An updated, contemporary neutral palette that is chic, practical, and an extension of my personal style while being highly functional.
Example of a trendy powder room design in New York

These homeowners needed an eat-in kitchen to seat five for family meals. We accomplished this by creating a custom island with seating for the whole family. The Taj Mahal Quartzite island countertops include a thick 2-1/2" H mitered edge and radiused at the end of the island, allowing for extra seating. This space is anchored by the 48" range with a custom painted wall hood with a dark wood stained mantle. The full height Taj Mahal Quartzite backsplash is both visually stunning and practical. This kitchen opens to the family room with a rustic stone fireplace, creating an extension of timeless and elegant living space.

This fully finished lower level was designed to extend the home’s livability while maintaining the same level of craftsmanship and intention found throughout the main living spaces. Every detail balances durability, comfort, and understated elegance—transforming what could be purely functional square footage into a true extension of the home. The entry and stair landing sets the tone with warm wood stair treads, soft neutral wall tones, and patterned tile flooring that adds visual interest while standing up to daily use. Recessed lighting keeps the space bright and welcoming, creating a seamless transition between levels. A private guest bedroom offers a quiet retreat, featuring plush carpeting, layered recessed lighting, and a modern ceiling fan for year-round comfort. Neutral finishes and clean lines create a calming environment suitable for guests or extended stays. The custom mudroom and storage area was designed with organization in mind, incorporating built-in cabinetry, open shelving, and durable work surfaces. This space provides an efficient drop zone while maintaining a polished, cohesive aesthetic. In the bathroom, modern simplicity takes center stage. Large-format tile, a frameless glass shower enclosure, and integrated shower niches deliver both style and function. A floating vanity paired with a round illuminated mirror adds a contemporary touch, while neutral materials keep the space timeless. The laundry and utility room blends practicality with thoughtful design, offering custom cabinetry, generous counter space, and durable flooring in a layout that makes everyday tasks feel effortless and organized. From guest accommodations to utility spaces, this lower level was designed to feel intentional—not secondary—resulting in a flexible, refined environment that enhances the home’s overall functionality and comfort.

Nestled in the treetops overlooking Lake Sarah, this second-story addition was designed as both a retreat and an extension of home. Elevated above the shoreline, the new spaces immerse the homeowners in the beauty of their surroundings while supporting the rhythm of daily life. The addition introduces a private guest en-suite for visiting family and friends, a quiet office for focused work, a cozy lounge for gathering, a dedicated ceramic studio for making, and an outdoor patio that connects seamlessly to views of the lake and woods. Every space reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle—places where creativity can flourish, where moments of reflection are possible, and where memories with friends and family can be made. Natural light, framed views, and a strong connection to the outdoors guided the design, ensuring that each room feels both purposeful and restorative. Outside, durable cement board siding, anodized aluminum Marvin windows, and composite decking ensure lasting performance. Inside, walnut flooring and custom millwork bring warmth and texture, balancing comfort with modern practicality This project goes beyond adding square footage. It creates a sanctuary—an elevated experience of home where living, creating, and connecting come together in the treetops.

An open-plan space can make the most of its footprint by incorporating a beautiful, oversized island at its heart. The clients love entertaining, so the island needed to be positioned overlooking the dining table, allowing them to connect with guests and family members. The island’s 304cm x 134cm size allowed room to incorporate a whole host of practical solutions, including an under-mount sink with a burnished brass Quooker tap, intelligent storage, a dishwasher, pull out bin and stunning Ercol bar stools. Not only is the island functional, but it’s also imbued with a sense of personality. Our striking Avocado paint colour marries beautifully with a crisp Caesarstone Organic White work surface. At the same time, open storage creates the perfect space to display books and eclectic decor collected by the family.

Crystal clear visuals that look and feel like hardwood or stone, plus a surface that resists scratches, stains, dents and moisture. Laminate flooring makes it all possible on a practical budget. Choose from countless traditional, rustic or modern styles, perfect for any room in your home – even your walls! Over their 40-year history of selling top quality floor coverings, Sarmazian Bros. Ltd.'s reputation for high caliber products and service is continually being enhanced by the testimonials of its customers. As a family-owned business, the Sarmazian brothers and their staff pride themselves on the ability to provide the best end-to-end purchasing experience in the market. New flooring is the foundation of personal expression in any home; at the same time, it is one of the most costly investments. This is why Sarmazian's takes the extra time to supply the expert knowledge, exceptional pricing, and professional installation enabling to transfer optimum satisfaction to the customer. Sarmazian's award winning showrooms allow the imagination to go wild. The spacious design and interactive layouts let customers browse, touch, and feel the extensive selection of merchandise in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Because Sarmazian Bros. deals directly with the manufacturers and installers we offer quicker service, better support, and pass on the savings directly to you, the customer.

