A home In harmony with nature.
Example of a minimalist one-story flat roof design in New York

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Example of a trendy underground basement design in New York with white walls and no fireplace

PA Landscape Group, Inc. http://www.palandscapegroup.com/ Project Entry: Mechanicsburg Residence 2013 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential Hardscaping $60,000 & Over Award Level: Bronze Project Description: Our client was ready to replace a deteriorating wood deck at the back of their home. They wanted to create an area where his wife and two daughters could enjoy the outdoors,occasional meal off the grill, and hang out with friends. We were challenged to keep the outdoor room from sprawling over a rear yard with a consistently changing grade to the side property line and keeping some open lawn for the sports minded daughters. The area at the back property was wooded and owned by the homeowners association and not maintained. Our design goals were to create a three season area to enjoy the grill year round and social space for family and friends. Oh yes,a place to read the newspaper and watch the Philly's. The existing deck was surrounded by six foot Euonymus alatus, which we decided early on to save and transplant if possible. The Euonymus had been a part of the house since it was constructed. The Euonymus became a new screen, to separate the area from the property line. We created a landing large enough to tie the door,grill pavilion and patio areas together and the steps are good if more kids show up than expected. The dining and grilling area is under roof of a 12ft. x 18ft. pavilion. This structure provides a roofed enclosure. The interior roof is softly lighted and a fan provided to keep a comfortable breeze. The grill,table, and hardscape buffet provide all that is needed to dine and a spot to set the TV to keep up with the Philly's. After dinner the family can move down to the fireplace and hot tub area to relax and enjoy the evening. While Dad can spread out the sports page on the table and read the newspaper. Brussel Block pavers, by Unilock,were choose for the casual tumbled quality and smooth clean surface to accommodate socks and bare feet. One inlay was placed just off the landing to be a central point of the outdoor space. Darker red colored Copthorne pavers, by Unilock, are used as accents both vertically and horizontally to be contiguous with the fireplace element. We set the fireplace at a 45 degree angle and set the wood boxes parallel and perpendicular to the fire box. This creates a cozy seating area and prevents the total layout from running straight across the rear ofthe house. We also constructed a customized the hearth to provide a wider sitting area. Coming from the garage we keep the same grade to the back kitchen door, dropped down one step to the patio and pavilion and then down two steps into the fireplace and hot tub area. This also breaks up the feeling of going straight across the back of the house. The grill island houses a Lynx grill and in the end of the grill island is a refrigerator so that everyone does not have to keep going behind the counter to get drinks.At the opposite end of the pavilion a hardscape buffet was built to provide more counter space for serving food and supplied with electricity to provide power for a TV,computer etc. Low voltage pathway lighting was positioned along the walk from the drive to the back doors for security and safety along the path. Up lighting to the interior of the pavilion roof give an ambient light to the grill and dining area and minimal lighting to the fireplace which will radiate its own light. Control of the pavilion lights is located on the grill island. Low voltage lighting provides a great view along the back wood line. This light along the wood line expands visually the space allowing the backyard to become a great space for all to enjoy. Our client's expectations were surpassed in meeting the challenge of our design goals. Photo Credit: PA Landscape Group, Inc.

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Our goal on this project was to create a live-able and open feeling space in a 690 square foot modern farmhouse. We planned for an open feeling space by installing tall windows and doors, utilizing pocket doors and building a vaulted ceiling. An efficient layout with hidden kitchen appliances and a concealed laundry space, built in tv and work desk, carefully selected furniture pieces and a bright and white colour palette combine to make this tiny house feel like a home. We achieved our goal of building a functionally beautiful space where we comfortably host a few friends and spend time together as a family. John McManus

This Greenlake area home is the result of an extensive collaboration with the owners to recapture the architectural character of the 1920’s and 30’s era craftsman homes built in the neighborhood. Deep overhangs, notched rafter tails, and timber brackets are among the architectural elements that communicate this goal. Given its modest 2800 sf size, the home sits comfortably on its corner lot and leaves enough room for an ample back patio and yard. An open floor plan on the main level and a centrally located stair maximize space efficiency, something that is key for a construction budget that values intimate detailing and character over size.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

The clients underlying goal was to have a “gathering space” for their big family as well as when they frequently entertained. The challenge of this remodel was creating a comfortable flowing space while maintaining separation between adjacent rooms. Photos: Peter Rymwid Photography

Rural Italian Estate in Carmel Valley, by Evens Architects - Pool and Pool Pavilion
Inspiration for a large mediterranean rectangular pool remodel in San Francisco

This ceiling was designed and detailed by dSPACE Studio. We created a custom plaster mold that was fabricated by a Chicago plaster company and installed and finished on-site.

Trendy living room photo in Miami

Small bathroom with skylight. Architect: Cathy Schwabe Architecture Interior Design: John Lum Architecture Landscape Architect: Arterra LLP, Vera Gates Lighting Design: Alice Prussin Color Consultant: Judith Paquette

Example of a small trendy u-shaped enclosed kitchen design in Other with white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink

Our Clients goal is reinforce the kitchen as the center of their home, and do so with a contemporary craftsman's style. Our solution reorganized the traditional living room and family room into one central living room, and pushes the "formal dining room" into the old family room space. Our solution separates the cooking work triangle from circulation route. We accomplish this by relocating the kitchen wall to the center of the house and push the circulation to the exterior wall.

Example of a minimalist metal exterior home design in Cincinnati

Tiffany Ringwald Photography tiffanyringwald.com @tiffanyringwald
Elegant kitchen photo in Charlotte

Photographer: Tom Crane Made of 300, 10-foot steel blades set upright 8 inches apart, the award winning Cor-Ten Cattails Sculptural fence was designed for a home in Berwyn, Pennsylvania as a yard sculpture that also keeps deer out. Made of COR-TEN, a steel alloy that eliminates the need for painting and maintains a rich, dark rust color without corroding, the fence stanchions were cut with a plasma cutter from sheets of the alloy. Each blade stands 8 feet above grade, set in concrete 3 feet below, weighs 80-90 pounds and is 5/8 inch thick. The profile of the blades is an irregular trapezoid with no horizontal connections or supports. Only the gate has two horizontal bars, and each leaf weighs 1200 pounds.

A couple wished to turn the unfinished half of their Creve Coeur, MO basement into special spaces for themselves and the grandchildren. Four functions were turned into 3 separate rooms: an arts and crafts room for the grandkids, a gift wrapping room for the wife, with office space for both of them, and a work room for the husband (not pictured). The 3 rooms are accessed by a large hall, which houses a deep, stainless steel sink operated by foot pedals, which comes in handy for greasy, sticky or paint-smeared hands of all ages. The gift wrapping room is adult art projects plus an office work space. Grandparents can leave their projects out and undisturbed by little ones by simply closing the French doors. Custom Wellborn cabinetry becomes work tables with the addition of wood tops. The impressive floor-to-ceiling hutch cabinet that holds gift wrapping supplies is custom-designed and built by Mosby to fit exact crafting needs. Photo by Toby Weiss