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The renovation of the project included a main floor renovation which included a brand-new kitchen and a sunroom addition. This renovation revised the space in the kitchen area by removing a load-bearing wall and relocating the mechanical and electrical systems inside. This freed up space and allowed for a more open design in the kitchen area.
The client had several requests for this project, including large windows to allow maximum natural light. This idea was further added upon by adding sun tunnels in the roof for even more light. The sunroom also features a custom deck on the back of the house with aluminum handrails. The addition to the house was to have its own air conditioning system with custom ceiling tray detailing with crown moulding. This also served to hide the attic hatch with millwork finish. Besides, the sunroom space was designed as both a living room and extra dining space. During the pandemic, it also served as an office and home work hub for their children.
What makes this project appealing is the enhanced natural light being brought into the spaces through large windows and sun tunnels. Other enhancements include a large-scale hexagonal mosaic in marble-looking material to add texture to the wall, as well as the use of accent panels to extend custom hood cabinets to the ceiling. Next, the island in the kitchen can seat 4 comfortably enhancing the usefulness of the space. The colours chosen for the kitchen include off white slab doors and deep rich wood accents and island. The hardware is brushed nickel as well as the light fixture, all to match the plumbing fixtures. Around the walls in the sunroom is custom wainscotting using millwork and casing.
Special work was done on the ceiling, by concealing the beams with bulkheads and then angling them to match the existing bulkheads in the kitchen and original dining room. Besides, a custom appliance garage corner cabinet sits on the countertop which offers convenience and efficiency. The size of the island was maximized to get the most storage space out of it, including a pull-out spice rack and a space for a wine fridge. The unique transition between tile and hardwood was done out of necessity, as the sitting stools had to sit on only one medium. Plus, it is a unique way to transition from two different flooring materials!
The unique challenges of this project include the wood to tile interface. This was required for the sitting stools to rest on only one medium. This design feature turned out to be an attractive solution to the design problem. This solution was also used at the patio door entrance. The plumbing in this project was challenging since it connected to an existing reverse osmosis system. There was a large beam in the kitchen ceiling which interfered with lighting placement. Additionally, picking a complimentary wood colour which would go with the existing flooring was challenging. The overall design of the addition took extra time to make the space well-used as the lot itself was an irregular shape.

Welcome to St. Andrew's walk! This TOP floor LUXURY studio apartment boasts CHIC trendy finishing’s and is one of the most AFFORDABLE ways to enjoy all that the Bear Mountain RESORT lifestyle has to offer. Just steps to the golf course itself as well as the gym, spa, fine dining, casual cafe/bistros, nature walks, running, and biking trails. BEAR MOUNTAIN offers it all. Enjoy fantastic views of Mt Finlayson from your private extra-large expansive rare patio, which allows BBQs. This EXTENSIVE private space is covered and set up for outdoor living. The 4th floor also includes another shared deck for gatherings which is beautifully surrounded by greenery, serenity & seasonal displays of the mountainside. This location has city convenience that is only a stone's throw away from all amenities. The 14 1/2-foot soaring ceilings make this approx. 700 sq ft (indoor/outdoor combined) space bright, airy, and open. Some of the features in the unit include cherry wood flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, an electric wall-mounted fireplace, and beautiful granite countertops. This trendy unit has a classic open NY LOFT STYLE layout that offers in-suite laundry, double patio doors, big picture windows, a built-in Murphy Wall Bed, a huge walk-in closet/utility/storage room. Also, you will have secure underground parking, extra communal storage, a bike lock-up, and another separate storage locker. There are no age or rental restrictions, and you can bring your pet. Whether you chose to fall in love and stay or hold it as an investment property. Currently rented for $1400 the month-to-month tenants are extremely flexible and may stay or move out depending on the buyer’s desire. This gorgeous west shore find is where the possibilities are endless, up incoming, and exciting!| Karen Love (250)-727-5868 | RE/MAX Island Properties & www.KarenLove.com |

