This homeowner had lived with her dark, crowded kitchen long enough and was ready for a change. Through our design process, we identified several ways to maximize storage, improve functionality, and create a brighter, more open feel. To transform the space, we removed the raised bar top, repaired the rounded wall corners, added roll-out trays and an adjustable lazy Susan for easier access, installed tray dividers, repaired the refrigerator panel, modified toe-kick areas, and refaced all the cabinetry and range hood surround. We also installed beautiful new doors and drawer fronts, updated the countertops, added a stunning tile backsplash, and finished the project with task lighting to brighten every workspace. The result is a kitchen that feels larger, more functional, and much more inviting while allowing the existing wood hood to remain a beautiful focal point. The homeowner's reaction said it all: “Ahhh, I can finally breathe!”

This recently built 1,200 sq ft condo had spectacular views but was otherwise in need of character and design. My client, a single man and first time homeowner had excellent taste but wasn't sure where to begin or how to pull things together. We quickly identified a mutual love of mid century modern pieces and created a modern yet industrial inspired space that compliments and enhances his homes stunning panoramic views of downtown. ​ Favourite pieces include the colourful and bold silk area rug that helps ground the otherwise monochromatic space, custom stools that are as comfortable as they are visually appealing with luggage leather seats, several walnut pieces that add warmth and a concrete coffee table for a mix of modern. The final look is clean, fresh and eclectic resulting in the masculine, unique feel my client wanted.

CONTACT These home owners initially contacted their Designer to identify the reason that the floor in their upstairs bedroom suffered from a noticeable slant. The floor problem actually impacted a small bathroom and adjoining study also. Early on, the decision was made to re-design the footprint for the 3 rooms in conjunction with repairing the uneven floor. The approach was to gut all three spaces of walls and floors and start from scratch. The new spaces were designed with the clients needs for accessibility in mind. DESIGN The design effort included identifying the products to be used throughout the spaces. This included everything from the flooring to the wall paint. Kohler plumbing fixtures and Adelphi cabinetry were decided on first. A radiant heat grid was included for the bathroom floor. Lighting, paint and tile soon followed. Wood flooring was installed throughout the adjoining spaces. The master bedroom was redesigned to allow for entry from the study or the master bath via pocket doors. The study was given an access to the master bath also. The hardwood flooring ties the bedroom and study together and gives each room a very spacious feel. The original master bedroom was changed to incorporate a large walk-in closet that features custom storage throughout. The study that also doubles as the IT center for the home was updated with custom book cases and cabinetry from Adelphi Cabinets. When discussing the reapportioning of the entire space for the individual rooms the bathroom was given priority. The previous small bathroom did not include a window for natural light. The new design corrected that in a big way by incorporating an existing bedroom window into the new space. The decision was made early on to allow for the inclusion of a large shower with full granite walls and custom plate glass surround. The shower system includes both fixed and hand held shower heads. A thermostatic control system was included to eliminate scalding. A large bench seat of matching granite allows for relaxing while getting squeaky clean. A separate air massage tub from Kohler centered under the new windows allows for a relaxed moment while being caressed by all those tiny bubbles. His and her side by side vanity sinks allows for efficient use of the space. The Caxton sinks and coordinated toilet were selected to match the color of the tub and do so beautifully! CONSTRUCTION We started the project not knowing what we were going to find. The slanting floor upstairs was not evident in the ceiling of the first floor Once the demolition had been completed it was evident that the floor joists were at the heart of the problem. The home had been framed with floor joists that had been strung together to increase their length. Over time and with the house settling, the strung together joists started to droop from their connection point. This was concealed on the first floor by a large HVAC duct running through the garage. This was corrected by the addition of two laminated beams in the ceiling of the first floor (luckily in the garage) that re-supported the offending joists. THE END The project was a huge success in terms of problem solving and designing with budget and time frame in mind. The overall impact of the new space is impressive both visually and from a practicality point of view. The new master suite with upscale bathroom and study adds significant value to the home and the home owners quality of life!

These clients fell in love with this home immediately when they saw it on the market, and quickly made the offer. From the unique lighting, retro architectural details, and view of the cascades, this home was full of potential to be remodeled to fit the lifestyle and personality of it’s new owners. Through the design process, we identified the aspects of the home that these owners loved, such as the Living Room soffit, grasscloth wallpaper, floating staircase and outdoor-feel basement. We then pinpointed the difficulties that the floor plan and materials presented for their lifestyle, such as the closed-off/compartmentalized floor plan, shag carpet in the living room, outdated finishes, lack of wood, and a newer kitchen that was an outlier within the style of the house. The finished product is a magazine-worthy transformation that thoughtfully unifies the owner’s personal style and the home’s retro roots.

Transitional exterior home photo in San Francisco

It's all about you! Your dreams, your site, your budget…. that's our inspiration! It is all about creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your unique lifestyle. Every project has it's challenges, but underneath the real-life concerns of budget and bylaws lie opportunities to delight. At Kallweit Graham Architecture, it is these opportunities that we seek to discover for each and every project. The key to good design is not an unlimited budget, nor following trends. Rather, it takes the limitations of a project and, through thoughtful design, brings out its uniqueness, and enhances the property and it's value. Building new or renovating an existing home is exciting! We also understand that it can be an emotional undertaking and sometimes overwhelming. For over two decades we have helped hundreds of clients "find their way" through the building maze. We are careful listeners, helping people to identify and prioritize their needs. If you have questions like what is possible? what will it look like? and how much will it cost? our trademarked RenoReport can help… see our website for details www.kga.ca. We welcome your enquiries, which can be addressed to Karen or Ross Karen@kga.ca ext:4 Ross@kga.ca ext: 2 604.921.8044

Photography by Carlos Esteva. When this private client, a married couple, first approached Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón to build ‘the house of their dreams’ on the grounds of their sprawling family estate, the first challenge was to identify the exact location that would maximize the positive aspects of the topography while affording the most gracious views. Propped up on scaffolding, juggling digital cameras and folding ladders, the design team photographed the property from hundreds of angles before the ideal site was selected. Once the site was selected, construction could begin. The building’s foundation was raised slightly off the ground to disperse geothermal heat. In addition, the designers studied daily sunlight patterns and positioned the structure accordingly in order to warm the swimming pool during the cooler morning hours and illuminate the principal living quarters during the late afternoon. Finally, the main house was designed with functional balconies on all sides: each balcony meticulously planned ~ and precisely positioned ~ to both optimize wind flow and frame the property’s most breath-taking views. Stylistically, the goal was to create an authentic Spanish hacienda. Following Old World tradition, the house was anchored around a centralized interior patio in the Moorish style: enclosed on three sides ~ yet open on the fourth (similar to the Alcázar of Seville) ~ to reveal a reflecting pool ~ and mirror the water motif of the home’s magnificent marble fountain. A bell tower, horseshoe arches, a colonnaded,vineyard-style patio, and ornamental Moorish mosaic tilework (“azulejos”) completed this picturesque portrait of a faraway fantasy world of castles, chivalry, and swordsplay, reminiscent of Medieval Spain. Shortly after completion, this showcase home was showcased on the TVE Spanish television series Spaniards Around The World (Españoles Alrededor Del Mundo) as a prime example of authentic Spanish architecture designed outside the peninsula. Not surprising. After all, the story of a fairy-tale retreat as magical as this one deserves a happy ending.

Photo by The H L Turner Group Inc ------ CertainTeed Evernew PT HF Decking Ipe, Marvin Ultimate Clad Tri-pane Windows, and CertainTeed Cedar Impressions D7 Driftwood siding------ http://rcmzeroenergy.com/ROSE-Cottage-Project/project-overview.html

These clients fell in love with this home immediately when they saw it on the market, and quickly made the offer. From the unique lighting, retro architectural details, and view of the cascades, this home was full of potential to be remodeled to fit the lifestyle and personality of it’s new owners. Through the design process, we identified the aspects of the home that these owners loved, such as the Living Room soffit, grasscloth wallpaper, floating staircase and outdoor-feel basement. We then pinpointed the difficulties that the floor plan and materials presented for their lifestyle, such as the closed-off/compartmentalized floor plan, shag carpet in the living room, outdated finishes, lack of wood, and a newer kitchen that was an outlier within the style of the house. The finished product is a magazine-worthy transformation that thoughtfully unifies the owner’s personal style and the home’s retro roots.

From addressing recurring water problems to integrating common eyesores seamlessly into the overall design, this basement transformed into a space the whole family (and their guests) love. Nearby is a small workspace, adding bonus function to this cozy basement and taking advantage of all available space. Like many 1920s homes in the Linden Hills area, the basement felt narrow, dark, and uninviting, but Homes and Such was committed to identifying creative solutions within the existing structure that transformed the space. Subtle tweaks to the floor plan made better use of the available square footage and created a more functional design. At the bottom of the stairs, a bedroom was transformed into a cozy, living space, creating more openness with a central foyer and separation from the guest bedroom spaces.

These clients fell in love with this home immediately when they saw it on the market, and quickly made the offer. From the unique lighting, retro architectural details, and view of the cascades, this home was full of potential to be remodeled to fit the lifestyle and personality of it’s new owners. Through the design process, we identified the aspects of the home that these owners loved, such as the Living Room soffit, grasscloth wallpaper, floating staircase and outdoor-feel basement. We then pinpointed the difficulties that the floor plan and materials presented for their lifestyle, such as the closed-off/compartmentalized floor plan, shag carpet in the living room, outdated finishes, lack of wood, and a newer kitchen that was an outlier within the style of the house. The finished product is a magazine-worthy transformation that thoughtfully unifies the owner’s personal style and the home’s retro roots.

These clients fell in love with this home immediately when they saw it on the market, and quickly made the offer. From the unique lighting, retro architectural details, and view of the cascades, this home was full of potential to be remodeled to fit the lifestyle and personality of it’s new owners. Through the design process, we identified the aspects of the home that these owners loved, such as the Living Room soffit, grasscloth wallpaper, floating staircase and outdoor-feel basement. We then pinpointed the difficulties that the floor plan and materials presented for their lifestyle, such as the closed-off/compartmentalized floor plan, shag carpet in the living room, outdated finishes, lack of wood, and a newer kitchen that was an outlier within the style of the house. The finished product is a magazine-worthy transformation that thoughtfully unifies the owner’s personal style and the home’s retro roots.

This homeowner had lived with her dark, crowded kitchen long enough and was ready for a change. Through our design process, we identified several ways to maximize storage, improve functionality, and create a brighter, more open feel. To transform the space, we removed the raised bar top, repaired the rounded wall corners, added roll-out trays and an adjustable lazy Susan for easier access, installed tray dividers, repaired the refrigerator panel, modified toe-kick areas, and refaced all the cabinetry and range hood surround. We also installed beautiful new doors and drawer fronts, updated the countertops, added a stunning tile backsplash, and finished the project with task lighting to brighten every workspace. The result is a kitchen that feels larger, more functional, and much more inviting while allowing the existing wood hood to remain a beautiful focal point. The homeowner's reaction said it all: “Ahhh, I can finally breathe!”

Faced with extensive water damage to their home, the Patel’s turned to Cantoni designer Andrea Petor to infuse new life into their family’s beloved weekend retreat in Montgomery, Texas. Balancing the client’s minimalist wants with their love of hosting, Andrea created a cohesive design to accommodate their frequent guests and large extended family. Beginning with the kitchen remodel, Andrea worked with the Patel’s to identify the best layout for the space, understanding it would be used regularly for entertaining. To maximize storage space, Andrea designed custom floor to ceiling cabinetry finished in high gloss white lacquer. She selected Miele optic white appliances to enhance the sleek design. Andrea had a custom dining table built into the island to provide ample seating and ensure the entire family could enjoy meals together. The kitchen’s monochromatic color palette was carried throughout the interiors allowing the home’s beautiful waterfront views to take center stage. Adding richness and texture to each room, Andrea selected sculptural, modern furnishings to complete the space and bring the Patel’s vision to life.

