Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

This design-and-build project was a total gut of an existing bungalow with a 2nd storey addition. The living space was redesigned with the needs of this growing family in mind. A powder room was added to the main floor, and a chef's kitchen with two-tone cabinets functions as the heart and meeting hub of the home. The shaker-style custom kitchen provides sophistication for a classic and timeless look. A family room and a more formal living room were requested, and both lend themselves well to hosting and entertaining extended family and friends. Upstairs, the bedrooms were designed with form and function in mind. Stunning custom cabinets adorn the walkway leading to the ensuite in the new principal bedroom. The ensuite captures a zen, contemporary spa-like feel with a free-standing soaker tub and skylight, while an extra large shower and bespoke vanity provide ample space for sharing. The home's exterior marries stone and siding beautifully, giving this house a charming and inviting street presence.

This kitchen took a tired, 90's builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful Centennial family. The existing space was in good condition, but carried a visual weight and functionality that was overall displeasing for our clients. Our clients desired a central gathering island where their family of 5 can sit and dine together or events can be hosted outside of the formal dining room. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and orange. We removed a half wall that used to be a desk area inside of the kitchen to create a sprawling island easily capable of hosting 6 guests. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in Silk around the perimeter of the kitchen: stacking cabinets to create a tall, dramatic look around the space. On the south wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features seeded glass panels in the upper and lower cabinet doors. These allow china and colorful dishes to be displayed for a pop of fun color in an otherwise quietly neutral space. The island cabinets are a dramatic contrast in Ultracraft's Truffle paint with oversized island legs for a more furniture-like feel. The island countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in Frosty Carrina, and the perimeter is MSI Quartz in Lagos Azul. The handsome, structured cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous oil rubbed bronze. The island chandelier is a gorgeous 7 light open frame bronze fixture from Hinkley Lighting. One of the most striking features in the space is the countertop-to-ceiling glass mosaic tile. This mosaic is a delicate hand-blown stained glass look. It captures a wide range of light and color tones, and looks different from every angle in the room. Our clients commented that, at night when the other lights are off, the backsplash feels like a distant city glittering beyond. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a warm and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

Blended California contemporary models are a blend of traditional dormers and transoms with contemporary simplified lines, trim, and windows. Gridded windows are definitely out with this style and it has a lot in common with California Ranch style homes with their sliding glass doors and horizontal approach to living. Lots of windows can be found which bring in a lot of natural light are are open to the views. Superior offers this popular model with the best in So Cal blended contemporary living…it has an open concept great room, and two 8’ sliding glass doors open onto outdoor deck living. The expansive master bedroom offers a retreat area, large walk in wardrobe, master bath with whirlpool soaker tub and generous corner shower with two shower nozzles and benches. This is luxury living for an unbeatable base price…$85 a square foot, and can be set up in as little as two weeks after factory completion….a three to four week building process. Another advantage is that it was designed with a garage or carport entrance in mind off the utility room at the end of the home and a formal entrance and guest closet at the other end. Views were captured from the master bedroom and the great room in this layout. The Siding on this home is horizontal lap in a natural cedar tone finish and lots of roof clerestories and dormer options were included the make the home even more exceptional. Architecture is the best investment for a new home. One can always add on cosmetic touches at a later time. Clerestories are about $900 each and Dormers $800. Think how costly they would be trying to add them after the roof and ceiling were already finished. New factory construction is the best way to go when you want “the most bang for your buck.”

