Inspiration for a huge transitional kitchen remodel in Miami

Photography by Patrick Ray With a footprint of just 450 square feet, this micro residence embodies minimalism and elegance through efficiency. Particular attention was paid to creating spaces that support multiple functions as well as innovative storage solutions. A mezzanine-level sleeping space looks down over the multi-use kitchen/living/dining space as well out to multiple view corridors on the site. To create a expansive feel, the lower living space utilizes a bifold door to maximize indoor-outdoor connectivity, opening to the patio, endless lap pool, and Boulder open space beyond. The home sits on a ¾ acre lot within the city limits and has over 100 trees, shrubs and grasses, providing privacy and meditation space. This compact home contains a fully-equipped kitchen, ¾ bath, office, sleeping loft and a subgrade storage area as well as detached carport.

Arnal Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional master white tile and stone tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Toronto with white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Designer: Paul McClean Project Type: New Single Family Residence Location: Los Angeles, CA Approximate Size: 15,500 sf Completion Date: 2012 Photographer: Jim Bartsch

Inspiration for a small transitional white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor drop-in bathtub remodel in Portland with brown cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a console sink, quartz countertops and raised-panel cabinets

Patio - huge transitional patio idea in Miami

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Kitchen - mid-sized modern l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white cabinets

A modest dining and stemware display pantry conceals abundant storage for food, containers, wraps, and appliances beyond. Woodruff Brown Photography
Large eclectic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry photo with glass-front cabinets, an island, a drop-in sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Backyard Landscape enveloped by reclaimed wood fence. Photo by Katrina Coombs
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Los Angeles.

That table looks petite then you count the chairs. How does he make seem cozy?
Large mid-century modern light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a large trendy master white tile porcelain tile, white floor and double-sink freestanding bathtub design with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, multicolored countertops and a built-in vanity

Example of a large classic garden shed design

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

Photography: Gerardine and Jude Vargas
This is an example of a mid-sized mid-century modern drought-tolerant and shade backyard water fountain landscape in Phoenix with decking for summer.

The functional program called for a generous living/gathering room, kitchen & dining, a screened porch, and attendant utility functions. Instead of a segregated bedroom, the owner desired a sleeping loft contiguous with the main living space. The loft opens out to a covered porch with views across the marsh. Phillip Spears Photographer

Inspiration for a huge transitional bathroom remodel in Miami

Inspiration for a huge transitional beige one-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Miami

Inspiration for a modern bathroom remodel in Philadelphia