In the heart of Cottingham Street, a journey began—an endeavor to transform a tired, outdated kitchen into a space of modern charm and functional elegance. It all started with a dream, perhaps born over Sunday breakfast conversations or inspired by glossy magazine spreads. You imagined more than just a room; you envisioned a hub, a place where culinary creativity and family gatherings intertwine seamlessly. First came the consultations, where ideas danced between you and skilled designers, each conversation weaving threads of imagination and practicality. With blueprints in hand and dreams in mind, you ventured into the world of permits and regulations, navigating the bureaucratic maze to ensure your vision could take shape within the constraints of the law. Demolition day arrived with a symphony of hammers and saws, marking the end of an era and the dawn of a new one. Out went the old, worn cabinets and outdated appliances, making space for the promise of something fresh and exciting. Dust danced in the sunlight filtering through the windows, a metaphor for the transformation unfolding before your eyes. Amidst the rubble, craftsmen toiled, laying the groundwork for your culinary sanctuary. Pipes were rerouted, wires reconfigured, and walls reshaped, each task bringing you closer to the realization of your dream. It was a dance of precision and expertise, a symphony of progress conducted by skilled hands. And then, like magic, the pieces began to fall into place. Cabinets rose from the floor like sentinels of style, countertops gleamed with the promise of countless meals shared, and appliances hummed with the anticipation of culinary adventures yet to come. Light flooded the space, casting shadows of possibility across every surface. With a fresh coat of paint and a flourish of finishing touches, your kitchen emerged from its cocoon of renovation, transformed into a space that felt uniquely yours. It was more than just a room; it was a reflection of your personality, your taste, and your vision for the future. As the final inspections were conducted and the last details attended to, you stood in the doorway of your new kitchen, a smile spreading across your face. Here, in this space of beauty and functionality, memories would be made, meals shared, and laughter echoed off the walls. It was a journey from start to finish, a testament to the power of vision and the magic of transformation. And it all began on Cottingham Street.

The Willow - Transitional Family Home on Acreage in Brush Prairie, Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Another key ingredient was a long term solution for a growing family. With a teen, preteen and a toddler it was well understood that this family would be growing, in many different ways, for years to come. A great way to plan for the future is to build in adaptability. This meant multi-use rooms, nooks and convertible flex spaces. Some of the flex features wee rooms with closets and other additional storage that could be used for personal or family effects. This included additions to the den, craft room and lots of spaces in-between. Two dining areas allow for added entertaining, either formal or informal. And underground plumbing designed for expansion will make it easy to set-up a detached garage, for the teenage years, or an in-law suite for when older relatives get a little late in their years. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Coming from a downtown Chicago high-rise condo, these folks were ready to expand their space. The jack-and-jill bathroom for the lower level bedrooms had been oddly laid out with a narrow line-up of sink, tub, and toilet. By moving one short wall about two feet, jackhammering out 3 old drains of 9-inch-thick concrete, and adding 6 new ones, the space was expanded so each spare bedroom now has its own en suite, private bathroom with shower, along with new HVAC ducts to serve each room. Also on the lower level, the family activity room was a little “tired.” So, we fashioned decorative beams and installed new LED can lights. Planning for a future move, we gutted and refitted the large mother-in-law bathroom with elegant tall and overhead cabinets with built-in lighting. Throughout this level, carpet was replaced with concrete-compatible hardwood flooring.

Home Schooling room that can be transitioned into an In-Law suit in the future.
Example of a large cottage gender-neutral dark wood floor and brown floor playroom design in Seattle with beige walls

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

This in-law suite was renovated with visiting aging parents in mind. This client requested a unique design that delivered an elegant spa-like feel with safety and comfort in mind. Blocking was done to prepare for possible grab bars, and a hand-held showerhead was installed with a separate clip for placement of the hand-held for a seated person showering. A teak flip away shower seat was installed for future use. We also designed a custom flooring pattern, involving several tile cuts and an advanced tile layout for increased aesthetic. The end result is a gorgeous bathroom for anyone to use

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

This in-law suite was renovated with visiting aging parents in mind. This client requested a unique design that delivered an elegant spa-like feel with safety and comfort in mind. Blocking was done to prepare for possible grab bars, and a hand-held showerhead was installed with a separate clip for placement of the hand-held for a seated person showering. A teak flip away shower seat was installed for future use. We also designed a custom flooring pattern, involving several tile cuts and an advanced tile layout for increased aesthetic. The end result is a gorgeous bathroom for anyone to use

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

This residential building in Sausalito, CA was originally constructed following WWII as a "vertical duplex" with two identical 800 square feet bedroom units stacked one on top of the other over a full height crawl space. We begin with two existing and one potential floor levels. The project's goal was to combine the two units into one single family residence; and to develop the former crawl space as the Owner's study (and future accessory in-law unit). New internal stairs communicate between the three floors; and the interior was reconfigured to meet 21st Century living needs within the existing, limited floor plate. The upslope lot provides views to the San Francisco Bay. Living functions are located on the top floor to capitalize on the vistas from outdoor living on the new exterior, ipe deck. The completely new Kitchen, expanding into borrowed space from a former closet is contiguous with and expands the living area. Each floor's bath is also completely new - providing a spacious feel within the limits of each floor's square footage. Prior to replacing all interior finishes, the structure was upgraded to comply with current seismic demands. Exterior decks running the depth of the residence were reconstructed; the cable rail system between posts increases one's sense of view to the Bay. At the point of transition from street/parking to the Owner's deck, an organic, hand-forged entry gate welcomes one home.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION & RESIDENCE OWNER’S REVIEW My husband and I came across some of Alex Sukhomlinov’s beautifully handcrafted pieces of “Décor” at an antique shop in Vancouver about 4 years ago. We were so impressed with his work that we set up an appointment to meet him at his studio. At that time, we were setting up law offices in Vancouver and were looking for items to add to the overall ‘Old World Charm’ to accompany several French Empire Antiques we had brought up from L.A. His abilities as an artist and a master craftsman were matched equally by his passion and vision for what we were looking for. Thrilled with the finished offices we then invited him to our home in Cochrane, Alberta and that is when we let him have free reign on designing our library décor and add finishing touches to our living room. We have had several world-renowned artists and many world travellers to our home since the completion of Alex’s work. The overall comments are: THIS IS IN CANADA??? THIS IS BETTER THAN ANY MANSION I’VE EVER BEEN TO!! THIS BLOWS NAPOLEAN’S LIBRARY OUT OF THE WATER!! THIS IS BETTER THAN VERSAILLES!! We are pleased to pass on any photos or answer any questions prospective clients may have. Alex was very easy and accommodating to work with. He takes enormous pride in his work. There is NO ONE ELSE that can do what he does. He creates Masterpieces that are so worthy of his time and effort. We are very honoured to have him contribute to our beautiful home and look forward to future projects with him. Janet Munro and Patrick Fagan

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

This in-law suite was renovated with visiting aging parents in mind. This client requested a unique design that delivered an elegant spa-like feel with safety and comfort in mind. Blocking was done to prepare for possible grab bars, and a hand-held showerhead was installed with a separate clip for placement of the hand-held for a seated person showering. A teak flip away shower seat was installed for future use. We also designed a custom flooring pattern, involving several tile cuts and an advanced tile layout for increased aesthetic. The end result is a gorgeous bathroom for anyone to use

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION & RESIDENCE OWNER’S REVIEW My husband and I came across some of Alex Sukhomlinov’s beautifully handcrafted pieces of “Décor” at an antique shop in Vancouver about 4 years ago. We were so impressed with his work that we set up an appointment to meet him at his studio. At that time, we were setting up law offices in Vancouver and were looking for items to add to the overall ‘Old World Charm’ to accompany several French Empire Antiques we had brought up from L.A. His abilities as an artist and a master craftsman were matched equally by his passion and vision for what we were looking for. Thrilled with the finished offices we then invited him to our home in Cochrane, Alberta and that is when we let him have free reign on designing our library décor and add finishing touches to our living room. We have had several world-renowned artists and many world travellers to our home since the completion of Alex’s work. The overall comments are: THIS IS IN CANADA??? THIS IS BETTER THAN ANY MANSION I’VE EVER BEEN TO!! THIS BLOWS NAPOLEAN’S LIBRARY OUT OF THE WATER!! THIS IS BETTER THAN VERSAILLES!! We are pleased to pass on any photos or answer any questions prospective clients may have. Alex was very easy and accommodating to work with. He takes enormous pride in his work. There is NO ONE ELSE that can do what he does. He creates Masterpieces that are so worthy of his time and effort. We are very honoured to have him contribute to our beautiful home and look forward to future projects with him. Janet Munro and Patrick Fagan

Today’s investment landscape in California features a surge in transforming single-family lots into vibrant multi-family residences, facilitated by recent SB9 and ADU laws. This project exemplifies how a modest 6,750-square-foot lot can accommodate a 1,500-square-foot primary home alongside a 2,500-square-foot duplex, seamlessly integrating design, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. The primary residence underwent a meticulous interior transformation, evolving from a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath layout into a spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home. Strategic reconfigurations centered around creating an expansive great room—an open-concept space adorned with vaulted ceilings—where the kitchen, dining, and living areas converge into a magnificent communal zone. Exterior updates further distinguish the property. The front and side yards are enclosed with fencing and privacy hedges, linked by concrete pathways that enhance outdoor functionality while compensating for backyard space lost during renovations. The exterior façade was refreshed with darker tones, deliberately contrasting with the duplex to emphasize architectural separation. Designed to preserve the suburban charm, the duplex visually mimics a single-family home from the street. Its facade creates an illusion of a two-story residence, maintaining harmony within the neighborhood fabric. The main unit, developed under SB9 guidelines, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a luxurious parents’ suite situated upstairs. Downstairs, two bedrooms share a full bath, creating a balanced family-oriented layout. The duplex’s interior boasts 9-foot ceilings throughout, elevating the sense of space and openness. The design thoughtfully places the kitchen at the front, inviting guests into the home, while stairs on the right lead to the private upstairs bedroom suite. The ADU offers a two bedroom and two & half baths. the unit is accessible via a private side entrance with a dedicated walkway. Its layout includes a ground-floor living room, a galley kitchen, and a discreet powder room beneath the stairs, designed to contain guest traffic and maintain privacy upstairs. The upstairs bedrooms each feature luxurious bathrooms with expansive showers, adding an element of modern elegance. Both units enjoy thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces—private patios, backyard areas, and gated front yards—creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. This project exemplifies innovative urban infill solutions, blending architectural elegance with legal compliance and community harmony—an inspiring blueprint for the future of residential development in California.

Coming from a downtown Chicago high-rise condo, these folks were ready to expand their space. The jack-and-jill bathroom for the lower level bedrooms had been oddly laid out with a narrow line-up of sink, tub, and toilet. By moving one short wall about two feet, jackhammering out 3 old drains of 9-inch-thick concrete, and adding 6 new ones, the space was expanded so each spare bedroom now has its own en suite, private bathroom with shower, along with new HVAC ducts to serve each room. Also on the lower level, the family activity room was a little “tired.” So, we fashioned decorative beams and installed new LED can lights. Planning for a future move, we gutted and refitted the large mother-in-law bathroom with elegant tall and overhead cabinets with built-in lighting. Throughout this level, carpet was replaced with concrete-compatible hardwood flooring.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION & RESIDENCE OWNER’S REVIEW My husband and I came across some of Alex Sukhomlinov’s beautifully handcrafted pieces of “Décor” at an antique shop in Vancouver about 4 years ago. We were so impressed with his work that we set up an appointment to meet him at his studio. At that time, we were setting up law offices in Vancouver and were looking for items to add to the overall ‘Old World Charm’ to accompany several French Empire Antiques we had brought up from L.A. His abilities as an artist and a master craftsman were matched equally by his passion and vision for what we were looking for. Thrilled with the finished offices we then invited him to our home in Cochrane, Alberta and that is when we let him have free reign on designing our library décor and add finishing touches to our living room. We have had several world-renowned artists and many world travellers to our home since the completion of Alex’s work. The overall comments are: THIS IS IN CANADA??? THIS IS BETTER THAN ANY MANSION I’VE EVER BEEN TO!! THIS BLOWS NAPOLEAN’S LIBRARY OUT OF THE WATER!! THIS IS BETTER THAN VERSAILLES!! We are pleased to pass on any photos or answer any questions prospective clients may have. Alex was very easy and accommodating to work with. He takes enormous pride in his work. There is NO ONE ELSE that can do what he does. He creates Masterpieces that are so worthy of his time and effort. We are very honoured to have him contribute to our beautiful home and look forward to future projects with him. Janet Munro and Patrick Fagan

The Willow - Transitional Family Home on Acreage in Brush Prairie, Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Another key ingredient was a long term solution for a growing family. With a teen, preteen and a toddler it was well understood that this family would be growing, in many different ways, for years to come. A great way to plan for the future is to build in adaptability. This meant multi-use rooms, nooks and convertible flex spaces. Some of the flex features wee rooms with closets and other additional storage that could be used for personal or family effects. This included additions to the den, craft room and lots of spaces in-between. Two dining areas allow for added entertaining, either formal or informal. And underground plumbing designed for expansion will make it easy to set-up a detached garage, for the teenage years, or an in-law suite for when older relatives get a little late in their years. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya