This well-loved 1960’s split-level home was in need of a makeover both in terms of design and function! OPEN CONCEPT Our clients wanted an open-concept layout for their Lower-Level and Main Floor spaces. This was no easy feat, given that the split-level construction of this home isolated the Kitchen and Family Room from the rest of the house. But we rose to the challenge! How did we do it?! To bring more harmony to this 1960’s closed off split-level construction, we enlarged the entryways of the Kitchen and the Dining Room across the Hallway to brighten up the two rooms and allow for better traffic flow between them. The worn out mixed flooring materials were replaced with new porcelain tiles in the Foyer and new beautiful engineered hardwood floors unified all three levels. The 3 sets of staircases were updated for safety by raising the railing to Building Code Standards. Then they were redressed with new black metal pickets, Oak treads, posts and handrails. KITCHEN The tight kitchen with a dysfunctional layout was brought back to life with the creation of new dining and working zones and plenty of counter space and concealed storage. How did we do it?! A peninsula serving as the Breakfast table was installed along shallow-depth cabinetry as you enter the Kitchen. The fridge, stove and sink were relocated to the end of the Kitchen with big windows and more counter space. A row of tall pantries and an appliance garage were installed along one side of the room to offer plenty of storage and hide frequently used small appliances. FAMILY ROOM Our Clients spent a lot of time in their Family Room but felt isolated from the rest of the house when they were in it. The room was dim and the stone-clad wood burning fireplace, which they rarely used, took up a lot of space. Here’s how we gave this Family Room a makeover Removing dated wainscoting and wallpaper and replacing it with freshly painted walls in neutral tones with an accent colour catapulted this Family Room out of the stone ages! The stone-clad fireplace in the middle of the room was removed and replaced with a slim electric fireplace at one end of the room. Add on the beautiful built-out clad with porcelain tiles and you’ve got a cozy and stylish reading nook. When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

This European kitchen has several different areas and functions. Each area has its own specific details but are tied together with distinctive farmhouse feel, created by combining medium wood and white cabinetry, different styles of cabinetry, mixed metals, warm, earth toned tile floors, blue granite countertops and a subtle blue and white backsplash. The hand-hammered copper counter on the peninsula ties in with the hammered copper farmhouse sink. The blue azul granite countertops have a deep layer of texture and beautifully play off the blue and white Italian tile backsplash and accent wall. The high gloss black hood was custom-made and has chrome banding. The French Lacanche stove has soft gold controls. This kitchen also has radiant heat under its earth toned limestone floors. A special feature of this kitchen is the wood burning stove. Part of the original 1904 house, we repainted it and set it on a platform. We made the platform a cohesive part of the space defining wall by using a herringbone pattern trim, fluted porcelain tile and crown moulding with roping. The office area’s built in desk and cabinets provide a convenient work and storage space. Topping the room off is a coffered ceiling. In this classic English Tudor home located in Penn Valley, PA, we renovated the kitchen, mudroom, deck, patio, and the exterior walkways and driveway. The European kitchen features high end finishes and appliances, and heated floors for year-round comfort! The outdoor areas are spacious and inviting. The open trellis over the hot tub provides just the right amount of shelter. These clients were referred to us by their architect, and we had a great time working with them to mix classic European styles in with contemporary, current spaces. Rudloff Custom Builders has won Best of Houzz for Customer Service in 2014, 2015 2016, 2017 and 2019. We also were voted Best of Design in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 which only 2% of professionals receive. Rudloff Custom Builders has been featured on Houzz in their Kitchen of the Week, What to Know About Using Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen as well as included in their Bathroom WorkBook article. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area. This business, like most others, developed from a friendship of young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in their clients’ lives, one household at a time. This relationship between partners is much more than a friendship. Edward and Stephen Rudloff are brothers who have renovated and built custom homes together paying close attention to detail. They are carpenters by trade and understand concept and execution. Rudloff Custom Builders will provide services for you with the highest level of professionalism, quality, detail, punctuality and craftsmanship, every step of the way along our journey together. Specializing in residential construction allows us to connect with our clients early in the design phase to ensure that every detail is captured as you imagined. One stop shopping is essentially what you will receive with Rudloff Custom Builders from design of your project to the construction of your dreams, executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsmen. Our concept: envision our client’s ideas and make them a reality. Our mission: CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND INTEGRITY. Photo Credit: Linda McManus Images

