This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

For the Dining Room we selected Lemon-wood as the featured species and designed the table, sideboard and built in hutch featuring it. The wall housing the hitch had a significant section that set 4" proud of the rest of the wall. The two door section to the right of the center glass section is false and was created to balance the unit on the wall. The use of Acid-washed glass enabled us to pull off the charade. The table base is bolted to the floor to minimize it's footprint and support its weight when opened with leaves to seat 10. The sideboard , again specifically designed for it's function and storage is topped with an inset stone that replicates the pattern of the Lemon-wood. The rear of the sideboard was designed to follow the angle of the sofa against which it stands. The Living Room beyond was designed to celebrate music and the spectacular views of the city beyond the floor to ceiling windows. The sofa, like all of the furniture throughout were custom designed by MB Designs for this project.. The carpets in the entrance, Dining and Living room carpets (also by MB Designs) were created having the field of each in matching color with each respective border a varying color providing a continuity to the overall space while offering each a defining element of it's own.

This impressive detached building is located in the heart of the bustling Dundas West strip, and presents a unique opportunity for creative live + work space. Designed by Kohn Shnier Architects, the building was completed in 2008 and has been owner-occupied ever since. Modern steel and concrete construction enable clear spans throughout, and the virtual elimination of bulkheads. The main floor features a dynamic retail space, that connects to a lower level with high ceilings – perfect as a workshop, atelier or as an extension of the retail. Upstairs, a spacious loft-like apartment is spread over 2 floors. The mainfloor includes a decadent chef’s kitchen finished in Corian, with a large eat-at island. The combined living & dining rooms connect with a large south-facing terrace with exceptional natural light and neighbourhood views. Upstairs, the master bathroom features abundant built-in closets, together with a generous ensuite bathroom. A second open space is presently used as a studio, but is easily converted to a closed 2nd bedroom. Parking is provided at the rear of the building, and the rooftop functions as a green roof. The finest materials have been used in this very special building, from anodized aluminium windows paired with black manganese brick, to high quality appliances and dual furnaces to provide adequate heating and fire separation between the retail and residential units. Photo by Tom Arban

We took this high-rise condo to new heights with a significant renovation. All three bathrooms, the kitchen and living area were reimagined to provide updates and special features, worthy of its location in the Mayfair building at Turtle Creek. Bathrooms boasting marble, custom vanities, and specialty plumbing ensure luxury experiences. By squaring off a rounded entryway, we gained space to form a functional laundry room and pantry adjacent to the kitchen. In addition, this enabled us to design the kitchen with a new, expansive island and maximize functionality. The fumed eucalyptus wood cabinets add visual interest and warmth to the space, beyond the additional storage created. A waterfall island face, the concealed cooktop knobs and marble countertops continuing up the wall as a backsplash point to some of the kitchen’s most discerning features. The specialty cabinetry was extended into the living space as a fully custom media cabinet and concealed bar, complete with wine storage to create the room’s unmistakable focal point. This condominium now possesses the bells and whistles Dallasites most appreciate.

This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

This natural house design sits nestled within a hillside and looks out over the natural creek that flows from behind the home, underneath the home and diagonally across the front yard. The design intent of the home was to not overpower the natural elements of the site, but to work with nature to create vistas for enjoying nature. The home was designed to look smaller than its actual size so it doesn’t seem foreign to the site and the hillside. The home embraces an open floor plan and uses multiple design features to define the many spaces and to enable connection with nature. Design features include varying ceiling heights defining space, usage of large 13 foot high movable glass walls, usage of rich wood floors and numerous architectural elements and design features that integrate nature and the modern vocabulary. Even though the site is large, the buildable area is small due to the natural waterway traveling underneath (underground and is not visible) the home and across the site and significantly limited the buildable area. As a solution, the architect designed the home to nestle into the hillside above the underground waterway and by raising the primary living areas, courtyard with pool, and rear yard. The rear lawn is made of natural looking synthetic material and is surrounded by indigenous Georgia vegetation. The first floor spaces were optimized and include entryway, art gallery, theater, workshop, in-law suite, garages and multiple utility spaces.

Julian Hodges - Featured Project of the Month by Truitt & White This month featured project brings you beautifully crafted gates and entryways from local craftsman Julian Hodges. For over 35 years, Mr. Hodges has been designing and crafting custom wooden gates in Berkeley and the greater Bay Area. His projects mainly feature old growth, vertical grained redwood or western red cedar which is air or kiln dried. The gates are fully mortised and tenoned (male / female joints) and a very powerful epoxy is used to glue the parts together. Wherever a floating panel rides in a dado, drainage is provided in the form of several holes that are out of sight that allow any rain water to be ushered out at the bottom of the gate enabling the gate to dry itself rather than staying damp which otherwise could lead to long term decomposition of the wood. Adding to the unique feel of each gate, Julian creates his own custom hardware from heavy gauge steel, which also provides a pleasing solid sound as it operates. All gates are then finished in a penetrating oil seal which optimizes the longevity and good appearance of the gates. For more information on Julian Hodges' work, visit www.julianhodges.com.

