Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.

Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.

Live in Luxury A modernized bathroom can offer a greatly enhanced quality of life for you, your family and guests. At Integrity Home Solutions, we're always happy to provide the consultation you need to design the perfect layout. The benefits of a bathroom remodel are numerous, and include: Greater Resell Value for Your Property Increased Storage Space Improved Ambiance with Creative Lighting Concepts A Relaxing Place to Unwind With a Hot Bath or Cold Shower

This was a complete re-do. Granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, including farm sink. LTV flooring - dark wood. The tiles were raised with nice dimension. Island was significantly increased with drop-down rustic lighting and metal stools.

This 1974 kids’ bath had no natural light, little storage and was cramped with a layout in the typical of the 1970’s. It was definitely time for an update; one that included expanding the space. Adding 5’ to the width, gave enough room for the shower and tub to be separated, a water closet that also included a floor-to-ceiling linen closet and an extra-long vanity with double sinks that included increased storage drawers. The use of dimensional tile adds whimsy and interest to this kids’ bath. Clarity Northwest Photography: Matthew Gallant

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

The Aquascape Spillway Bowl and Basin Landscape Fountain Kit bundles the perfect combination of products, providing a unique, easy-to-install kit which includes everything you need to create an impressive, recirculating fountain. The included Spillway Bowl and Spillway Basin are constructed of durable GFRC and display a unique patina finish, providing a long-lasting, elegant, multi-step fountain ideal for any setting. The included AquaBasin® 45 is a sub-surface water basin is able to store up to 98 gallons, minimizing maintenance significantly. Constructed of professional-grade, high density polyethylene and backed by a lifetime warranty, the basin will provide features and benefits that eliminate guesswork, improve water circulation, and increase accessibility. An extremely energy-efficient Ultra Water Pump is included to circulate the water through the fountain, and the included pipe and fittings makes installation easier than ever. Aquascape is passionate about the products we produce, providing unique products, designs, and features that stand above the competition.

Photo by Paul Dyer Styled by Sarah Alba
Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This 1974 kids’ bath had no natural light, little storage and was cramped with a layout in the typical of the 1970’s. It was definitely time for an update; one that included expanding the space. Adding 5’ to the width, gave enough room for the shower and tub to be separated, a water closet that also included a floor-to-ceiling linen closet and an extra-long vanity with double sinks that included increased storage drawers. The use of dimensional tile adds whimsy and interest to this kids’ bath. Clarity Northwest Photography: Matthew Gallant

Bathroom after closet was replaced with a shower to increase the functionality of the bathroom. This project included mosaic heated tile floors and custom shower pan. As well as tile tile shower surround, bench and shelving! This bathroom proves even your room-in attic bathroom can be functional and beautiful!

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.

Michelle Ruber
Small minimalist u-shaped linoleum floor enclosed kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

This was a complete re-do. Granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, including farm sink. LTV flooring - dark wood. The tiles were raised with nice dimension. Island was significantly increased with drop-down rustic lighting and metal stools.

Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.

Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.

With tall ceilings, an impressive stone fireplace, and original wooden beams, this home in Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago, had plenty of character and a style that felt coastal. Six months into the purchase of their home, this family of six contacted Alessia Loffredo and Sarah Coscarelli of ReDesign Home to complete their home’s renovation by tackling the kitchen. “Surprisingly, the kitchen was the one room in the home that lacked interest due to a challenging layout between kitchen, butler pantry, and pantry,” the designer shared, “the cabinetry was not proportionate to the space’s large footprint and height. None of the house’s architectural features were introduced into kitchen aside from the wooden beams crossing the room throughout the main floor including the family room.” She moved the pantry door closer to the prepping and cooking area while converting the former butler pantry a bar. Alessia designed an oversized hood around the stove to counterbalance the impressive stone fireplace located at the opposite side of the living space. She then wanted to include functionality, using Trim Tech‘s cabinets, featuring a pair with retractable doors, for easy access, flanking both sides of the range. The client had asked for an island that would be larger than the original in their space – Alessia made the smart decision that if it was to increase in size it shouldn’t increase in visual weight and designed it with legs, raised above the floor. Made out of steel, by Wayward Machine Co., along with a marble-replicating porcelain countertop, it was designed with durability in mind to withstand anything that her client’s four children would throw at it. Finally, she added finishing touches to the space in the form of brass hardware from Katonah Chicago, with similar toned wall lighting and faucet.

Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.

Driving down to this small house on the water, we immediately saw the potential of what it could become. With access to the beach and a boathouse at the sea level, this large property had a lot to offer. The re-design for this meant expanding on what was already here by stepping up the square footage, increasing the level of finish and capitalizing on the fantastic views. Our development of the house included increasing the footprint by adding a complete and well-appointed main-level Primary bedroom suite, an office, mud room, laundry and powder room. Downstairs we renovated the space into a gym and media room with views, 3 new bedrooms. To round out the house we added a three-car garage with a car-lift in the third bay.