Search results for "Including key" in Home Design Ideas

Our clients lived in a typical, traditional suburban home. One homeowner had been collecting wine and requested a dedicated room for storing, tasting and entertaining that felt as if he were in a California wine cellar. Our design team created a room with Old World touches including a dramatic arched entrance bordered by decorative faux stone quoins. The doorway has two dark wood and glass doors. Key features include two built-in dual zone, wine refrigerators, Venetian plaster walls, a flagstone look floor, mural on the back wall with an arch that looks as if there is a wine cellar behind it. Furnishings include a custom made, circular epoxy table with a live edge, 4 bar stools, two upholstered chairs and end table. Rough-hewn look beams adorn the ceilings and the walls the ceilings and walls are hand troweled plaster with a glaze.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting.
Key Features:
1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary.
2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings.
3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive.
5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom.
This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

Our new collection of wrought iron doors provides superior sound and heat insulation. The solid metal construction prevents rust, while the wrought iron insert inside the glass unit eliminates the need for maintenance and keeps the door looking new for years.
Special feature is the use of durable aluminum profiles that improve both strength and appearance.
Furthermore, VDom Doors protect your home from extreme weather conditions, insects, and dust infiltration.
Our doors offer several key advantages:
- The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms.
- Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress.
- High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration.
Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles.
Model - 1601 Iron
Color - Black
Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This door design features five wide horizontal glass inserts that bring in light while keeping a bold, structured look. The proportions are clean and balanced, giving the door a strong visual presence. The full-length pull handle aligns with the doors geometry, making it a great fit for modern homes that value simplicity and solid construction.
Door thickness - 3 1/4"
Frame thickness - 4"
Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal.
Hardware included:
- Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82".
- Aluminum threshold.
- Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys.
- Cylinder.
- 3D Hinges.
- Turnknob for lock.
- Armor plate for the lock.
- 2 Long Black Pull Handles
Find the right local pro for your project

Welcome to this meticulously maintained Colonial nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Colchester! This turn-key home has beautiful curb appeal with professional landscaping, a welcoming front porch with rocking chairs, and a spacious backyard retreat straight out of a New England postcard featuring both a stone patio with gas fire pit and above-ground pool. Inside, discover a thoughtfully updated interior with hardwood floors, a STYLISH eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry and granite countertops, breakfast bar, formal dining room with elegant chandelier, and stunning family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. The finished basement offers versatile space with a home office area, work out area and media room while not taking away from the storage options! LOVE the 3 generous bedrooms upstairs include a sumptuous primary suite with walk in closet and remodeled bathroom with frameless enclosed tiled shower. Additional highlights include tastefully updated modern bathrooms, multiple outdoor living spaces including a large rear patio for entertaining, and proximity to schools, shopping, and major commuting routes. Windows have been replaced. Only an 7 minute stroll to the popular brewery Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co and close to Cato Corner Farms, Priam Vineyards, Harry Place and Stop and Shop are all within 10 minutes; be in Hartford in under 30!! This lovingly cared-for home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for you to enjoy immediately!

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space.
Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture.
The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture.
Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved.
Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.

Welcome to this meticulously maintained Colonial nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Colchester! This turn-key home has beautiful curb appeal with professional landscaping, a welcoming front porch with rocking chairs, and a spacious backyard retreat straight out of a New England postcard featuring both a stone patio with gas fire pit and above-ground pool. Inside, discover a thoughtfully updated interior with hardwood floors, a STYLISH eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry and granite countertops, breakfast bar, formal dining room with elegant chandelier, and stunning family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. The finished basement offers versatile space with a home office area, work out area and media room while not taking away from the storage options! LOVE the 3 generous bedrooms upstairs include a sumptuous primary suite with walk in closet and remodeled bathroom with frameless enclosed tiled shower. Additional highlights include tastefully updated modern bathrooms, multiple outdoor living spaces including a large rear patio for entertaining, and proximity to schools, shopping, and major commuting routes. Windows have been replaced. Only an 7 minute stroll to the popular brewery Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co and close to Cato Corner Farms, Priam Vineyards, Harry Place and Stop and Shop are all within 10 minutes; be in Hartford in under 30!! This lovingly cared-for home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for you to enjoy immediately!

SHELF: Outfit your foyer with a smart and stylish storage solution, ready for anything your family can throw at it. This modern shelf features 5 solid metal hooks that provide a perfect perch for coats, hats, and other entryway essentials. Open design shelves provide a handy spot to drop your keys, purse, wallet or to display decorative items. This product ships Ready To Assemble and includes an easy to follow instruction booklet. Our innovative hanging rail system includes all mounting
BENCH: Series 9 Designer Storage Bench adds functional storage and style to any room in your home. Three large compartments provide ample storage for blankets, throws, books and other items making it a perfect companion for any bed. In the hallway, its sturdy construction invites you to sit down and remove your shoes while providing a convenient place to store them. The bench is constructed from durable laminated composite woods. Matches other products from the Series 9 Designer Furniture Collection. Ships Ready to Assemble, includes an instruction booklet for easy assembly and has a 5-year manufacturer's limited parts warranty.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, GRAND AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL ADDITION UNDER $100,000
The homeowner purchased this Falls Church rambler in 1983. Built near the end of World War II, it had a very tight floor plan, including a 6’ x 12’ galley kitchen and a 6’ x 9’ dining room. After living in it for nearly 30 years without doing a significant remodel, he decided it was time to expand the entire first floor and include a gourmet kitchen.
The first step was to remove the back load bearing wall and to add a 12’ x 24’ addition. The old galley kitchen was then combined with the old dining room to create a spacious, more comfortable dining room. The addition would contain the new kitchen and a den.
A key focal point of the new kitchen is a large island that seats three and lets the owner, a culinary chef, entertain guests while he cooks. Light-colored custom wood cabinets with dark granite countertops are complemented by professional-quality stainless steel appliances and a stunning stainless steel backsplash.
Additionally, the kitchen is open to the new den area, giving breadth to the overall floor plan. Amenities of the addition include a 12-foot vaulted ceiling, surround sound, recess lights, palladium windows and a large bay window below the kitchen sink.
The new design really lets in a lot of natural light. And because the addition is built to modern insulating standards, the addition is much warmer than the rest of the house.
The end result of the project is a renovation that offers a seamless connection between the new addition and the old home, inside and out. Plus, the homeowner has his dream kitchen to serve his family and friends gourmet meals.

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, GRAND AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL ADDITION UNDER $100,000
The homeowner purchased this Falls Church rambler in 1983. Built near the end of World War II, it had a very tight floor plan, including a 6’ x 12’ galley kitchen and a 6’ x 9’ dining room. After living in it for nearly 30 years without doing a significant remodel, he decided it was time to expand the entire first floor and include a gourmet kitchen.
The first step was to remove the back load bearing wall and to add a 12’ x 24’ addition. The old galley kitchen was then combined with the old dining room to create a spacious, more comfortable dining room. The addition would contain the new kitchen and a den.
A key focal point of the new kitchen is a large island that seats three and lets the owner, a culinary chef, entertain guests while he cooks. Light-colored custom wood cabinets with dark granite countertops are complemented by professional-quality stainless steel appliances and a stunning stainless steel backsplash.
Additionally, the kitchen is open to the new den area, giving breadth to the overall floor plan. Amenities of the addition include a 12-foot vaulted ceiling, surround sound, recess lights, palladium windows and a large bay window below the kitchen sink.
The new design really lets in a lot of natural light. And because the addition is built to modern insulating standards, the addition is much warmer than the rest of the house.
The end result of the project is a renovation that offers a seamless connection between the new addition and the old home, inside and out. Plus, the homeowner has his dream kitchen to serve his family and friends gourmet meals.

Welcome to this meticulously maintained Colonial nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Colchester! This turn-key home has beautiful curb appeal with professional landscaping, a welcoming front porch with rocking chairs, and a spacious backyard retreat straight out of a New England postcard featuring both a stone patio with gas fire pit and above-ground pool. Inside, discover a thoughtfully updated interior with hardwood floors, a STYLISH eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry and granite countertops, breakfast bar, formal dining room with elegant chandelier, and stunning family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. The finished basement offers versatile space with a home office area, work out area and media room while not taking away from the storage options! LOVE the 3 generous bedrooms upstairs include a sumptuous primary suite with walk in closet and remodeled bathroom with frameless enclosed tiled shower. Additional highlights include tastefully updated modern bathrooms, multiple outdoor living spaces including a large rear patio for entertaining, and proximity to schools, shopping, and major commuting routes. Windows have been replaced. Only an 7 minute stroll to the popular brewery Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co and close to Cato Corner Farms, Priam Vineyards, Harry Place and Stop and Shop are all within 10 minutes; be in Hartford in under 30!! This lovingly cared-for home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for you to enjoy immediately!

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends.
Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure!
The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

The plants selected are highly salt and wind tolerant, but also sculptural in form. Each planter is anchored with one specimen plant. Selection included Satakentia Palm, a rare palm from the southern islands of Japan with an incredible burgundy colored crown shaft, and Jata Palm from Cuba with sculptural triangular-shaped frond.

