Example of a mountain style beige tile and travertine tile pebble tile floor alcove shower design in Sacramento with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls and white countertops

Transitional powder room photo with a drop-in sink, open cabinets, wood countertops, white walls and brown countertops

Audrey Hall

Situated in Kenwood, Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., this whole-house renovation reinterprets a 1950s split-level into a rustic French country house. Published 3 times, The French country house plans for this renovation inform and guide the remodel. Short double-hung existing windows of various sizes on a 1950s brick front wall (see below) were replaced by straightforward openings along the front facade. By replacing them with a series of similar openings, the end result is a principled, simple elegance inspired by French country style homes. The rustic application of field stone arches and rough stucco are both inviting and enchanting, echoing French country interior design. Elements of French country home decor complement the home. The traditional French country home design has been widely published, including features in Renovation Style and Maryland Life magazines, among others. One singular continuous walkway runs the entire length of the main front under each of the French doors, and a courtyard created by stucco walls and stone piers create an inner sanctum in the front yard. In the back of the property, added French gates lead to a newly constructed pavilion.

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Cati Teague Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in Atlanta with blue walls

Photo by Shanna Hickman
Transitional master porcelain tile porcelain tile and double-sink freestanding bathtub photo in Austin with light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and flat-panel cabinets

For more information, call Cook Bonner Construction at (843) 795-9301 or visit cookbonner.com. Photograph by Kaylen Saxon of Charleston Home + Design magazine.

Bryan Chavez Photography River City Custom Homes - RounTrey - 2015 Homearama Farmhouse with a Modern Vibe Gold Winner - Master Suite Aware of the financial investment clients put into their homes, I combine my business and design expertise while working with each client to understand their taste, enhance their style and create spaces they will enjoy for years to come. It’s been said that I have a “good” eye. I won’t discount that statement and I’d add I have an affinity to people, places and things that tell a story. My clients benefit from my passion and ability to turn their homes into finely curated spaces through the use of beautiful textiles, amazing lighting and furniture pieces that are as timeless as they are wonderfully unique. I enjoy the creative process and work with people who are building their dream homes, remodeling existing homes or desire a fresh take on a well lived-in space. I see the client–designer relationship as a partnership with a desire to deliver an end result that exceeds my client’s expectations. I approach each project with professionalism, unparalleled excitement and a commitment for designing homes that are as livable as they are beautiful.

This was a unique nook off of the kitchen where we created a cozy wine bar. I encouraged the builder to extend the dividing wall to create space for this corner banquette for the owners to enjoy a glass of wine or their morning meal. Photo credit: John Magor Photography

2014 Fall Parade East Grand Rapids I J Visser Design I Joel Peterson Homes I Rock Kauffman Design I Photography by M-Buck Studios
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray walls and an undermount tub

D Randolph Foulds Photography
Inspiration for a timeless master light wood floor bedroom remodel in Charlotte with beige walls

Keeping the landscaping minimal allows the dynamics of the architecture to take center stage. In the evening, the house glows from within, offering yet another phase to its ever-changing environment. If money were no object, however, Bobbie has images of completely re-doing the entire grounds. "I'd love reflecting pools, new concrete hardscaping, core-ten steel details and amazing large scale minimalist sculptures," she states. "I really love the work of landscape architect Andrea Cochran. I'd hire her in a heartbeat." While future plans do entail new patio surfaces and more trees, the grounds of this Irwin Stein gem certainly offer a captivating view from any angle. Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz

Featuring Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Freestanding bathtub - cottage gray tile freestanding bathtub idea in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets and white cabinets

Large cottage l-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, paneled appliances and an island

Jerry Bilton/Eagle Photography, LLC
Example of a classic pebble tile alcove bathtub design with a two-piece toilet

Bonus Room Bed
Inspiration for a large transitional girl carpeted teen room remodel in Columbus with multicolored walls

This remodel was completed in 2015 in The Woodlands, TX and demonstrates our ability to incorporate the bold tastes of our clients within a functional and colorful living space.

Featured Metrie Then & Now Finishing Collections: Fashion Forward, Pretty Simple & Very Square / Photography: Elaine Mark/D & M Images / Design: Atmosphere Interior Design / Builder: Valentino Homes