Completed in 2025, Project Hallow included a full lateral addition with two bathrooms, two offices, and three bedrooms. One side of the addition features the new primary suite, which includes the primary bedroom, a walk-in closet, an office, and a spacious ensuite. The ensuite is outfitted with a double vanity, double shower niche, a large walk-in shower with a bench, and a stand-alone tub. The other wing includes two bedrooms, a second office, and a full bathroom. The bathroom features a custom shower niche, a bathtub-shower combo, and a double vanity. Two of the bedrooms feature custom accent walls. Select rooms also include built-in closets and custom cabinetry. A skylight brings natural light into the new space. The project also included a new laundry room in the basement and a deck in the backyard, adding both practicality and comfort to the home.

Make a Dream Home proudly presents a remarkable showcase of our recently completed garage remodeling project in Elmhurst, IL. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to transforming spaces, we have turned an ordinary garage into an exceptional area that combines functionality, organization, and aesthetic appeal. Our team of skilled professionals worked diligently to deliver outstanding results that surpass expectations. The finished garage stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and creating dream spaces. Upon entering the remodeled garage, you will be greeted by a space that has been completely transformed. Every aspect of the design has been thoughtfully executed to optimize functionality and enhance visual appeal. From organization solutions to exquisite finishes, our goal was to create a garage that is both practical and visually stunning. In addition to functionality, the aesthetics of the garage have been elevated to create a visually pleasing environment. Thoughtfully chosen flooring materials add a touch of sophistication, while modern lighting fixtures illuminate the space and enhance visibility. The garage now exudes a sense of style and elegance, making it a pleasant extension of your home. Make a Dream Home's commitment to quality is reflected in every aspect of the project. Our team utilized high-quality materials and employed expert craftsmanship to ensure durability and longevity. The finished garage is not only visually impressive but also built to withstand the demands of everyday use. With this completed garage remodeling project in Elmhurst, IL, Make a Dream Home has proven to be a trusted partner in creating exceptional spaces. Whether you seek a garage renovation, organization solutions, or a complete makeover, our team is dedicated to turning your vision into reality. Experience the joy and convenience of a beautifully remodeled garage that perfectly aligns with your needs and surpasses your expectations. Choose Make a Dream Home for your next garage remodeling project and let us bring your dream space to life.

LOS ANGELES, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The commission for this 4,300-square-foot residence came with significant challenges for the architects – a house had once existed on the lot but had burned down and the attempt to replace the house had stalled, leading to an abatement order and a lapse of permits. Our first challenge was to revive the lapsed construction permit by proposing to “modify” the existing structure. The practical effect this had was to fix the footprint of the new home to the existing structure’s plan outline. Having thereby inherited the large, dense block of the original house, the new strategy became one of substituting selective areas of indoor space for outdoor courtyard. This strategy of trading indoor space for outdoor courtyard allowed an erosion of the formerly monolithic structure into a series of distinct volumetric elements, and further suggested that the architectural pieces could cohere as a “village.” The main level is further eroded by large, glazed planes, merging indoor with outdoor, and virtually stretching the landscape across interior space. Moving the detached garage from the rear yard to beneath the new living space allowed for a 75-meter lap pool and a shaded olive garden. The gardens include built-in seating, extensive use of ornamental grasses and Zen-like interior courtyards. A material palette of fossilized stone, bonderized-galvanized metal, and natural Douglas fir allows for the warmth desired by the wife, while providing the modernity required by the husband. Programmatically, her music room borrows from the calm and protected olive court in the rear, while his office becomes a pavilion set in the landscape, which both addresses the street and acts as a sheltering monument for the terraced entry garden.

For this project, our clients wanted a home that reflected their elevated style and supported their growing family. With young daughters, a new baby on the way, and a nanny suite that needed both accessibility and privacy, this design was all about balancing sophistication with family-friendly functionality. We reimagined multiple spaces, ensuring every room spoke to each other while maintaining its personality. Their daughters’ bedrooms feel more vibrant and personal, with thoughtful details like new lighting, fresh paint, and furniture that will transition with them as they grow. The nursery became a dreamy retreat featuring cloud-like textures and soft, celestial touches—an enchanting space designed for their newest addition. The attic, once an afterthought, is now an extension of the home that feels as if it was always meant to be there. The office was designed with depth and refinement, incorporating a built-in library cabinet with a striking black slab background and moody furnishings that add a sense of sophistication. This project was about creating a home that effortlessly evolves with their growing family—where elegance and practicality go hand in hand, and every space feels elevated and deeply livable.

