This 1,800 sq ft all-season cottage is designed to make the most of its breathtaking south-facing view of the Ottawa River. Every aspect of the cottage was carefully considered to optimize the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the water views are an integral part of daily life. At the heart of the cottage is the expansive open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, featuring a striking stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. An abundance of windows along the river-facing side allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the water. Strategic design elements, including retractable canopies, provide shade during hot summer months while allowing for increased sunlight during the winter to enhance the warmth and comfort of the interiors. Perfect for entertaining, the spacious sunroom serves as a flexible space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. It includes a second stone fireplace and ample room for dining and lounging, with seamless access to the outdoor deck. For sun lovers, the deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the warmth, while the canopy offers a shady retreat to enjoy the river views during hot days. A cozy firepit patio closer to the water creates an inviting space for evening gatherings, complete with the charm of a crackling fire and views of the river. Off the sunroom, a screened porch offers a shaded escape, providing relief from the heat and bugs during the summer afternoons. This porch is conveniently located next to the BBQ area, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and socializing. The primary bedroom suite includes a bedroom partition wall that allows the bed to face the river while providing unimpeded access to the walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The main level also includes a butler’s pantry, office, full bathroom, and a second bedroom ideal for family. The lower level expands the living space further, offering four additional guest bedrooms, a bunk room for the kids, ample storage, a laundry room, and a versatile games room. With thoughtful design and functional spaces, this cottage balances comfort, style, and connection to nature.

Modern kitchens, with a sophisticated and highly functional design, are now made for living life to the full, surrounded by versatile solutions that create an increasingly more emotional, comfortable and safer atmosphere.

Diehl Concrete is a local Denver business that prides itself in quality decorative work such as custom stamped concrete patios. The owner, Ryan Diehl, plays a hands-on part throughout the entire process. With over 15 years of experience in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, along with his un-compromised integrity, Diehl Concrete is a wise choice for your project. There are countless examples of his work throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Brighton, Boulder, and Evergreen. Call today and Ryan Diehl will personally evaluate your project, answer your questions, and provide a free quote. Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios: Affordability: Stamped concrete patios are much more affordable when compared to brick pavers or natural stone. Fortunately, This lower cost doesn’t lack durability or beauty. Longevity: Concrete typically lasts longer than alternative patio materials. To ensure durability, Diehl Concrete will take the extra steps to reduce cracking. We will take great care in preparing your concrete sub-grade with proper compaction, and road base as well as rebar reinforcement within the concrete. Finally, expansion joints will be strategically placed to minimize and prevent cracking. Color and Pattern Options: The sky is truly the limit on color choices and patterns for stamped concrete patios. Shape: Due to its versatility of the substance, concrete offers homeowners the ability to create any type of shape they would like. Would you like curves, planting beds, or even a fire pit incorporated into your stamped concrete patio? No problem. Low Maintenance: To maintain the look and uphold the durability, a once yearly sealer may be applied. This is something you can do yourself, or we can seal your patio for you. Increased home resale value. Decorative concrete adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II Modern Farmhouse in Whitestown, Indiana, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern charm. Based on one of our most popular plans, the Charleston II maximizes spatial volume by increasing ceiling heights throughout both levels. The main living space boasts an expansive, open-concept floor plan featuring 10-foot ceilings throughout, which soar to a dramatic 12 feet across the central great room, kitchen, and bright morning room. Designed for seamless entertaining and effortless organization, the chef-ready kitchen is equipped with abundant counter space, a large central island to gather around, and a giant walk-in pantry. This dual-purpose pantry features a highly functional "messy kitchen" secondary prep zone, brilliantly engineered to keep cooking clutter, meal prep, and mess completely out of sight from the main living area. The thoughtful layout continues with a perfectly placed pocket office, offering a quiet, dedicated space to organize daily tasks or work from home. This pocket office flows gracefully into the luxurious owner’s retreat, a private sanctuary showcasing an expansive primary bath and two large walk-in closets. To elevate the primary suite's design aesthetic, the bedroom features a show-stopping ceiling accented with custom stained wood beams—meticulously finished to match the flooring—with integrated hidden lighting to cast a warm, indirect glow. A smart split-bedroom floor plan ensures ultimate privacy for the entire family, keeping the additional secondary bedrooms situated on the opposite side of the residence so everyone can enjoy their own independent space.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

This 1,800 sq ft all-season cottage is designed to make the most of its breathtaking south-facing view of the Ottawa River. Every aspect of the cottage was carefully considered to optimize the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the water views are an integral part of daily life. At the heart of the cottage is the expansive open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, featuring a striking stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. An abundance of windows along the river-facing side allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the water. Strategic design elements, including retractable canopies, provide shade during hot summer months while allowing for increased sunlight during the winter to enhance the warmth and comfort of the interiors. Perfect for entertaining, the spacious sunroom serves as a flexible space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. It includes a second stone fireplace and ample room for dining and lounging, with seamless access to the outdoor deck. For sun lovers, the deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the warmth, while the canopy offers a shady retreat to enjoy the river views during hot days. A cozy firepit patio closer to the water creates an inviting space for evening gatherings, complete with the charm of a crackling fire and views of the river. Off the sunroom, a screened porch offers a shaded escape, providing relief from the heat and bugs during the summer afternoons. This porch is conveniently located next to the BBQ area, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and socializing. The primary bedroom suite includes a bedroom partition wall that allows the bed to face the river while providing unimpeded access to the walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The main level also includes a butler’s pantry, office, full bathroom, and a second bedroom ideal for family. The lower level expands the living space further, offering four additional guest bedrooms, a bunk room for the kids, ample storage, a laundry room, and a versatile games room. With thoughtful design and functional spaces, this cottage balances comfort, style, and connection to nature.

