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.

Will Crocker Photography
Inspiration for a timeless exterior home remodel in New Orleans

A respectful renovation balances historical preservation and contemporary design. A historic log cabin, reimagined for a preservation-minded couple. Working with the architect, we thoughtfully swapped extraneous wood for panoramic windows and steel I-beams. The resulting interior feels simultaneously seamless and sophisticated, open and intimate. Layers of texture lend intrigue throughout: rustic timber walls complement the client’s contemporary art collection; plush upholstery softens such as a copious cobalt sectional soften minimalist lines of metal; cozy nooks, like one bridging the living room and master suite, invite relaxation. The master transforms the historic core of the cabin into a refuge defined by logs darkened to near black. Catering to keen chefs, we designed a gourmet kitchen as functional as it is flawless; opting out of a dining room in favor of a larger family area, the expansive kitchen island seats six. Every careful detail reflects the synergy we felt with this client and their respect for both history and design.

The center island was custom designed to reflect both the homeowners' lifestyle and the historic character of the home. Intentionally built 4 inches lower than the perimeter countertops, it provides a more ergonomic work surface tailored to the owners' height, making food preparation, baking, and everyday tasks more comfortable without compromising the functionality of the surrounding kitchen. Painted in a rich grass-green finish, the island was crafted to resemble a freestanding furniture piece rather than conventional built-in cabinetry. Decorative corner feet, furniture-inspired detailing, and artisan craftsmanship reinforce the kitchen's timeless, collected aesthetic, while a premium walnut butcher block countertop adds warmth, natural texture, and a durable work surface that develops even more character with age. Although the island has the appearance of fine furniture, practical living was never overlooked. A recessed toe kick was thoughtfully incorporated to prevent cat toys and household items from disappearing beneath the cabinetry—a subtle but meaningful detail that reflects the homeowners' daily life. This balance of historic inspiration, personalized ergonomics, handcrafted detailing, and pet-friendly functionality exemplifies luxury kitchen design that is both beautiful and deeply livable.

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

A respectful renovation balances historical preservation and contemporary design. A historic log cabin, reimagined for a preservation-minded couple. Working with the architect, we thoughtfully swapped extraneous wood for panoramic windows and steel I-beams. The resulting interior feels simultaneously seamless and sophisticated, open and intimate. Layers of texture lend intrigue throughout: rustic timber walls complement the client’s contemporary art collection; plush upholstery softens such as a copious cobalt sectional soften minimalist lines of metal; cozy nooks, like one bridging the living room and master suite, invite relaxation. The master transforms the historic core of the cabin into a refuge defined by logs darkened to near black. Catering to keen chefs, we designed a gourmet kitchen as functional as it is flawless; opting out of a dining room in favor of a larger family area, the expansive kitchen island seats six. Every careful detail reflects the synergy we felt with this client and their respect for both history and design.

Longview Farm Park is the remnant of a farm that may have been settled as early as the 1820s. The farm was divided several times and the house modified over the years. The city acquired the 30 acre property for use as a park in 2000. The park contains horse stables, tennis courts, picnic and playgrounds, a nature preserve, walking trails and a small fishing pond. It also retains the historic farm house whose structure contains a log cabin believed to be one of the oldest houses in the county. Powers Bowersox Associates, Inc. was retained to work with a committee represented by staff, elected officials, and citizens to renovate the house, and to design a new “community living room” connected to the historic farm house. The addition is a long low pavilion type structure that quietly compliments the historic house. It provides a multipurpose community room, catering kitchen, office space for the city’s parks and recreation department, a volunteer gardening club and other local not-for-profit groups, and maintenance storage. It is designed to permit the house and the addition to function separately, or combined as a single venue for community events. Award for Distinction, St. Louis AIA, 2009

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

A respectful renovation balances historical preservation and contemporary design. A historic log cabin, reimagined for a preservation-minded couple. Working with the architect, we thoughtfully swapped extraneous wood for panoramic windows and steel I-beams. The resulting interior feels simultaneously seamless and sophisticated, open and intimate. Layers of texture lend intrigue throughout: rustic timber walls complement the client’s contemporary art collection; plush upholstery softens such as a copious cobalt sectional soften minimalist lines of metal; cozy nooks, like one bridging the living room and master suite, invite relaxation. The master transforms the historic core of the cabin into a refuge defined by logs darkened to near black. Catering to keen chefs, we designed a gourmet kitchen as functional as it is flawless; opting out of a dining room in favor of a larger family area, the expansive kitchen island seats six. Every careful detail reflects the synergy we felt with this client and their respect for both history and design.

This beautiful, functional greenhouse was built for our client, who is an avid cook. He likes to grow his own herbs for cooking. The space will also serve for over-wintering plants from the lush gardens surrounding this historical Palmer Park home.

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

This kitchen remodel beautifully blends the historic character of a home in Austin’s oldest neighborhood with a modern, highly functional design. The custom rift-sawn white oak island is the focal point, complementing the home’s high ceilings and architectural details. The soft Egret White perimeter cabinets offer a timeless contrast, while the striking Mont Blanc Quartzite countertops and backsplash create a cohesive, luxurious look. A Venetian plaster range hood adds old-world charm, and custom glass bell pendants illuminate the island with subtle elegance. Outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, including a full Wolf package, and timeless fixtures, this kitchen perfectly balances form and function.

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system. Cooling uses a whole house fan and a passive air flow system. The passive system is created with the cupola, windows, transoms and passive venting for cooling, rather than a forced air system. Because fresh water is not available from a well nor county water, water will be provided by rainwater harvesting. The water will be collected from a gutter system, go into a series of nine holding tanks and then go through a water filtration system to provide drinking water for the home. A greywater system will then recycle water from the sinks and showers to be reused in the toilets. Low-flow fixtures will be used throughout the home to conserve water. Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

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 itty bitty kitchen in a historic Richmond row house had been closed in by unnecessary walls, creating a tight, dysfunctional galley style kitchen with very little storage space. Working alongside our artist and cabinetry making clients, we created a custom design with handmade, custom cabinetry pieces while opening up the kitchen to the dining area, making the space feel exponentially larger. The result is a clean, modern, functional and big energy kitchen.

Troy Theis
Mudroom - craftsman dark wood floor mudroom idea in Minneapolis with beige walls and a white front door

This living space is a beautiful reflection of Santa Fe Style Architecture, where adobe walls and exposed viga ceilings create warmth and authenticity. The stone fireplace anchors the room, offering both function and charm, while the patterned textiles, handcrafted wood furniture, and earthy tones showcase the cultural richness of New Mexico Historic Architect traditions. Light filters gently through wood-framed windows, illuminating the handcrafted details that blend Adobe Home Restoration with Custom Residential Design Santa Fe. The seamless connection to the adjacent rooms highlights the home’s thoughtful flow, balancing Historic Adobe Rehabilitation with modern comfort.