Freestanding bathtub - large contemporary master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and multicolored floor freestanding bathtub idea in Providence with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, a drop-in sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

Oklahoma Flagstone with Texas Tan mortar and commercial sealant with no-slip additive.
Design ideas for a mid-sized southwestern full sun backyard stone landscaping in Austin with a fire pit for winter.

Our clients in Stonehouse, Toano Virginia asked us to make their dream of a finished basement come true. They had some great ideas about what they wanted and also some sound performance goals for this area of their home. They were interested in a having a stone wall in the sitting area and sound proofing installed as part of the design as they felt that the neighbors across the way in the rear of the home were much too noisy with loud dogs and amplified music. We installed Homasote soundproofing boards across the rear wall to abate the sound. Windows across the rear wall were supplemented with double panes to provide dead air space between the exterior window and the interior of the home. The french doors received storm doors on the exterior. A new bathroom was added as well as a kitchenette, sitting area and guest bedroom to the finished basement area. Bob Harper

An existing "Jack and Jill" bath, just 7’-6” x 8’-6” square, is shared between two bedrooms. The original arrangement was cramped, dark and awkward. The revitalized space provides not only a double vanity with storage, but also a shower the full width of the room. Separating the vanity area from the shower with a transparent partition allows the entire room to feel luxuriously spacious. The wall- hung vanity, luminous glass tiles, large mirror and improved lighting all contribute to the airy character of the renewed room. The tiger maple cabinet compliments the natural wood of the existing doors, providing warmth and interest. Countertop is Cambrian Black granite. Floor tile is porcelain.

Close up of Slate Gray Metal Roofing by EDCO - The Real Look of Slate for LESS. Installed by Global Home Improvement
Example of a classic exterior home design in New York

Walnut cabinets, with unique horizontal grain, are set off by the bright Caesarstone countertop and backsplash. A prep sink on the island has filtered water as well as a handy compost container that is flush with the countertop.

Awesome Norristown PA bi-level home remodel. We gutted the whole first level of this home down to the bare bones. We redesigned the space to an open floorplan. New structural framing, insulation, windows and doors, and all mechanicals were relocated and improved. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! everywhere and it makes all the difference. Led lighting and smart switches were used for up lighting above cabinetry, task lighting under cabinetry, general room lighting, accent lighting under bar top, and all decorative fixtures as well. The kitchen was designed around a central island with elevated seating that is designed around the new structural columns required to open the whole area. Fabuwood cabinetry in Galaxy Horizon finish make up the perimeter cabinets accented by Galaxy Cobblestone finish used for the island cabinetry. Both cabinetry tones coordinate perfect with the new Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Uptown Chic Forever Friends. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, luxury vinyl is Awesome! It looks great its ultra durable and even water proof as well as less expensive than true hardwood. New stair treads, railings, and posts were installed stained to match by us; giving the steps new life. An accent wall of nickel gap boards was installed on the fireplace wall giving it some interest along with being a great clean look. The recessed niche behind the range, the dry stacked stone tile at the islands seating area, the new tile entry in a herringbone pattern just add to all the great details of this project. The New River White granite countertops are a show stopper as well; not only is it a beautiful stone the installation and seaming is excellent considering the pattern of the stone. I could go on forever we did so much. The clients were terrific and a pleasure to work with. I am glad we were able to be involved in making this dream come true.

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

One feature palm was salvaged when this seven year old Mediterranean style residence on the Caloosahatchee River underwent a complete landscape and hardscape remodel in the beginning of 2015. The landscape had not been properly maintained for a few years prior to when the new owners purchased in 2014, was overgrown and unhealthy and therefore was in need of a complete evaluation and landscape overhall. The original red brick concrete pavers were removed and replaced with a gold travertine blend with ivory travertine border for accent. The front entry stair was expanded and redesigned for a more significant and welcoming front door. The side yard had a significant slope from the foundation of the house to the seawall and had significant erosion damage. This space was re-graded, grading and drainage was repaired and re-routed and a 70 foot long retaining wall was installed. The retaining wall not only solved the stormwater washout problem, but also provided a level space for a private side yard tropical palm garden and pathway to access both the pool deck and the walk along the seawall. The stairs to the pool deck, dock and landing were all completely modified for ease of use. Aside from the tropical and beautiful landscape that was installed, the most significant visual and aesthetic improvement to this property was the addition of three 9 foot tall by 5 foot wide natural stone water walls with stone basins that were designed to fit within the archways at the driveway entry and designed to complement the architecture of the residence. These water walls offer ambient noise, visual interest and have completely improved the use and entry experience for the homeowner and visitors. Tropical shade bromeliads, alocasias, cordylines and ferns dress up the new landscape beds at the entry and along the front foundation where previously red brick intersected the foundation walls for a mundane solution. Other elements of interest include the cable wire espalier that was installed in front of the archway on both sides of the entry way for colorful bougainvillea trellis vine to climb and soften the tall walls and eventually connect over the arch. Confederate jasmine vine will soften the garage corner on the cable wire trellis installed and there is also a 4 foot wide by 18 foot tall cable wire espalier on a tall, once stark, wall on the pool deck. Three pool planters were reconfigured and planted with large triple princess palms and bold blue-tone pottery was selected to add interest and color to the pool deck. Micro-drip irrigation was connected to the pool planters and pottery for a low maintenance solution. This project was a collaborative effort with an ideal client who was open to all design ideas, who worked closely with the design team, and was a great success for both the client and R.S. Walsh Landscaping.

Jonathan Salmon, the designer, raised the wall between the laundry room and kitchen, creating an open floor plan with ample space on three walls for cabinets and appliances. He widened the entry to the dining room to improve sightlines and flow. Rebuilding a glass block exterior wall made way for rep production Windows and a focal point cooking station A custom-built island provides storage, breakfast bar seating, and surface for food prep and buffet service. The fittings finishes and fixtures are in tune with the homes 1907. architecture, including soapstone counter tops and custom painted schoolhouse lighting. It's the yellow painted shaker style cabinets that steal the show, offering a colorful take on the vintage inspired design and a welcoming setting for everyday get to gathers.. Pradhan Studios Photography

Beach style l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Awesome Norristown PA bi-level home remodel. We gutted the whole first level of this home down to the bare bones. We redesigned the space to an open floorplan. New structural framing, insulation, windows and doors, and all mechanicals were relocated and improved. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting! everywhere and it makes all the difference. Led lighting and smart switches were used for up lighting above cabinetry, task lighting under cabinetry, general room lighting, accent lighting under bar top, and all decorative fixtures as well. The kitchen was designed around a central island with elevated seating that is designed around the new structural columns required to open the whole area. Fabuwood cabinetry in Galaxy Horizon finish make up the perimeter cabinets accented by Galaxy Cobblestone finish used for the island cabinetry. Both cabinetry tones coordinate perfect with the new Luxury vinyl plank flooring in Uptown Chic Forever Friends. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, luxury vinyl is Awesome! It looks great its ultra durable and even water proof as well as less expensive than true hardwood. New stair treads, railings, and posts were installed stained to match by us; giving the steps new life. An accent wall of nickel gap boards was installed on the fireplace wall giving it some interest along with being a great clean look. The recessed niche behind the range, the dry stacked stone tile at the islands seating area, the new tile entry in a herringbone pattern just add to all the great details of this project. The New River White granite countertops are a show stopper as well; not only is it a beautiful stone the installation and seaming is excellent considering the pattern of the stone. I could go on forever we did so much. The clients were terrific and a pleasure to work with. I am glad we were able to be involved in making this dream come true.

We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht/LDa Architects. . • The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms. • Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home. • In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home. • The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard. Photo by Shelly Harrison

This stunning one-acre garden, within walking distance of downtown Bethesda, was designed and installed by our firm in 2004.. LPI continues to maintain it today. The owners, devoted gardeners, wanted to utilize as much of the existing plant palette as possible but also to have space for a pond, a cutting garden, and expanses of lawn. The biggest challenge proved to be coping with the prodigious amount of water on site due to an underground spring and drainage issues posed by it and the topography of the site. In 2010 this garden won an Award of Merit from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, , a Grand Award from the MD*DC*VA Landscape Contractors Association, and an Environmental Improvement Award of Distinction from PLANET. ©Melissa Clark Photography. All rights reserved.

Open kitchen shelving turns unused wall space into a colorful display. White subway tiles offer a simple background in this airy kitchen.
Example of a country kitchen design in Charlotte

Large trendy formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo with white walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and no tv

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

We recently enjoyed the opportunity to remodel three floors of a nineteenth-century Cambridge home with our project partners, architect Tom Downer and designer Jayme Kennerknecht. . • The owners – a family of four that includes both a teenager and a toddler - wanted a house better suited to entertaining but also appropriate for family together time. Specific improvements on their wish list included a playroom that could handle differing family needs, a custom bar for entertaining, a new fireplace, and an inviting kitchen that would remain distinct but be better connected to adjoining rooms. • Adding a fireplace to the living room involved rebuilding the entire back wall of the home. The fireplace mantel was custom designed to match an existing mantel in the nearby dining room, which is original to the home. • In the playroom, care was taken to create zones for three members of the family: The mother enjoys crafting and now has a station directly below existing skylights, the teenager has a semi-private nook at the back of the space for relaxing, and the youngest in the family can enjoy toys and games placed along one wall alongside a rug for playing on the floor. On the same level, we created a separate guest bedroom with a new closet and a window designed to match other windows throughout the home. • The kitchen is fully upgraded and custom designed to accommodate the mother’s cooking habits, with specific elements including a farmer’s sink in the island and a stainless steel counter with an integrated sink for food preparation placed behind it on the counter. To improve storage in the much-used room, corner drawer units were installed instead of lazy Susan cabinets. Also, the homeowners were not interested in an open floor plan, but did want to improve access to the living room and yard beyond. This was achieved by expanding the opening between the two rooms allowing the cook to engage with family and guests and have a clear view when children are playing in the yard. Photo by Shelly Harrison