The backyard in this Dunwoody, GA residence presented several challenges, including failing cinder block walls, unsafe steps, and an aging deck. These issues rendered the space largely unusable and created drainage problems, limiting both safety and functionality for the homeowners. Our team addressed these issues by removing all existing structures and undertaking a comprehensive rebuild. This involved regrading the area for proper drainage, constructing new retaining walls, and installing integrated steps for safe access throughout the yard. Multiple paver patios were also installed to create defined entertaining areas. The outcome is a safe and highly functional outdoor living space in Dunwoody. The new retaining walls provide essential structural support, the drainage system manages stormwater effectively, and the integrated patios and walkways offer inviting areas for recreation and access.

Tackling the kitchen layout, we started by reconfiguring the location of the oven, cooktop, range hood, and refrigerator, which allowed for improved workflow and kept a triangle work zone. By incorporating the new range hood into the design, we were able to add the proper ventilation that the homeowners wanted. The raised countertops along the wall were removed to create a more functional workspace for entertaining and everyday use. The design team kept one area of the countertop raised on the large island to keep it functional for seating.

The client had purchased a semi-detached home in downtown Toronto and was looking to update things. Being quite handy the couple was able to do a significant amount to modernize the 100 year old home. However, the 3 bedroom, 1 bath [which was on the second floor] became to be a challenge for the growing family. This is where we came in to assist in implementing some additional functional space with limited size. We took the existing covered porch and framed and insulated the whole space to add some interior square footage to the home. Then we were able to add a small but functional powder room and a foyer with new entry into the home to allow for more storage and a proper area to come into the home. The monochromatic colour scheme with a pop of metallic creates a warm and modern feel to this century home.

The backyard in this Dunwoody, GA residence presented several challenges, including failing cinder block walls, unsafe steps, and an aging deck. These issues rendered the space largely unusable and created drainage problems, limiting both safety and functionality for the homeowners. Our team addressed these issues by removing all existing structures and undertaking a comprehensive rebuild. This involved regrading the area for proper drainage, constructing new retaining walls, and installing integrated steps for safe access throughout the yard. Multiple paver patios were also installed to create defined entertaining areas. The outcome is a safe and highly functional outdoor living space in Dunwoody. The new retaining walls provide essential structural support, the drainage system manages stormwater effectively, and the integrated patios and walkways offer inviting areas for recreation and access.

The backyard in this Dunwoody, GA residence presented several challenges, including failing cinder block walls, unsafe steps, and an aging deck. These issues rendered the space largely unusable and created drainage problems, limiting both safety and functionality for the homeowners. Our team addressed these issues by removing all existing structures and undertaking a comprehensive rebuild. This involved regrading the area for proper drainage, constructing new retaining walls, and installing integrated steps for safe access throughout the yard. Multiple paver patios were also installed to create defined entertaining areas. The outcome is a safe and highly functional outdoor living space in Dunwoody. The new retaining walls provide essential structural support, the drainage system manages stormwater effectively, and the integrated patios and walkways offer inviting areas for recreation and access.

Ed Butera
Example of a beach style foyer design with white walls and a glass front door

A multi-level southern yellow pine deck designed for durability, accessibility, and everyday outdoor living. This project features wide, well-proportioned stair runs, pressure-treated pine decking, and clean vertical baluster railings for a classic, functional appearance. The layout creates a smooth transition from the home to the yard while maintaining proper drainage, structural integrity, and long-term performance. Built with code-compliant framing and fastening, this deck delivers a timeless look with the strength and reliability of traditional pine construction.

The client had purchased a semi-detached home in downtown Toronto and was looking to update things. Being quite handy the couple was able to do a significant amount to modernize the 100 year old home. However, the 3 bedroom, 1 bath [which was on the second floor] became to be a challenge for the growing family. This is where we came in to assist in implementing some additional functional space with limited size. We took the existing covered porch and framed and insulated the whole space to add some interior square footage to the home. Then we were able to add a small but functional powder room and a foyer with new entry into the home to allow for more storage and a proper area to come into the home. The monochromatic colour scheme with a pop of metallic creates a warm and modern feel to this century home.

Open shelving that earns its place - whitewashed maple, properly deep, staged with everyday glassware rather than curated objects. Outlets positioned directly below the shelf and concealed behind it to meet code without interrupting the wall. Functional, not performative. Marco Polo House, Cinnamon Shore, Port Aransas.

The importance of a properly designed home office ( especially when the space is also used as a meeting-place/showroom ) entails the comfort & positive experience of your customer in the following manner: 1. Exclusive office space with its own entrance separate from rest of home. 2. Ergonomic customer seating and ample presentation surfaces. 3. Dedicated customer computer screen(s) detailing CAD drawings & presentation in a show and tell manner. 4. Proper lighting ( LED lighting has come a long way ) 5. Practical design touches ( hooks for purses, coats, umbrella stand, refreshments area, guest WIFI, etc...) One of the greatest benefits of a home office is the freedom to design it with a distinct identity. In other words, we shouldn’t blend the workplace with the rest of our personal space, aka home.

This beautiful Downtown Toronto condo, with magnificent views of the city, and Toronto Island, required some updates to the original kitchen. There were space & storage issues mainly, and much of the upper cabinets were open and not very functional. The kitchen island also needed to be transformed into a functional area with proper storage as well. Our clients really wanted to transform this space into a beautiful modern kitchen with clean lines and warm wood accents, while including a number of automated features. This was achieved with Sub Zero refrigeration and wine cooling, along with enhanced Miele cooking features. They include an induction stove with steam features, and a built in speed oven. This kitchen also features touch faucet controls, Casetta Wireless, and Lutron Serena wireless shades to assist with bright southern exposures.

In this kitchen remodel, we used simple lines and smooth planes while creating balance with color and structure. We closed off an unnecessary second entry which allowed us to properly reposition the wall ovens opposite the island for better functionality. We added a bar cabinet to the front facing side of the island for convenient access from the living room. Our induction cooktop and inset hood centered along the rear wall create a clean look and uncluttered workspace.

The client had a finished basement space that was not functioning for the entire family. He spent a lot of time in his gym, which was not large enough to accommodate all his equipment and did not offer adequate space for aerobic activities. To appeal to the client's entertaining habits, a bar, gaming area, and proper theater screen needed to be added. There were some ceiling and lolly column restraints that would play a significant role in the layout of our new design, but the Gramophone Team was able to create a space in which every detail appeared to be there from the beginning. Rustic wood columns and rafters, weathered brick, and an exposed metal support beam all add to this design effect becoming real. Maryland Photography Inc.

The existing quirky floor plan of this 17 year old kitchen created 4 work areas and left no room for a proper laundry and utility room. We actually made this kitchen smaller to make it function better. We took the cramped u-shaped area that housed the stove and refrigerator and walled it off to create a new more generous laundry room with room for ironing & sewing. The now rectangular shaped kitchen was reoriented by installing new windows with higher sills we were able to line the exterior wall with cabinets and counter, giving the sink a nice view to the side yard. To create the Victorian look the owners desired in their 1920’s home, we used wall cabinets with inset doors and beaded panels, for economy the base cabinets are full overlay doors & drawers all in the same finish, Nordic White. The owner selected a gorgeous serene white river granite for the counters and we selected a taupe glass subway tile to pull the palette together. Another special feature of this kitchen is the custom pocket dog door. The owner’s had a salvaged door that we incorporated in a pocket in the peninsula to corale the dogs when the owner aren’t home. Tina Colebrook

Embarking on a garage remodeling project is a transformative endeavor that can significantly enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. By investing in tailored storage solutions such as cabinets, wall-mounted organizers, and overhead racks, one can efficiently declutter the area and create a more organized storage system. Flooring upgrades, such as epoxy coatings or durable tiles, not only improve the garage's appearance but also provide a resilient surface. Adding custom workbenches or tool storage solutions contributes to a more efficient and user-friendly workspace. Additionally, incorporating proper lighting and ventilation ensures a well-lit and comfortable environment. A remodeled garage not only increases property value but also opens up possibilities for alternative uses, such as a home gym, workshop, or hobby space, making it a worthwhile investment for both practicality and lifestyle improvement.

Clients had a large wasted space area upstairs and wanted to better utilize the area. They decided to add a large laundry area that provided tons of storage and workspace to properly do laundry. This family of 5 has deeply benefited from creating this more functional beautiful laundry space.

DESIGNED BY TOC design CONSTRUCTION BY TOC design & Construction inc. PHOTOS BY : Tania Scardellato I was fortunate to have a young family approach me in desperate need to renovate there only 3 piece bathroom. This space was In dire need of a remodel, with old brown wall to wall tiles and a dated bulky yellow brown single sink vanity. Storage was a must, lighting a necessity, and proper accessibility to the shower bath area. We had a tight budget to respect, but a full gut of this bathroom was required. And a good thing too, once we started doing the demolition we noticed that mildew and rotting floors and walls had accumulated throughout the years. Doing it right the first time is no joke when dealing with water and electrical issues. We discarded all reminisce of old and built from scratch, new walls, new plumbing, new electrical ,new insulation and a new window, a new fan that actually exhausted outside ( I say this laughing as you would be amazed at how many fans are installed but don’t exhaust outside, and you the client would never know unless you go inside the attic space. Once all the hard stuff was done, the rest is just a matter of smart design. If you have a small bathroom here are some tips to guide you. 10 tips for making a small bathroom feel larger Is your tiny bathroom cramping your functionality and style, leaving you longing for the enormous bathrooms gracing the pages of design magazines? Even if your bathroom is a fraction of the size, all it takes is some design savvy to make the most of the space you have. Consider these 10 smart tips that will help your bathroom look, feel and function like those larger contenders. 1-Get creative with corners Space is at a premium in small bathrooms, so it's important to maximize every inch. Corners, for example, provide extra space for shelving, storage units and even hooks. Get creative and install unique design solutions that are not only functional, but also eye-catching. If you love the airiness of floating cabinets, add baskets or decorative boxes under for extra storage. If you are installing floating cabinets insure that they are installed securely to studs or plywood at wall. 2- Let solid colors shine Busy patterns have a shrinking effect and make small bathrooms seem even smaller. Conversely, light natural hues make a space feel more open. If you're itching to get creative with design, experiment with textures but keep overpowering patterns to a minimum. Tone on tone is the best to achieve this. 3 - Maximize your bathtub A bathtub takes up a significant portion of the room, but modern, compact options with curved basins, can make the tub feel larger when in use, all while conserving space. 4 - Select a smaller faucet A faucet is jewelry for the bathroom. And just as accessories can overpower an outfit, a big bulky faucet isn't flattering in a small bath. Single-handle designs conserve counter space, while a wall-mount installation frees it up all together and can create quite the wow-factor, if the budget can accommodate the required changes to plumbing behind the wall. 5 - Make vanity storage simple If you're in a storage war with your small bathroom, you're not alone in the battle. Toiletries and personal supplies without a place to call home only add clutter and chaos. Store smart with a space-saving vanity, the dual sink vanity shown here, looks quite simple, but in reality it has 4 sets of full extension drawers, and the vanity tower adds extra storage without overpowering the use of space. 6 - Show off the shower Shower curtains may be pretty, but they interrupt the visual flow of a bathing space and make it feel significantly smaller. In bathrooms with small footprints, opt for a clear glass sliding shower door that doesn't require the clearance of one with a hinged design. Or as shown in this design and for fraction less expensive a half hinged panel installed on a fixed tempered glass panel. If you're embarking on a big remodel, create the illusion of more space by using same tile in the shower that's used throughout; instead of seeing them as two separate zones, the eye will read them as one. 7 - Discover the treasure of hidden storage Work with a contractor, and you just might find some serious storage potential hidden behind your walls. Whether it's utilizing space between the studs for shallow shelving or a creating a small linen closet by annexing space from an adjacent room, even small additions can make a big difference. 8 - Focal Point Tile is a beautiful, durable addition to any bathroom. For dainty spaces, consider installing tile at a diagonal to accentuate the focal point or as in this bathroom I used an oversized textured pattern to bring depth to the space at the window wall. 9 - Choose the right lights Strategically install light to reflect and brighten a small bathroom to make it appear larger. Recessed lighting is an affordable solution for tiny rooms, offering ample light while taking up little space. Wall sconces alongside a mirror also reflect off the walls and make a room feel bright and airy. I always recommend going with LED lighting at 2800 to 3000K. 10 – Accessorize This is your time to shine in your decorating skills, have fun with your towels, you can change the color scheme daily just by adding pops of color in your accessories, make sure to get items that serve a dual purpose, like baskets, boxes they can always be used as hampers, storing of towels and even a nice display for your guest.

Perfect Pools designed an outdoor space that worked well for this Vienna, VA home. We wanted to keep the proper amount of green space still while making the space functional. This pool is in the town of Vienna, so extra steps were needed for the permitting process. We used a Flagstone Patio with additional Bluestone Steppers to Landscape the area. This Pool has an Auto Cover to help not only with safety, but to also help retain heat for the cooler evenings. The interior finish is a SGM Riverrock Pebble.

Perfect Pools designed an outdoor space that worked well for this Vienna, VA home. We wanted to keep the proper amount of green space still while making the space functional. This pool is in the town of Vienna, so extra steps were needed for the permitting process. We used a Flagstone Patio with additional Bluestone Steppers to Landscape the area. This Pool has an Auto Cover to help not only with safety, but to also help retain heat for the cooler evenings. The interior finish is a SGM Riverrock Pebble.