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly.
One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator.
An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker.
Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge.
Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style.
Mission accomplished.
Matt Villano Photography
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Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Craftsman in Cincinnati, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. Truly the heart of the home, the culinary space has been upgraded with the premium Grand Kitchen layout, engineered to provide an abundance of storage and workspace by adding an extra 19 square feet of counter space and premium cabinet storage. This expansive setup centers around an extra-large kitchen island with seating on two sides and a functional 12-inch eat ledge, offering picturesque views from the kitchen sink looking out into the backyard. Off the main kitchen, a large walk-in prep pantry functions beautifully as a secondary messy kitchen, allowing hosts to handle all cooking prep completely out of sight so main countertops remain pristine while entertaining. Boosting day-to-day efficiency, the main level also features an innovative, oversized combined pantry and laundry room zone for streamlined home organization.
The home's open-concept great room is anchored by a show-stopping, two-story tile and wood fireplace that serves as an elegant, soaring centerpiece for the entire main level. This floor-to-ceiling architectural feature is beautifully completed by a modern linear electric fireplace, bringing a clean aesthetic and cozy warmth to the grand living space. The thoughtful layout flows effortlessly across both levels to accommodate a bustling family lifestyle with total functionality. The primary owner's bath features dual vanities to keep morning routines running smoothly, while the secondary upstairs bedrooms are anchored by a highly practical Jack and Jill bath layout, ensuring independent space and convenience for the whole family.

Builder: Homes by True North
Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors
Photographer: M-Buck Studio
This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting.
Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience.
When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly.
One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator.
An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker.
Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge.
Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style.
Mission accomplished.
Matt Villano Photography

Ryan Bohle Coldwell Banker Signature
Welcome to 1111 Shepherd Way. THIS IS HOME! A Willowgrove, custom build with quality workmanship and luxurious finishings throughout it's 1936 sq. ft. Attractive street appeal is complimented by a triple drive, wide walkway, oversized double attached garage, a fully landscaped and fenced yard with underground sprinklers and a spacious South facing rear deck. The experience begins with the grand entry, soaring ceilings and an elegant staircase with wood end capping that leads into a substantial living room with gas fireplace, built-in cabinets and floating shelves. A beautiful bright kitchen offers an abundance of rich maple cabinetry, pullout drawers, stainless appliance pkg with a gas stove, a corner pantry, large island, quartz countertops, under cabinet lighting, tiled backsplash and a large dining area. A list of convenient extras include; central air, central vac, HRV, main floor laundry, triple pain low E windows, Hunter Douglas blinds as well as hardwoods and porcelain tiling. Upstairs boasts a total of three bedrooms including a gorgeous master suite with an air jet tub & tiled walk in shower plus additional 4 piece bath. This lovely home is walking distance to the new school and is conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, physician's offices, spas, salons and the gym. Willowgrove isn't just a destination, it's a lifestyle.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
HomeCraft Remodeling
Custom Craftsmanship & Build Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

Builder: Homes by True North
Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors
Photographer: M-Buck Studio
This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting.
Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience.
When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

