Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Time had stood still at this 1970s ranch in Armonk when the owners invited us to collaborate with them to transform it into a modern, light-filled home for their young family. The budget was lean, so economy was a primary consideration for every design decision. The challenge was to identify the modest home’s virtues – vaulted ceilings and a lovely backyard – and accentuate them by strategically optimizing available funds. We were tasked with rectifying a dysfunctional interior stair, connecting to the outdoors with new large windows, and updating the exterior. We focused our attention on a finite set of architectural moves which would have the biggest impact and improve our clients’ daily experience of the home. Detailing was kept simple, using common grade materials and standard components. All exterior walls were revamped with new windows and siding. Although these materials were not particularly costly, thoughtful layout of boards, battens, and openings produced a cohesive, rigorous composition at each facade. Since the budget would not cover the homeowners’ complete wish list, some items were bracketed for subsequent phases. The challenge was to establish a framework that would allow future work – including a new roof and kitchen renovation – to proceed smoothly. The homeowners, both scientists, were enthusiastic collaborators, contributing their outstanding design sensibilities to selection of fixtures and finishes. Construction ended just in time for the arrival of their baby – and with that, the transformation of their family home was complete.

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Photography by: Caryn B. Davis This project included a two-story addition with a kitchen/dining area on the first floor and bedroom/bathroom on the second floor. The house is located on a gently sloping site surrounded by woods and meadows. The kitchen features grey lower cabinetry and white upper cabinetry with a subtle, rounded board and batten backsplash. The dining area features a large picture window flanked by double hungs that look out over the meadow. The upstairs bathroom shares a tub/shower with another bathroom in Jack-n-Jill fashion. Phase II will include first and second floor renovations and an expansive rear deck and stone terrace. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Home office - eclectic home office idea in Seattle

Located in the Exemplary Lake Travis ISD and the new Signal Hill Estates at Bee Cave features One Acre minimum homesites with ease of access to the heart of Bee Cave and TX HWY 71. Neighborhood amenities—Gated access to 61 homes on over 80 acres. 10 acre private park including hike and bike trails, and community playscape.

A fresh interpretation of the western farmhouse, The Sycamore, with its high pitch rooflines, custom interior trusses, and reclaimed hardwood floors offers irresistible modern warmth. When merging the past indigenous citrus farms with today’s modern aesthetic, the result is a celebration of the Western Farmhouse. The goal was to craft a community canvas where homes exist as a supporting cast to an overall community composition. The extreme continuity in form, materials, and function allows the residents and their lives to be the focus rather than architecture. The unified architectural canvas catalyzes a sense of community rather than the singular aesthetic expression of 16 individual homes. This sense of community is the basis for the culture of The Sycamore. The western farmhouse revival style embodied at The Sycamore features elegant, gabled structures, open living spaces, porches, and balconies. Utilizing the ideas, methods, and materials of today, we have created a modern twist on an American tradition. While the farmhouse essence is nostalgic, the cool, modern vibe brings a balance of beauty and efficiency. The modern aura of the architecture offers calm, restoration, and revitalization. Located at 37th Street and Campbell in the western portion of the popular Arcadia residential neighborhood in Central Phoenix, the Sycamore is surrounded by some of Central Phoenix’s finest amenities, including walkable access to premier eateries such as La Grande Orange, Postino, North, and Chelsea’s Kitchen. Project Details: The Sycamore, Phoenix, AZ Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Sonora West Development Developer: EW Investment Funding Interior Designer: Homes by 1962 Photography: Alexander Vertikoff Awards: Best in American Living Award for Best Single Family Production Home 4,501-5,000 sq ft Built for Sale Gold Nugget Award of Merit – Best Residential Detached Collection of the Year

Tower Paddle Boards, or Tower (as in a lifeguard tower), is a dedicated stand up paddle boarding brand started by Stephan Aarstol and later funded by Shark Tank icon Mark Cuban on ABC's hit show. Simply Stunning Spaces has had the absolute pleasure of watching this company grow from their small office space in Pacific Beach to expanding their warehouse space and most recently gaining a prominent location on one of San Diego's most recognizable streets, Garnet Ave. This space had a long ways to go to becoming something simply stunning but the end result was just that. By removing the ceiling tiles and opening up to the 15 foot ceilings hidden away we were able to maximize the square footage of the office, gain a second floor of office space and dedicate the bottom floor to retail and event space for the SUP community to enjoy. Some of our favorite features: the 31 foot Tower mural inside the glass enclosed private work space, the outdoor painted signage, the sand blasted ceilings which were definitely worth it! The exposed duct work add to its industrial feel and the glass enclosed shaping room in the window is an absolute show stopper! The bar we built for the previous office space fit just perfectly in the new space. We love repurposing whenever we can and the dedicated niche we built to house all the really cool awards and recognitions the owner and company have received were well deserving of being highlighted. It's not too often you can say you've been in Inc magazine, Forbes, 20/20... just to name a few!

This Skillman, NJ homeowner was tired of their builder`'s grade, shaker-style cabinets. The banks of darker-stained cabinetry made the kitchen feel small and closed off. The effect was lackluster and in no way complimented the rest of the home's sophisticated decór. Enter our Kitchen Magic design consultant and the homeowner's personal Interior Designer, Nicole Lorber of Distinctive Interior Designs. Together, we decided to: Reface the existing cabinets to save more than 50% of the homeowner's budget planned for new cabinets. This made it possible for the homeowner to spend the extra funds on other, luxurious remodeling accents. Lighten and brighten the cabinets for a more spacious and open feel. Use Vintage Raised panel style doors for a more traditional look. Maximize storage and functionality, including pull-out shelving, trash roll-outs and lazy Susan corner storage. Great Design and the Right Accents Create Attractive Focal Points Part of what makes this kitchen so great are all the "just right" design details and accents. For example: Just add glaze The homeowner selected Antique White cabinetry to create the lighter ambiance she were going for. The raised details on the Vintage style doors are perfect for trapping glaze, so we finished them with a Brown Glaze to warm things up a bit - it's a look that continues to trend. Photographer: David Glasofer Interior Designer: Nicole Lorber of Distinctive Interior Designs

Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

A fresh interpretation of the western farmhouse, The Sycamore, with its high pitch rooflines, custom interior trusses, and reclaimed hardwood floors offers irresistible modern warmth. When merging the past indigenous citrus farms with today’s modern aesthetic, the result is a celebration of the Western Farmhouse. The goal was to craft a community canvas where homes exist as a supporting cast to an overall community composition. The extreme continuity in form, materials, and function allows the residents and their lives to be the focus rather than architecture. The unified architectural canvas catalyzes a sense of community rather than the singular aesthetic expression of 16 individual homes. This sense of community is the basis for the culture of The Sycamore. The western farmhouse revival style embodied at The Sycamore features elegant, gabled structures, open living spaces, porches, and balconies. Utilizing the ideas, methods, and materials of today, we have created a modern twist on an American tradition. While the farmhouse essence is nostalgic, the cool, modern vibe brings a balance of beauty and efficiency. The modern aura of the architecture offers calm, restoration, and revitalization. Located at 37th Street and Campbell in the western portion of the popular Arcadia residential neighborhood in Central Phoenix, the Sycamore is surrounded by some of Central Phoenix’s finest amenities, including walkable access to premier eateries such as La Grande Orange, Postino, North, and Chelsea’s Kitchen. Project Details: The Sycamore, Phoenix, AZ Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Sonora West Development Developer: EW Investment Funding Interior Designer: Homes by 1962 Photography: Alexander Vertikoff Awards: Gold Nugget Award of Merit – Best Single Family Detached Home 3,500-4,500 sq ft Gold Nugget Award of Merit – Best Residential Detached Collection of the Year

Tower Paddle Boards, or Tower (as in a lifeguard tower), is a dedicated stand up paddle boarding brand started by Stephan Aarstol and later funded by Shark Tank icon Mark Cuban on ABC's hit show. Simply Stunning Spaces has had the absolute pleasure of watching this company grow from their small office space in Pacific Beach to expanding their warehouse space and most recently gaining a prominent location on one of San Diego's most recognizable streets, Garnet Ave. This space had a long ways to go to becoming something simply stunning but the end result was just that. By removing the ceiling tiles and opening up to the 15 foot ceilings hidden away we were able to maximize the square footage of the office, gain a second floor of office space and dedicate the bottom floor to retail and event space for the SUP community to enjoy. Some of our favorite features: the 31 foot Tower mural inside the glass enclosed private work space, the outdoor painted signage, the sand blasted ceilings which were definitely worth it! The exposed duct work add to its industrial feel and the glass enclosed shaping room in the window is an absolute show stopper! The bar we built for the previous office space fit just perfectly in the new space. We love repurposing whenever we can and the dedicated niche we built to house all the really cool awards and recognitions the owner and company have received were well deserving of being highlighted. It's not too often you can say you've been in Inc magazine, Forbes, 20/20... just to name a few!

This Skillman, NJ homeowner was tired of their builder`'s grade, shaker-style cabinets. The banks of darker-stained cabinetry made the kitchen feel small and closed off. The effect was lackluster and in no way complimented the rest of the home's sophisticated decór. Enter our Kitchen Magic design consultant and the homeowner's personal Interior Designer, Nicole Lorber of Distinctive Interior Designs. Together, we decided to: Reface the existing cabinets to save more than 50% of the homeowner's budget planned for new cabinets. This made it possible for the homeowner to spend the extra funds on other, luxurious remodeling accents. Lighten and brighten the cabinets for a more spacious and open feel. Use Vintage Raised panel style doors for a more traditional look. Maximize storage and functionality, including pull-out shelving, trash roll-outs and lazy Susan corner storage. Great Design and the Right Accents Create Attractive Focal Points Part of what makes this kitchen so great are all the "just right" design details and accents. For example: Just add glaze The homeowner selected Antique White cabinetry to create the lighter ambiance she were going for. The raised details on the Vintage style doors are perfect for trapping glaze, so we finished them with a Brown Glaze to warm things up a bit - it's a look that continues to trend. Photographer: David Glasofer Interior Designer: Nicole Lorber of Distinctive Interior Designs

This Skillman, NJ homeowner was tired of their builder`'s grade, shaker-style cabinets. The banks of darker-stained cabinetry made the kitchen feel small and closed off. The effect was lackluster and in no way complimented the rest of the home's sophisticated decór. Enter our Kitchen Magic design consultant and the homeowner's personal Interior Designer, Nicole Lorber of Distinctive Interior Designs. Together, we decided to: Reface the existing cabinets to save more than 50% of the homeowner's budget planned for new cabinets. This made it possible for the homeowner to spend the extra funds on other, luxurious remodeling accents. Lighten and brighten the cabinets for a more spacious and open feel. Use Vintage Raised panel style doors for a more traditional look. Maximize storage and functionality, including pull-out shelving, trash roll-outs and lazy Susan corner storage. Great Design and the Right Accents Create Attractive Focal Points Part of what makes this kitchen so great are all the "just right" design details and accents. For example: Just add glaze The homeowner selected Antique White cabinetry to create the lighter ambiance she were going for. The raised details on the Vintage style doors are perfect for trapping glaze, so we finished them with a Brown Glaze to warm things up a bit - it's a look that continues to trend. Photographer: David Glasofer Interior Designer: Nicole Lorber of Distinctive Interior Designs

If your family is like most American families, the kitchen is the heart of your home. It is where you gather for meals, to do homework, meet with friends, and, of course, sneak a midnight snack! Knowing that the kitchen is the center of your home, is the overall style what you want when entertaining? If the answer is no, but you don’t have the funds to do a complete renovation, you may be considering painting the kitchen cabinets. Here are three of the top benefits of making this choice. A Face-Lift – Kitchen cabinets are most likely one of the first things people notice when they enter a kitchen, as they take up a majority of the wall space. So if they are drab, dated, worn, or darker than you prefer, you may want to consider brightening up your kitchen with a professional painting of not only the wall surfaces but also the kitchen cabinets. If your cabinets are in fairly good condition, there really is no need to replace, but rather have the experts bring back the shine and new look to your kitchen through paint. Economical – Having a team of professionals remove, clean, sand, and paint your cabinet doors and the surrounding woodwork can be much more cost effective than a complete replacement of the cabinets. The average cost of revitalizing cabinets by painting is a fraction of the cost of both the labor and materials needed to replace the existing cabinets. Time and Convenience – Not only is the cost a factor when deciding whether to replace or rejuvenate your cabinets, but time and convenience should be considered as well. For most contractors, gutting and replacing cabinets will take approximately 3-6 weeks and will mean losing your kitchen during that time. In a fraction of the time, usually less than a week, your kitchen can look like new with a paint color that you have chosen.

Photo by Jody Dole This new mixed-use building located in a quaint village has made a name for itself. It features a third floor apartment, second floor office space, and first floor retail. The design of the building's exterior bridges the gap between new and old. The cedar shingle gable roof form and double hung window style blend with the traditional New England context of neighboring buildings. The vertical grooved siding and a sliding 'barn' door hint at an agrarian vernacular. The sliding door features sixteen sparking panels of 'glass quilts' designed by glass artist, Alan Davidson of Guilford, CT. Angular roof forms, support brackets, and trim along with the black paint color provide a modern edge. The building and the new first floor art gallery have generated much interest and excitement for the town. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Photography by Caryn B. Davis Located in the Cornfield Point area of Old Saybrook along Long Island Sound, this project brought a classic, yet forgotten beach house back to life. Through a little detective work and some creative ingenuity, we restored and enhanced the exterior to it’s former glory and transformed the interior to a highly efficient and functional home all the while uplifting its quaint cottage charm. On the exterior, we recreated a wonderful, airy front porch with cozy bench seats that look out to the water. The white cedar shingle siding is pre-bleached with a subtle flair at the bottom and a delicate break at mid-elevation. The asphalt shingles are not only beautifully matched with the siding, but offer superior reflective qualities to dissipate the heat of the summer sun. On the interior, we joined the front seasonal porch with the family room to form a larger, open living and dining space with paneled walls and ceilings anchored by the original round stone fireplace. In the rear, we carefully crafted a galley kitchen and laundry space with an adjacent first floor master suite. The diminutive house and property posed multiple practical and regulatory challenges which were overcome by a strong team effort, due diligence, and a commitment to the process. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

A fresh interpretation of the western farmhouse, The Sycamore, with its high pitch rooflines, custom interior trusses, and reclaimed hardwood floors offers irresistible modern warmth. When merging the past indigenous citrus farms with today’s modern aesthetic, the result is a celebration of the Western Farmhouse. The goal was to craft a community canvas where homes exist as a supporting cast to an overall community composition. The extreme continuity in form, materials, and function allows the residents and their lives to be the focus rather than architecture. The unified architectural canvas catalyzes a sense of community rather than the singular aesthetic expression of 16 individual homes. This sense of community is the basis for the culture of The Sycamore. The western farmhouse revival style embodied at The Sycamore features elegant, gabled structures, open living spaces, porches, and balconies. Utilizing the ideas, methods, and materials of today, we have created a modern twist on an American tradition. While the farmhouse essence is nostalgic, the cool, modern vibe brings a balance of beauty and efficiency. The modern aura of the architecture offers calm, restoration, and revitalization. Located at 37th Street and Campbell in the western portion of the popular Arcadia residential neighborhood in Central Phoenix, the Sycamore is surrounded by some of Central Phoenix’s finest amenities, including walkable access to premier eateries such as La Grande Orange, Postino, North, and Chelsea’s Kitchen. Project Details: The Sycamore, Phoenix, AZ Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Sonora West Development Developer: EW Investment Funding Interior Designer: Homes by 1962 Photography: Alexander Vertikoff Awards: Best in American Living Award for Best Single Family Production Home 4,501-5,000 sq ft Built for Sale Gold Nugget Award of Merit – Best Residential Detached Collection of the Year