This Escondido area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking to build a living space for an aging relative. ADUs, also often known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites” are perfect for aging-in-place, short or long-term rentals, or for extra space on your property to increase the value of your home. The Challenge: Design an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and living space for an elderly relative on a fixed budget. The space is needed to provide as much complete independence and privacy for the relative as possible. The ADU also needed to fit a specific area in the backyard that did not impede on the existing outdoor entertainment area or pool. Since the area of the build is located in a warmer area of San Diego’s North County, summertime power consumption and indoor temperature were a concern. The Solution: For budget purposes, the shape of the unit was kept as a basic rectangle, since odd shapes and angles present challenges and additional costs to engineer and build. Since there was the possibility of guests or perhaps more than one person at a time using the ADU, the bathroom was given an independent entry. A closet was placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to help provide a sound buffer. Floors were designed as polished concrete to help maintain a cooler ambient temperature during the summer months. Light colors on the cabinets, walls, and ceilings along with dual paned vinyl windows provide ample light, temperature control, and ventilation.

With two small children and a third on the way, the owners of an original eighteenth century Cape were quickly out-growing it, but they had no desire to move away from the Cape Cod home and location they loved. They simply needed a reconfigured layout and more space. Their goals included repurposing some existing rooms, adding a new kitchen/family area plus screen porch on the first level, and creating a master suite and roof deck with an outdoor shower on the second level, connected by a new stair. Our challenge was to improve the flow between existing spaces, and design the two-story addition without overwhelming the pint-sized original Cape. We took advantage of the lower grade at the rear of the property to step the first floor of the addition down two steps from the existing main level. This allowed us to align the second floor in the addition with the existing second floor, while gaining ceiling height in the new first-floor kitchen/family area. We composed a cross-gabled form for the addition to improve the second floor headroom, while maintaining the existing eave line. We then extended some existing shed dormers to gain headroom and enhance function. We also expanded the outdoor living area with privacy walls along the roof deck. New, larger, double–hung windows that match the lite configuration of the existing windows, along with new side-wall shingles and trim which resemble the existing exterior treatment help to tie the new addition to the old Cape. Though there’s no mistaking the new for the old, the two are simpatico. Katie Hutchison Studio collaborated with Geoffrey Koper Architect of Yarmouth Port, Mass. on the Yarmouth Port Antique Cape Renovation and Addition. Kitchen fit-out and interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings by others. photo by Katie Hutchison

Our clients for this project are a professional couple with a young family. They approached us to help with extending and improving their home in London SW2 to create an enhanced space both aesthetically and functionally for their growing family. We were appointed to provide a full architectural and interior design service, including the design of some bespoke furniture too. A core element of the brief was to design a kitchen living and dining space that opened into the garden and created clear links from inside to out. This new space would provide a large family area they could enjoy all year around. We were also asked to retain the good bits of the current period living spaces while creating a more modern day area in an extension to the rear. It was also a key requirement to refurbish the upstairs bathrooms while the extension and refurbishment works were underway. The solution was a 21m2 extension to the rear of the property that mirrored the neighbouring property in shape and size. However, we added some additional features, such as the projecting glass box window seat. The new kitchen features a large island unit to create a workspace with storage, but also room for seating that is perfect for entertaining friends, or homework when the family gets to that age. The sliding folding doors, paired with floor tiling that ran from inside to out, created a clear link from the garden to the indoor living space. Exposed brick blended with clean white walls creates a very contemporary finish throughout the extension, while the period features have been retained in the original parts of the house.

Former clients of Penza Bailey Architects purchased this property in Greenspring Valley because of the expansive views of the adjacent rolling hills, which were protected by an environmental trust. They asked PBA to design an attached garage with a studio above, a new entrance vestibule and entry foyer, and a new sunroom in the rear of the property to take advantage of the commanding views. The entire house was extensively renovated, and landscape improvements included a new front courtyard and guest parking, replacing the original paved driveway. In addition to the 2 story garage enlargement, PBA designed a tall entrance providing a stronger sense of identity and welcome, along with a 1 1/2 story gallery, allowing light to graciously fill the interior space. These additions served to break up the original rambling roofline, resulting in a thoughtfully balanced structure nestled comfortably into the property. Anne Gummerson Photography

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A stone facade combined with a traditional clapboard style updates the look of this property.
Traditional exterior home idea in New York

This full basement remodel included creating an office space, a communal space with a kitchenette, and a receiving area that could be convertable into an extra bedroom with a seemlessly integrated closet.

Reconfigure the existing bathroom, to improve the usage of space, eliminate the jet tub, hide the toilet and create a spa like experience with a soaker tub, spacious shower with a bench for comfort, a low down niche for easy access and luxurious Tisbury sower and bath fixtures. Install a custom medicine cabinet for additional storage and

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Miami with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

The exterior services including staining the fence, building a two custom contemporary gates, and installing a flagstone pathway to access the backyard.

The exterior services including staining the fence, building a two custom contemporary gates, and installing a flagstone pathway to access the backyard.

Reconfigure the existing bathroom, to improve the usage of space, eliminate the jet tub, hide the toilet and create a spa like experience with a soaker tub, spacious shower with a bench for comfort, a low down niche for easy access and luxurious Tisbury sower and bath fixtures. Install a custom medicine cabinet for additional storage and

Midway through the tree removal process! Our crew ensures every project is handled with precision and safety. ?‍♂️

Reconfigure the existing bathroom, to improve the usage of space, eliminate the jet tub, hide the toilet and create a spa like experience with a soaker tub, spacious shower with a bench for comfort, a low down niche for easy access and luxurious Tisbury sower and bath fixtures. Install a custom medicine cabinet for additional storage and

This full basement remodel included creating an office space, a communal space with a kitchenette, and a receiving area that could be convertable into an extra bedroom with a seemlessly integrated closet.

Photo of a landscaping in Los Angeles.

Subtle accents in white are the lentils and also the octagonal attic vent and white mailbox and post. Albeit modest in overall size, it's curb appeal has been stepped up with the addition of the blue siding. Windows with interior grids seem similar but are each distinctly different adding charm to this well landscaped property.

Inspiration for a deck remodel in St Louis

This full basement remodel included creating an office space, a communal space with a kitchenette, and a receiving area that could be convertable into an extra bedroom with a seemlessly integrated closet.