Troy Theis Photography
Mid-sized transitional formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tv stand

This client came to us with a very clear vision of what she wanted, but she needed help to refine and execute the design. At our first meeting she described her style as somewhere between modern rustic and ‘granny chic’ – she likes cozy spaces with nods to the past, but also wanted to blend that with the more contemporary tastes of her husband and children. Functionally, the old layout was less than ideal with an oddly placed 3-sided fireplace and angled island creating traffic jams in and around the kitchen. By creating a U-shaped layout, we clearly defined the chef’s domain and created a circulation path that limits disruptions in the heart of the kitchen. While still an open concept, the black cabinets, bar height counter and change in flooring all add definition to the space. The vintage inspired black and white tile is a nod to the past while the black stainless range and matte black faucet are unmistakably modern. High on our client’s wish list was eliminating upper cabinets and keeping the countertops clear. In order to achieve this, we needed to ensure there was ample room in the base cabinets and reconfigured pantry for items typically stored above. The full height tile backsplash evokes exposed brick and serves as the backdrop for the custom wood-clad hood and decorative brass sconces – a perfect blend of rustic, modern and chic. Black and brass elements are repeated throughout the main floor in new hardware, lighting, and open shelves as well as the owners’ curated collection of family heirlooms and furnishings. In addition to renovating the kitchen, we updated the entire first floor with refinished hardwoods, new paint, wainscoting, wallcovering and beautiful new stained wood doors. Our client had been dreaming and planning this kitchen for 17 years and we’re thrilled we were able to bring it to life.

Here's what our clients from this project had to say: We LOVE coming home to our newly remodeled and beautiful 41 West designed and built home! It was such a pleasure working with BJ Barone and especially Paul Widhalm and the entire 41 West team. Everyone in the organization is incredibly professional and extremely responsive. Personal service and strong attention to the client and details are hallmarks of the 41 West construction experience. Paul was with us every step of the way as was Ed Jordon (Gary David Designs), a 41 West highly recommended designer. When we were looking to build our dream home, we needed a builder who listened and understood how to bring our ideas and dreams to life. They succeeded this with the utmost honesty, integrity and quality! 41 West has exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and we have been overwhelmingly impressed in all aspects of the project. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such devoted, conscientious, professionals with expertise in their specific fields. Paul sets the tone for excellence and this level of dedication carries through the project. We so appreciated their commitment to perfection...So much so that we also hired them for two more remodeling projects. We love our home and would highly recommend 41 West to anyone considering building or remodeling a home.

The “Star” staircase High Loft also leaves plenty of space for a corner desk and student desk underneath the bed. Dressed up with optional Crystal knobs, this bed is definitely a sophisticated take on Loft living! Shop more products at http://www.maxtrixkids.com/

The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

Awarded "Best Smart Home of the Year" by EH. Spire outfitted this beautiful Michigan home with the best in high quality luxury technology. The homeowners enjoy the complete control of their home, from lighting and shading to entertainment and security, through the Savant Control System. Homeowners and guests can easily create “scenes” to manage their days and social gatherings. Lutron shades help maintain light, climate and privacy to balance the inside and outside views. Outdoor entertaining is easy with the Sonance Landscape Audio System, Lutron light controls for pools and fountains and Savant control of outdoor fire pits. The fully managed Whyreboot network allows for uninterrupted system control. To maintain security, Holovision doors and gates are equipped with Doorbird system to notify residents of visitors and to give control to open and close doors and gates. Music lovers can enjoy the highest level in audio from Meridian 7200 speakers in the lower level, as well as, Sonance in wall and in ceiling speakers throughout the home. In order for the homeowners to enjoy different music and entertainment in various rooms, 14 zones of video and 26 zones of audio were necessary. Spire added many special touches to this amazing home. The master bathroom boasts a MirrorTV so owners can enjoy some entertainment while preparing for the day. A floor lift in the kitchen and dining room allows for entertainment, but can be tucked away when distractions are not wanted. A floor lift in the bedroom makes watching TV convenient, but can be put away when not in use. A fingerprint lock was placed at the bar for peace of mind. Spire’s expertise and commitment to detail were key to the intricate design concepts throughout the home. Spire worked closely with design teams to ensure under cabinet lighting was just right.

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

This modern kitchen in an urban home creates a calm yet energizing space for cooking and entertaining. Clean cabinet fronts and sleek lines reduce visual clutter. A marble island with bar seating and a deep prep sink are lit by sleek brushed steel pendulum lights. A single ribbon of shelving with cabinet under-lighting creates a defined space for personal knickknacks, allowing them to contribute personality without disturbing the order of the space. A wall-mounted flat-screen provides an opportunity for cooking along with videos, watching a game, or video-chatting with family. Photo by Matt Kocourek

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

This custom garage cabinetry system includes a high gloss red, black, and wire bronze finishes to achieve a modern high end car connoisseur look. The countertops were finished with a Mayan dyed copper metal laminate and all drawer boxes were lined with a black and red speckled vulcanized high impact rubber matting. Some added features include: integrated seating bench, personal beverage center, concealed hot/cold water retractable hose reel, and a wet/dry shop vacuum system. The TV was also equipped with its own high gloss surround cabinet with tiered picture frame to further accent the garage colors. The TV cabinet has LED back lighting to make the TV appear as though it is floating in space. Red and Black moulding were added to the upper soffit area to conceal a multi-color LED lighting for added ambiance. To finish things off two car lifts were installed for more "good boy" toys. Bill Curran/Closet Organizing Systems/Owner & Designer

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

Here's what our clients from this project had to say: We LOVE coming home to our newly remodeled and beautiful 41 West designed and built home! It was such a pleasure working with BJ Barone and especially Paul Widhalm and the entire 41 West team. Everyone in the organization is incredibly professional and extremely responsive. Personal service and strong attention to the client and details are hallmarks of the 41 West construction experience. Paul was with us every step of the way as was Ed Jordon (Gary David Designs), a 41 West highly recommended designer. When we were looking to build our dream home, we needed a builder who listened and understood how to bring our ideas and dreams to life. They succeeded this with the utmost honesty, integrity and quality! 41 West has exceeded our expectations every step of the way, and we have been overwhelmingly impressed in all aspects of the project. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such devoted, conscientious, professionals with expertise in their specific fields. Paul sets the tone for excellence and this level of dedication carries through the project. We so appreciated their commitment to perfection...So much so that we also hired them for two more remodeling projects. We love our home and would highly recommend 41 West to anyone considering building or remodeling a home.

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

New Construction: Suburb area of Colorado Springs, “Divide, CO. Modern Slab Style Kitchen & bath Cabinetry in High Definition Wood Grain Textured finishes. Darker Cabinets: Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Basalt” Lighter Cabinets: along kitchen under windows and bathrooms Premier EuroCase High Definition in “Silverton” Countertops: Quartz Backsplash: Gloss White Subway Tile Hardware: Brushed Nickel Stainless Steel Pulls Flooring: Simulated Wood Grain Plank style flooring. Appliances: Samsung, in Stainless Steel

Out of seven children, twin daughters Bellamy and Tallulah hold their own as the only girls in the bunch. When recent renovations included installing the elevator, all rooms needed to be slightly reconfigured. "Our girls are getting older so we were happy to bring in something new and redecorate", says Cortney. Now into their teens, the girls have redone their bedroom to reflect their growing sense of style and independence. Above Tallulah's bed hangs a childhood portrait of her by Linda Mason. The upholstered bed frames are a recent purchase that add a decidedly feminine air to the space, while a brightly painted chair and striped draperies maintain a youthful punch. Even with two designer parents, the girls are free to weigh in on what goes into their room. "It is definitely a collaboration", Cortney explains. "[Our daughter] Bellamy really enjoys designing and has a natural talent for it. All of our kids bring their own artistic sense into their spaces, after all, we want their spaces to reflect them, too." Bed frames: Pondicherry Bed in Celery Jaipur, Serena and Lily Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz