Home built by JMA (Jim Murphy and Associates). Architecture design by Backen Gillam & Kroeger Architects. Interior design by Heidi Toll. Photo credit: Tim Maloney, Technical Imagery Studios. The large-scale remodeling performed to create the Hill House entailed retrofitting the existing foundation to accommodate the engineering requirements for larger windows and lift-and-slide doors, and adding additional foundations for the screened porch. In addition, the main living area’s floor level was lowered in order to improve the view of the distant horizon while standing.

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in San Francisco with a standard fireplace, blue walls and a wall-mounted tv

The owners knew they wanted to create spaces in their backyard that be useful and encourage them to be outside more often, but because their backyard space is so massive the scope and size of the project was initially difficult to define. After a few initial rounds of design, the project ended up creating a series of spaces near their house and pool rather than try to utilize the entirety of their yard. The existing pool was situated in proximity (and almost entirely aligned) to a detached garage. The garage was perfectly useful for parking cars, but nothing special Architecturally and certainly not functionally associated with the pool. The cabana would have been too far away from the main home if it were located on the opposite side of pool and would have been too large and visually obtrusive if arrange to the side of the pool. The design of the cabana was conceived as an addition to the garage that more appropriately capped the end of the pool with an openable space that could be used for cooking, lounging in the shade poolside, or playing games in with the space itself. There wasn’t enough space between the garage and pool to contain all the uses they wanted, so an additional shade structure with a dining space and a fire pit with build-in benches was included to the project, located near their existing living room. Board formed concrete walls were used as a common element between the shade structure and the cabana. The base used as a planter wall and back to the bench in the shade structure is maintained in the base of cabana to develop aesthetic cohesion between the two spaces. The cabana engages a build in bar to a series of folding glass walls for compact efficient use. The interior of the cabana had to maintain the existing garage roofline for structural stability, but the interior is vaulted to the highest extent possible. The interior of the vault is lined with wood to frame the space for visual clarity enhancing transparency. A goal of the project was to make a vast backyard more useful at a walkable scale by creating outdoor spaces close to each other and the existing living areas in and around the home. Rather than attempt to encapsulate the entire backyard it creates density around the edges that look onto the backyard. Because the spaces engage with the existing conditions the space has become a much-used outdoor living space. (Photos of After Construction Conditions by Sara Essex Bradley)

A complete whole house renovation/addition of an existing 1890’s era antique residence renewing all systems, infrastructure, and finishes. Create new primary residence for with modern updates for year around living for the client while being a custodian of historic house that has been a contributor to the legacy of the area for generations. A poorly considered addition that linked to the original 1890’s antique with warren of stairs and corridors was torn down. The replacement addition enhanced the existing living spaces while adding new family room, sun room, prime bedroom suite, outdoor shower, side entry and stair. All the new and existing features are knit together by extending and modifying the existing exterior wrap around porch and house trim details.

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

This active, forward-thinking couple bought a new house in order to “right-size” for the next chapter in their lives. They found a ranch home in a neighborhood they liked, but the floor plan needed a remodel in order to fit their lifestyle. Two small bedrooms were combined in order to make one large master. The existing living room and garage were combined to make one large living space. The floor of the garage was raised to be on an equal plane to the existing living room. Hardwood was added to match the existing flooring and then all was refinished for a fresh look. A large ViWinco Bay Window was added where the garage door once was, and a Velux Solar Skylight was installed to add to the natural sunlight coming from the bay. Custom built-ins lined the furthest wall for storage and closet space. Sliding doors were installed as an entrance and exit to the back of the existing house. A new extended length garage was added for the owner’s vehicles with spare room for the homeowners brewing experiments. Azek window and door trim surrounded the newly installed ViWinco windows along with Cedar Siding mimicking the house. Liftmaster Garage Doors were installed with dual controls for the car and a spare for safety and easy entry. Hangout for Grandchildren These two people are much too busy with their jobs and their many hobbies, from beer brewing, to gardening, and everything in between. But they needed a place where grandchildren could hang out and watch a movie when they came to visit. A part of their basement was finished into a perfect space with a lot of storage for games, books, movies and any other toys or crafts that may need to be stored for frequent visits. Custom bookshelves lined two walls and one was designed for the television and all its components. The area was carpeted and a hall was created with tile to another storage cabinet for linens. A nice basement bathroom was created opposite to the laundry area. Basement Bathroom Remodel A Sterling Accord, 60” Seated Shower was installed in the bathroom with a Moen 4-functioning massaging hand shower with slide bar for the shower feature. A Wellborn select vanity was selected with upgraded solid wood, dovetail drawers. Moen’s hardware on the cabinets compliments the brushed nickel plumbing fixtures in Moen’s Voss Series. The Highline Kohler comfort height toilet, along with the Grip-tight Cachet seat added to the practicality, along with the beauty of this basement bath. A Verdera Kohler mirrored cabinet was installed, giving this homeowner more storage for all those bathroom essentials. Kohler was also installed in this remodel, as the Caxton sink is a bathroom favorite among many of our clients. The Caesar stone countertop in Urban Safari, along with the 12” X 12” Castelbianco Nasino Ivory tile flooring, softens the look and brings it all together. This wonderful couple can now concentrate on their gardening and savoring the long days of summer.

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

Architectural Design Services Provided - Existing interior wall between kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open plan concept. Custom cabinetry layout was designed to meet Client's specific cooking and entertaining needs. New, larger open plan space will accommodate guest while entertaining. New custom fireplace surround was designed which includes intricate beaded mouldings to compliment the home's original Colonial Style. Second floor bathroom was renovated and includes modern fixtures, finishes and colors that are pleasing to the eye.

Leo McKillop Photography
Example of a large beach style dark wood floor and brown floor sunroom design in Boston with a standard ceiling

Large elegant open concept brick floor and brown floor living room photo in New Orleans with white walls

This active, forward-thinking couple bought a new house in order to “right-size” for the next chapter in their lives. They found a ranch home in a neighborhood they liked, but the floor plan needed a remodel in order to fit their lifestyle. Two small bedrooms were combined in order to make one large master. The existing living room and garage were combined to make one large living space. The floor of the garage was raised to be on an equal plane to the existing living room. Hardwood was added to match the existing flooring and then all was refinished for a fresh look. A large ViWinco Bay Window was added where the garage door once was, and a Velux Solar Skylight was installed to add to the natural sunlight coming from the bay. Custom built-ins lined the furthest wall for storage and closet space. Sliding doors were installed as an entrance and exit to the back of the existing house. A new extended length garage was added for the owner’s vehicles with spare room for the homeowners brewing experiments. Azek window and door trim surrounded the newly installed ViWinco windows along with Cedar Siding mimicking the house. Liftmaster Garage Doors were installed with dual controls for the car and a spare for safety and easy entry. Hangout for Grandchildren These two people are much too busy with their jobs and their many hobbies, from beer brewing, to gardening, and everything in between. But they needed a place where grandchildren could hang out and watch a movie when they came to visit. A part of their basement was finished into a perfect space with a lot of storage for games, books, movies and any other toys or crafts that may need to be stored for frequent visits. Custom bookshelves lined two walls and one was designed for the television and all its components. The area was carpeted and a hall was created with tile to another storage cabinet for linens. A nice basement bathroom was created opposite to the laundry area. Basement Bathroom Remodel A Sterling Accord, 60” Seated Shower was installed in the bathroom with a Moen 4-functioning massaging hand shower with slide bar for the shower feature. A Wellborn select vanity was selected with upgraded solid wood, dovetail drawers. Moen’s hardware on the cabinets compliments the brushed nickel plumbing fixtures in Moen’s Voss Series. The Highline Kohler comfort height toilet, along with the Grip-tight Cachet seat added to the practicality, along with the beauty of this basement bath. A Verdera Kohler mirrored cabinet was installed, giving this homeowner more storage for all those bathroom essentials. Kohler was also installed in this remodel, as the Caxton sink is a bathroom favorite among many of our clients. The Caesar stone countertop in Urban Safari, along with the 12” X 12” Castelbianco Nasino Ivory tile flooring, softens the look and brings it all together. This wonderful couple can now concentrate on their gardening and savoring the long days of summer.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

Open plan living, looking from living room back up at the entry. This was a major remodel to an existing 1970 building. It was approximately 2300 sq. ft. but it was dated in style and function. The access was by a wood stair up to the street, with no garage and tight small rooms. The remodel and addition created a two car garage with storage and a dramatic entry with grand stair descending down to the existing living room area. Spaces where moved and changed to create a open plan living environment with a new kitchen, master suite, guest suite, and remodeling and adding to the lower level bedrooms with new baths on suite. The mechanical system was replaced and air conditioning was added as well as air treatment.

Pool cabana designed to match existing Lake Austin Waterfront home.
Living room - large traditional formal and open concept travertine floor living room idea in Austin with green walls

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.

The project consists of three primary additions, one a workshop and garage, the second a basement expansion that juts out over the lake, and a third, which expands the existing living areas with a wall of glass. This third addition, originally not part of the project, was a recommendation by Architecture Office well received by the client because of how it transformed the existing living areas. The existing architecture consists of a historic neo-classical house with a less purist addition that attempts to mimic the original. We took the approach of contrasting the existing to avoid having two additions lacking the craft and integrity of the original. This contrast is a welcoming change to previously dark interiors. The concept opens up opportunities for capturing lake views, creating modern living areas that flow from one to the next. The rear garage and second floor workshop compliment the owners entrepreneurial spirit, a person who enjoys the act of a making. The form is simple but clearly delineates itself form the brick construction with black metal siding and a glass walkway connecting the two. The structure draws from old factory buildings that gather daylight from above, synthesized through a milky polycarbonate portion of roof. The basement addition expands on an existing subterranean space used for storage and utilities. This room is converted into a living space with sleeping quarters, wet bar, and restroom facilities. This living room is a mini oasis from the rest of the house with views secluded to the water and sky. The openness of the balcony expand the view in all directions, with the sun blocked under a cantilevered shade cover.