This project was basically a blank slate for a living/dining room with the ever-challenging sunroom extension of the living room. We bridged the living room into the sunroom with a bench so that it feels open. New furniture throughout, lighting, art some dramatic wallpaper and window treatments tie the first floor together. The hardest working space is in the back of the house though, where we added custom built-in cabinetry by the back door. Instead of matching the white kitchen, we chose to bring in green and a dash of walnut from the other furniture on that level. FUN FACT: The mudroom is multi-functional with two large coat cabinets, shoe storage, a key drop, overflow storage above and a hidden pull out desk. See it in action below. Photography: Dustin Halleck and Margaret Rajic

Designed by Shanae Mobley of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Springfield VA in collaboration with Eagle Innovations, this contemporary bathroom remodel features contemporary bathroom cabinets by Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Apex door style in a painted Pebble Gray finish. The vanity top is Calico White from MSI Q Quartz. The bathroom includes Daltile 12x24 Cove Creek Grey wall tiles and Atlas 12x24 Grespania Tivolo Perla Matte floor tile. Shower floor tiles were provided by others. “The client’s plan was to retire in place, so we focused on updating their bathroom accordingly with a contemporary twist,” said Shanae. “We created easier access to their washer and dryer, which are now in their master bath. We included features like a curbless, doorless shower with a bench, slip resistant tile, grab bars and lighted mirrors.” Added the client, “The hardest part of the project was working the washer and dryer into the layout of the room. We love the curbless, doorless shower entrance. Shanae was very helping in selecting products, designing the shower and creating the room layout.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Shanae Mobley of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Springfield VA in collaboration with Eagle Innovations, this contemporary bathroom remodel features contemporary bathroom cabinets by Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Apex door style in a painted Pebble Gray finish. The vanity top is Calico White from MSI Q Quartz. The bathroom includes Daltile 12x24 Cove Creek Grey wall tiles and Atlas 12x24 Grespania Tivolo Perla Matte floor tile. Shower floor tiles were provided by others. “The client’s plan was to retire in place, so we focused on updating their bathroom accordingly with a contemporary twist,” said Shanae. “We created easier access to their washer and dryer, which are now in their master bath. We included features like a curbless, doorless shower with a bench, slip resistant tile, grab bars and lighted mirrors.” Added the client, “The hardest part of the project was working the washer and dryer into the layout of the room. We love the curbless, doorless shower entrance. Shanae was very helping in selecting products, designing the shower and creating the room layout.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

This kitchen was redone using Martha Stewart line of cabinets in a cream color. We used solid grey granite for the counter tops, and marble subway tile for the backsplash. The hardest part of this renovation, was to make the soffit look like part of the cabinetry. (The soffits had way to much plumbing to eliminate them all together) We shaved the soffits back as much as we could, and we trimmed it out, to make it look like part of the cabinetry.

Stairways that have a baluster add beauty to a home. However, if the baluster is broken, then this can cause the stairs to look bad. Fortunately, it is not that difficult to replace a broken baluster. Below are some of the steps you will need to take: Remove The End Cap It is important to be very careful when you are replacing the baluster. You will need to keep the baluster intact so that a wood turner will be able to make an exact copy of it. You will most likely need to remove the end cap from the stairs. Break the seal that is between the tread and the end cap using a sturdy knife or pry bar. Breaking The Baluster If you do not want to salvage the baluster, then you do have other options. You can use a hammer to loosen the nails at the top of the baluster. Make sure that you do not damage the adjacent balusters or handrail. You can use your hands to loosen the bottom half of the baluster. Make sure you use gentle force. Create A New Baluster Unless you are fortunate enough to have the same baluster at a local home center, you are going to need a wood turner to make a new baluster. Make sure you tell your wood turner the specific type of wood you need. If you are not concerned about the original color, then you will need to select the wood that is the hardest. Ask the wood turner to leave the spindles intact. This may make it harder for you to fit the baluster into the staircase. However, this reduces the chances of getting a misfit from the wood turner. Prepare The Stairs It will likely take one or two weeks to turn a baluster. You can prepare the stairs during this time. Clean up the area around the stairs. Put the end cap back on the stair tread. Measure the tread to where the new baluster and handrail will meet on the upstairs side. Prepare The Baluster You can prepare the baluster by sanding it smooth. Measure from the bottom of the baluster to the bottom of the tenon joint. Cut the top end of the baluster so that it matches the handrail's slope. Hold a T-Bevel against the handrail's underside where the new baluster will go. Mark the angle with a pencil. Install The Bottom Of The Baluster Insert the tenon inside of the mortise. After that, position the top of it in the middle of the handrail's underside. Install The Top Of The Baluster Make sure the tenon is straight by using a carpenter's level. Have someone hold it in place in order to ensure that it matches the angle of the other balusters. Place one nail into the baluster's upstairs side. You most likely will not need more than two finishing nails. Remove dust by wiping off the baluster. Use painter's tape to mask off the handrail and stair tread. Stain or paint the new baluster. Since this project involves a lot of work, you can save a lot of time and stress by contacting House Doctors to help. Thanks to our highly experienced team, you can depend on us to get the work done promptly and properly. by Ken Benedetto, Owner of House Doctors of Scotch Plains - Fanwood

David Betsy of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Wilmington, DE collaborated with J Butler Home Improvements to design a shaker styled kitchen featuring Masterpiece cabinetry. The cabinets are in the Mesa door style in Quartersawn Oak with a Natural finish, complemented by New Bianco Romano granite countertops. Appliances were provided by others. The client expressed their appreciation, saying, “I’m very happy with everything we picked and love my new kitchen. The hardest part of the project was storing everything until it was finished. I especially love my little step stool that allows me to reach everything in the high part of the cabinets. I also love my farm sink.” “The clients were looking to make their kitchen more modern but keep a natural feel. The Shaker style door with natural Quartersawn Oak and modern farm short apron sink fit perfectly with the style of their home. We selected specific cabinets that not only looked great but made their kitchen useful. They also decided on the perfect tone of under cabinet lighting that makes everything pop. I appreciate the time the clients spent with me to ensure that their kitchen has a WOW factor,” said David. Photos courtesy of Dan Williams Photography.

Designed by Kelsey McDaniel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Richmond, VA this bathroom remodeling project features a transitional style inspired design with Merillat Classic cabinets in the door style Rowan in the Mist finish paired with Vicostone countertops in Valley White with 1/4" Bevel Edge. The bathroom includes Kohler fixtures along with Marazzi Blue Gray Matte 8" Hex floor tile, Roca Statuary White 4 x 10 Subway shower wall tile, MSI Stone Blend Glass 12 x 12 Sheets shower accent tile and Marazzi Blue Gray Matte 1 1/2" Hex shower floor tile. “I am in love with my new bathroom,” said the client. “I have a gorgeous free standing bathtub that is the first thing your eyes settle on as you step into the room and is the centerpiece of the entire room while still allowing plenty of room to walk around to the windows and rest of the room.” “The hardest part of the remodeling project was envisioning how to use the existing space in a different and more user friendly way. My Reico designer Kelsey was invaluable in this regard and helped me to create the bathroom I had always hoped to have. I am extremely happy and grateful that I went to Reico for my project.” “The biggest design challenge of this space was to maximize the entirety of the bathroom without making it feel overly done. The client had a desire to enlarge the shower, remove the existing jacuzzi and surround, as well as incorporate a soaking tub for relaxation,” said Kelsey. “Because this was a massive space, we wanted to incorporate larger tile for a pop of color and dimension to reel in the openness a bit and draw your eye inward. We offset that dark tile with satin nickel fixtures, light cabinets, and light counter tops. It was a perfect balance of contrast throughout. The client had a vision and needed someone to make that a reality for her. I was very grateful to be that designer.” Photos courtesy of Tim Snyder Photography.

Our beloved love tub clients referred us to our sweet client in South Minneapolis who wanted to finally remodel her kitchen. She works with our love tub client and followed that project closely and was excited to do her space. The hardest challenge with South Minneapolis homes are their small spaces and the close lot lines that prevent additions. We, along with contractor Landmark Remodeling decided to keep the layout, but change the functions of the cabinetry. She wanted a new floor and we decided luxury vinyl plank was the answer. We also switched the location of the dishwasher so we could have pullout garbage and recycling. In addition to the kitchen we helped her source her new dining room furniture. And the best part...she is already scheming her next remodel, which is the biggest compliment we could get.

Designed by Marc Jean-Michel of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Bethesda, MD in collaboration with Liz Forgione of MMD Construction, this small transitional kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place shaker door style in two finishes. The base cabinets feature a Summit Grey finish and the wall cabinets a White finish. The kitchen countertops are MSI Artic White Quartz. The kitchen includes a Maravilla/Alvetian Isles Honed Marble 4x16 tile backsplash along with GE and Frigidaire appliances. “The hardest part was envisioning a new functional space in an old kitchen with a poor layout and use of space,” said the client. “I love most the transformation in the flow of the whole first floor. The kitchen entries are wide, more inviting and create a lot of great light! There is so much great storage in a small kitchen! Marc was great to work with. I loved all of his ideas.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Kathy Brandt, Mandy Moskowitz and Drakakis Architecture collaborated to design a modern style kitchen featuring Ultracraft cabinetry in the Richmond II door style with Walnut Peppercorn finish. The kitchen also includes JennAir Panel Ready appliances. Countertop and other materials were provided by others. "Finding a contractor for the demo was the hardest part. Mandy perfectly interpreted our needs and aesthetic, really nailing the layout in an awkward space. Kathy was wonderful, consistently helping us navigate through odd changes due to external factors. I love the new layout of the kitchen," said the client. “The kitchen was a very oddly shaped which made it challenging to accommodate the built-in refrigerator, wall ovens and refrigerator drawers while still having cabinets for storage as well as countertop space,” said Kathy. "Modifying cabinet specifications to fit both the space and appliances was key for a successful layout. The client had a clear vision and was fantastic to work with. Despite some initial issues with the order, they handled it calmly, allowing us to revise the layout smoothly. I'm very happy with how the design worked out, providing functional space without overcrowding any of the appliances." Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

When the competition amongst friends and colleagues heat up on the tennis court in the Hamptons we designed the ultimate simple but "Grand" Outdoor Kitchen nearby. A simple straight run outdoor kitchen island perfect for cold beverages, morning breakfast and lunch. The ultimate Grill is signified by the red knobs of the WOLF Grill. Indoor and Outdoor cooking perfection. With all weather cabinetry and sustainable countertop surface the Outdoor Kitchen is truly successful in more ways than one. The Driftwood weathered grain cabinets by NatureKast are the perfect match for the indoor outdoor look and functionality. The Subzero Outdoor Refrigerator is the hardest working player on the court as the unit runs 24/7 all season long.

Designed by Katherine Dashiell of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Annapolis, MD in collaboration with Taurus Enterprises, this coastal style inspired kitchen remodeling project features Greenfield Cabinetry in the Jackson door style in two finishes. The perimeter cabinets are the finish Glacier complemented by a Nebula finish on the kitchen island cabinets. The kitchen includes White Haven Kohler sink and Top Knobs bar pulls. The backsplash and countertops where provided by others. “The hardest part was we did a major remodel and had to live without a kitchen for two months,” said the client. “Our Reico salesperson was awesome. She did an amazing job designing the space and making it flow beautifully. I love how in removing a wall it opened up our kitchen and living area. My favorite cabinet accessory is the utensil bucket by the stove.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Kayla Carter of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Wilmington, NC, collaborated with Adam Aberte to design a traditional-style kitchen featuring Green Forest Cabinetry in the Brookside door style with a Glazed Ivory finish. The space is complemented by Silestone Lusso countertops and Wow Fez White tile. The client shared, “The hardest part of this remodeling project was making decisions. Kayla was key to the success of this project. She was patient, understanding, and always had a positive attitude. Her taste and help with color and design were invaluable. What I love most about my new kitchen is how beautiful and functional it is. With all the new drawer storage and improved accessibility, there are no more dead zones.” Kayla added, “The biggest challenge was working with a small space, so we focused on adding storage, especially with roll-out tray drawers, to make the most of it. I enjoyed building a great relationship with the client through the entire process.” Photos courtesy of Skyvue Real Estate & Commercial Photography.

