These homeowners came to Castle looking for a solution that would allow them to stay in their 1946 stucco bungalow in the St. Paul neighborhood that they loved. What was once a young couple’s starter home (1 ½ story with two bedrooms on the main floor and a tiny attic space) was no longer big enough after having two kids. The need for more room became the family’s highest priority, so they came to Castle for help creating the space they needed for their growing family. With very little headroom in the attic, the decision was made to tear off the roof and add a completely new 2nd story addition with three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a commons area. The stairway to the new 2nd-floor space needed to be rebuilt to comply with code requirements and was extended slightly into the dining room below. The new 2nd story addition gave the homeowners an opportunity to revise the exterior look of the home with vertical board and batten siding above the 1st-floor stucco. A new front entry portico was added to compliment the addition, and the existing masonry chimney was extended above the new roof line. The homeowners took over the work on the project after drywall was installed and did all the interior trim & millwork, tile, flooring, and painting & staining themselves. They’re loving the results! Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Immerse your home in a palette of possibilities with Westrade Projects' painting ventures in Richmond, BC throughout 2023. We're not just brushing on color; we're transforming spaces, addressing your home's unique needs and injecting life into your living experience. Project Highlights: Revitalizing Surfaces: Say goodbye to dull walls and welcome vibrant transformations. Our meticulous prep work isn't just about paint; it's about reviving tired surfaces, filling in those wear-and-tear battle scars, and ensuring your home feels refreshed, from the inside out. Your Color Story: Choosing colors is personal, and we get that. From soothing neutrals that bring calm to bold hues that make a statement, we're here to help you tell your color story. Let's paint a home that mirrors your style, suits your mood, and feels uniquely yours. Quality Beyond Expectations: We don't just aim for a good finish; we aim for an exceptional one. Our skilled artisans are on a mission to deliver quality beyond expectations, ensuring every stroke contributes to a durable, stunning, and transformative finish that stands the test of time. Your Home, Your Canvas: Your home isn't just a structure; it's a canvas of memories, dreams, and experiences. Through precision prep work, personalized color choices, and an unwavering commitment to quality, we're here to elevate your home's story—one brushstroke at a time.

South Puget Sound: Build on Your Own Lot Full service turn key start to finish builder. We provide the financing, help you secure the land, develop your property, design and build your home, and give you the keys! DCS strives to ensure our customer's dreams become reality with integrity, imagination, and innovation from start to finish. At DCS Built located in Tacoma, Washington, our design and build team approach gives our clients a unique experience that ensures a successful project delivery. As licensed contractors and designers working together, we are able to focus on quality and design from the start of your project over low-bid construction. Why Design Build? Our capable creative team of professionals is working together with your best interests in mind through all phases of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) project. Our Service Area includes Puget Sound, North Pierce County and South King County. Note: The community dot reflects the builder's design center, sales center or other physical business address. The builder's plans reflect the price of the home itself and does not include the property. You are responsible for providing the property on which these plans will be built. custombuild, piercecounty, design, remodel, building, architecture, build, projectdelivery, customhomes, custombuilt, mortgage, refinance, newhome, newhouse, selling, finance, property, forsale, generalcontractor, gc, contractor, washington, piercecounty, pugetsound, tacoma, auburn, gigharbor, dupont, bonneylake, puyallup, lakewood, olympia, buildonyourlot

South Puget Sound: Build on Your Own Lot Full service turn key start to finish builder. We provide the financing, help you secure the land, develop your property, design and build your home, and give you the keys! DCS strives to ensure our customer's dreams become reality with integrity, imagination, and innovation from start to finish. At DCS Built located in Tacoma, Washington, our design and build team approach gives our clients a unique experience that ensures a successful project delivery. As licensed contractors and designers working together, we are able to focus on quality and design from the start of your project over low-bid construction. Why Design Build? Our capable creative team of professionals is working together with your best interests in mind through all phases of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) project. Our Service Area includes Puget Sound, North Pierce County and South King County. Note: The community dot reflects the builder's design center, sales center or other physical business address. The builder's plans reflect the price of the home itself and does not include the property. You are responsible for providing the property on which these plans will be built.