This 1960’s home underwent a striking transformation--remodeling the kitchen, hall bathroom and laundry room. These homeowners dreamed of an open floor plan that would unite the kitchen and adjacent living areas. To accomplish this, we removed an imposing chimney that separated the kitchen from the living room. Additionally, we eliminated a weight-bearing wall that was between the kitchen and dining room. What a change! The spaces that formerly felt dark and confined are now bright and connected, comfortably accommodating larger gatherings.
When considering the specifics of design, we wanted to stay true to the home’s mid-century roots, while updating it with today’s style elements. Embracing the mid-century aspects, we played off some of the existing features of the home by mirroring them in the spaces we redesigned. To introduce today’s style, we thoughtfully incorporated the finishes and touches that would aptly reflect that component. The resulting design is beautifully juxtaposed by the homeowners’ treasured antique furniture pieces.
In the kitchen, we enhanced the open and airy feel by choosing a light greige color for the inset cabinetry paired with a tonal light-colored, blue-veined quartz for the countertops. These tones are perfectly complemented by the gold finishes of the cabinet hardware, faucets, and mid-century modern pendants. To maximize the storage potential of this kitchen, we customized the cabinetry with a convenient utensil organizer and a blind corner “cloud” pullout. A full height zellige-style tile backsplash with custom floating shelves makes for an impressive statement wall. With family get togethers in mind, we added an additional bar/prep sink and a spacious breakfast nook with a good deal of bench storage. A vertically-slatted wood half-wall separates the kitchen and breakfast nook, replicating the original mid-century wall detail at the entry.
Between the living room and kitchen, we designed a semi-open bar-height peninsula, accenting the bar front with a vertical shiplap kickplate in a bold blue. Carrying this color statement through the kitchen, the homeowner selected a “Navy Steel” Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and an AGA Mercury range, in “Blueberry.” These colors are also echoed in the multi-tonal quartz.
In the hall bathroom, we were aiming for the bright ambiance we’d achieved in the living areas. The penny round tile flooring and full height zellige-look tile combine for a classy, elevated look. In keeping with the kitchen, we installed similar gold fixtures and inset cabinetry and the same beautiful quartz countertop. The vanity towers provide these happy homeowners with additional room to store all their necessities.
Through the design process, we were able to gain square footage in the laundry room which allowed for the extra cabinet space the homeowners were looking for. Of course, a remodel is never complete without conveniences for the pets. The kitty’s litter box is neatly tucked in the cabinet behind a custom cat-cutout--a cute and tidy idea!
Kitchen Selections: Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274; Countertops-Silestone Pietra; Cabinet hardware-Top Knobs Barrington collection in Honey Bronze; Pendants-Rejuvenation Palo Alto; Faucets- Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Island bar shiplap color-Farrow and Ball Wine Dark No. 308
Bathroom Selections: Floor tile-Cepac Classic Rounds in Cloud; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone No. 275; Countertop-Silestone Pietra; Faucet-Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze

Sofa Bed In modern homes where space is often limited and practicality is essential, sofa beds have become a go-to furniture solution. A sofa bed, also known as a sleeper sofa or pull-out couch, combines the functionality of a comfortable seating area with the convenience of an extra bed. Whether you live in a small apartment, need an extra bed for guests, or simply want a space-saving solution, a sofa bed is a smart and stylish choice.
What is a Sofa Bed?
sleeper sofa
A sofa bed is a multi-functional piece of furniture that serves as both a couch and a bed. During the day, it functions like a traditional sofa, providing seating for family or guests. At night or when needed, it can be converted into a bed—either by unfolding a hidden mattress or by flattening the sofa itself. This dual-purpose design makes it ideal for homes where space efficiency is a priority.

Laundry chores involve more than just washing and drying clothes. With careful planning and effective organization, your laundry room can become a streamlined and pleasant space. Our solutions optimize your laundry area by providing countertop convenience for sorting and folding clothes, making tasks smoother and more enjoyable. Hidden storage in the form of enclosed cabinets above or around the machines keeps laundry supplies within reach but out of sight, while comprehensive storage options like cabinets and drawers accommodate everyday items. Tall cabinets store bulkier or seasonal items, ensuring the room remains clutter-free.
To further enhance functionality, we offer quick ironing solutions with pull-down ironing boards for convenient touch-ups. Hanging solutions, including pull-down or stationary rods, make it easy to hang clothes and keep them wrinkle-free. Versatile valet rods provide extra hanging space and can be tucked away when not needed. Additionally, pull-out baskets or hampers help maintain cleanliness by keeping dirty laundry items separated. Large hampers simplify sorting for whites, colors, and other categories, promoting a well-organized laundry process.
At The Tailored Closet, we specialize in maximizing space and style in laundry room designs. Our expertise ensures that your laundry area is both efficient and elegant. Let us help transform your laundry room into a well-organized and attractive space. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Ryan Bohle Coldwell Banker Signature
Welcome to 1111 Shepherd Way. THIS IS HOME! A Willowgrove, custom build with quality workmanship and luxurious finishings throughout it's 1936 sq. ft. Attractive street appeal is complimented by a triple drive, wide walkway, oversized double attached garage, a fully landscaped and fenced yard with underground sprinklers and a spacious South facing rear deck. The experience begins with the grand entry, soaring ceilings and an elegant staircase with wood end capping that leads into a substantial living room with gas fireplace, built-in cabinets and floating shelves. A beautiful bright kitchen offers an abundance of rich maple cabinetry, pullout drawers, stainless appliance pkg with a gas stove, a corner pantry, large island, quartz countertops, under cabinet lighting, tiled backsplash and a large dining area. A list of convenient extras include; central air, central vac, HRV, main floor laundry, triple pain low E windows, Hunter Douglas blinds as well as hardwoods and porcelain tiling. Upstairs boasts a total of three bedrooms including a gorgeous master suite with an air jet tub & tiled walk in shower plus additional 4 piece bath. This lovely home is walking distance to the new school and is conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, physician's offices, spas, salons and the gym. Willowgrove isn't just a destination, it's a lifestyle.

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly.
One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator.
An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker.
Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge.
Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style.
Mission accomplished.
Matt Villano Photography

The oversized, walk-in shower boasts a custom bench, floor to ceiling glass panels and updated classic features, such as the white 2x8 subway tile and 1" hexagon floor. A linen cabinet and coffee bar combo is tucked in the corner of the bathroom, allowing for convenience, as well as extra storage space.

A winning combination, this stainless steel kitchen sink brings timeless beauty, a seamless drain and a resilient finish to your favorite gathering place. The modern shape is perfect for every kitchen. Lustertone Iconix delivers style for today, tomorrow and every day. Sink: ETRU30179PD Faucet: LKAV1031NK

Really fun project featuring:
Drystack retaining walls using 14 tons of Cabinet Gorge wall block
Juniper raised beds, stained
Pergola, stain
Irregular Flagstone Patio 165 sq foot Bluestone featuring many extra large pieces
Cut bluestone risers for main stair case
Raspberry Trellis
Cucumber/squash trellis
Galvanized Horse Trough Planters, both oblong and circular, including a double stacked one in lower area.
200+ foot long fence extension + gate.
Wetland buffer planting of both ornamental and edible varieties of plants
4 zone, complete automatic drip system with micro valve (manual) controls on all beds

WIRKKALA WOODWORKS (949) 633 4018 Created this great farmhouse bathtoom, featuring vintage styles but with all the modern convenience of being fresh out of the design center. Antique black Newport Brass fixtures. Counter to ceiling storage really makes the design and creates far more storage than this size bathroom ever holds! Kohler toilet with top deck flush. Vintage octagon floor tiles. Extra girth crown and base. Soft close hinges on drawers and cabinet drawers. All custom cabinetry.

If you need a little more outdoor storage space, check out the Keter Store-It-Out MIDI. This portable shed gives you a convenient place to keep your garden tools and supplies. It also works great as a pool storage shed for your floats, pool chemicals and other necessities. The Keter Store-It-Out MIDI comes in handy for a variety of both indoor and outdoor uses where you lack storage space. Because the Store-It-Out MIDI has a strong yet lightweight plastic construction, you can move it anywhere without sacrificing durability. This portable storage shed holds up to years of consistent use and gives you extra storage space exactly where you need it. Place the Store-It-Out MIDI in your garage for organizing tools and supplies, or keep it in the wash room for storing cleaning supplies and household tools.

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home.
The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor.
To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity.
Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy.
We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill.
Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement.
Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet.
Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”.
highlights
Moisture management system
Insulated slab
Hydronic in-floor heat
Formaldehyde free cabinetry
MN-made custom cabinets
Ultra-low VOC paints
Wool carpet
Dual-flush toilet
Cork floor
No recessed lights
Cedar egress window well with planter
Re-used door
Eco-resin

Offering lots of storage room and natural light, the CRAFTSMAN makes a great workshop or gardener’s haven. The higher roof pitch and craftsman style brackets add elegance; the additional single door provides convenience. But it’s the craftsman-style dormer with transom that really raises this model above the ordinary.
The Craftsman has a beautiful roof that allows more light into the space. The extra door makes this a great model when you need easy access to the space. This has been a great option for people who needed: workshops, potting sheds, and pool houses as well
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