Some rooms never quite find their purpose. That was the case with this space, which had gradually become a combination home office, pantry overflow area, pet zone, and general catch-all for daily life. While it offered plenty of square footage, it wasn’t helping the homeowners stay organized, and valuable storage was scattered between an overcrowded pantry closet and various pieces of furniture throughout the room. Having previously partnered with Drury Design on a kitchen remodel, these homeowners once again turned to Senior Designer Samantha Schoell to help them rethink how their home could better support the way they actually live. What began as a conversation about adding some cabinetry quickly evolved into a comprehensive storage solution — one designed to accommodate everything from groceries and sports equipment to pet supplies and everyday household essentials. Design Objectives: Create Organization: Consolidate pantry overflow, household supplies, and everyday essentials into a single, highly functional space. Support Family Life: Provide dedicated storage for coats, bags, sports equipment, and the routines of an active household. Accommodate Pets: Incorporate thoughtful features for the family’s dogs while maintaining a clean, organized appearance. Maximize Existing Space: Transform an underutilized room without expanding the home’s footprint. Maintain Flexibility: Preserve the room’s long-term versatility and appeal for future homeowners. Design Challenges: Multiple Functions: The room was being used simultaneously as a home office, pantry, storage area, and pet space without a cohesive organizational strategy. Insufficient Pantry Storage: The nearby pantry closet had become overcrowded and difficult to navigate. Visual Clutter: Everyday items, pet supplies, and household necessities lacked dedicated storage locations. Unused Potential: Despite its generous size, the room was not contributing meaningfully to the home’s overall functionality. Balancing Practicality and Style: The homeowners wanted substantial storage without creating a space that felt overly utilitarian. Design Solutions: Purpose-Built Storage Plan: Custom cabinetry was designed to support multiple functions within a unified storage system, allowing the room to serve as a mudroom, pantry extension, household hub, and pet station. Expanded Pantry Capacity: Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a secondary refrigerator, and extensive drawer storage dramatically increased food storage and organization capabilities. Hidden Organization: Closed cabinetry conceals household items, sports gear, pet supplies, and everyday clutter, creating a calm and orderly appearance. Full-Room Transformation: Rather than simply adding cabinets to one wall, the design reimagined the entire room, utilizing its footprint to create a true family command center. Furniture-Inspired Cabinetry: Warm wood finishes, decorative hardware, open display shelving, and thoughtful detailing elevate the room beyond pure utility, helping it feel like a natural extension of the home’s design. The most successful remodeling projects often solve problems homeowners have simply learned to live with. In this case, a room that once served several purposes — but excelled at none — was transformed into one of the hardest-working spaces in the home. Today, groceries, pet supplies, seasonal gear, household essentials, and daily routines all have a designated place. Even the family’s dogs were thoughtfully considered, with a built-in resting area integrated into the cabinetry. The result is a room that feels remarkably organized despite supporting countless everyday activities — a reflection of how thoughtful design can bring clarity, efficiency, and calm to the busiest parts of family life.

Definitely a custom job on this one. The hardest part being the angled upper cabinet of course. The open shelving makes use of some of the space in back, but there is dead space back in there. Also tricky was accommodating for the HVAC intake which this unit covered over.

A bathroom we completely revamped. Includes new vanities, tops, shower, and the handicap tub. The tub was probably the hardest feature in this one. It has 3 separate drains with a pump for them so you don't have to wait on water to drain along with an electric door that raises up and down. And of course Schluter-Systems North America water proofing behind it all!

Other than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, granite is the hardest natural stone. Granite is the preferred stone for exterior or interior as it is known for its strength and resistance to the elements.

Give your garage the attention it deserves. Between family storage, yard work, DIY projects, and vehicle protection, your garage is the hardest working room in your home. Bold Series cabinets let you create a more functional, organized space that helps you get the most out of your garage.

The family room is easily the hardest working room in the house. With 19' ceilings and a towering black panel fireplace this room makes everyday living just a little easier with easy access to the dining area, kitchen, mudroom, and outdoor space. The large windows bathe the room with sunlight and warmth.