This suburban home was built back in the 1970s and still retained its original "charming" colored tile, petite shower, and a tiny 9x9 kitchen. The major issue? It was outdated and cramped! The owners desired additional space for their dining area, larger kitchen, bathrooms and updated finishes. Our team managed to add square footage to the living room to accommodate a full sized dining table overlooking the garden. By moving the dining room out of the kitchen, this helped us almost double the kitchen's size where we added a bar, full pantry and plenty of storage. We removed a hall closet to expand the bathroom area, enabling us to create two rectangular bathrooms instead of two intertwined bathrooms. In the primary bathroom, we added a full-sized shower with a bench, as well as plenty of cabinet storage. Additionally, we gave the house a fresh look with new hardwood floors that matched the old ones (still visible in the bedrooms), as well as new solid core doors, hardware, and brand new paint throughout. The exterior was revamped with new lighting, landscaping, cement patio, fresh paint, address numbers and an aluminum pergola to provide shade from the hot summer sun. This remodel is the perfect example that you can still evoke luxury in smaller homes.

Best Professional & Local Kitchen Remodeling Company Near Me in DuPage County, IL “Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you gather with family and friends to cook, eat, and make memories. That’s why it’s so important to have a kitchen that is both functional and stylish. If your kitchen is outdated or no longer meets your needs, a remodel can transform it into the space of your dreams.” At DuPage Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling, we specialize in kitchen remodeling services in DuPage County. We have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who can help you with every step of the remodeling process, from design to installation and we will share with you all the hidden fees that can occur, before we start the kitchen remodeling project at your residential or commercial property! DuPage Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling Transform Your DuPage Kitchen and Bathroom with Expert Remodeling Services Address 226 W Birchwood Rd Hinsdale, IL 60521 Phone: (773) 709-1769 Email: contact@dupagekitchenandbathroomremodeling.com Website: https://www.dupagekitchenandbathroomremodeling.com Office Hours Mon: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Tue: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Wed:8:00AM – 5:00PM Thu: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Fri:8:00AM – 5:00PM Sat: 8:00AM – 3:00PM Sun:CLOSED

Best Professional & Local Bathroom Remodeling Company Near Me in DuPage County, IL “Transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat with our comprehensive bathroom remodeling services. We offer a wide range of options to suit your style and budget, from full bathroom remodels to shower and tub replacements. Our experienced team will work with you to create a bathroom that exceeds your expectations.” At DuPage Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling, we specialize in bathroom remodeling services in DuPage County. We have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who can help you with every step of the remodeling process, from design to installation and we will share with you all the hidden fees that can occur, before we start the bathroom remodeling project at your residential or commercial property! DuPage Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling Transform Your DuPage Kitchen and Bathroom with Expert Remodeling Services Address 226 W Birchwood Rd Hinsdale, IL 60521 Phone: (773) 709-1769 Email: contact@dupagekitchenandbathroomremodeling.com Website: https://www.dupagekitchenandbathroomremodeling.com Office Hours Mon: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Tue: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Wed:8:00AM – 5:00PM Thu: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Fri:8:00AM – 5:00PM Sat: 8:00AM – 3:00PM Sun:CLOSED

INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPING INC. I.L.I. is a well respected and highly decorated award-winning Landscape Design/Construct/Maintain firm. To learn more about the services that I.L.I. can offer you, please visit our website www.internationallandscaping.com. Let our experience help enhance your property, and turn your vision into reality.

These homeowners came to Castle looking for a solution that would allow them to stay in their 1946 stucco bungalow in the St. Paul neighborhood that they loved. What was once a young couple’s starter home (1 ½ story with two bedrooms on the main floor and a tiny attic space) was no longer big enough after having two kids. The need for more room became the family’s highest priority, so they came to Castle for help creating the space they needed for their growing family. With very little headroom in the attic, the decision was made to tear off the roof and add a completely new 2nd story addition with three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a commons area. The stairway to the new 2nd-floor space needed to be rebuilt to comply with code requirements and was extended slightly into the dining room below. The new 2nd story addition gave the homeowners an opportunity to revise the exterior look of the home with vertical board and batten siding above the 1st-floor stucco. A new front entry portico was added to compliment the addition, and the existing masonry chimney was extended above the new roof line. The homeowners took over the work on the project after drywall was installed and did all the interior trim & millwork, tile, flooring, and painting & staining themselves. They’re loving the results! Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Best Professional & Local Kitchen Remodeling Company Near Me in DuPage County, IL “Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you gather with family and friends to cook, eat, and make memories. That’s why it’s so important to have a kitchen that is both functional and stylish. If your kitchen is outdated or no longer meets your needs, a remodel can transform it into the space of your dreams.” At DuPage Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling, we specialize in kitchen remodeling services in DuPage County. We have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who can help you with every step of the remodeling process, from design to installation and we will share with you all the hidden fees that can occur, before we start the kitchen remodeling project at your residential or commercial property! DuPage Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling Transform Your DuPage Kitchen and Bathroom with Expert Remodeling Services Address 226 W Birchwood Rd Hinsdale, IL 60521 Phone: (773) 709-1769 Email: contact@dupagekitchenandbathroomremodeling.com Website: https://www.dupagekitchenandbathroomremodeling.com Office Hours Mon: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Tue: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Wed:8:00AM – 5:00PM Thu: 8:00AM – 5:00PM Fri:8:00AM – 5:00PM Sat: 8:00AM – 3:00PM Sun:CLOSED

Immerse your home in a palette of possibilities with Westrade Projects' painting ventures in Richmond, BC throughout 2023. We're not just brushing on color; we're transforming spaces, addressing your home's unique needs and injecting life into your living experience. Project Highlights: Revitalizing Surfaces: Say goodbye to dull walls and welcome vibrant transformations. Our meticulous prep work isn't just about paint; it's about reviving tired surfaces, filling in those wear-and-tear battle scars, and ensuring your home feels refreshed, from the inside out. Your Color Story: Choosing colors is personal, and we get that. From soothing neutrals that bring calm to bold hues that make a statement, we're here to help you tell your color story. Let's paint a home that mirrors your style, suits your mood, and feels uniquely yours. Quality Beyond Expectations: We don't just aim for a good finish; we aim for an exceptional one. Our skilled artisans are on a mission to deliver quality beyond expectations, ensuring every stroke contributes to a durable, stunning, and transformative finish that stands the test of time. Your Home, Your Canvas: Your home isn't just a structure; it's a canvas of memories, dreams, and experiences. Through precision prep work, personalized color choices, and an unwavering commitment to quality, we're here to elevate your home's story—one brushstroke at a time.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

Sometimes the design solutions we come up for a homeowner extend beyond their kitchen — as was the case at the Burfeind residence. Julia Burfeind was unhappy that her home’s nearly 20-year-old kitchen was not well suited to entertain guests, which is something she’s been doing more of recently. She was also not satisfied with how the adjacent sunroom and mud/laundry rooms were laid out and being used (or in the case of the sunroom, not being used) by the family. Julia was recommended to Morris Black Designs whom she was told would be excellent at resolving all three issues. “Our house was built in ‘98 I believe, so the kitchen was in need of a facelift but more importantly its setup was not particularly helpful for socializing,” explains Julia. “Among other things, there was a small island in the kitchen which was not suitable for accommodating guests. “In addition, our kitchen was attached to a “sunroom” which was essentially a stepdown separate room that was attached to the kitchen but really wasn’t part of the kitchen — and so it felt like a lot of wasted space for us,” she continues. “We had our kids’ art supplies and the dog bed out there. The space was kinda useless. We didn’t like that setup particularly.” “And then thirdly, we had a room attached to the kitchen that served as both a mudroom and a laundry room but didn’t do a good job of being either. I’ve got two active young kids that play a lot of sports. There wasn’t enough room in there for all their stuff. And not enough room to do the laundry. The problems we had with all three spaces convinced us to renovate.” Julia met with one of our designers in her home to discuss and show first-hand the issues that were plaguing the kitchen area of the home. Initial designs were created and approved quickly. The need to address three distinct areas required a bit more planning and time to go from initial ideas to installation than typical kitchen-only projects, but when it was all finally said and done, Julia had three rooms that now meet her needs much better than they did before. “By itself the kitchen would be fantastic,” she happily expresses. “We have a really large island now where we have four comfortable stools where people can sit and relax while others cook which is exactly what we wanted. You know the kitchen is always the central part of your home and when you entertain, which we do fairly often, people always end up in the kitchen so this big new island works great for us.” “And now the area that was called a sunroom is incorporated with the kitchen — it was brought physically up to the same level as the kitchen which opened the two rooms up to each other as much as they can be so it’s really all one room now. We now have a dining room table out in that area and a wet bar where we have our bar stuff and our coffee makers and all of that. So those areas now work together great.” “We completed a small addition to bump the laundry room out behind the kitchen. We then had Morris Black Designs build four big storage lockers in our mudroom for the kids’ gym bags and sports stuff. They’re not like gym lockers; they’re more like nice cabinets with wooden doors which we keep closed to hide the mess inside each — so it looks very nice in that room despite having all of my kids’ gym bags secretly piled up in there. And we have the great big, beautiful, sunny laundry room with a door and a window and a skylight and a big granite countertop where I can fold clothes.” As much as she loves the distinct improvements made to each individual space, Burfeind will quickly tell you, however, that this project is truly an example of when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts “The whole house is just much more usable now,” she surmises. “The work done by Morris Black Designs has really increased our daily satisfaction of being in the house which is fun and makes it all worthwhile.”

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

With sweeping vistas of Lake Sunapee, and sunsets over its western shore, this lakeside home is designed to take advantage of the great views and moderate elevation above the lake in every room. The outdoor living areas extend spaces physically and seasonally. Influenced by the shingle style, the home features classic elements of the aesthetic. Terraces in the landscape are subtle as the land falls away; creating functional water management and landscaping opportunities while addressing the slope of the property. Thank you to our wonderful and kind clients, with whom we've worked with on several projects, as well as our highly talented and professional Bonin Architects design team, general contractor Michael Broome, Broome Building Co., and all of the fantastic sub-contractors and consultants who helped craft our client's new residence on Lake Sunapee. www.boninarchitects.com Photography by John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography Drone photos by Peter Bloch, Earth Aerial Productions

The owners of this lovely 1960s ranch home were over living with an out of date and awkward kitchen, so they enlisted our help to bring their dream kitchen to life. Right off the bat we all agreed that is was best to keep with the era of the home with a sleek modern kitchen featuring slab door cabinets. Our clients also wanted to space to feel brighter and more spacious with room for entertaining friends and family. So we knocked down a wall, filled in an unused door, and shortened a window so we could wrap this kitchen and create an optimal working triangle. We selected a maple cabinet with a medium-light stain, a light neutral porcelain floor tile, bright white glass backsplash with a mid-mod feature tile, and a variety of lighting. To create a space perfect for entertaining, we added a small peninsula for barstool seating. Behind the cabinet doors and drawers are many storage features including a double bin pull-out trash can, full access roll-out trays, pull out base cabinet pantry, super-susan corner cabinet, a wall cabinet for the microwave, and a pantry/fridge enclosure with roll-out trays. The sunroom received a facelift that covered the exterior brick to hide the modifications of walling up a door and raising the window sill height. It also created the sense that this space is an extension of the home, not just an exterior sunroom. We addressed the awkward step into the sunroom and installed new tile flooring. We finished the space of with a warm gray paint and soft sheers. This was such a fun and exciting project!! Cheers to our lovely clients and their gorgeous new kitchen and sunroom.

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

Immerse your home in a palette of possibilities with Westrade Projects' painting ventures in Richmond, BC throughout 2023. We're not just brushing on color; we're transforming spaces, addressing your home's unique needs and injecting life into your living experience. Project Highlights: Revitalizing Surfaces: Say goodbye to dull walls and welcome vibrant transformations. Our meticulous prep work isn't just about paint; it's about reviving tired surfaces, filling in those wear-and-tear battle scars, and ensuring your home feels refreshed, from the inside out. Your Color Story: Choosing colors is personal, and we get that. From soothing neutrals that bring calm to bold hues that make a statement, we're here to help you tell your color story. Let's paint a home that mirrors your style, suits your mood, and feels uniquely yours. Quality Beyond Expectations: We don't just aim for a good finish; we aim for an exceptional one. Our skilled artisans are on a mission to deliver quality beyond expectations, ensuring every stroke contributes to a durable, stunning, and transformative finish that stands the test of time. Your Home, Your Canvas: Your home isn't just a structure; it's a canvas of memories, dreams, and experiences. Through precision prep work, personalized color choices, and an unwavering commitment to quality, we're here to elevate your home's story—one brushstroke at a time.

Hancock Homes Realty - The challenge of addressing this really grand space was to separate the spaces to give transition. I attacked this remodel by designing the ceiling plan. lighting, creating intimacy and purpose in each space and through colors in furnishings. I created the curved ceiling design to mimic that of a family crest. - Hancock Homes Realty - Home sold for $10 Million in Historic Hancock Park