Julian Hodges - Featured Project of the Month by Truitt & White This month featured project brings you beautifully crafted gates and entryways from local craftsman Julian Hodges. For over 35 years, Mr. Hodges has been designing and crafting custom wooden gates in Berkeley and the greater Bay Area. His projects mainly feature old growth, vertical grained redwood or western red cedar which is air or kiln dried. The gates are fully mortised and tenoned (male / female joints) and a very powerful epoxy is used to glue the parts together. Wherever a floating panel rides in a dado, drainage is provided in the form of several holes that are out of sight that allow any rain water to be ushered out at the bottom of the gate enabling the gate to dry itself rather than staying damp which otherwise could lead to long term decomposition of the wood. Adding to the unique feel of each gate, Julian creates his own custom hardware from heavy gauge steel, which also provides a pleasing solid sound as it operates. All gates are then finished in a penetrating oil seal which optimizes the longevity and good appearance of the gates. For more information on Julian Hodges' work, visit www.julianhodges.com.

This impressive detached building is located in the heart of the bustling Dundas West strip, and presents a unique opportunity for creative live + work space. Designed by Kohn Shnier Architects, the building was completed in 2008 and has been owner-occupied ever since. Modern steel and concrete construction enable clear spans throughout, and the virtual elimination of bulkheads. The main floor features a dynamic retail space, that connects to a lower level with high ceilings – perfect as a workshop, atelier or as an extension of the retail. Upstairs, a spacious loft-like apartment is spread over 2 floors. The mainfloor includes a decadent chef’s kitchen finished in Corian, with a large eat-at island. The combined living & dining rooms connect with a large south-facing terrace with exceptional natural light and neighbourhood views. Upstairs, the master bathroom features abundant built-in closets, together with a generous ensuite bathroom. A second open space is presently used as a studio, but is easily converted to a closed 2nd bedroom. Parking is provided at the rear of the building, and the rooftop functions as a green roof. The finest materials have been used in this very special building, from anodized aluminium windows paired with black manganese brick, to high quality appliances and dual furnaces to provide adequate heating and fire separation between the retail and residential units. Photo by Tom Arban

This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

Previously, this yard was burdened by a typical boulder pile pool, that was heaped higher than typical, trying to hide the towering wall behind. At first, the clients sought merely to reconfigure the BBQ that was congesting the patio, but upon further analysis, they decided it was time to strip the entire yard, leaving only the pool shell. Bianchi’s solution introduced an array of four arbors to distract the eye from the wall behind, solving what the boulder waterfall could never do. Additionally, the wall was painted a dark earth tone to add contrast and depth. This strategy enabled the wall to recede into the distance, while the agave blue grey arbors floated forward visually from the background. Previously, the patios were a hodgepodge of deck islands that were impossible to navigate, and were of insufficient size to arrange furniture on. A well organized patio streamlined the traffic flow and the living space, featuring a cast in place concrete fire pit and banco couch, as well as a new outdoor bistro, glowing with filtered light from the canvas shade sails overhead. A turquoise glass overflow spa became the yards focal point, sharing the space between the pool and outdoor living. The striking symmetry of the spa and pot pedestal with regal cacti arrangement behind, flanked by the arbors on either side, created a stately first impression from the front door. This teaser was just a glimpse of what could not yet be seen serving as an invitation to explore and enjoy as the yard unfolds. See more about this project & hear from the homeowner here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eT3RkLkg5w&feature=youtu.be

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

The owners of this farmhouse were tempted to sell their home and move to Florida. They decided they would stay if they could remodel to accommodate main floor living with a new master suite and an enlarged family room. A design with three additions enabled us to make all the changes they requested. One addition created the master suite, the second was a five-foot bump out in the family room, and the third is a breezeway addition connecting the garage to the main house. Special features include a master bath with a no-threshold shower and floating vanity. Windows are strategically placed throughout to allow views to the outdoor swimming pool.

Complete Master Bathroom remodel! We began by removing every surface from floor to ceiling including the shower/tub combo to enable us to create a zero-threshold walk-in shower. We then re placed the window with a new obscure rain glass. The vanity cabinets are a cool grey shaker style cabinet topped with a subtle Pegasus Quartz and a Waterfall edge leading into the shower. The shower wall tile is a 12x24 Themar Bianco Lasa with Soft Grey brush strokes throughout. The featured Herringbone wall connects to the shower using the 3x12 Themar Bianco Lasa tile. We even added a little Herringbone detail to the custom soap niche inside the shower. For the shower floor, we installed a flat pebble that created a spa like escape! This bathroom encompasses all neutral earth tones which you can see through the solid panel of clear glass that is all the way to the ceiling. For the proportion of the space, we used a skinny 4x40 Savanna Milk wood look tile flooring for the main area. Finally, the bathroom is completed with chrome fixtures such as a flush mounted rain head, shower head and wand, two single hole faucets and last but not least… those gorgeous pendant lights above the vanity!

This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

This space had the potential for greatness but was stuck in the 1980's era. We were able to transform and re-design this kitchen that now enables it to be called not just a "dream Kitchen", but also holds the award for "Best Kitchen in Westchester for 2016 by Westchester Home Magazine". Features in the kitchen are as follows: Inset cabinet construction, Maple Wood, Onyx finish, Raised Panel Door, sliding ladder, huge Island with seating, pull out drawers for big pots and baking pans, pullout storage under sink, mini bar, overhead television, builtin microwave in Island, massive stainless steel range and hood, Office area, Quartz counter top.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo