Search results for "Honing problem solving" in Home Design Ideas

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

From builder standard to designer upgrade.
A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling.
The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock
in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling.
A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator.
And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office.
With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

From builder standard to designer upgrade.
A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling.
The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock
in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling.
A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator.
And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office.
With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!
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Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees, while complimenting the main home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the center swings.
These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible.
Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic, and structurally sound woods to build the structure itself.
Healthy building materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. Designed with an end of life intention for longevity and a easy means to pull apart these structures apart once the children are older, the foundations can be used for a future ADU.
The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.
Every detail, both in their exterior and interior, of these upcycled treehouses was considered with care and an artistic touch that enhances the landscape and forest surrounding them.

Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees, while complimenting the main home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the center swings.
These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible.
Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic, and structurally sound woods to build the structure itself.
Healthy building materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. Designed with an end of life intention for longevity and a easy means to pull apart these structures apart once the children are older, the foundations can be used for a future ADU.
The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.
Every detail, both in their exterior and interior, of these upcycled treehouses was considered with care and an artistic touch that enhances the landscape and forest surrounding them.

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way.
FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door!
Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

This couple's long-term water leak left their downstairs guest bathroom in disarray. It had gotten so bad that the toilet would actually rock due to the sub-floor deterioration. After the remodel, this small but mighty bathroom leaves a memorable impression on its guests, primarily because of its efficient footprint and bold use of color.
This project became necessary after a long- term water leak left the floor tile broken and the subfloor deteriorating.
Once underway, we set out to determine what other problems we could help solve in this guest bathroom. We explored several different floorplans for this space, but we ultimately decided that the general location of the fixtures worked well for these homeowners.
One of the primary concerns was to determine how we could include as much vanity storage as possible. Their old vanity included a shallow section next to the toilet, but it only had two shallow top drawers, making the bulk of the storage awkward and hard to access.
Although they liked the size of their old shower stall, the plastic insert was corroding. They also didn't have anywhere to place their shower products, and there was no place to hang a towel. We opted for a tiled shower and included a shampoo niche for their bath products. We also included a horizontal shower door handle, which doubles as a towel bar.

This couple's long-term water leak left their downstairs guest bathroom in disarray. It had gotten so bad that the toilet would actually rock due to the sub-floor deterioration. After the remodel, this small but mighty bathroom leaves a memorable impression on its guests, primarily because of its efficient footprint and bold use of color.
This project became necessary after a long- term water leak left the floor tile broken and the subfloor deteriorating.
Once underway, we set out to determine what other problems we could help solve in this guest bathroom. We explored several different floorplans for this space, but we ultimately decided that the general location of the fixtures worked well for these homeowners.
One of the primary concerns was to determine how we could include as much vanity storage as possible. Their old vanity included a shallow section next to the toilet, but it only had two shallow top drawers, making the bulk of the storage awkward and hard to access.
Although they liked the size of their old shower stall, the plastic insert was corroding. They also didn't have anywhere to place their shower products, and there was no place to hang a towel. We opted for a tiled shower and included a shampoo niche for their bath products. We also included a horizontal shower door handle, which doubles as a towel bar.

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way.
FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door!
Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way.
FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door!
Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees, while complimenting the main home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the center swings.
These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible.
Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic, and structurally sound woods to build the structure itself.
Healthy building materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. Designed with an end of life intention for longevity and a easy means to pull apart these structures apart once the children are older, the foundations can be used for a future ADU.
The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.
Every detail, both in their exterior and interior, of these upcycled treehouses was considered with care and an artistic touch that enhances the landscape and forest surrounding them.

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

This spectacular family home situated above Lake Hodges in San Diego with sweeping views, was a complete interior and partial exterior remodel. Having gone untouched for decades, the home presented a unique challenge in that it was comprised of many cramped, unpermitted rooms and spaces that had been added over the years, stifling the home's true potential. Our team gutted the home down to the studs and started nearly from scratch.
The goal was to dramatically open up the living space and modernize the home, while capitalizing on the stunning views the property had to offer. With the existing floor plan, only bedrooms had partial views, with common living areas relegated to the back portion, preventing residents from enjoying the expansive sightlines available to the home.
The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing.
The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way.
FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door!
Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

This project began with a beautiful Koi pond under a large patio cover, but the homeowner struggled with two major issues:
• Lack of privacy between the driveway and patio
• A breezeway roofline that didn’t align with the exterior brick, causing rainwater to pour into the gap and flood the patio during storms
As part of our exterior remodeling and water‑management correction, we redesigned the entire connection between the breezeway, patio, and driveway.
? Phase 1: Structural Fixes & Weather Protection
• Converted the original 4' brick wall and gate into a full‑height privacy wall with an exterior door, creating a secure, enclosed patio space.
• Extended and realigned the breezeway roofline to properly tie into the home’s brick, eliminating water intrusion and preventing patio flooding.
• Installed a solar tube to bring natural daylight into the pond area without adding heat — a perfect upgrade for shaded patios.
? Phase 2: Creating a Backyard Oasis
After seeing the transformation, the homeowner invited us back to complete the space with a custom screen wall across the backside of the patio. This addition created a private, breezy, bug‑free outdoor retreat, ideal for relaxing around the Koi pond.
? Serving Cypress, Tomball, Champions & Northwest Houston
This project is a great example of how we solve privacy issues, roofline and drainage problems, and patio enclosure upgrades to help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.

A quaint bridge stretches over one of the natural draining dry creek beds. This was a creative way to connect the meandering pathways and still maintain adequate drainage throughout this La Jolla site.

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way.
FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door!
Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

Set inside a circle of 100-year-old maple and oak trees, while complimenting the main home’s architecture, these ‘tree houses’ give shelter, space for imagination & safe play outdoors for twins. Mimicking the trees’ height and scale, and mirrored in each of their designs, these two 6 foot square base by 14 foot tall twin play structures allow for each child to have its own personal space, yet are connected at the center swings.
These unique treehouses have been built with sustainable sourcing and upcycled construction methods. When Martine Ilana, Principal designer of Temescal, considered what a ‘treehouse’ would look like for her twins, immediately it’s ideation was focused on keeping the integrity of the forest and problem solving how to use as many repurposed and sustainable materials as possible.
Accessing the incredible selection of salvage materials from a salvage yard in Detroit, Temescal was able to source non-toxic, and structurally sound woods to build the structure itself.
Healthy building materials include: Metal Roofing and Water based Low VOC paints. A slatted exterior structure was designed to create a rain screen and in addition complement the Main home’s exterior design. Designed with an end of life intention for longevity and a easy means to pull apart these structures apart once the children are older, the foundations can be used for a future ADU.
The slide posed the largest problem to source as recycled plastic slides are not made available to residential projects by US based manufactures and repurposed from Facebook marketplace hit many dead ends. Ultimately, she chose to use a HDPE high density polyurethane plastic slide that would allow for its material to be recycled once at the end of this life.
Every detail, both in their exterior and interior, of these upcycled treehouses was considered with care and an artistic touch that enhances the landscape and forest surrounding them.
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