This kitchen took a tired, 90's builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful Centennial family. The existing space was in good condition, but carried a visual weight and functionality that was overall displeasing for our clients. Our clients desired a central gathering island where their family of 5 can sit and dine together or events can be hosted outside of the formal dining room. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and orange. We removed a half wall that used to be a desk area inside of the kitchen to create a sprawling island easily capable of hosting 6 guests. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in Silk around the perimeter of the kitchen: stacking cabinets to create a tall, dramatic look around the space. On the south wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features seeded glass panels in the upper and lower cabinet doors. These allow china and colorful dishes to be displayed for a pop of fun color in an otherwise quietly neutral space. The island cabinets are a dramatic contrast in Ultracraft's Truffle paint with oversized island legs for a more furniture-like feel. The island countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in Frosty Carrina, and the perimeter is MSI Quartz in Lagos Azul. The handsome, structured cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous oil rubbed bronze. The island chandelier is a gorgeous 7 light open frame bronze fixture from Hinkley Lighting. One of the most striking features in the space is the countertop-to-ceiling glass mosaic tile. This mosaic is a delicate hand-blown stained glass look. It captures a wide range of light and color tones, and looks different from every angle in the room. Our clients commented that, at night when the other lights are off, the backsplash feels like a distant city glittering beyond. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a warm and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

Blended California contemporary models are a blend of traditional dormers and transoms with contemporary simplified lines, trim, and windows. Gridded windows are definitely out with this style and it has a lot in common with California Ranch style homes with their sliding glass doors and horizontal approach to living. Lots of windows can be found which bring in a lot of natural light are are open to the views. Superior offers this popular model with the best in So Cal blended contemporary living…it has an open concept great room, and two 8’ sliding glass doors open onto outdoor deck living. The expansive master bedroom offers a retreat area, large walk in wardrobe, master bath with whirlpool soaker tub and generous corner shower with two shower nozzles and benches. This is luxury living for an unbeatable base price…$85 a square foot, and can be set up in as little as two weeks after factory completion….a three to four week building process. Another advantage is that it was designed with a garage or carport entrance in mind off the utility room at the end of the home and a formal entrance and guest closet at the other end. Views were captured from the master bedroom and the great room in this layout. The Siding on this home is horizontal lap in a natural cedar tone finish and lots of roof clerestories and dormer options were included the make the home even more exceptional. Architecture is the best investment for a new home. One can always add on cosmetic touches at a later time. Clerestories are about $900 each and Dormers $800. Think how costly they would be trying to add them after the roof and ceiling were already finished. New factory construction is the best way to go when you want “the most bang for your buck.”

September, Date and Time TBD | Saratoga Blackwell Hillside Garden by Rebecca Dye and Hank Helbush of Design Focus International Each detail of this spectacular Saratoga landscape was considered with its hillside site in mind, from the size of the pool to the choice of antique stone masonry. Working closely with the owner, the landscape architects created a series of intimate garden spaces on three terraces. At the top of the site, entertainment is the name of the game where a bocce ball court and a fire pit take advantage of the site’s commanding views of the Santa Clara Valley. Below the house, a jewel-like pool captures the eye, with its intricate glass-tile and bronze water jets. At its end, a seating area and fireplace are shaded by an arbor covered with climbing roses, adding both fragrance and hue. Visitors descend a series of terraced stone stairs set into the hillside, punctuated by raised beds of strawberries, lavender, artichokes, and citrus. A formal parterre flower garden on the terrace is replanted periodically with colorful blooms in acknowledgment of the changing seasons. Photo by Lauren Devon

The Cordoba is a stunning model home in Cortile Estates at Mediterra. Built by London Bay Homes, named America’s Best Builder in 2008, the Cordoba features a stone façade reminiscent of the Italian countryside. This fully furnished three bedroom plus study home features over 5,300 square feet of living space. A relaxing interior courtyard in the center of the house is perfect for entertaining, as well as a formal dining room with a wine cellar and a second catering kitchen. The Italian-influenced architecture carries over to the interior design that features stone walls and wood beams throughout the home. Large window areas capture magnificent vistas of the nearby lake and golf course beyond. The second-floor bonus room is perfect for entertaining friends over a game of billiards. The grand two-story home also includes a private study. Enjoy the view from outdoor living area with a kitchen, bathroom, pool and spa. This home showcases a wide array of unique design features throughout its 9,516 sq. ft. total area. Interior design, furnishings and selections completed by Romanza Interior Design. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

Resting upon a 120-acre rural hillside, this 17,500 square-foot residence has unencumbered mountain views to the east, south and west. The exterior design palette for the public side is a more formal Tudor style of architecture, including intricate brick detailing; while the materials for the private side tend toward a more casual mountain-home style of architecture with a natural stone base and hand-cut wood siding. Primary living spaces and the master bedroom suite, are located on the main level, with guest accommodations on the upper floor of the main house and upper floor of the garage. The interior material palette was carefully chosen to match the stunning collection of antique furniture and artifacts, gathered from around the country. From the elegant kitchen to the cozy screened porch, this residence captures the beauty of the White Mountains and embodies classic New Hampshire living. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

Nestled in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, this breathtaking Italian-style estate draws inspiration from an award-winning parterre garden design. Impeccably manicured hedges, symmetrical pathways, and timeless European detailing create an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. The meticulously planned layout captures the romance of old-world Italy, blending sculptural plantings with refined stonework to frame sweeping views of the property. Every element is designed for both visual harmony and lasting beauty, offering a luxurious outdoor experience worthy of a historic estate.

This elegant Colonial Revival, highlighted by a stunning wrap-around porch, is majestically situated in an historic estate neighborhood. Detailed with beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings and a classic architectural design with beautifully proportioned rooms. A welcoming foyer, library with built-in cabinetry and a formal dining room lead to an open kitchen. A first floor laundry and powder room complete the parlor level. Entertain fireside in the large living room or find your way to the beautiful deck overlooking over an acre of grounds. The large family room with oversized windows captures southern exposure. The second floor includes a master bedroom suite, a hall bathroom and two spacious bedrooms. The walk-up third floor is ideal for an au-pair or extended guests with a bedroom, bath, and study. Bring this special home to the next level of refined living and create your own country retreat.

This kitchen took a tired, 90's builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful Centennial family. The existing space was in good condition, but carried a visual weight and functionality that was overall displeasing for our clients. Our clients desired a central gathering island where their family of 5 can sit and dine together or events can be hosted outside of the formal dining room. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and orange. We removed a half wall that used to be a desk area inside of the kitchen to create a sprawling island easily capable of hosting 6 guests. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in Silk around the perimeter of the kitchen: stacking cabinets to create a tall, dramatic look around the space. On the south wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features seeded glass panels in the upper and lower cabinet doors. These allow china and colorful dishes to be displayed for a pop of fun color in an otherwise quietly neutral space. The island cabinets are a dramatic contrast in Ultracraft's Truffle paint with oversized island legs for a more furniture-like feel. The island countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in Frosty Carrina, and the perimeter is MSI Quartz in Lagos Azul. The handsome, structured cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous oil rubbed bronze. The island chandelier is a gorgeous 7 light open frame bronze fixture from Hinkley Lighting. One of the most striking features in the space is the countertop-to-ceiling glass mosaic tile. This mosaic is a delicate hand-blown stained glass look. It captures a wide range of light and color tones, and looks different from every angle in the room. Our clients commented that, at night when the other lights are off, the backsplash feels like a distant city glittering beyond. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a warm and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

A traditional 1940s brick colonial house needed better functionality and modernization while still maintaining some of its historic charm. To provide the family with a better flow for functionality and entertaining, Revolve Design reconfigured the first floor, moving the kitchen to the existing formal dining room space and enclosing an existing outdoor breezeway to serve as the mudroom. Demolishing an existing wall that separated the former dining room from pantry and powder room allowed the homeowners to take full advantage of the existing windows and connecting to the backyard. The new kitchen features a stunning, oversized island with Quartz countertop and waterfall edges. The architect creatively used off-the shelf cabinetry panels to capture a more contemporary and custom aesthetic.

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.

This elegant Colonial Revival, highlighted by a stunning wrap-around porch, is majestically situated in an historic estate neighborhood. Detailed with beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings and a classic architectural design with beautifully proportioned rooms. A welcoming foyer, library with built-in cabinetry and a formal dining room lead to an open kitchen. A first floor laundry and powder room complete the parlor level. Entertain fireside in the large living room or find your way to the beautiful deck overlooking over an acre of grounds. The large family room with oversized windows captures southern exposure. The second floor includes a master bedroom suite, a hall bathroom and two spacious bedrooms. The walk-up third floor is ideal for an au-pair or extended guests with a bedroom, bath, and study. Bring this special home to the next level of refined living and create your own country retreat.

Resting upon a 120-acre rural hillside, this 17,500 square-foot residence has unencumbered mountain views to the east, south and west. The exterior design palette for the public side is a more formal Tudor style of architecture, including intricate brick detailing; while the materials for the private side tend toward a more casual mountain-home style of architecture with a natural stone base and hand-cut wood siding. Primary living spaces and the master bedroom suite, are located on the main level, with guest accommodations on the upper floor of the main house and upper floor of the garage. The interior material palette was carefully chosen to match the stunning collection of antique furniture and artifacts, gathered from around the country. From the elegant kitchen to the cozy screened porch, this residence captures the beauty of the White Mountains and embodies classic New Hampshire living. Photographer: Joseph St. Pierre

This Maine residence reimagines the traditional coastal cottage, expanding its vernacular across more than 8,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Every room captures dramatic views of the rugged coastline, complemented by carefully curated fabrics and textures that echo the natural landscape. The grand foyer flows seamlessly into a formal living room and an intimate reading nook. At the heart of the home, a chef's kitchen opens to a custom walk-in pantry and a striking walnut bar. The first floor is completed by an elegant dining room and a four-seasons family room that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior. The primary suite features a custom fireplace crafted from locally sourced stone, while the primary bathroom frames unobstructed ocean vistas. The second floor also includes two guest bedrooms, a luxurious laundry room, and dedicated spaces for both homeowners—an art studio and a sophisticated lounge. The lower level reveals an unexpected delight: a two-lane bowling alley enhanced by custom-designed wallpaper, adding a playful counterpoint to the home's refined coastal elegance.

The Chianti III is a stunning model home in Mirada at The Estuary at Grey Oaks. Built by London Bay Homes, named America’s Best Builder in 2008, the Chianti features a stone façade reminiscent of the Italian countryside. This fully furnished four bedroom plus den/5th bedroom home features over 5,900 square feet of living space, a relaxing third-story viewing deck, perfect for stargazing, and formal living areas that blend comfortably into the home’s more casual outdoor living space. The Italian-influenced architecture carries over to the interior design that features stone walls and wood beams throughout the home. Large window areas capture magnificent vistas of the nearby lake and golf course beyond. The second-floor bonus room is perfect for entertaining friends over a game of billiards. The grand two-story home also includes a private study and home office center. Enjoy the view from a third level viewing deck with a fire place. This home showcases a wide array of unique design features throughout its 8,625 sq.ft total area. Image ©Advanced Photography Specialists

For years, early morning walks past this 1910 Craftsman in Houston's historic Avondale neighborhood left the new owners with lingering fantasies of making it their future home. When it became available, they acquired a home rich with history, but one nearly abolished. The home was once inhabited by Texas Governor (1931-1932) and founder of Humble Oil, Ross Sterling. But, renovations subdivided the home into multi-family rentals and destroyed original finishes. The developer driven modifications were abruptly halted by city red tags in 2018 after original windows were demolished and replaced with vinyl substitutes. With a nearly clean slate on the interior, the HRDD renovation aims to be respectful to the original context while providing coplimentary modern surprises atypical to the era. One such example is a new opening that punctures through the second floor, extending to a roof skylight. Situated at the transition between formal and informal rooms on the first floor and common space on the second floor, this subtraction is lined with a scalloped wood screen. The screen is one of multiple moments within the home where texture will combine with minimal white surfaces, providing a backdrop to the owners' collection of antique Indian furniture pieces. Additionally, a new detached replaced an existing dilapidated garage apartment and contains the owner's photography studio. Windows and a skylight are placed to capture coveted north light, ideal for photographing and editing. The main room remains an austere slate, with ceiling vaulting to a single aperture to create a dynamic moment that carries a dialogue to the opening in the main home.