Wet bar - small transitional single-wall light wood floor and beige floor wet bar idea in Santa Barbara with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, glass sheet backsplash, white countertops and marble countertops

A masculine space for entertaining with familiar features of a “man cave” is rendered in highly sophisticated materials and details. Bleached walnut and weathered wood furniture add warmth, while blackened steel construction and spill-proof Marmoleum flooring speak to the darkness of the TV’s on the media wall. Cork flooring delineates a bar area from the rest of the room and is a reference to the beverage of choice. A new men’s room is conveniently located nearby. Photo by David Duncan Livingston

Retirement home designed for extended family! I loved this couple! They decided to build their retirement dream home before retirement so that they could enjoy entertaining their grown children and their newly started families. A bar area with 2 beer taps, space for air hockey, a large balcony, a first floor kitchen with a large island opening to a fabulous pool and the ocean are just a few things designed with the kids in mind. The color palette is casual beach with pops of aqua and turquoise that add to the relaxed feel of the home.

Inspiration for a contemporary landscaping in Houston.

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

From outdated to Full on Modern, this kitchen makeover is one in a million. Blue laminate custom made cabinets ground the space adorned with white quartz counter-tops. Stainless steel appliances bring in some shine along with the unique crystal and chrome cabinet pulls. Putting a veggie sink in the island made for a huge work space with convenience. Gray toned porcelain 12x24 floor tile brings warmth to the space with ease of cleaning. Plant topped pendent lights brings fun and nature to the kitchen. Open shelving allows for display of those much loved items that were begging to be displayed, not hidden away.

Kitchen remodel by M&M Design Studio, beautiful photos by Ben Elsass Photography.
Mid-sized trendy galley porcelain tile enclosed kitchen photo in Cincinnati with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Mike Kaskel Retirement home designed for extended family! I loved this couple! They decided to build their retirement dream home before retirement so that they could enjoy entertaining their grown children and their newly started families. A bar area with 2 beer taps, space for air hockey, a large balcony, a first floor kitchen with a large island opening to a fabulous pool and the ocean are just a few things designed with the kids in mind. The color palette is casual beach with pops of aqua and turquoise that add to the relaxed feel of the home.

Example of a large classic master beige tile and stone tile porcelain tile and beige floor bathroom design in Austin with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Retirement home designed for extended family! I loved this couple! They decided to build their retirement dream home before retirement so that they could enjoy entertaining their grown children and their newly started families. A bar area with 2 beer taps, space for air hockey, a large balcony, a first floor kitchen with a large island opening to a fabulous pool and the ocean are just a few things designed with the kids in mind. The color palette is casual beach with pops of aqua and turquoise that add to the relaxed feel of the home.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Referred by past clients, the homeowners of this Glen Ellyn project were in need of an update and improvement in functionality for their kitchen, mudroom and laundry room. The spacious kitchen had a great layout, but benefitted from a new island, countertops, hood, backsplash, hardware, plumbing and lighting fixtures. The main focal point is now the premium hand-crafted CopperSmith hood along with a dramatic tiered chandelier over the island. In addition, painting the wood beadboard ceiling and staining the existing beams darker helped lighten the space while the amazing depth and variation only available in natural stone brought the entire room together. For the mudroom and laundry room, choosing complimentary paint colors and charcoal wave wallpaper brought depth and coziness to this project. The result is a timeless design for this Glen Ellyn family. Photographer @MargaretRajic, Photo Stylist @brandidevers Are you remodeling your kitchen and need help with space planning and custom finishes? We specialize in both design and build, so we understand the importance of timelines and building schedules. Contact us here to see how we can help!

