Our goal for this project was to seamlessly integrate the interior with the historic exterior and iconic nature of this Chicago high-rise while making it functional, contemporary, and beautiful. Natural materials in transitional detailing make the space feel warm and fresh while lending a connection to some of the historically preserved spaces lovingly restored. Steven Hall

APEX received the Gold 2017 Minnesota Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award for Additions up to $250,000 for this St. Paul, MN project. The new kitchen in the 1912 home features restored vintage appliances and fixtures, custom cabinetry and table, and custom-cut commercial tile floor. Modern conveniences cleverly hidden. Small bump-out squared the space, enhanced the south-facing view of the charming yard and made room for a new portico, mudroom and and main-level bath. Photographed by: Patrick O'Loughlin

Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.

This was a dream project! The clients purchased this 1880s home and wanted to renovate it for their family to live in. It was a true labor of love, and their commitment to getting the details right was admirable. We rehabilitated doors and windows and flooring wherever we could, we milled trim work to match existing and carved our own door rosettes to ensure the historic details were beautifully carried through. Every finish was made with consideration of wanting a home that would feel historic with integrity, yet would also function for the family and extend into the future as long possible. We were not interested in what is popular or trendy but rather wanted to honor what was right for the home.

Kitchenette for a basement in an historic home-north of Chicago.. The family with 5 children the basement is being used for video games, entertaining and TV watching. A CUSTOM tv wall cabinet is a french paint blue with bead board wood stained interior.

This inviting mudroom blends functionality with aesthetic appeal, featuring elegant paneling and sophisticated grey tones that complement the intricate herringbone-patterned wood floor. A simple bench provides a convenient spot for removing shoes, while a classic framed photograph adds a touch of artistic flair. The space is illuminated by a chic globe pendant light, adding warmth and welcoming anyone who steps through the door. This mudroom not only serves its purpose but does so with style, making it a perfect entry point to a beautifully designed home.

This beautifully restored historic home in Denver, Colorado, blends timeless architectural charm with modern interior design. Thoughtful renovations highlight original details, including intricate millwork, classic moldings, and rich hardwood floors, while updated furnishings and finishes enhance functionality and comfort. A curated mix of vintage and contemporary elements creates a seamless balance between past and present, preserving the home's character while elevating it for modern living. This project is a standout example of Denver historic home design, showcasing expert craftsmanship and timeless interior design.

This historic Mission-area kitchen was transformed into a warm, functional, and beautifully detailed centerpiece of the home. Designed for a repeat client who loves to cook and entertain, the new layout opens the space to the full width of the house, connecting it to the living areas and framing views of the pool and backyard. Custom panel-ready appliances, a statement range hood, marble countertops, and a cherry butcher block island combine timeless craftsmanship with modern function. Built-ins like a bookcase, spice nooks, and a display buffet add character and charm. Every material, finish, and fixture was thoughtfully chosen to create a kitchen that feels classic, collected, and perfectly at home in its historic setting.

French-inspired elegance meets Southern charm in this Forest Acres kitchen, nestled in the historic Old Mill district. Designed for a passionate home chef, every detail—from the layout to the finishes—was crafted to elevate both beauty and function.

The axis of the house is typical in historic homes. There is a way through the house, usually in two ways as in a cross. Our view here is the "cross" hall, while just ahead is the round terminus of the historic hall. The paneled pilasters in each corner contain a HVAC duct and a service duct (right side). The right panel above the round drawing tube opens for access. See the next image. Custom work offers function and surprises! Jaeger & Ernst cabinetmakers: 434-973-7018

Laundry room - coastal laundry room idea in Orange County

Bedroom - coastal bedroom idea in Orange County

This beautiful historic carriage house was used as a library on the left side and an empty, tired, unfinished garage on the right. We designed a beautiful, eclectic, art studio with an old world charm. The clients used reclaimed elements that completed this fun and functional space.

This beautiful historic carriage house was used as a library on the left side and an empty, tired, unfinished garage on the right. We designed a beautiful, eclectic, art studio with an old world charm. The clients used reclaimed elements that completed this fun and functional space.

This family home in the historic district needed updating and some added space to make it functional for a growing family. Due to lot constraints, a side addition was the only possible option. This home now has four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and tons of built-in storage.

The challenge with this kitchen was to integrate it with the period style of this historic home. Functionality, as well as style were major points of emphasis for the homeowner as well as the designer. The entire space, including the breakfast nook, was completely gutted to make it easy to use and entertain. The reclaimed horse fence flooring added a great finishing touch. Photo credit: ○w. allen hoover photography

The hallway on the second level features a bookcase that frames the space, making the hatch to access the room an opportunity for a functional and decorative element.

This early 20th-century house needed careful updating so it would work for a contemporary family without feeling as though the historical integrity had been lost. We stepped in to create a more functional combined kitchen and mud room area. A window bench was added off the kitchen, providing a new sitting area where none existed before. New wood detail was created to match the wood already in the house, so it appears original. Custom upholstery was added for comfort. In the master bathroom, we reconfigured the adjacent spaces to create a comfortable vanity, shower and walk-in closet. The choices of materials were guided by the existing structure, which was very nicely finished.

Saturday August 8, 9:00 to 10:30am | Denver Cranmer Park Residence by Gretchen Wilson and Laurel Raines of Dig Studio Perched on a high point of Denver’s Cranmer Park, one of the great park landmarks of the Mile-High City, this designed landscape complements and enhances the architectural aesthetic of the home; a stucco-clad Italianate mansion built in 1917 by renowned architect Jacques Benedict and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The landscape, designed and constructed in three phases over a twelve-year period from 1998 to 2010, creates a functional outdoor living space that supports the owners’ contemporary lifestyle while remaining sensitive to the original architectural vision and elegance of the home. An Italianate garden, framed by the home’s loggias and a stunning boxwood garden, reinforce the design of the historic property. In contrast, the addition of a pool house and outdoor spa area add a modern touch. A linear lap pool, fountain, patio area, basketball court, and fire pit contrast with elements of the earlier landscape, providing a relaxing private outdoor space with spectacular views of Cranmer Park, and the great Rocky Mountains that dominate the Denver skyline. Photo copyright Williamson Images