RWH Architect presents the Whistle Hill Lot 8 Residence, a statement home that reflects a bold shift toward modern, refined design. This contemporary residence is defined by its clean lines, dramatic vertical expressions, and a sophisticated mix of architectural forms that culminate in a truly forward-thinking home. From the moment visitors step into the central courtyard that connects the detached garage to the main house, the project introduces a new level of architectural intention rarely seen in the region. The detached garage, featuring an expansive 18' x 8' door, creates a strong street presence and anchors the courtyard entry sequence. Passing through the courtyard leads to a welcoming entry foyer designed with built-in hooks and a bench, creating a comfortable—and functional—moment of arrival. Just beyond the entry is a private study with custom built-in bookshelves, a space tailored for work, reading, or quiet focus. The main floor unfolds into a sophisticated open-concept layout where the kitchen, great room, and dining areas flow effortlessly together. The kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, a pot filler for convenience, and a dedicated dog-feeding station that integrates seamlessly into the cabinetry. The great room stands as the heart of the home, featuring a built-in wood-burning fireplace and oversized sliding doors that extend the living space out to a covered patio. A centrally located half bath near the kitchen completes the first-floor program. All bedrooms are located on the second floor to preserve privacy and capitalize on natural light. The master suite is designed as a luxurious retreat, offering a screened-in porch, a spacious walk-in closet, and a unique bathroom where the walk-in shower wraps around a freestanding tub, creating a spa-like environment that blends innovation with comfort. The laundry room is conveniently positioned on the same floor. Two additional bedrooms share a well-appointed bathroom, completing the second-floor layout. Several design challenges shaped the evolution of this project and ultimately elevated its architectural clarity. One of the primary challenges was organizing the home around a detached garage while maintaining a cohesive architectural experience. RWH resolved this by creating a courtyard that acts as a transitional outdoor room, visually linking the structures and providing a dramatic yet functional entry sequence. Another challenge involved balancing large modern window systems with the bold vertical elements that define the façade. By carefully proportioning the glazing and framing it within thoughtful material changes, RWH maintained a strong contemporary identity while ensuring visual harmony. Integrating the built-in fireplace, open-concept layout, and large patio openings required complex structural solutions; RWH overcame this by using discreetly integrated structural steel that allowed for wide spans without compromising the home’s clean, minimalist interior aesthetic. Designing the master bathroom’s combined shower-and-tub layout also presented a unique challenge, requiring careful grading, waterproofing, and spatial planning. Through strategic detailing and 3D modeling, RWH delivered a seamless spa-like experience that feels both inventive and intuitively functional. The Whistle Hill Lot 8 Residence stands as a testament to a new architectural direction in the area—one that embraces innovative forms, curated materials, and a lifestyle-driven floor plan. With its modern massing, intentional interior flow, and elevated details, this home reflects RWH Architect’s commitment to pushing residential design into its next era.

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

This well-loved 1960’s split-level home was in need of a makeover both in terms of design and function! OPEN CONCEPT Our clients wanted an open-concept layout for their Lower-Level and Main Floor spaces. This was no easy feat, given that the split-level construction of this home isolated the Kitchen and Family Room from the rest of the house. But we rose to the challenge! How did we do it?! To bring more harmony to this 1960’s closed off split-level construction, we enlarged the entryways of the Kitchen and the Dining Room across the Hallway to brighten up the two rooms and allow for better traffic flow between them. The worn out mixed flooring materials were replaced with new porcelain tiles in the Foyer and new beautiful engineered hardwood floors unified all three levels. The 3 sets of staircases were updated for safety by raising the railing to Building Code Standards. Then they were redressed with new black metal pickets, Oak treads, posts and handrails. KITCHEN The tight kitchen with a dysfunctional layout was brought back to life with the creation of new dining and working zones and plenty of counter space and concealed storage. How did we do it?! A peninsula serving as the Breakfast table was installed along shallow-depth cabinetry as you enter the Kitchen. The fridge, stove and sink were relocated to the end of the Kitchen with big windows and more counter space. A row of tall pantries and an appliance garage were installed along one side of the room to offer plenty of storage and hide frequently used small appliances. FAMILY ROOM Our Clients spent a lot of time in their Family Room but felt isolated from the rest of the house when they were in it. The room was dim and the stone-clad wood burning fireplace, which they rarely used, took up a lot of space. Here’s how we gave this Family Room a makeover Removing dated wainscoting and wallpaper and replacing it with freshly painted walls in neutral tones with an accent colour catapulted this Family Room out of the stone ages! The stone-clad fireplace in the middle of the room was removed and replaced with a slim electric fireplace at one end of the room. Add on the beautiful built-out clad with porcelain tiles and you’ve got a cozy and stylish reading nook. When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18x36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. Due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product imported from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. A 9x6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timber-tech steps from the raised deck next to the house.

Sunset Construction and Design specializes in creating residential patio retreats, outdoor kitchens with fireplaces and luxurious outdoor living rooms. Our design-build service can turn an ordinary back yard into a natural extension of your home giving you a whole new dimension for entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of the day. Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. If you’re interested in converting a boring back yard or starting from scratch in a new home, look us up! A great patio and outdoor living area can easily be yours. Greg, Sunset Construction & Design in Fresno, CA.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

This well-loved 1960’s split-level home was in need of a makeover both in terms of design and function! OPEN CONCEPT Our clients wanted an open-concept layout for their Lower-Level and Main Floor spaces. This was no easy feat, given that the split-level construction of this home isolated the Kitchen and Family Room from the rest of the house. But we rose to the challenge! How did we do it?! To bring more harmony to this 1960’s closed off split-level construction, we enlarged the entryways of the Kitchen and the Dining Room across the Hallway to brighten up the two rooms and allow for better traffic flow between them. The worn out mixed flooring materials were replaced with new porcelain tiles in the Foyer and new beautiful engineered hardwood floors unified all three levels. The 3 sets of staircases were updated for safety by raising the railing to Building Code Standards. Then they were redressed with new black metal pickets, Oak treads, posts and handrails. KITCHEN The tight kitchen with a dysfunctional layout was brought back to life with the creation of new dining and working zones and plenty of counter space and concealed storage. How did we do it?! A peninsula serving as the Breakfast table was installed along shallow-depth cabinetry as you enter the Kitchen. The fridge, stove and sink were relocated to the end of the Kitchen with big windows and more counter space. A row of tall pantries and an appliance garage were installed along one side of the room to offer plenty of storage and hide frequently used small appliances. FAMILY ROOM Our Clients spent a lot of time in their Family Room but felt isolated from the rest of the house when they were in it. The room was dim and the stone-clad wood burning fireplace, which they rarely used, took up a lot of space. Here’s how we gave this Family Room a makeover Removing dated wainscoting and wallpaper and replacing it with freshly painted walls in neutral tones with an accent colour catapulted this Family Room out of the stone ages! The stone-clad fireplace in the middle of the room was removed and replaced with a slim electric fireplace at one end of the room. Add on the beautiful built-out clad with porcelain tiles and you’ve got a cozy and stylish reading nook. When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

