With porches on every side, the “Georgetown” is designed for enjoying the natural surroundings. The main level of the home is characterized by wide open spaces, with connected kitchen, dining, and living areas, all leading onto the various outdoor patios. The main floor master bedroom occupies one entire wing of the home, along with an additional bedroom suite. The upper level features two bedroom suites and a bunk room, with space over the detached garage providing a private guest suite.

Kitchen remodeling can easily have the greatest return in terms of resale value. In New York, the average remodeling project recouped 87% of its original cost. Westchester Home Improvement has worked on remodeling projects in a wide range of styles and budgets. Each one has its own set of challenges and considerations. Our remodeling professionals in Westchester work with the homeowner from the beginning and make sure the appropriate steps are taken to assure that a top quality job is done, on time, and on budget- while minimizing the inconvenience that being without your kitchen will cause.

The Deistel’s had an ultimatum: either completely renovate their home exactly the way they wanted it and stay forever – or move. Like most homes built in that era, the kitchen was semi-dysfunctional. The pantry and appliance placement were inconvenient. The layout of the rooms was not comfortable and did not fit their lifestyle. Before making a decision about moving, they called Amos at ALL Renovation & Design to create a remodeling plan. Amos guided them through two basic questions: “What would their ideal home look like?” And then: “What would it take to make it happen?” To help with the first question, Amos brought in Ambience by Adair as the interior designer for the project. Amos and Adair presented a design that, if acted upon, would transform their entire first floor into their dream space. The plan included a completely new kitchen with an efficient layout. The style of the dining room would change to match the décor of antique family heirlooms which they hoped to finally enjoy. Elegant crown molding would give the office a face-lift. And to cut down cost, they would keep the existing hardwood floors. Amos and Adair presented a clear picture of what it would take to transform the space into a comfortable, functional living area, within the Deistel’s reasonable budget. That way, they could make an informed decision about investing in their current property versus moving. The Deistel’s decided to move ahead with the remodel. The ALL Renovation & Design team got right to work. Gutting the kitchen came first. Then came new painted maple cabinets with glazed cove panels, complemented by the new Arley Bliss Element glass tile backsplash. Armstrong Alterna Mesa engineered stone tiles transformed the kitchen floor. The carpenters creatively painted and trimmed the wainscoting in the dining room to give a flat-panel appearance, matching the style of the heirloom furniture. The end result is a beautiful living space, with a cohesive scheme, that is both restful and practical.

Once their basement remodel was finished they decided that wasn't stressful enough... they needed to tackle every square inch on the main floor. I joke, but this is not for the faint of heart. Being without a kitchen is a major inconvenience, especially with children. The transformation is a completely different house. The new floors lighten and the kitchen layout is so much more function and spacious. The addition in built-ins with a coffee bar in the kitchen makes the space seem very high end. The removal of the closet in the back entry and conversion into a built-in locker unit is one of our favorite and most widely done spaces, and for good reason. The cute little powder is completely updated and is perfect for guests and the daily use of homeowners. The homeowners did some work themselves, some with their subcontractors, and the rest with our general contractor, Tschida Construction.

With a modest patio between the home and the pool, the homeowners longed for better entertaining spaces and more connection between their interior, exterior, pool, and second floor. Copper Sky Design + Remodel began this renovation with the removal of a weathered pergola and creating a large opening from their living room to the patio for new sleek accordion steel doors that seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor spaces. To further elevate the outdoor space, the adjacent patio was covered, and retractable screens and vinyl panels were installed. These features provide flexibility to enjoy the outdoors without the inconvenience of summertime insects, pollen, and unpredictable weather. The ceiling of the newly covered porch was custom designed to discreetly house the electrical components for the motorized screens, maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. A spiral staircase was introduced, leading to a second-story deck that spans the width of the home. This addition provides easy access to the outdoors directly from the bedrooms, offering a serene spot for enjoying the stunning views of the backyard. The deck features cable railing, which preserves the unobstructed view, and is adorned with elegant copper post caps. For added privacy, louvered wooden screens were installed at one end of the deck. Given the homeowners' joy for entertaining, this design included the installation of outdoor speakers and color-changing LED lights on the porch ceiling and upper deck railings. The LED lights allow for a customizable ambiance, enabling the homeowners to set the perfect mood for any occasion. Additionally, gas lanterns were added to the porch beams, casting a romantic glow over the pool area, and enhancing the atmosphere for evening gatherings.

