a colorful lamp. The most impactful change in this area was painting the bookshelves and adding a patterned tile around the fireplace that coordinates with our Kitchen backsplash. Kelly Sisler with Creative Finishes by Kelly did a “Restoration Hardware” treatment to the built-ins making them feel more like furniture. We added texture by installing grass cloth to the back of the shelves. We filled in some colorful accessories with the homeowner’s existing pieces to finish them off. This is a warm and inviting space that along with the Kitchen is definitely “the heart of the home!”

Taylored Improvements - General Contractor, Charlotte, NC - Plaza Midwood home addition. Demo of existing slab. Excavation and removal of new crawlspace and footers. Removal of existing cabinetry and countertops in preparation of renovated kitchen and site work. Framing of new floor system, walls, and roof. New shingles and siding to match existing home. Brick Veneer to match existing home.

Challenge As part-time residents of this Bonita Springs home, our clients were looking to update their outdoor entertainment area. They also planned to be away for the summer during the remodel and needed their renovation project to be finished prior to their return for the winter. Their needs included: Changing the color pallet to a monochromatic scheme, removing the yellow brick pavers, adding an outdoor kitchen area, adding an outdoor fireplace, resurfacing the pool and updating the tile, installing a new screen enclosure, and creating privacy from the neighbors, particularly the main sitting areas, pool and outdoor kitchen. Although there was already a 1,221 sq. ft. lanai under the roof, it lacked functionality needed by the homeowners. Most of its amenities were located at one end of the lanai, and lacked privacy that the homeowners valued. Solution The final project design required two additions to the lanai area adding an accumulative 265 sq. ft. to the existing space expanding their sitting area and accommodating a much-needed outdoor kitchen. The new additions also needed to blend with the home’s existing style. Addition #1—Sitting Area: The first addition added approximately 145 sq. ft. to the end of the lanai. This allowed Progressive Design Build to tie into the existing gable room for the new space and create privacy from the neighbors. Addition #2—Outdoor Kitchen: The second addition was a bump out that added approximately 120 sq. ft. to the end of the house close to the interior kitchen. This allowed the client to add an outdoor over and 52” Viking grill (with a side burner) to their outdoor living space. Other amenities included a new sink and under counter fridge, granite countertops, tumbled stone stile and Cypress cabinetry, custom-fabricated with marine grade plywood boxes and marine grade finishes to withstand moisture, common in the Bonita Bay community. Special attention was given to the preparation area on either side of the stove, the landing area next to the oven and the serving counter behind the bar. Bar seating was added to the outdoor kitchen, allowing guests to visit with the cook comfortably and easily. Brick Pavers During the design phase, we discovered that the original brick pavers were set in sand, with no concrete pad below. Consequently, the retaining wall and several pavers were starting to fail, caused by the shifting sands. To remedy the problem, we installed a new concrete deck and laid new nonslip pavers on top of the deck—ideal for wet area applications. Pool Renovations To dramatically improve the enjoyment and ambiance of their pool, Progressive Design Build completely re-plumbed it, putting in additional lighting and new water features. New decorative pool tile, coping, and a paver deck were also installed around the pool. The pool finish chosen by our clients was a nice tropical blue color. Screen Enclosure A new screen enclosure was installed in compliance with new local building codes, making it more stable and solid than the existing one. The color change from white to bronze coordinated well with the homeowners’ new color scheme; and the location of the service door and stairs provided convenient access to the new pool equipment. Results This project was completed on time and within budget before these homeowners returned for their winter holiday. They were thrilled with the weekly communication, which included two-way phone calls and email photo sharing. They always knew where their project was in the construction process and what was happening at all times—providing security and peace of mind.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

Sunset Heights Renovation This Victorian style home was beautifully designed from the interior to the exterior. Our clients were looking to update the outdoor space, not only was it not functional, but it did not complement their Victorian home. Although we had a yearlong waiting list for design, our clients were patient and hired us for 3D design. Many times, our clients already have all the components in place, such as a pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, pergola etc., but they just don’t feel right. The most important feature of our client’s new space was not only the components, but to be able to have a space that would allow them to create a lifetime of memories. From a visual perspective their existing space seemed limited and confined. Our design team was able to see past this and expanded its space to its full potential which allowed us to create multiple destinations for relaxation, enjoyment and most importantly entertainment. As we began the design process, we were able to take a closer look at the existing space and noticed many safety concerns and how the existing materials did not accentuate the home either. At the completion of their 3D design, we were able to present new ideas and materials that would enhance the value of the home as well as help them visualize the new space created with multiple destinations. Ivory travertine coping & decking was a must as was the Talavera blue highlighted tiles for the newly renovated pool. A new working spa and functional outdoor kitchen with bar were two spaces we are sure they would enjoy while spending time outdoors. We enlarged the existing covered patio to expand the seating area to include chaise lounges, a loveseat and chairs under the pergola shade accent. Newest favorite additions are the gas firepit and cabin play fort which can be highly utilized year-round. Our clients say, “The adults love hanging out in the fort too!” Nestled in the Historic District, our client’s home is now filled with plenty of space and great energy for family gatherings, parties, watching sports, graduations and so much more. Who knows, maybe a future wedding or two! Memories of a lifetime will be made here for years to come! Architecture and lifestyle are always our focus when designing feel good and functional spaces for our clients!

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW As with most projects, it all started with the kitchen layout. The home owners came to us wanting to upgrade their kitchen and overall aesthetic in their suburban home, with a combination of fresh paint, updated finishes, and improved flow for more ease when doing everyday activities. A monochromatic, earth-toned palette left the kitchen feeling uninspired. It lacked the brightness they wanted from their space. An eat-in table underutilized the available square footage. The butler’s pantry was out of the way and hard to access, and the dining room felt detached from the kitchen. Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, saw an improved layout for the spaces that were no longer working for this family. By eliminating an existing wall between the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the bar area to the dining room, we opened up the kitchen, providing all the space we needed to create a dreamy and functional layout. A new perimeter configuration promoted circulation while also making space for a large and functional island loaded with seating – a must for any family. Because an island that isn’t big enough for everyone (and a few more) is a recipe for disaster. The light white cabinetry is fresh and contrasts with the deeper tones in the wood flooring, creating a modern aesthetic that is elevated, yet approachable for everyday living. With better flow as the overarching goal, we made some structural changes too. To remove a bottleneck in the entryway, we angled one of the dining room walls to create more natural separation between rooms and facilitate ease of movement throughout the large space. At The Kitchen Studio, we believe a well-designed kitchen uses every square inch to the fullest. By starting from scratch, it was possible to rethink the entire kitchen layout and design the space according to how it is used, because the kitchen shouldn’t make it harder to feed the family. A new location for the existing range, flanked by a new column refrigerator and freezer on each side, worked to anchor the space. The very large and very spacious island (a dream island if we do say so ourselves) now houses the primary sink and provides ample space for food prep and family gathering. The new kitchen table and coordinating banquette seating provide a cozy nook for quick breakfasts before school or work, and evening homework sessions. Elegant gold details catch the natural light, elevating the aesthetic. The dining room was transformed into one of this client’s favorite spaces and we couldn’t agree more. We saw an opportunity to give the dining room a more distinguished identity by closing off the entrance from the foyer. The relocated wet bar enhances the sophisticated vibe of this gathering space, complete with beautiful antique mirror tiles and open shelving encased by moody built-in cabinets. Updated furnishings add warmth. A rich walnut table is paired with custom chairs in a muted coral fabric. The large, transitional chandelier grounds the room, pairing beautifully with the gold finishes prevalent in the faucet and cabinet hardware. Linen-inspired wallpaper and cream-toned window treatments add to the glamorous feel of this entertainment space. There is no way around it. The laundry room was cramped. The large washer and dryer blocked access to the sink and left little room for the space to serve its other essential function – as a mudroom. Because we reworked the kitchen layout to create more space overall, we could rethink the mudroom too – an essential for any busy family. The first step was moving the washer and dryer to an existing area on the second floor, where most of the family’s laundry lives (no one wants to carry laundry up and down the stairs if they don’t have to anyway). This is a more functional solution and opened up the space for all the mudroom necessities – including the existing kitchen refrigerator, loads of built-in cubbies, and a bench. It’s hard to not fall in love with every detail of a new space, especially when it serves your day-to-day life. But that doesn’t mean the clients didn’t have their favorite features they use on the daily. This remodel was focused largely on function with a new kitchen layout. And it’s the functional features that have the biggest impact. The large island provides much needed workspace in the kitchen and is a spot where everyone gathers together – it grounds the space and the family. And the custom counter stools are the icing on the cake. The nearby mudroom has everything their previous space was lacking – ample storage, space for everyone’s essentials, and the beloved cement floor tiles that are both durable and artistic.

The guest bathroom plays an important role on how your guests will perceive the architecture and style of your home. In this house we totally transformed the outdated bathroom. In collaboration with Roberto Lugo a daring designer from New York, the design process was focused on creating a contemporary space that could be elegant and comfortable. The initial renovation on this project started with the demolition of entire bathroom including doors, vanity, floor, plumbing and light fixture, toilet, tub, tile switches and outlet. An existing wall between toilet/shower room and vanity room was also removed. The existing door frame was expanded to 27" wide (interior) and the existing floor was inspected to determine a depression on the vanity side. The existing door frame was converted into a pocket door frame (door opens to the right). To accommodate for standard crown molding the ceiling above the shower was dropped 4". For the vanity, a furniture-like cabinet style with soft close hardware was installed. The grain stain was paired perfectly with a gray marble countertop. The shower turned out beautifully. A Shower/Bathtub combination with a sliding door was installed. Porcelain tile was installed vertically on the returns walls, glass mosaic for the long walls, glass mosaic was also used along leading edge of tub enclosure. Porcelain tile was used on the floor.

perimeter color: Creamy (Benjamin Moore) island color: Gauntlet Gray (Benjamin Moore) We relocated the Sub.Zero refrigerator in place of where the existing oven was located - the new location more efficient in relation to the prep and cooking area. The existing cooktop configuration was changed to a 48" wide Wolf Range. The existing island with prep sink was too small to be beneficial for the homeowner to actually use. The peninsular was eliminated to allow for an expansive island with a 4 foot wide Galley sink and seating for four people. The homeowner decided on keeping the existing marble flooring which is installed throughout the house. The perimeter and all the millwork is painted Creamy by Sherwin Williams SW7012. The island, media center and laundry room cabinetry are painted Gauntlet Gray SW7017. All the cabinetry was custom milled by Wood.Mode custom cabinetry. design and layout by Missi Bart, Renaissance Design Studio. photography of finished spaces by Rick Ambrose, iSeeHomes

This client wanted to use her existing furniture, coffee table, and rug. We custom-designed and re-upholstered the existing chairs and ottomans, while reshaping and updating her existing couch with new fabric, and accent pillows. Removing the Mediterranean decor on the walls, we replaced the artwork with one large abstract painting and 6 accent mirrors flanking. The existing floor planters were decorated with stunning new foliage, and all new accessories, floor lamp, table lamp and greenery pulls the space together.

Covered Patio Back Door with Concrete Ramp ADA Universal Design and Covered Breezeway Demo Existing Space Pour concrete foundation - Larger covered outdoor space. Open-air firepit. Detached Man Cave Elevator. Exterior Doors with concrete Ramp. Roof match existing roofline and material. Brick / Mason match existing Color Boral Brick - Old Boston. Siding Vinyl match existing. Natural gas grill and 22Kw Generator Lighting and Fans Elevator Shaft and Elevator for detached Man Cave Paint and Gutters

Xtreme Renovations, LLC has completed another amazing Master Bathroom Renovation for our repeat clients in Lakewood Forest/NW Harris County. This Project required transforming a 1970’s Constructed Roman Themed Master Bathroom to a Modern State-of-the-Art Master Asian-inspired Bathroom retreat with many Upgrades. The demolition of the existing Master Bathroom required removing all existing floor and shower Tile, all Vanities, Closest shelving, existing Sky Light above a large Roman Jacuzzi Tub, all drywall throughout the existing Master Bath, shower enclosure, Columns, Double Entry Doors and Medicine Cabinets. The Construction Phase of this Transformation included enlarging the Shower, installing new Glass Block in Shower Area, adding Polished Quartz Shower Seating, Shower Trim at the Shower entry and around the Shower enclosure, Shower Niche and Rain Shower Head. Seamless Glass Shower Door was included in the Upgrade. New Drywall was installed throughout the Master Bathroom with major Plumbing upgrades including the installation of Tank Less Water Heater which is controlled by Blue Tooth Technology. The installation of a stainless Japanese Soaking Tub is a unique Feature our Clients desired and added to the ‘Wow Factor’ of this Project. New Floor Tile was installed in the Master Bathroom, Master Closets and Water Closet (W/C). Pebble Stone on Shower Floor and around the Japanese Tub added to the Theme our clients required to create an Inviting and Relaxing Space. Custom Built Vanity Cabinetry with Towers, all with European Door Hinges, Soft Closing Doors and Drawers. The finish was stained and frosted glass doors inserts were added to add a Touch of Class. In the Master Closets, Custom Built Cabinetry and Shelving were added to increase space and functionality. The Closet Cabinetry and shelving was Painted for a clean look. New lighting was installed throughout the space. LED Lighting on dimmers with Décor electrical Switches and outlets were included in the Project. Lighted Medicine Cabinets and Accent Lighting for the Japanese Tub completed this Amazing Renovation that clients desired and Xtreme Renovations, LLC delivered. Extensive Drywall work and Painting completed the Project. New sliding entry Doors to the Master Bathroom were added. From Design Concept to Completion, Xtreme Renovations, LLC and our Team of Professionals deliver the highest quality of craftsmanship and attention to details. Our “in-house” Design Team, attention to keeping your home as clean as possible throughout the Renovation Process and friendliness of the Xtreme Team set us apart from others. Contact Xtreme Renovations, LLC for your Renovation needs. At Xtreme Renovations, LLC, “It’s All In The Details”.

San Rafael Overview: This garden project began with the demolition of an existing pool and decks cantilevered over a hillside. The garden was originally a Japanese-themed garden retreat and free-form shaped pool. While the client wanted to update and replace many elements, they sought to keep the free-form characteristics of the existing design and repurpose existing materials. BK Landscape Design created a new garden with revetment walls and steps to a succulent garden with salvaged boulders from the pool and pool coping. We built a colored concrete path to access a new wood trellis constructed on the center-line view from the master bedroom. A combination of Bay friendly, native and evergreen plantings were chosen for the planting palette. The overhaul of the yard included low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage. A new wood deck replaced the existing one at the entrance as well as a deck off of the master bedroom that was also constructed from repurposed materials. The style mimics the architectural detail of the mansard roof and simple horizontal wood siding of the house. After removing a juniper (as required by the San Rafael Fire Department within the Wildland-Urban interface) we designed and developed a full front-yard planting plan. All plants are Bay-Friendly, native, and irrigated with a more efficient in-line drip irrigation system to minimize water use. Low-voltage lighting and minimal drainage were also part of the overhaul of the front yard redesign.

This was and still is a 2,700 s.f. brick rancher yet this project resulted in a complete makeover while still maintaining the original footprint and exterior structure. The house was built in 1954 in a lovely location across the street from the Grove Park Inn Golf Club. During our initial meeting, my clients, who had recently moved to Asheville, expressed that they enjoyed cooking and engaging with their family and friends while doing so. They wanted the bathrooms updated, a more functional master bedroom and a larger kitchen. The house had a traditional layout with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a small kitchen, separate dining and living rooms with an adjoining 570 s.f. family room. It didn’t take long before we all agreed that the large family room would be converted to their master bedroom suite. In order to expand the kitchen, a wall between the existing kitchen and dining was removed, stairs leading to the basement were relocated, a bump out in the existing kitchen became a pantry and one of the adjacent bedrooms was opened up to the new kitchen as the new dining room. Both baths were redesigned and a powder room was created by rearranging existing closets. An existing curved wall in the hallway prompted the design of large open arches between the newly created spaces. This concept extended to the design on curved counter surfaces in the kitchen along with a reflected curved dropped ceiling over the cooking area. The exterior of the house was enhanced with bay windows, a new copper-roofed front porch overlooking the Grove Park Inn properties with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. A circular drive was designed for the convenience of guests. Exterior double-hung windows were replaced with French patio doors in the new kitchen/dining and living areas. This allows easy access to the new front porch and back deck while enhancing the openness of the home.

The fabulous Kitchen we shared with you earlier is open to the Breakfast Area & Hearth Room. We kept most of the homeowner’s existing furniture including the table and chairs, small bookcase, leather chair & ottoman and the rugs. In order to unify the existing pieces with our new color scheme, we installed valances in a colorful paisley print on the 3 large windows along the back wall. They pop off our walls in Sherwin Williams’ White Heron (SW7627). The chandelier in the Breakfast Area was slightly off center and unfortunately could not be moved. We install this oversized, dimensional chandelier that fills the space nicely. We added cushions in a fun denim stripe to the chairs. In the Hearth Room, we paired a sofa with chaise in a sharp tweed fabric with the existing leather chair. We finished off the seating area with unique tables and a colorful lamp. The most impactful change in this area was painting the bookshelves and adding a patterned tile around the fireplace that coordinates with our Kitchen backsplash. Kelly Sisler with Creative Finishes by Kelly did a “Restoration Hardware” treatment to the built-ins making them feel more like furniture. We added texture by installing grass cloth to the back of the shelves. We filled in some colorful accessories with the homeowner’s existing pieces to finish them off. This is a warm and inviting space that along with the Kitchen is definitely “the heart of the home!”

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER/2012 NATIONAL NARI COTY SOUTHEAST REGIONAL AWARD WINNER This creative design involved converting a plain basement storage space into a wine cellar and tasting room for a couple that is changing their basement over to an adult “play” space. The basement already has a movie theater, exercise room, and a game table. They had been visiting local wineries and collecting for a future wine cellar of their own and now was the time. The design needed to work around the existing ductwork for the main level, tie into the electrical panel and HVAC system, move the hot water heater and furnace with associated ductwork, and hide the sump pump in the corner. It also included an upgraded look to the cabinetry and shelving. The space needed to be insulated and waterproofed to maintain constant temperature. The remodel connected to the existing electrical system, adding a split cooling system to their existing HVAC. The HVAC for the cellar has its own ductwork and compressor system, but ties into the existing system for drainage. Cabinetry was modified to conceal the sump pump in the corner, as well as cut to fit around the overhead duct work that cut across the middle of the ceiling. Miniature LED lights were installed along the shelving to give a glow so the labels could be read. The tasting table has a granite top with a barrel curved edge. Small touches added to the cabinetry and racks make this a custom designed cellar. Textures in the tile pick up on the wood grain of the mahogany racking. The custom insulated door has a frosted design. There are a variety of lights used, all on timer, including the LEDs, recessed and puck lights over the tasting area. The raised tumble limestone and the rest of the design, makes it unique to these homeowners.