This South Tampa kitchen is composed of white shaker cabinets with a graphite island from Wellborn Forest.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Tampa with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and a double-bowl sink

Our clients were looking to make this home their forever home and to create a warm and welcoming space that the whole family would enjoy returning to every day. One of our primary goals in this project was to change how our clients moved through their home. We tossed aside the existing walls that blocked off the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry to connect the kitchen directly to the dining room. Contrast is king in this home, and we utilized a variety of light and dark finishes to create distinctive layers and lean into opportunities for accents. To tie the space in this home together, we introduced warm hardwood flooring throughout the main level and selected a soft grey paint as our primary wall color. Kitchen- The heart of this home is most definitely the kitchen! We erased every trace of the original builder kitchen and created a space that welcomes one and all. The glorious island, with its light cabinetry and dramatic quartz countertop, provides the perfect gathering place for morning coffee and baking sessions. At the perimeter of the kitchen, we selected a handsome grey finish with a brushed linen effect for an extra touch of texture that ties in with the high variation backsplash tile giving us a softened handmade feel. Black metal accents from the hardware to the light fixtures unite the kitchen with the rest of the home. Butler’s Pantry- The Butler’s Pantry quickly became one of our favorite spaces in this home! We had fun with the backsplash tile patten (utilizing the same tile we highlighted in the kitchen but installed in a herringbone pattern). Continuing the warm tones through this space with the butcher block counter and open shelving, it works to unite the front and back of the house. Plus, this space is home to the kegerator with custom family tap handles! Mud Room- We wanted to make sure we gave this busy family a landing place for all their belongings. With plenty of cabinetry storage, a sweet built-in bench, and hooks galore there’s no more jockeying to find a home for coats. Fireplace- A double-sided fireplace means double the opportunity for a dramatic focal point! On the living room side (the tv-free grown-up zone) we utilized reclaimed wooden planks to add layers of texture and bring in more cozy warm vibes. On the family room side (aka the tv room) we mixed it up with a travertine ledger stone that ties in with the warm tones of the kitchen island. Staircase- The standard builder handrail was just not going to do it anymore! So, we leveled up designed a custom steel & wood railing for this home with a dark finish that allows it to contrast beautifully against the walls and tie in with the dark accent finishes throughout the home.

When you enter the new space, you’ll be surprised by how bright it is. Looking to the right you’ll see a free-standing island designed for entertaining, with liquor drawer, beer and wine fridge below, and a granite countertop above. Running a support post through the countertop made the post blend into the design. Both support poles, the main beam, and all soffits were boxed in and painted light gray. The new three-quarter bath features a porcelain floor and bright porcelain tiled walk-in shower. The new laundry room and utility rooms are enclosed with matching white doors, the design makes this space bright and welcoming. An important part of good basement renovation.

Home bar - mid-sized modern u-shaped ceramic tile home bar idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

Our clients were looking to make this home their forever home and to create a warm and welcoming space that the whole family would enjoy returning to every day. One of our primary goals in this project was to change how our clients moved through their home. We tossed aside the existing walls that blocked off the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry to connect the kitchen directly to the dining room. Contrast is king in this home, and we utilized a variety of light and dark finishes to create distinctive layers and lean into opportunities for accents. To tie the space in this home together, we introduced warm hardwood flooring throughout the main level and selected a soft grey paint as our primary wall color. Kitchen- The heart of this home is most definitely the kitchen! We erased every trace of the original builder kitchen and created a space that welcomes one and all. The glorious island, with its light cabinetry and dramatic quartz countertop, provides the perfect gathering place for morning coffee and baking sessions. At the perimeter of the kitchen, we selected a handsome grey finish with a brushed linen effect for an extra touch of texture that ties in with the high variation backsplash tile giving us a softened handmade feel. Black metal accents from the hardware to the light fixtures unite the kitchen with the rest of the home. Butler’s Pantry- The Butler’s Pantry quickly became one of our favorite spaces in this home! We had fun with the backsplash tile patten (utilizing the same tile we highlighted in the kitchen but installed in a herringbone pattern). Continuing the warm tones through this space with the butcher block counter and open shelving, it works to unite the front and back of the house. Plus, this space is home to the kegerator with custom family tap handles! Mud Room- We wanted to make sure we gave this busy family a landing place for all their belongings. With plenty of cabinetry storage, a sweet built-in bench, and hooks galore there’s no more jockeying to find a home for coats. Fireplace- A double-sided fireplace means double the opportunity for a dramatic focal point! On the living room side (the tv-free grown-up zone) we utilized reclaimed wooden planks to add layers of texture and bring in more cozy warm vibes. On the family room side (aka the tv room) we mixed it up with a travertine ledger stone that ties in with the warm tones of the kitchen island. Staircase- The standard builder handrail was just not going to do it anymore! So, we leveled up designed a custom steel & wood railing for this home with a dark finish that allows it to contrast beautifully against the walls and tie in with the dark accent finishes throughout the home.

With 30 gallons of space, this heavy duty resin waste basket ensures you won't have to constantly check if the trash can is full when all you want to do is chat with friends. The easy open metal hinged lid grants easy access and its full size gives an extra-large opening for lifting out the trash. The Keter Pacific 30 Gallon Waste Basket includes a sturdy plastic liner that makes trash removal quick, easy and clean. It's attractive sleek, contemporary design is easy on the eyes, but it's also quick and hassle free to assemble and simple to clean. In fact, it's practically maintenance-free!

Raising three kids in Minnesota usually means hockey. Each winter the owners of this beautiful St. Louis Park home transformed their backyard into a lighted ice rink. Their kids and all their kid’s friends loved it – you could hear their laughter way down the block. And then something went very wrong. Instead of flooding the ice rink, a broken water pipe had been flooding the basement with several inches of water. The pipe was repaired, but all the flooring and carpeting, as well as the lowest two feet of sheetrock and insulation had to be taken out. Fortunately, there was no structural damage. The owners figured that this might be the best time for a total basement renovation. The flooring needed to be replaced. The four basement windows were small, dim, and worthless. The combined bathroom and laundry room had to go, as well as all non-supporting walls and the big bulky soffits. They talked with Rick Jacobson and together they worked out a design. Rick’s solution: Make the space big and bright and functional. Make it a good investment. Make it a good experience. The new design began with the windows. One window was simply eliminated, and three larger windows were installed, pouring light into the room light from the southern exterior and making the space feel lies like a basement. Each new window well features a retaining wall constructed with interlocking blocks. The biggest window was constructed using two side-by-side egress windows and features a permanent ladder in the well for an extra measure of safety while adding to the home’s value. High-quality vinyl interlocking flooring was used for this main room, with a large carpet to make it cozy. The use of clear White Oak for shelving (that looks and feels like furniture), for the gas fireplace framing and hearth, cabinet drawers, a countertop, even for the stair steps ties everything together. When you enter the new space, you’ll be surprised by how bright it is. The big egress window together with in-ceiling dimmable lights and light gray walls make this a bright, welcoming room. On your left you’ll see a gas fireplace with handmade white oak hearth, framed with white oak. The inset TV screen above makes this a great place for Saturday night movies and popcorn with the family. Looking to the right you’ll see a free-standing island designed for entertaining, with liquor drawer, beer and wine fridge below, and a granite countertop above. Running a support post through the countertop made the post blend into the design. Both support poles, the main beam, and all soffits were boxed in and painted light gray. The new three-quarter bath features a porcelain floor and bright porcelain tiled walk-in shower. The new laundry room and utility rooms are enclosed with matching white doors, the design makes this space bright and welcoming. An important part of good basement renovation. The result: A large, bright, open space for relaxing and entertaining. And a way to make the best of a flooded basement.

These clients wanted a traditional kitchen with warm wood tones. We designed the new kitchen using Fieldstone Cabinetry in the Bainbridge ( raised panel ) door style in a Butterscotch stained finish. This is a classic look and color that is timeless. The new kitchen has all the bells and whistles along with fresh new stainless steel appliances including a new 48” fridge, wine fridge, and double ovens. Pull out base and pantry storage, a new mixer lift cabinet, and pull out corner cabinet help keep everything organized. Cambria Quartz countertops in Windermere surround the kitchen providing a worry free no maintenance countertop surface. This new kitchen has plenty of great new storage, lots of convenient prepping areas, and plenty of seating for socializing.