Our clients immediately recognized the potential of the home located in a highly sought-after section of Allentown. The dated kitchen needed significant rethinking but our clients knew it could be turned into something beautiful and inspiring. And, indeed, they were right. Busy professionals with an active social life, our clients wanted an inviting space to host both intimate dinner parties and large social gatherings. With this in mind, we worked to reimagine the flow of traffic from one room to another. Extraneous walls and a desk inconveniently positioned in the middle of the main kitchen thoroughfare needed to be removed and tight workspace aisles and narrow passageways demanded widening to help alleviate the problem. In addition to the kitchen’s flow concerns, the dark and dated space needed brightening. The wall between the kitchen and family room was opened up to unite the two spaces allowing more light into both rooms. Windows were also added at the sink wall so the room could be flooded with bright morning sun, while also offering a beautiful view of the park below. All-white cabinetry was selected to help reflect the additional light. An unfortunate challenge of expanding the windows meant there were fewer wall cabinets to store dishes. We turned to the island where we installed large dish drawers featuring wood pegged interiors. We also relied on wall-to-counter cabinets for additional storage to help keep the room clutter-free as appliances were neatly tucked behind doors. A new, built-in pantry was also added. The finished kitchen unites traditional with today and elegance with comfort to ensure perfection. We are thrilled for our clients who have an abundance of good taste, an eye for what is possible and a drive to see it accomplished. Jacqueline Powell Photography

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Chicago

The clients' original kitchen layout consisted of no wall cabinets and an island that was inconveniently situated in between the base cabinets and tall pantry cabinets located along the the farthest wall of the kitchen. The design solution was to create wall cabinets to allow for convenience and to move and elongate the island to create ease of use and convenience in the kitchen, as well as, to create a multi-functional space. The tall closet pantries were removed and storage was placed in the island. Large niches were created to add dimension in the space. A mix of wired gloss cabinets and wired foil cabinets were used in the kitchen. Schedule an appointment with one of our Designers! http://www.gkandb.com/contact-us/ DESIGNER: JANIS MANACSA PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY WALL CABINETS: DURA SUPREME CABINETRY BASE CABINETS: DEWILS CABINETRY

Our Clients were ready for a complete overhaul of their existing finished basement. The existing layout did not work for their family and the finishes were old and dated. We started with the fireplace as we wanted it to be a focal point. The interlaced natural stone almost has a geometric texture to it. It brings in both the natural elements the clients love and also a much more modern feel. We changed out the old wood burning fireplace to gas and our cabinet maker created a custom maple mantel and open shelving. We balanced the asymmetry with a tv cabinet using the same maple wood for the top. The bar was also a feature we wanted to highlight- it was previously in an inconvenient spot so we moved it. We created a recessed area for it to sit so that it didn't intrude into the space around the pool table. The countertop is a beautiful natural quartzite that ties all of the finishes together. The porcelain strip backsplash adds a simple, but modern feel and we tied in the maple by adding open shelving. We created a custom bar table using a matching wood top with plenty of seating for friends and family to gather. We kept the bathroom layout the same, but updated all of the finishes. We wanted it to be an extension of the main basement space. The shower tile is a 12 x 24 porcelain that matches the tile at the bar and the fireplace hearth. We used the same quartzite from the bar for the vanity top. Overall, we achieved a warm and cozy, yet modern space for the family to enjoy together and when entertaining family and friends.

The master bedroom sits under a coffered ceiling with access to the rear porch and an en suite.
Country bedroom photo in Atlanta

So to begin, we start with an existing kitchen that is outdated and just too neutral for the homeowners. They wanted unity and drama in their space, not mundane confusion! Mismatched appliances – white refrigerator, stainless range, black dishwasher – give a disjointed and unplanned vibe to the room and are crammed together in less than half of the available kitchen space. The beautiful wood floor extends throughout the house, but in the kitchen it falls flat – as the medium gold cabinets and almond tile counters provide no contrast and no interest. A bank of floor to ceiling cabinets separates the dining area from the kitchen, confining the space in both rooms. Note the massive blank end of the cabinets – in desperation to reduce the scale of this monolith, the homeowners decorated it with a clock and small nick-knacks, but it didn’t help. This is not a welcoming entrance to the kitchen. On the dining side, there is a hutch (with mirrored back), which ostensibly could serve as a buffet, however it is inconvenient to the prep area of the kitchen as it is tucked behind the tall pantry cabinets. And on the opposite wall is a separate wet bar which could serve more conveniently with a more unified kitchen and dining space. You would think that the large pantry cabinets would be a plus in a kitchen, however their placement and the deep fixed shelves belie any positive contribution. The looming wall of cabinetry confines the space and is a claustrophobe’s nightmare. Then note the clutter and chaos of storing small food items (normally most of your daily supplies don’t come in giant bulk quantities and sizes) on deep fixed shelves. Nothing really fits and canned goods become lost behind cereal boxes while baking supplies are piled on top of the snacks! The decision to remodel – the lady of the house wanted her kitchen to reflect the couples’ modern lifestyle. They are passionate people who love to entertain their friends and family – they need an open and accessible space that is both dramatic in bearing and easy to use on a daily basis. San Luis Kitchen began design by helping the homeowners choose a style and color scheme for their kitchen. The decision was made – a slab style cabinet door in a “Dark Lager” stain on maple wood. Because the homeowners did not want handles on their cabinets, we used a face frame cabinet construction to allow for “finger-pull” opening of the doors and drawers. The face frame is colored black as a contrast to the doors for a bold finish. Dark gray engineered-quartz counters and full height backsplash complete the picture. Kitchen layout and design is next. The sink remains at the corner window with the dishwasher moved to the left wall – giving space for a 36” range-top and dramatic 42” rectilinear hood. The refrigerator remains in place but is replaced with a black model. The cabinet above it is now 24” deep for a custom look and a built-in microwave/oven combo are placed to the right. Simple-line contemporary trim and uniform black and stainless modern appliances reinforce the linear aesthetic created by the doorstyle and face frame detailing. In place of the pantry, San Luis Kitchen designed a true buffet – accessible from both kitchen and dining sides. The storage needs are met by upper cabinets, base corner swing-out shelves and drawers, and a tall (adjustable) roll-out shelf unit on the dining side. We added an end wall (with niches) and extended the cabinetry and counter beyond as a welcome to the kitchen. In the dining room glass doors for display items grace the buffet. The wet bar is now visually and functionally joined to the kitchen – matching cabinetry and the more open overall plan tie everything together as a whole. Now in their new kitchen, the homeowners can prepare, serve, and enjoy a meal with their guests. The mosaic glass backsplash used at the bar adds pizzazz for fun gatherings and an evening’s entertainment. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Fairfield

The clients' original kitchen layout consisted of no wall cabinets and an island that was inconveniently situated in between the base cabinets and tall pantry cabinets located along the the farthest wall of the kitchen. The design solution was to create wall cabinets to allow for convenience and to move and elongate the island to create ease of use and convenience in the kitchen, as well as, to create a multi-functional space. The tall closet pantries were removed and storage was placed in the island. Large niches were created to add dimension in the space. A mix of wired gloss cabinets and wired foil cabinets were used in the kitchen. Schedule an appointment with one of our Designers! http://www.gkandb.com/contact-us/ DESIGNER: JANIS MANACSA PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY WALL CABINETS: DURA SUPREME CABINETRY BASE CABINETS: DEWILS CABINETRY

As the designer behind this master bathroom transformation, my mission was clear: to breathe new life into an outdated and dimly lit space while catering to my client's distinct desires. The project was marked by the client's unwavering commitment to enhancing functionality privacy and preserving the owner’s cherished MTI tub, all while adhering to the unalterable presence of existing windows. FEATURES: 1. A glass pass-through between rooms allows natural light to flow freely, promoting a sense of openness. 2. The ceiling-mounted sliding glass door hardware elevates the shower experience with taller glass panels and effortless operation. 3. Accessibility and safety were paramount, resulting in a zero-entry shower, strategically placed grab bars, and an 'assist' TP holder. 4. To cater to varying preferences, a main showerhead and hand shower were accessible for standing and bench use. 5. A shared glass door between rooms eliminated the inconvenience of cumbersome door swings. 6. Privacy was enhanced through gradient glass etching, ensuring comfort and tranquility. 7. The digital shower system allowed for personalized controls, accommodating the unique preferences of the couple. Creating a private bath around the existing MTI tub initially seemed insurmountable. However, innovative thinking led to a transformative solution. The drop-in tub was ingeniously converted into a free-standing tub with a narrow quartz deck adorned with a captivating mother-of-pearl mosaic tile surround. A floating walnut shelf at the tub's end introduced practicality and organic beauty. Black plumbing fixtures were chosen to accentuate the mesmerizing depth of the mother-of-pearl mosaic tile. Horizontal book-matched walnut vanities introduced warmth and character, seamlessly connecting the interior to the outdoor view. The white quartz countertop is a refreshing contrast to the intricate finishes, lending a touch of sophistication. The ceiling light over the tub, akin to the icing on a cake, added a final note of elegance. To meet the client's need for increased storage, the vanities have pullouts & roll-outs. These thoughtful additions ensured effortless access to personal care products. LED-lit medicine cabinets not only provided excellent lighting but also served as storage for everyday essentials. Vanity toe kick lighting is thoughtfully designed with a motion sensor at the entry, providing a guiding path to the water closet. Particularly valued during nighttime, this feature prevents unnecessary lights from illuminating, preserving the tranquility of those in bed.

Once their basement remodel was finished they decided that wasn't stressful enough... they needed to tackle every square inch on the main floor. I joke, but this is not for the faint of heart. Being without a kitchen is a major inconvenience, especially with children. The transformation is a completely different house. The new floors lighten and the kitchen layout is so much more function and spacious. The addition in built-ins with a coffee bar in the kitchen makes the space seem very high end. The removal of the closet in the back entry and conversion into a built-in locker unit is one of our favorite and most widely done spaces, and for good reason. The cute little powder is completely updated and is perfect for guests and the daily use of homeowners. The homeowners did some work themselves, some with their subcontractors, and the rest with our general contractor, Tschida Construction.

AS THE PHOTOGRAPHER I DON'T KNOW SPECIFIC PAINT COLORS OR PRODUCTS, SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. DESIGN: Elizabeth Cross-Beard with Jenkins Baer Mitch Allen Photography

Our clients immediately recognized the potential of the home located in a highly sought-after section of Allentown. The dated kitchen needed significant rethinking but our clients knew it could be turned into something beautiful and inspiring. And, indeed, they were right. Busy professionals with an active social life, our clients wanted an inviting space to host both intimate dinner parties and large social gatherings. With this in mind, we worked to reimagine the flow of traffic from one room to another. Extraneous walls and a desk inconveniently positioned in the middle of the main kitchen thoroughfare needed to be removed and tight workspace aisles and narrow passageways demanded widening to help alleviate the problem. In addition to the kitchen’s flow concerns, the dark and dated space needed brightening. The wall between the kitchen and family room was opened up to unite the two spaces allowing more light into both rooms. Windows were also added at the sink wall so the room could be flooded with bright morning sun, while also offering a beautiful view of the park below. All-white cabinetry was selected to help reflect the additional light. An unfortunate challenge of expanding the windows meant there were fewer wall cabinets to store dishes. We turned to the island where we installed large dish drawers featuring wood pegged interiors. We also relied on wall-to-counter cabinets for additional storage to help keep the room clutter-free as appliances were neatly tucked behind doors. A new, built-in pantry was also added. The finished kitchen unites traditional with today and elegance with comfort to ensure perfection. We are thrilled for our clients who have an abundance of good taste, an eye for what is possible and a drive to see it accomplished. Jacqueline Powell Photography

Our clients immediately recognized the potential of the home located in a highly sought-after section of Allentown. The dated kitchen needed significant rethinking but our clients knew it could be turned into something beautiful and inspiring. And, indeed, they were right. Busy professionals with an active social life, our clients wanted an inviting space to host both intimate dinner parties and large social gatherings. With this in mind, we worked to reimagine the flow of traffic from one room to another. Extraneous walls and a desk inconveniently positioned in the middle of the main kitchen thoroughfare needed to be removed and tight workspace aisles and narrow passageways demanded widening to help alleviate the problem. In addition to the kitchen’s flow concerns, the dark and dated space needed brightening. The wall between the kitchen and family room was opened up to unite the two spaces allowing more light into both rooms. Windows were also added at the sink wall so the room could be flooded with bright morning sun, while also offering a beautiful view of the park below. All-white cabinetry was selected to help reflect the additional light. An unfortunate challenge of expanding the windows meant there were fewer wall cabinets to store dishes. We turned to the island where we installed large dish drawers featuring wood pegged interiors. We also relied on wall-to-counter cabinets for additional storage to help keep the room clutter-free as appliances were neatly tucked behind doors. A new, built-in pantry was also added. The finished kitchen unites traditional with today and elegance with comfort to ensure perfection. We are thrilled for our clients who have an abundance of good taste, an eye for what is possible and a drive to see it accomplished. Jacqueline Powell Photography

With a modest patio between the home and the pool, the homeowners longed for better entertaining spaces and more connection between their interior, exterior, pool, and second floor. Copper Sky Design + Remodel began this renovation with the removal of a weathered pergola and creating a large opening from their living room to the patio for new sleek accordion steel doors that seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor spaces. To further elevate the outdoor space, the adjacent patio was covered, and retractable screens and vinyl panels were installed. These features provide flexibility to enjoy the outdoors without the inconvenience of summertime insects, pollen, and unpredictable weather. The ceiling of the newly covered porch was custom designed to discreetly house the electrical components for the motorized screens, maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. A spiral staircase was introduced, leading to a second-story deck that spans the width of the home. This addition provides easy access to the outdoors directly from the bedrooms, offering a serene spot for enjoying the stunning views of the backyard. The deck features cable railing, which preserves the unobstructed view, and is adorned with elegant copper post caps. For added privacy, louvered wooden screens were installed at one end of the deck. Given the homeowners' joy for entertaining, this design included the installation of outdoor speakers and color-changing LED lights on the porch ceiling and upper deck railings. The LED lights allow for a customizable ambiance, enabling the homeowners to set the perfect mood for any occasion. Additionally, gas lanterns were added to the porch beams, casting a romantic glow over the pool area, and enhancing the atmosphere for evening gatherings.

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak