Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area. Photo Credit: Joe Lapeyra

When considering new deck building materials for their backyard outdoor living addition, the key word here was low maintenance. Having a young growing family, taking care of a new deck wasn’t exactly high on this family’s list of priorities. So during their complimentary deck design consultation, our team recommended TimberTech. This project encompasses the spacious low maintenance deck, along with a low maintenance white vinyl shade pergola.

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in New York

Photo by Jim Raycroft When these homeowners first came to us in 2011, they had a list of major projects to adapt their Victorian home to the needs of their growing family. The first phase of work was a basement renovation to provide informal hang out space. The second was a garage. Finally they turned their attention to the master bedroom and bathroom. FROM BALCONY TO BATHROOM At one end of the suite was a cramped and outdated bathroom. At the other end was an underutilized, high-maintenance, exterior balcony. A leaky door to the balcony, as well as inadequate insulation and air-sealing and a poorly designed heating system, made the bedroom difficult to keep comfortable in the winter. We chose to capture the old balcony as indoor space and relocate the bathroom to that end of the master suite. This strategy not only gave us the opportunity to install much better insulation and good, tight windows, it created enough new floor area that we were able to include a large walk-in shower, separate vanities, a toilet room, and a make-up counter in the new master bathroom. ADAPTING AND UPDATING The project allowed us to find a prominent place for an old leaded glass window sash that the homeowners had been hanging onto for several years in anticipation of this project. The flow and layout of the master suite are now much better suited to a 21st century lifestyle. But best of all (to us, anyway), the homeowners report that the bathroom—where the old balcony had been—is now the most comfortable room in the house.

A cramped kitchen and a cramped dining room were combined (the adjoining family room was repurposed as a dining room) to make the space better suited to the homeowners with growing children. The family is keen on cooking, baking and entertaining so a suite of hardworking, flexible appliances was at the top of the needs list along with a prep zone that could accommodate multiple people working at the same time. The suite of appliances includes: a 36" induction cooktop, a 48" incognito refrigerator, a 36" chimney style hood, a 30" steam oven over a 30" convection wall oven, an incognito warming drawer, an incognito dishwasher, a microwave drawer and an Urban Cultivator. Photos by A Kitchen That Works LLC

Wherever you may fall on the nerd spectrum (and we’re right there with you), Orbital blends a love of space-age cues steeped in Mid-century Modern design, so even if you didn’t grow up with a Robot on your sci-fi-movie themed lunch box, there’s plenty to love here. Gold dust finish, textured center hub and a galaxy of crystals (not to mention easy assembly) make this one the ultimate stargazing experience. Features: Embellished with premium crystal elements Earth friendly - constructed using hand forged recycled steel Suitable for any indoor location CSA listed in compliance with nationally recoginzied product safety standards Specifications: Requires 16 x 60-watt E12 Candelabra base Incandescent bulbs (not included) - 120V Included canopy measures as 5.5""Dia. x 1""Thick Includes 10ft of chain

When considering new deck building materials for their backyard outdoor living addition, the key word here was low maintenance. Having a young growing family, taking care of a new deck wasn’t exactly high on this family’s list of priorities. So during their complimentary deck design consultation, our team recommended TimberTech. This project encompasses the spacious low maintenance dual entry deck, along with a low maintenance white vinyl shade pergola.

I was hired by my husband’s clients who purchased his listing in North La Verne. It’s a single story pool home with a secluded driveway, nestled in the Mountain Springs Estates gated community. The owner’s have young children, so they wanted furnishings that were family friendly, comfortable and could grow with them throughout the years. This project was especially fun for me because they really let me have free reign! Before I began helping with the project, they had refinished the fireplaces and took down a wall in between the existing living and dining rooms. The living room had no furnishings in it and was the perfect blank canvas. The family room also was pretty bare with only a sectional grounding the space. I sourced and selected furnishings and decor from a variety of stores such as, Living Spaces, Pottery Barn, Ballard, Joss & Main and Overstock. We considered using store bought drapes, but in the end, I had my drape guy make us some beautiful custom, inverted pleat drapes, that ended up being not much more expensive than store bought drapes would have been. After getting to know the client’s and getting a feeling for their style, I was able to run with with my ideas and put together a comfortable, inviting, family friendly home. Next, we’re going to start working on their kitchen and outdoor living space.

This young family purchased their first home in 2021, and let's say it was full of original 1970s charm - i.e., nothing had been done to this house in the past 50 years. We had recently completed a project for a family member, so they called us in to help. During our initial consultation, they shared a modest project budget, and we explained that we wouldn't be able to accomplish much on such a limited budget. Several weeks passed, and they ultimately raised their funding, and we signed on for the job. Even after doubling their budget, we still had our work cut out for us. The original kitchen was very small in comparison to the square footage of the home, and opening up the space meant we needed to add two structural beams between the first and second stories. These homeowners already had one small child, and were expecting another in the coming months. They also have large families in the area, so creating an ample gathering space for multiple cooks was crucial to the final layout. Some of their wish list items included a bar and a large island with plenty of seating. They also wanted the kitchen open to the family room. This home had a formal and informal dining area, so we opted to absorb the casual eating area into the newly expanded kitchen floorplan. We relocated their laundry room to create an extended family room, which included the new bar area. We were also able to use the under-stair space to create a kitchen pantry. The kitchen transformed from 115 sq. ft. to a spacious 260 sq. ft., all within existing poorly used space. We were able to create clear sightlines to the backyard and pool from the new kitchen and family room, perfect for a young family. Aesthetically speaking, our clients wanted a neutral space that could grow and change with their family. We kept the expensive items like cabinets, countertops, and tile in classic finishes like whites and navy blues, while we had more fun with things like the faucet, hardware, and light fixtures that could easily be updated over the years. The finished product is a warm, clean, family-friendly space that invites you to come in and pull up a chair.

The owners loved the location and views from their original 2 bedroom, 1 bath home perched over looking the beautiful ocean shoreline. The problem was the size, layout and overall look of the house did not work for their growing family. The challenge was to take the existing multi-level, disjointed house and turn it into a larger, comfortably-elegant family home all within the existing foot print. The existing loft-style home was completely gutted and transformed into a four bedroom, 4.5 bath home. Every room in the house boasts fantastic views of the ocean. High on the Owners' list was a stronger street presence. Vistors never could find the front door! The front of the house was given a complete face-lift, leaving no question where to enter the new home. The Owners also wanted to create usable outdoor space, which on the steep site, was tricky. Instead of taking the material from demolished east side of the house (which was rebuilt) and hauling it off to the landfill, it was used to create a new raised patio off the lower level. The scale and overall proportions of the house are what the owners love. Each room is comfortable while still having a sense of grace and detail…the perfect mix for this family.

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area.

Hemerocallis fulva / Daylily Daylilies in the Home Gardening Center Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen

Chic single-story unit in Meadow Ridge offers an exclusive Agoura Hills living experience. This cozy unit is adorned with beautiful crown moldings, custom lighting, and wood-like flooring throughout, every detail has been elegantly executed. The sophisticated high ceilings, abundant natural lighting, and wood-like flooring throughout, create an open and inviting environment. Whether you're an aspiring master chef or a food enthusiast simply looking to prepare a meal, you'll be impressed by the kitchen white cabinetry, granite counters, travertine/glass tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Perfect for entertaining friends and family, the open floor-plan modern living space has a gas/wood burning fireplace, and a slider leading to a cute balcony with sweeping views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Spacious primary room with two custom closets, and the secondary room has a vaulted ceiling. The washer and dryer are conveniently located in the attached two car garage. Spend summer days relaxing by the community pool, or enjoy the manicured lawns, perfect for dog walking or hiking. Minutes away from the local-favorite Whizin Market Square, The Agoura Antique Mart, Shoppes at Westlake Village, Promenade At Westlake, with a variety of restaurants and boutiques. Take the easily accessible 101 freeway, or take a scenic drive through the canyons to Pacific Coast Highway, and reach the iconic Malibu beaches. Meadow Ridge is part of the Las Virgenes Unified School District, one of the best school districts in the state of California. First time home buyers find this to be a great stepping stone home that helps them get established in the area as their housing needs grow. The Latest Meadow Ridge Townhomes Real Estate Listings 29123 Thousand Oaks Boulevard B Agoura Hills, California 91301 SOLD for $510,000 Want to go see homes in person? Let's connect! The Agoura Neighbor Home Search Call Anna Lanuza (310) 295-8807 www.annalanuza.com SOLD for: $510,000 Represented Seller

I was hired by my husband’s clients who purchased his listing in North La Verne. It’s a single story pool home with a secluded driveway, nestled in the Mountain Springs Estates gated community. The owner’s have young children, so they wanted furnishings that were family friendly, comfortable and could grow with them throughout the years. This project was especially fun for me because they really let me have free reign! Before I began helping with the project, they had refinished the fireplaces and took down a wall in between the existing living and dining rooms. The living room had no furnishings in it and was the perfect blank canvas. The family room also was pretty bare with only a sectional grounding the space. I sourced and selected furnishings and decor from a variety of stores such as, Living Spaces, Pottery Barn, Ballard, Joss & Main and Overstock. We considered using store bought drapes, but in the end, I had my drape guy make us some beautiful custom, inverted pleat drapes, that ended up being not much more expensive than store bought drapes would have been. After getting to know the client’s and getting a feeling for their style, I was able to run with with my ideas and put together a comfortable, inviting, family friendly home. Next, we’re going to start working on their kitchen and outdoor living space.

2015 Home Tour Participant Looking to add more living space for this growing family, Homeowners of this 1923 St Paul home made the decision to finish their basement. A full new floor plan was designed to include a long list of must haves. The new space included: a new bedroom, family room for the kids to play, an additional room for guests and/or study, new 3/4 bath, easy access for bicycle storage in laundry, low pile carpet that is comfortable for the kids to play, and warmth for the MN winters! A great floor plan was designed that integrated the family room and guest bed/study that also creates wonderful sight lines and a great flow. The basement was updated with all new windows including two egress windows. Beautiful rainglass pocket doors were installed to the bath and laundry to continue the flow of natural light from room to room. Custom natural oak millwork and beautiful door knobs by Rejuvenation Hardware were installed throughout. To match the charm of the home, subway tile and hex tile floors were installed in the new bath and shower. The bath was finished with a stock vanity, mirror, lighting, and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Modern features were also integrated throughout including Hudson Reed wall mount radiators and a NEST thermostat. One of our favorite features of this project, is the original support header and column that we decided to keep exposed. The homeowners took it upon themselves to sand the aged wood down to its natural color and it truly creates a unique piece of art. Castle and the Homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

This newly purchased home was the perfect size for our client's growing family. The house, having been expanded on and renovated by the previous owners was the right size but not quite the right style. The house was full of design elements that may have been "cool" in the early 2000s but just didn't feel right for a young family. The master bathroom was in the most serious need of redo with many, many square feet of dingy and somewhat depressing deep red granite tile with diamond accents in black granite. The bathroom felt dark and dingy. Together with our clients, we set out on our mission to efficiently turn this room into an inviting and happy place for our clients. Thankfully the layout of the space was very functional, so we focused on an aesthetic overhall. At the top of the client’s list was to have a beautiful and comfortable freestanding soaker tub. Behind the Kohler tub and throughout the bathroom walls is polished Calacatta Gold marble tile. The new brushed nickel plumbing fixtures are timeless and unfussy, an important thing for busy young parents! The new bathroom is sleek but not stark. A welcoming space for our clients to feel at home.

Morales Construction Company is one of Northeast Florida’s most respected general contractors, and has been listed by The Jacksonville Business Journal as being among Jacksonville’s 25 largest contractors, fastest growing companies and the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the First Coast area.

2015 Home Tour Participant Looking to add more living space for this growing family, Homeowners of this 1923 St Paul home made the decision to finish their basement. A full new floor plan was designed to include a long list of must haves. The new space included: a new bedroom, family room for the kids to play, an additional room for guests and/or study, new 3/4 bath, easy access for bicycle storage in laundry, low pile carpet that is comfortable for the kids to play, and warmth for the MN winters! A great floor plan was designed that integrated the family room and guest bed/study that also creates wonderful sight lines and a great flow. The basement was updated with all new windows including two egress windows. Beautiful rainglass pocket doors were installed to the bath and laundry to continue the flow of natural light from room to room. Custom natural oak millwork and beautiful door knobs by Rejuvenation Hardware were installed throughout. To match the charm of the home, subway tile and hex tile floors were installed in the new bath and shower. The bath was finished with a stock vanity, mirror, lighting, and Kohler plumbing fixtures. Modern features were also integrated throughout including Hudson Reed wall mount radiators and a NEST thermostat. One of our favorite features of this project, is the original support header and column that we decided to keep exposed. The homeowners took it upon themselves to sand the aged wood down to its natural color and it truly creates a unique piece of art. Castle and the Homeowners couldn’t be happier with the finished product. Photographer: Lisa Brunnel

An existing, thirsty fescue lawn was removed and planted with a meadow of native Carex praegracilis (sedge) and seeded with a variety of local wildflowers. In the foreground, hummingbird sage grows under coast live oaks. Photo: Billy Goodnick