This well-loved 1960’s split-level home was in need of a makeover both in terms of design and function! OPEN CONCEPT Our clients wanted an open-concept layout for their Lower-Level and Main Floor spaces. This was no easy feat, given that the split-level construction of this home isolated the Kitchen and Family Room from the rest of the house. But we rose to the challenge! How did we do it?! To bring more harmony to this 1960’s closed off split-level construction, we enlarged the entryways of the Kitchen and the Dining Room across the Hallway to brighten up the two rooms and allow for better traffic flow between them. The worn out mixed flooring materials were replaced with new porcelain tiles in the Foyer and new beautiful engineered hardwood floors unified all three levels. The 3 sets of staircases were updated for safety by raising the railing to Building Code Standards. Then they were redressed with new black metal pickets, Oak treads, posts and handrails. KITCHEN The tight kitchen with a dysfunctional layout was brought back to life with the creation of new dining and working zones and plenty of counter space and concealed storage. How did we do it?! A peninsula serving as the Breakfast table was installed along shallow-depth cabinetry as you enter the Kitchen. The fridge, stove and sink were relocated to the end of the Kitchen with big windows and more counter space. A row of tall pantries and an appliance garage were installed along one side of the room to offer plenty of storage and hide frequently used small appliances. FAMILY ROOM Our Clients spent a lot of time in their Family Room but felt isolated from the rest of the house when they were in it. The room was dim and the stone-clad wood burning fireplace, which they rarely used, took up a lot of space. Here’s how we gave this Family Room a makeover Removing dated wainscoting and wallpaper and replacing it with freshly painted walls in neutral tones with an accent colour catapulted this Family Room out of the stone ages! The stone-clad fireplace in the middle of the room was removed and replaced with a slim electric fireplace at one end of the room. Add on the beautiful built-out clad with porcelain tiles and you’ve got a cozy and stylish reading nook. When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

This well-loved 1960’s split-level home was in need of a makeover both in terms of design and function! OPEN CONCEPT Our clients wanted an open-concept layout for their Lower-Level and Main Floor spaces. This was no easy feat, given that the split-level construction of this home isolated the Kitchen and Family Room from the rest of the house. But we rose to the challenge! How did we do it?! To bring more harmony to this 1960’s closed off split-level construction, we enlarged the entryways of the Kitchen and the Dining Room across the Hallway to brighten up the two rooms and allow for better traffic flow between them. The worn out mixed flooring materials were replaced with new porcelain tiles in the Foyer and new beautiful engineered hardwood floors unified all three levels. The 3 sets of staircases were updated for safety by raising the railing to Building Code Standards. Then they were redressed with new black metal pickets, Oak treads, posts and handrails. KITCHEN The tight kitchen with a dysfunctional layout was brought back to life with the creation of new dining and working zones and plenty of counter space and concealed storage. How did we do it?! A peninsula serving as the Breakfast table was installed along shallow-depth cabinetry as you enter the Kitchen. The fridge, stove and sink were relocated to the end of the Kitchen with big windows and more counter space. A row of tall pantries and an appliance garage were installed along one side of the room to offer plenty of storage and hide frequently used small appliances. FAMILY ROOM Our Clients spent a lot of time in their Family Room but felt isolated from the rest of the house when they were in it. The room was dim and the stone-clad wood burning fireplace, which they rarely used, took up a lot of space. Here’s how we gave this Family Room a makeover Removing dated wainscoting and wallpaper and replacing it with freshly painted walls in neutral tones with an accent colour catapulted this Family Room out of the stone ages! The stone-clad fireplace in the middle of the room was removed and replaced with a slim electric fireplace at one end of the room. Add on the beautiful built-out clad with porcelain tiles and you’ve got a cozy and stylish reading nook. When you and your home are ready for an upgrade, we're the Renovator You Can Count On™. It's our promise. Contact us to get started!

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Bespoke Luxury Outdoor Living: Cedar Pavilion, Chef’s Kitchen & Putting Green Elevate your lifestyle with this custom-built backyard estate, a masterclass in high-end outdoor architecture and functional luxury. Designed for the discerning homeowner, this project seamlessly integrates premium recreation with sophisticated relaxation. The Grand Pavilion & Fireplace The centerpiece of this retreat is a massive 26-foot custom Cedar Pavilion. Featuring vaulted timber ceilings and artisanal craftsmanship, it provides a grand, shaded sanctuary for lounging and entertaining. Anchoring the space is a magnificent 15-foot stucco fireplace, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic and a dramatic focal point that draws the eye upward, creating an atmosphere of cozy grandeur. Professional Grade Outdoor Kitchen Designed for the ultimate host, the expansive outdoor kitchen is a culinary powerhouse. This fully equipped suite includes: Premium Gas Grill for precision cooking. Professional Pizza Oven for authentic wood-fired flavor. Integrated Refrigerator to keep beverages and ingredients perfectly chilled. Custom House Access: We engineered a dedicated access door added to the main home, providing a seamless, fluid transition between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor entertainment zone. Pool, Spa & Recreation Step beyond the pavilion to find a resort-style pool and integrated spa, designed for both high-energy fun and deep relaxation. For the golf enthusiast, the estate features a professional-grade synthetic putting green, allowing you to sharpen your short game in the privacy of your own backyard. Project Highlights: Architecture: 26’+ Custom Cedar Timber Frame Pavilion. Masonry: 15’ Designer Stucco Wood-Burning Fireplace. Amenities: Full Outdoor Kitchen, Pizza Oven, Pool, and Spa. Sports: Private Custom Putting Green. Connectivity: Structural house modification for direct backyard access. Keywords: Luxury Outdoor Living, Custom Cedar Pavilion, Modern Stucco Fireplace, Outdoor Kitchen Design, Backyard Putting Green, Pool and Spa Contractor, High-End Hardscaping, Pizza Oven Installation. https://youtu.be/QvDx-AZsai0

This home had a kitchen that wasn’t meeting the family’s needs, nor did it fit with the coastal Mediterranean theme throughout the rest of the house. The goals for this remodel were to create more storage space and add natural light. The biggest item on the wish list was a larger kitchen island that could fit a family of four. They also wished for the backyard to transform from an unsightly mess that the clients rarely used to a beautiful oasis with function and style. One design challenge was incorporating the client’s desire for a white kitchen with the warm tones of the travertine flooring. The rich walnut tone in the island cabinetry helped to tie in the tile flooring. This added contrast, warmth, and cohesiveness to the overall design and complemented the transitional coastal theme in the adjacent spaces. Rooms alight with sunshine, sheathed in soft, watery hues are indicative of coastal decorating. A few essential style elements will conjure the coastal look with its casual beach attitude and renewing seaside energy, even if the shoreline is only in your mind's eye. By adding two new windows, all-white cabinets, and light quartzite countertops, the kitchen is now open and bright. Brass accents on the hood, cabinet hardware and pendant lighting added warmth to the design. Blue accent rugs and chairs complete the vision, complementing the subtle grey ceramic backsplash and coastal blues in the living and dining rooms. Finally, the added sliding doors lead to the best part of the home: the dreamy outdoor oasis! Every day is a vacation in this Mediterranean-style backyard paradise. The outdoor living space emphasizes the natural beauty of the surrounding area while offering all of the advantages and comfort of indoor amenities. The swimming pool received a significant makeover that turned this backyard space into one that the whole family will enjoy. JRP changed out the stones and tiles, bringing a new life to it. The overall look of the backyard went from hazardous to harmonious. After finishing the pool, a custom gazebo was built for the perfect spot to relax day or night. It’s an entertainer’s dream to have a gorgeous pool and an outdoor kitchen. This kitchen includes stainless-steel appliances, a custom beverage fridge, and a wood-burning fireplace. Whether you want to entertain or relax with a good book, this coastal Mediterranean-style outdoor living remodel has you covered. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC