Large transitional u-shaped ceramic tile and white floor eat-in kitchen photo in Bridgeport with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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 It was outdated and cramped!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.

SITE The house is located in Seawatch, a residential development in Seagrove Beach, FL. It is a long and narrow beachfront lot on the Gulf of Mexico, A 30' high sandy cliff meets with the Gulf shore on the lot’s southern edge. A thick layer of sea grasses protects the dunes that create this cliff, helping to prevent erosion and provide a green platform upon which the house sits. PROJECT Two distinct spaces orchestrate the layout of this house. An insular protected courtyard occupies the center of the composition. In contrast, the beach face is comprised of a Living Area, Master Bedroom and Roof Terrace that unfold to the Gulf. The first floor is accessed by a loggia that runs along side the Courtyard. Two guest bedrooms on the south and east, the Garage to the north and a garden wall to the west line the Courtyard. Entry to the main house is by way of a tight enclosed Entry Hall that opens to the curved wall, which addresses the Gulf. Tall slender slots of glass puncture the massive concrete wall of the Living Area. The second floor consists of the Master Bedroom and Study. The massive south wall in the bedroom is articulated as a long horizontal slot, contrasting the vertical windows below. A two-level roof terrace, partly in shade, partly in the sun tops the house. It is here on the Roof Terrace that the two worlds of the enclosed Courtyard and the expansive horizon of the Gulf are experienced. Photo by: Jack Gardner

As with many residents of the Armitage neighborhood in South Minneapolis, the owners of this 1940-built Tudor home love where they live. So much so, they were willing to commit to a large, whole-house remodel in order to stay put. Castle worked diligently with these homeowners to help them realize their ultimate goals for their home. By redesigning the first-floor layout, Castle was able to create a much more open space. Walls previously separating the kitchen and dining room were removed and replaced with more countertop space in the form of a seated peninsula. The kitchen was also updated with new granite countertops, more backsplash tile to match the existing, and partial new cabinetry by The Woodshop of Avon to match existing. New hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen to match the existing dining room. The size of the dining room was then almost doubled by removing an adjacent first-floor bedroom. A new sunroom was added in the back which opened the space even further. Dixie Caress carpet in the color “Wisteria” was chosen for the sunroom and throughout the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor was given a total makeover with a large dormer addition and a master bedroom suite above the new sunroom. Corbels decorate the exterior while giving support to the overhanging floor of the master bedroom. Now with three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, there’s room for everyone, and a wonderful great room on the main floor to go with it. See this project in person on the Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th, 2019.

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.

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

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.

Impluvium Architecture Location: El Dorado Hills, CA, USA I was the Architect and helped coordinate with various sub-contractors. I also co-designed the project with various consultants including Interior and Landscape Design I really enjoyed working with Tricia the Interior Designer and the owner who is our personal photographer. This house has a special photography studio for the owner ! Photographed by: Tricia Smith and Tim Haley

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.

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!

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!

Meet Yi-Yun Lin. Yi-Yun graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Her projects have included luxury hotels and resorts, along with high-end residences, spas and restaurants. "Having traveled internationally since childhood, I have always had an interest in culture, history and art, and how they affect the way we live." Yi-Yun is fluent in Mandarin and English, and produces beautiful drawings to help her clients visualize the "after" of each project. Prior to joining Star, Lin was the lead Interior Designer for Shigeru Ban + Dean Maltz Architects and for Gonzalez Architects. Contact Yi-Yun and let her know that you found her on Houzz.com. Webpage: https://www.starfurniture.com/yi-yun-lin Address: Star Furniture, 19660 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX Phone: 281-342-7827 Email: ylin@starfurniture.com

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

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.

At Triangle Painting & Siding, we help homeowners beautify and protect their homes exterior with our expert siding repair and replacement services. Our siding repair contractors know that your home’s exterior siding is more than just a decorative feature. It plays a crucial role in protecting your home from moisture, water and storm damage as well. That is why we provide thorough inspections along with superior siding replacement services, that use James Hardie siding, that directly address your needs.

Corri Sandwick Architecture Location: Bellaire, MI, USA Sitting on the banks of the Intermediate River, this house is designed to be a Green Star Silver retreat. Integrating and expanding on the expression of the original modern house and inspired by Joseph Eichler, this house incorporates simple lines, and clean details. With the goal of going to net-zero in a few years, the house is well air-sealed and insulated to reduce energy consumption as a first step in achieving the goal. Using the Green Star program helped to guide the design and construction team to achieve a home that addresses sustainability in all aspects. Photographed by: Endura Homes

This is the first home of a young professional couple. Their main goal was to remodel their kitchen to create a more open feel. At the time the kitchen included a built in bench and table that was dated and nonfunctional. We worked together to create a new layout on our design software program. It was very helpful for our clients to see their new kitchen in 3-D drawings. We removed a bearing wall between the dining room and kitchen and opened it up for a breakfast bar contained in the peninsula. During demolition we found that there was no foundation under the floor joists in the concealed crawl space below the kitchen and no footings under the bearing wall. After addressing these discovered structural compromises we completed the project with no more surprises for this happy couple. Photographer: Ilona Kalimov

Gary Duff Designs transformed this tiny hilltop spot into a spacious, state-of-the-art aquatic retreat. A new swimming pool was installed with an adjacent hot tub – the two connected by a sheer descent waterfall. In order to address concerns over erosion and drainage, the team built a secure boulder retaining wall on the back-end of the property to help sure up the ground. Calming, chic gray tones were used on the pool patios and walkways in order to match the blue siding of the home.

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!