Welcome to this meticulously maintained Colonial nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Colchester! This turn-key home has beautiful curb appeal with professional landscaping, a welcoming front porch with rocking chairs, and a spacious backyard retreat straight out of a New England postcard featuring both a stone patio with gas fire pit and above-ground pool. Inside, discover a thoughtfully updated interior with hardwood floors, a STYLISH eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry and granite countertops, breakfast bar, formal dining room with elegant chandelier, and stunning family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. The finished basement offers versatile space with a home office area, work out area and media room while not taking away from the storage options! LOVE the 3 generous bedrooms upstairs include a sumptuous primary suite with walk in closet and remodeled bathroom with frameless enclosed tiled shower. Additional highlights include tastefully updated modern bathrooms, multiple outdoor living spaces including a large rear patio for entertaining, and proximity to schools, shopping, and major commuting routes. Windows have been replaced. Only an 7 minute stroll to the popular brewery Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co and close to Cato Corner Farms, Priam Vineyards, Harry Place and Stop and Shop are all within 10 minutes; be in Hartford in under 30!! This lovingly cared-for home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for you to enjoy immediately!

Property Marketed by Hudson Place Realty - The wait is over for this singular 2960 sq. ft. corner penthouse in the Historic Jefferson Trust Bank building. The one of a kind architectural elements featured in this circa 1900 beauty include a 23 ft. ceiling graced with the original 20’ x 20’ stained glass back lit skylight, the restored Jefferson Trust Bank clock, ornate plaster moldings, and the stunning original wrought iron window grates. Flawlessly designed, the space at 313 First Street offers a classic aesthetic with ultra modern amenities. Choose the elevator with direct keyed access into your home or enter through your private foyer into the lavish 46.7’ x 30.7’ sq. ft. great room. The kitchen is open yet set back from the living/entertaining space and distinguished by a semi-circular ceiling. Top-of the line appliances include; gas Viking 6 burner range The master suite features a large private spa bath and many closets. A dramatic mezzanine level spans the entire length of your home and overlooks the vast living area. With a 2nd bedroom, media room and full bath the mezzanine level is the perfect urban sanctuary. 2 garage parking spots are included in the price and an A+ Path friendly location

Welcome to this meticulously maintained Colonial nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Colchester! This turn-key home has beautiful curb appeal with professional landscaping, a welcoming front porch with rocking chairs, and a spacious backyard retreat straight out of a New England postcard featuring both a stone patio with gas fire pit and above-ground pool. Inside, discover a thoughtfully updated interior with hardwood floors, a STYLISH eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry and granite countertops, breakfast bar, formal dining room with elegant chandelier, and stunning family room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. The finished basement offers versatile space with a home office area, work out area and media room while not taking away from the storage options! LOVE the 3 generous bedrooms upstairs include a sumptuous primary suite with walk in closet and remodeled bathroom with frameless enclosed tiled shower. Additional highlights include tastefully updated modern bathrooms, multiple outdoor living spaces including a large rear patio for entertaining, and proximity to schools, shopping, and major commuting routes. Windows have been replaced. Only an 7 minute stroll to the popular brewery Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co and close to Cato Corner Farms, Priam Vineyards, Harry Place and Stop and Shop are all within 10 minutes; be in Hartford in under 30!! This lovingly cared-for home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for you to enjoy immediately!

Our clients needed a new kitchen that would work for their growing family. They knew an open concept would allow for the most interaction during their busy days, and they needed the design to incorporate a lot of storage. The features include a seamlessly integrated coffee station, a spot in the corner cabinetry for the microwave, an island that includes a steam oven, a paper towel holder and a pull-out trash bin, and a custom-designed vent hood that accommodates the 48-inch Wolf range. The cabinetry continues into the bar area but stands out due to its stunning antiqued mirror backsplash, which creates a focal point. Placing an ice maker and a beverage fridge in this area makes it easily accessible and out of the cook’s way — perfect for entertaining and for their kids to grab their own drinks.
The large island now allows for the family to spend a lot of time together comfortably whether cooking, eating or doing homework. Although the laundry room was reduced, its new layout makes for a better functioning, tidy space. Another must-have for a bustling family is the message center hidden away in the hallway. Its design allows for storage of keys, paperwork, calendars and more. In order to open up the staircase, we removed the original bulky landing that blocked views and replaced it with a more open one that includes decorative newel posts and wrought iron balusters that were more in line with the new design style of the main floor.
Our clients are thrilled with the final renovation.

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present
An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today.
A Remodel That Balances Past and Present
What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form.
Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility
Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner.
A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it.
Navigating Challenges With Precision
The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved.
Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly.
Details That Respect the Eichler DNA
The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness.
At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence.
The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving.
Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process.
The Value of Evolving Scope
As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun.
The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA.
Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa.
Contractor: Golden Cove Construction
Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2024
Location: Sunnyvale, CA

This kitchen remodel in Olney showcases a transitional design that balances clean, modern lines with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space is anchored by a large, multi-functional center island and a bright, monochromatic color palette.
Cabinetry and Hardware
• Style: The kitchen features white Shaker-style cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, maximizing storage and creating a sense of height in the room.
• Hardware: A bold contrast is achieved using matte black linear pulls on both the drawers and cabinets, providing a modern, industrial touch to the traditional door style.
Countertops and Backsplash
• Surfaces: The countertops are a polished white quartz with subtle gray veining, offering a durable and sleek workspace.
• Backsplash: A classic white subway tile backsplash is used throughout, featuring a glossy finish that reflects the under-cabinet LED lighting.
Key Features and Appliances
• Center Island: The oversized island serves as the heart of the kitchen, housing a gas cooktop and providing ample space for food preparation and casual dining. It also features integrated electrical outlets and deep drawer storage.
• High-End Appliances: The layout includes a professional-grade stainless steel double wall oven and a built-in refrigerator, seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry.
• Wet Bar/Coffee Station: A dedicated beverage area includes a wine cooler, additional storage, and plenty of counter space for a coffee maker and accessories.
Lighting and Flooring
• Illumination: The design utilizes a layered lighting plan, including recessed ceiling lights, under-cabinet task lighting, and a modern industrial chandelier over the adjacent dining table.
• Flooring: The cool tones of the cabinetry and counters are balanced by warm-toned hardwood flooring, which runs throughout the open-concept space.

This project showcases the transformation of a modest family cottage into a highly-functional, year-round waterfront retreat. Through a thoughtfully-designed addition and careful reorganization of interior space, the home now seamlessly combines the charm of its original structure with modern comforts and expanded living spaces, all while preserving views of the stunning riverfront setting.
Key Features:
1. Expanded Entry and Primary Suite: The newly created entryway offers a spacious and functional welcome to the home, featuring a practical laundry room and ample storage space. The private primary bedroom suite, complete with a modern ensuite bathroom, provides a peaceful sanctuary.
2. Sunroom for Year-Round Enjoyment: A light-filled sunroom extends the home’s outdoor living season by offering protection from the elements, allowing the family to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views throughout the year. The room features warm pine finishes on the walls and ceiling, with timber accents that complement the natural surroundings.
3. New River-Facing Deck: The large deck offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and relaxation, with unimpeded views of the water thanks to the use of a glass railing. Designed for both entertaining and quiet reflection, it’s a key feature that strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
4. Exterior Renovation: The exterior has been fully updated, blending the old cottage’s character with the new additions. A new roof and siding unify the entire structure, giving it a refreshed, cohesive.
5. Reconfigured Interior Spaces: The renovation reorganized key interior spaces, including the relocation of the basement stairs to allow for an expanded completely renovated kitchen and large, open eating area adjacent to the sunroom.
This successful renovation enhances both the functionality and aesthetic of the cottage, transforming it into a beautiful, all-season home that meets the evolving needs of its owners while maintaining a strong connection to the waterfront environment.

Located on a heritage-lined street in Melbourne’s Williamstown, a young family were seeking a contemporary home with ample room to grow. Benni Trajcevski of Achieve Design Group answered their call, creating the epitome of modern living concealed behind a modest façade. To achieve the long wish list including large indoor and outdoor gathering spaces to entertain family and friends, separate adult and children living and sleeping zones, and a pool suitable for year-round use, Benni has maximised every inch of the block. Seamless transitional spaces link inside with out. This flow between the indoors and outdoors is a key feature of the home, achieved through generous open floor planning and glazing. For example, large hidden sliding doors allow the pool to be closed-off for use in winter; acrylic glass panels link the pool with the sunken lounge, which includes a fire pit for year-round comfort. The inclusion of a courtyard and voids throughout create separate useable zones while maintaining the feeling of spaciousness. Orientated to the north and surrounded with floor to ceiling windows to optimise natural light, the courtyard divides the formal lounge area with the informal living area, while the first floor is divided into four separate wings for privacy and functionality. The interiors are detailed with quality materials and finishes to achieve a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Contrasting materials in muted tones, including tiles, steel and lightweight timbers are featured throughout. Corian and a moss green wall are unexpected features.
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