This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient. The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home. The homeowner’s needs included: - Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay - Incorporating work space for two chefs - Creating a mudroom - Maintaining the existing laundry chute - A concealed trash receptacle The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door. The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.

Not everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey. The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical. Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored. The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.

The kitchen in this 1950’s home needed a complete overhaul. It was dark, outdated and inefficient. The homeowners wanted to give the space a modern feel without losing the 50’s vibe that is consistent throughout the rest of the home. The homeowner’s needs included: - Working within a fixed space, though reconfiguring or moving walls was okay - Incorporating work space for two chefs - Creating a mudroom - Maintaining the existing laundry chute - A concealed trash receptacle The new kitchen makes use of every inch of space. To maximize counter and cabinet space, we closed in a second exit door and removed a wall between the kitchen and family room. This allowed us to create two L shaped workspaces and an eat-in bar space. A new mudroom entrance was gained by capturing space from an existing closet next to the main exit door. The industrial lighting fixtures and wrought iron hardware bring a modern touch to this retro space. Inset doors on cabinets and beadboard details replicate details found throughout the rest of this 50’s era house.

Not everyone would see the hidden beauty in the Yonkers property destined for the wrecking ball in 2000. But one family took the serious fixer-upper under their wing. Crumbling walls, overgrown maples (indeed, saplings were busting through the brick walls), and deer living in the basement was the state of affairs when Westover Landscape Design initially arrived on the scene. A year of intensive, meticulous, thoughtful renovation by the homeowner followed while the house was brought up to speed. When the last construction machine finally rumbled out, that’s when Robert Welsch and his crew began their odyssey. The goal was to honor the newly restored relic and deliver it into the future with fitting surroundings. “We wanted to bring that treasure back to life,” Robert Welsch explains. Working closely with the homeowner as well as the city of Yonkers to guide the restoration, their first feat was to install a proper drainage system with catchments capable of keeping storm water from the massive roof flowing away. Before anything was visible on the surface, extensive work was accomplished underground. Meanwhile, a plan was drafted to honor the era of the house. Westover chose bluestone as the primary path material for its easy maintenance and simplicity when laying the swank configuration of pathways around the house and outward to an entertaining pavilion. By cleverly hemming the bluestone with period brick that echoes the building material for the house for continuity, the result is a smart and sophisticated finish to a promenade that constantly draws the family and their pets outdoors. Brick was also used to rebuild the walled gardens for the much-needed privacy in a close-knit Yonkers community. And a graceful wrought iron gate enhances the arrival experience. But walls and gates were not the only element to screen and reveal views—plant selection was critical. Few landscapers would go the extra mile to find period perfect plants for a 19th Century restoration, but Robert Welsch saw the importance of authenticity in creating the mood. He repeated large trees—such as an exquisite London plane tree in the front yard—to balance the expression in the back. Recognizing the need for immediate stature, he selected a weeping willow to gain instant volume, giving the landscape a sense of deep roots. A weeping Camperdown elm adds sophisticated drama to the walled stroll gardens. Hydrangeas were incorporated for their billowy stature, easy maintenance, and long blooming season. Similarly, all the plants in residence play their part in the display that goes beyond the usual spring fling to extend throughout the growing season—offering visual interest even when they are not performing. From spring bulbs to autumn perennials, there is never a dull moment. Meanwhile, every step along the way was a collaboration working hand-in-hand with the homeowner and the city to make certain that the historic landmark status of the property was upheld and honored. The result goes beyond a landscape that is just old faithful. It adds life to the picture, creating a jewel-like setting for the newly proud house. In a word, it is sublime. By planting wisely and using sustainable elements, the restored house and its surroundings are ready for the next generation and beyond. This Yonkers gem remains meticulously groomed under the watchful eye and skill of Westover Landscape Design’s team of gardeners—It’s a keeper.

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room. Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash. The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures. Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision! “We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!” Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

What an honor it was to be part of this Classic California Ranch remodel! Originally built in 1940 with the architectural influence of the iconic William Wurster, this beautiful home had a small, dated kitchen that didn't do it justice. The floor plan had become rather compartmentalized due to remodels and additions by the previous homeowners, and the current homeowners wanted to thoughtfully re-design the kitchen paying tribute to its roots, while also gaining more open and functional space. Ultimately, we relocated the kitchen from it's original location to what was an informal dining space. We reconfigured the mud/laundry room, as well as the space adjacent to it and the kitchen, to allow for a more natural flow between kitchen, dining, and living. The space that previously housed the kitchen was turned into a gallery, where the homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee while viewing the golf course. In the gallery, the original brick from the exterior patio was uncovered under many layers of flooring, and the contractor was able to restore the brick and re-install it for the gallery floor, creating a space that truly emphasizes the leisurely, laid back California lifestyle that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces that the architecture of William Wurster so beautifully emphasizes.

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room. Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash. The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures. Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision! “We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!” Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room. Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash. The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures. Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision! “We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!” Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

Located at a prominent corner on one of the few undeveloped residential sites left in Solana Beach, this project is important not only for the homeowner, but for the community as well. A rigorous site analysis laid the groundwork for a design response which took into account the homeowner’s program, input from the neighbors, and the scale of the project and the character of the neighborhood. The end result is a design that is well set into the existing grade, a move which preserves adjacent views and reduces the visual impact of the structure from the street; all while graciously meeting the desires of the owner. The plan is broken into six unique floor plates. The bottom four of which tie together along the gradually sloping site. An intentionally long southern exposure implements the basics of passive solar design: large amounts of glass bring in abundant light and warmth in the winter, while deep overhangs protect from unwanted summer heat gain. Ocean views to the west are selectively framed throughout the house without compromising privacy from the busy street corner. Public functions within the house flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. JLC Architecture was responsible for a full architecture and interior package as well as exterior hardscape design.

When these homeowners bought the executive property years ago they didn't really notice that all the bathroom countertops were several inches lower than today's standard height. Add that irritating anomaly to badly outdated bathrooms in terms of colors, materials and functionality, well, you've got the perfect remodeling storm—all three baths at once needed to be remodeled. This presented some challenges as well as some opportunities. Cost and time efficiencies can be gained by doing all the bathrooms at once, assuming the homeowners have a latrine out back, leave the property until the work is done, or have a fourth bathroom—which was the case with this ambitious project. The homeowners were able to continue to utilize their Master Bedroom throughout the project, as the prep for the work area included a temporary plastic wall barrier and floor coverings, creating a protected hallway to the workspace and keeping dust minimized in adjacent areas. In the end we updated the main floor powder room with new custom vanity, sink and mirror, replaced all the materials in the guest bathroom, including the tub, opened up the feel and functionality without changing the foot print, and completely gutted the master bath, moving the vanity wall forward to allow for a much larger walk-in shower. Design/Build Consultant—Cherie Poissant Photography—Alyssa Lee

Located at a prominent corner on one of the few undeveloped residential sites left in Solana Beach, this project is important not only for the homeowner, but for the community as well. A rigorous site analysis laid the groundwork for a design response which took into account the homeowner’s program, input from the neighbors, and the scale of the project and the character of the neighborhood. The end result is a design that is well set into the existing grade, a move which preserves adjacent views and reduces the visual impact of the structure from the street; all while graciously meeting the desires of the owner. The plan is broken into six unique floor plates. The bottom four of which tie together along the gradually sloping site. An intentionally long southern exposure implements the basics of passive solar design: large amounts of glass bring in abundant light and warmth in the winter, while deep overhangs protect from unwanted summer heat gain. Ocean views to the west are selectively framed throughout the house without compromising privacy from the busy street corner. Public functions within the house flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. JLC Architecture was responsible for a full architecture and interior package as well as exterior hardscape design.

This kitchen started life as a wide-open and airy space with somewhat drab cabinets. Its bones were great, some of the details were interesting – the pendant lights, the high vaulted ceiling and the soffit bridges, but the blonde oak cabinets, white tile counters, and vinyl flooring dragged the space back into the realm of the mundane. When the homeowners came to San Luis Kitchen they were seeking to add a bold richness to their home. They fell in love with our cherry cabinets in a deep red finish called ‘Fireside Heirloom Black’ which has black glaze and fleck distressing to bring out the details of the style. Our designers helped them to organize the kitchen – changing the cook-top to a range and sliding it to the left for symmetry and increased work space (eliminating the combo wall oven/microwave), adding an arched valance over the window to tie the halves of the kitchen together, and reconfiguring the refrigerator and microwave thus gaining 24” of counter in the corner. San Luis Kitchen explored several island layouts with the homeowners – we wanted to add a prep sink, a double trash cabinet, more storage, display cabinetry for glassware and crystal, and a seating/eating bar. We added buffet cabinets to the bay window, replaced the white appliances with stainless, and added a copper hood and apron sink for rich detailing. Now the homeowners have a great room that includes a GREAT kitchen. Life’s good! Credits: Kitchen design by San Luis Kitchen Co. Custom cabinetry by Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Andover Contracting by Ayers Construction Window treatments by Laura Powers

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room. Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash. The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures. Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision! “We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!” Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

Located at a prominent corner on one of the few undeveloped residential sites left in Solana Beach, this project is important not only for the homeowner, but for the community as well. A rigorous site analysis laid the groundwork for a design response which took into account the homeowner’s program, input from the neighbors, and the scale of the project and the character of the neighborhood. The end result is a design that is well set into the existing grade, a move which preserves adjacent views and reduces the visual impact of the structure from the street; all while graciously meeting the desires of the owner. The plan is broken into six unique floor plates. The bottom four of which tie together along the gradually sloping site. An intentionally long southern exposure implements the basics of passive solar design: large amounts of glass bring in abundant light and warmth in the winter, while deep overhangs protect from unwanted summer heat gain. Ocean views to the west are selectively framed throughout the house without compromising privacy from the busy street corner. Public functions within the house flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. JLC Architecture was responsible for a full architecture and interior package as well as exterior hardscape design.

What an honor it was to be part of this Classic California Ranch remodel! Originally built in 1940 with the architectural influence of the iconic William Wurster, this beautiful home had a small, dated kitchen that didn't do it justice. The floor plan had become rather compartmentalized due to remodels and additions by the previous homeowners, and the current homeowners wanted to thoughtfully re-design the kitchen paying tribute to its roots, while also gaining more open and functional space. Ultimately, we relocated the kitchen from it's original location to what was an informal dining space. We reconfigured the mud/laundry room, as well as the space adjacent to it and the kitchen, to allow for a more natural flow between kitchen, dining, and living. The space that previously housed the kitchen was turned into a gallery, where the homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee while viewing the golf course. In the gallery, the original brick from the exterior patio was uncovered under many layers of flooring, and the contractor was able to restore the brick and re-install it for the gallery floor, creating a space that truly emphasizes the leisurely, laid back California lifestyle that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces that the architecture of William Wurster so beautifully emphasizes.

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room. Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash. The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures. Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision! “We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!” Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

Located at a prominent corner on one of the few undeveloped residential sites left in Solana Beach, this project is important not only for the homeowner, but for the community as well. A rigorous site analysis laid the groundwork for a design response which took into account the homeowner’s program, input from the neighbors, and the scale of the project and the character of the neighborhood. The end result is a design that is well set into the existing grade, a move which preserves adjacent views and reduces the visual impact of the structure from the street; all while graciously meeting the desires of the owner. The plan is broken into six unique floor plates. The bottom four of which tie together along the gradually sloping site. An intentionally long southern exposure implements the basics of passive solar design: large amounts of glass bring in abundant light and warmth in the winter, while deep overhangs protect from unwanted summer heat gain. Ocean views to the west are selectively framed throughout the house without compromising privacy from the busy street corner. Public functions within the house flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor living spaces. JLC Architecture was responsible for a full architecture and interior package as well as exterior hardscape design.