This homeowner had lived with her dark, crowded kitchen long enough and was ready for a change. Through our design process, we identified several ways to maximize storage, improve functionality, and create a brighter, more open feel. To transform the space, we removed the raised bar top, repaired the rounded wall corners, added roll-out trays and an adjustable lazy Susan for easier access, installed tray dividers, repaired the refrigerator panel, modified toe-kick areas, and refaced all the cabinetry and range hood surround. We also installed beautiful new doors and drawer fronts, updated the countertops, added a stunning tile backsplash, and finished the project with task lighting to brighten every workspace. The result is a kitchen that feels larger, more functional, and much more inviting while allowing the existing wood hood to remain a beautiful focal point. The homeowner's reaction said it all: “Ahhh, I can finally breathe!”

These clients fell in love with this home immediately when they saw it on the market, and quickly made the offer. From the unique lighting, retro architectural details, and view of the cascades, this home was full of potential to be remodeled to fit the lifestyle and personality of it’s new owners. Through the design process, we identified the aspects of the home that these owners loved, such as the Living Room soffit, grasscloth wallpaper, floating staircase and outdoor-feel basement. We then pinpointed the difficulties that the floor plan and materials presented for their lifestyle, such as the closed-off/compartmentalized floor plan, shag carpet in the living room, outdated finishes, lack of wood, and a newer kitchen that was an outlier within the style of the house. The finished product is a magazine-worthy transformation that thoughtfully unifies the owner’s personal style and the home’s retro roots.

This homeowner had lived with her dark, crowded kitchen long enough and was ready for a change. Through our design process, we identified several ways to maximize storage, improve functionality, and create a brighter, more open feel. To transform the space, we removed the raised bar top, repaired the rounded wall corners, added roll-out trays and an adjustable lazy Susan for easier access, installed tray dividers, repaired the refrigerator panel, modified toe-kick areas, and refaced all the cabinetry and range hood surround. We also installed beautiful new doors and drawer fronts, updated the countertops, added a stunning tile backsplash, and finished the project with task lighting to brighten every workspace. The result is a kitchen that feels larger, more functional, and much more inviting while allowing the existing wood hood to remain a beautiful focal point. The homeowner's reaction said it all: “Ahhh, I can finally breathe!”

Summer/Fall 2025: after the first growing season, hot coloured zinnia in the Fiesta Garden - such incredible color saturation! Ornamental flowers (non-poisonous types) mingle with Edible Flowers grown in organic soil, for the best use of space in a tight area. Zinnias are considered by some to be edible (although they may taste a bit bitter); more importantly, they are considered to be non-toxic by the Ontario Poison Control Centre. Please be careful about the plantings in and around your Edible Garden, especially if you have young children. If you're not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry, and ask a professional landscape designer or horticulturalist for advice in advance of purchasing a plant. Even better, check your local Poison Control Centre (PCC) website to be certain about the safety of plants in your growing zone. Keep all your plant tags in an accessible location, as the PCC will want to know the accurate botanical (Latin) names for reference. If you haven't kept your plant tags, and you need to bring your child in to the ER - particularly if they have symptoms, bring in a flower or leaf of the offending plant, it may be possible for them to contact the PCC to identify if it is safe or toxic.

This homeowner had lived with her dark, crowded kitchen long enough and was ready for a change. Through our design process, we identified several ways to maximize storage, improve functionality, and create a brighter, more open feel. To transform the space, we removed the raised bar top, repaired the rounded wall corners, added roll-out trays and an adjustable lazy Susan for easier access, installed tray dividers, repaired the refrigerator panel, modified toe-kick areas, and refaced all the cabinetry and range hood surround. We also installed beautiful new doors and drawer fronts, updated the countertops, added a stunning tile backsplash, and finished the project with task lighting to brighten every workspace. The result is a kitchen that feels larger, more functional, and much more inviting while allowing the existing wood hood to remain a beautiful focal point. The homeowner's reaction said it all: “Ahhh, I can finally breathe!”