Michelle and Dominic had purchased their home in Wake Forest several years earlier with the idea in mind that it would serve as a family-centric place where they could gather with extended family. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with large lots, it was the perfect place for them to raise and home school their 4 children. As their family grew, the children’s daily activities were split between the 1st and 2nd floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them all. And their extended family get-togethers had become cramped and increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably. They were in need of added living space that could serve their family’s needs as well as provide extra entertaining areas to host family gatherings. With our experience in helping homeowners secure financing for their Home Improvement projects, we worked with Dominic and Michelle to prepare all of the necessary documentation required to apply for an FHA 203K Home Renovation loan. As a result, they were able to finance the full cost of the construction of their new Family Room Addition. Our solution was to add a 1st floor living space that harmonized with the existing floor plan and décor, was central to the existing Kitchen, and flexible enough to facilitate large groups and accommodate the whole family’s daily activities and access to the outdoors. As a result of their newly added flexible living area, they are now able to comfortably gather with their extended family as well accommodate the whole family’s needs, giving them the opportunity spend more quality time with their family and friends. Design Features Harmony with the home’s existing architecture and décor. Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door. Light and bright natural hardwood flooring. A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung Low-E windows. Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement. Easy access to the outdoors and the large deck and yard. Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment. Energy Efficient and Green Features 1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit. Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed. No-VOC Paints and Finishes. Durable Exterior Construction No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows Cement Fiber Siding Cement Fiber and PVC Trim Life-time Architectural Shingles Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures

Open concept kitchen - large traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with a double-bowl sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

Patios made of concrete squares can be chic, but ther spaces between the squares can present problems like tipsy tables, wobbly chairs, and even twisted ankles and trip hazards. This couple wanted the low maintenance requirements of artificial turf and the modern look of concrete squares, but they also wanted a safe space for their young children. So instead of the river rocks that were formally in the patio joints which created uneven levels and trip hazards, they asked if we could remove some squares and install turf between the remaining ones. We used a special technique of installing 2 inch firm turf pads in the joints first and then gluing the turf strips to the pads. This makes the turf level with the concrete squares and will keep the narrow turf strips from lifting, as they would if we had used the conventional turf fasteners here.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard stamped concrete patio remodel in Houston with a roof extension

This kitchen has been designed with vertical storage in mind. The mirrored cabinet doors provide interest and aid in keeping it feel open and airy.
Huge elegant u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Example of a transitional home design design in Toronto

Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Other

Home design - modern home design idea in Toronto

Deck - traditional deck idea in Other

An expansive garage layout designed for both everyday functionality and flexibility, featuring durable epoxy flooring, oversized bays, and a unique rear garage connection that extends the full depth of the home with direct backyard access. The Brentwood plan offers a traditional 2-car front garage alongside an extended tandem-style rear bay capable of accommodating additional vehicles, storage, workshop space, or recreational equipment while maintaining a clean, modern exterior aesthetic.

Mid-sized minimalist side yard stone patio photo in Vancouver with a fireplace and a roof extension

Mid-sized elegant garage photo in San Luis Obispo

Chattanooga Exteriors
Deck - large traditional backyard deck idea in Nashville with no cover

Example of a large transitional open concept carpeted and beige floor family room design in Other with brown walls, no fireplace and a media wall

Inspiration for a modern l-shaped limestone floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Ottawa with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Example of a mid-sized transitional master limestone floor and multicolored floor alcove shower design in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, solid surface countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Dressing room - large traditional gender-neutral light wood floor and brown floor dressing room idea in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Seattle with a fireplace and a roof extension