Crafted for the true connoisseur, this custom wine cellar in Clearwater, FL, and Tampa showcases a masterful blend of function and aesthetic appeal. Meticulously designed wooden racks house an extensive collection of vintages, arranged with precision to optimize aging conditions. A central display niche, illuminated by soft lighting, highlights prized bottles alongside curated spirits and elegant glassware. The warm tones of rich wood shelving contrast beautifully against the cork flooring, creating a refined yet inviting ambiance. Overhead, a decorative ceiling element adds a sophisticated touch, evoking the charm of old-world wine caves. Every detail, from the ambient lighting to the tailored storage compartments, ensures that this wine retreat is as visually stunning as it is practical, offering an unparalleled experience for collectors and entertainers alike.

The design intent for this project was to seamlessly integrate modern function into a classic residence while preserving its architectural integrity. The homeowners sought improved accessibility and a more practical use of the upper levels without detracting from the home’s original charm. The new dormer was designed as a natural extension of the existing structure, with careful attention paid to proportion, materials, and roofline continuity. The result is a balanced addition that enhances daily living while maintaining a timeless aesthetic consistent with the rest of the home.

This project showcases a stunning transformation that combines thoughtful design, functional upgrades, and meticulous craftsmanship. At its heart is a fully renovated kitchen featuring custom shaker cabinets with a luxurious, soft green custom paint finish. These cabinets are complemented by an elegant engineered quartz countertop, creating a clean and timeless aesthetic. To further enhance the space, the addition of a skylight brings in natural light, brightening the area and giving it an open, airy feel. The patterned tile flooring adds a bold and stylish touch, tying together traditional and modern elements. The carefully designed bench seating with built-in storage provides practicality and charm, perfect for a cozy and functional corner by the entrance. The renovation went beyond aesthetic improvements. All electrical and mechanical systems were reconfigured to meet the demands of the updated layout, ensuring optimal functionality and safety. Additionally, structural repairs in the floor above were expertly executed to enhance the home’s stability and longevity. Outside, the addition blends seamlessly with the existing structure, featuring durable and stylish siding that adds curb appeal. A thoughtfully constructed deck completes the exterior, offering a versatile space for outdoor enjoyment. This project reflects the seamless integration of thoughtful design, technical expertise, and superior craftsmanship, resulting in a home that is as beautiful as it is functional.

An updated, contemporary neutral palette that is chic, practical, and an extension of my personal style while being highly functional.
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in New York

An updated, contemporary neutral palette that is chic, practical, and an extension of my personal style while being highly functional.
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in New York

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

[Armstrong Laminate - Rustics Premium] Crystal clear visuals that look and feel like hardwood or stone, plus a surface that resists scratches, stains, dents and moisture. Laminate flooring makes it all possible on a practical budget. Choose from countless traditional, rustic or modern styles, perfect for any room in your home – even your walls! Over their 40-year history of selling top quality floor coverings, Sarmazian Bros. Ltd.'s reputation for high caliber products and service is continually being enhanced by the testimonials of its customers. As a family-owned business, the Sarmazian brothers and their staff pride themselves on the ability to provide the best end-to-end purchasing experience in the market. New flooring is the foundation of personal expression in any home; at the same time, it is one of the most costly investments. This is why Sarmazian's takes the extra time to supply the expert knowledge, exceptional pricing, and professional installation enabling to transfer optimum satisfaction to the customer. Sarmazian's award winning showrooms allow the imagination to go wild. The spacious design and interactive layouts let customers browse, touch, and feel the extensive selection of merchandise in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Because Sarmazian Bros. deals directly with the manufacturers and installers we offer quicker service, better support, and pass on the savings directly to you, the customer.

This project involved updating a 1922 craftsman bungalow with a brighter, more modern palette while incorporating elements of the family's Asian and Latin/Texan heritage. The home lacked a true entryway, so cabinets and hooks were added to create a practical and stylish space for shoes, bags, and keys. The living room was redesigned to incorporate swivel chairs and an ottoman for a more dynamic layout, and the dining room features a white oak table that can be extended for large family gatherings. The home office was designed to serve as a workspace, TV room, and guest room, with a spacious console/media cabinet, a hide-a-bed chair, and tall white bookcases to display the family's extensive book collection. The project was completed in March 2022.

Designed for everyday ease, this entryway offers the perfect blend of functionality and style. Deep navy custom cabinetry, matte brass hooks, and a natural wood bench provide warmth and organization. Durable tile flooring ensures longevity, while clean lines and intentional materials elevate the space. This mudroom sits just off the home’s main artery, giving the family a beautiful and practical place to pause. The entryway you didn’t know you needed—until now.