Believe it or not the front door is from the Home Depot web site...fit right into our design concept with custom sized sidelights from Integrity window company...Concrete porch leads right into foyer with no grade change for increased accessibility...

This 1,800 sq ft all-season cottage is designed to make the most of its breathtaking south-facing view of the Ottawa River. Every aspect of the cottage was carefully considered to optimize the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the water views are an integral part of daily life. At the heart of the cottage is the expansive open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, featuring a striking stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. An abundance of windows along the river-facing side allows natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the water. Strategic design elements, including retractable canopies, provide shade during hot summer months while allowing for increased sunlight during the winter to enhance the warmth and comfort of the interiors. Perfect for entertaining, the spacious sunroom serves as a flexible space for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. It includes a second stone fireplace and ample room for dining and lounging, with seamless access to the outdoor deck. For sun lovers, the deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the warmth, while the canopy offers a shady retreat to enjoy the river views during hot days. A cozy firepit patio closer to the water creates an inviting space for evening gatherings, complete with the charm of a crackling fire and views of the river. Off the sunroom, a screened porch offers a shaded escape, providing relief from the heat and bugs during the summer afternoons. This porch is conveniently located next to the BBQ area, allowing for easy outdoor cooking and socializing. The primary bedroom suite includes a bedroom partition wall that allows the bed to face the river while providing unimpeded access to the walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The main level also includes a butler’s pantry, office, full bathroom, and a second bedroom ideal for family. The lower level expands the living space further, offering four additional guest bedrooms, a bunk room for the kids, ample storage, a laundry room, and a versatile games room. With thoughtful design and functional spaces, this cottage balances comfort, style, and connection to nature.

Designer Danielle Lardani's clients love to cook, so they desired a new kitchen that appealed to them stylistically, while also supporting their passion for cooking. They wanted to include features that would make cooking together both efficient and enjoyable. Danielle fulfilled their dreams by creating a stunning, contemporary design that seamlessly matched the style of the rest of their home. She selected a horizontal, textured laminate by Wynnbrooke Cabinetry for the base perimeter cabinets, with a contrasting prep zone featuring Décor Cabinets in a Behr custom color, Adirondack Blue. To increase the efficiency of the space, the layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to create a more functional work triangle between the range, the refrigerator, and the sink. The new layout allows the homeowners to prep, cook and serve food with ease. To further enhance the modern look of the kitchen and accommodate her clients’ wishes, she chose floating shelves and a full-height backsplash to give the space a more open feel. Notable Design Details: - Danielle designed the new layout to include ample counter space for food prep. - She installed integrated lighting under the floating shelves and the upper cabinets in the prep-zone area to brighten these work spaces. - Danielle included a custom dish drawer in her cabinetry design. This optimized storage and allowed dinnerware to be easily accessible. - The knife block and utensil pull-out organizer keeps the clients’ cooking tools neat while also keeping them at arms reach.

The room follows a palette with a light and neutral base – from white to gray, through off-white, with shades of blue extracted from the tiles (especially the painting by the artist Sergio Lucena, above the bed) and sprinkles. of fresh green, present in works of art, books covered with fabric and decorative objects. Another highlight of the room is the TV that displays a digital work of art when turned off, thus becoming an integral part of the decor. Finally, various flower arrangements, from lavender to rosemary, exude a unique scent in the environment, increasing the feeling of well-being and relaxation so fundamental in bedrooms.”

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

When our clients purchased this home, their main focus was updating both the primary and guest bathrooms while adjusting the layout to be more functional on the second floor. They also wanted to make some other improvements to include adding a runner to the staircase for increased safety and refinishing all of the floors in the home. We brought some new life to the powder room on the first floor with a fun wallpaper and a sink that has an integral backsplash. Upstairs we made the layouts much more functional by making a few slight changes that had a very large impact.

This completed project at Zurich, ON showcases a refined backyard transformation centered around a custom gazebo-style covered structure. Built with rich, dark-stained timber and a clean gable roofline, it provides a shaded, open-air retreat that enhances both comfort and visual appeal. Beneath the structure, a cozy outdoor lounge is anchored by a natural stone fireplace with a built-in TV—creating a functional, all-season gathering space. The surrounding interlocking pavers and modern pool with clean, elevated edges complete the polished, resort-style design. An adjacent outdoor kitchen features a built-in stainless steel grill, integrated storage, and a sleek countertop—ideal for effortless entertaining. Crafted with durable materials and expert workmanship, this space blends beauty with long-term performance. Homeowner Benefits: Covered outdoor living area for shade and comfort Perfect for entertaining and relaxing year-round Low-maintenance, weather-resistant materials Increased property value with a cohesive design A stylish and functional outdoor upgrade designed for everyday enjoyment.

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home. This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout. The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan. This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets. Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams. The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools. Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking. To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter. The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination. The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close. Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry. The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door. Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room. Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look. The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses! Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space. This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made. If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home. This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout. The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan. This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets. Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams. The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools. Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking. To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter. The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination. The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close. Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry. The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door. Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room. Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look. The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses! Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space. This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made. If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

PAT RICE KITCHEN This Santa Barbara Bungalow, located in an historical area of Santa Barbara, had tons of charm, but the kitchen was small, cramped and lacked modern day function and storage. The kitchen you see today was achieved in 2 phases, by 2 different homeowners. It’s bright and sunny, with ample storage, generous amounts of countertop space and an Island perfect for meal prep. This is a classic kitchen, with white inset Shaker style doors, which continues to be the hottest look on the market. Phase 1 improved the small kitchen by eliminating a side door and taking out a built-in banquette, thus increasing kitchen size. A small island was added and a washer & dryer area was included. Perfect for a young family. Phase 2 enlarged the kitchen even more. A back bedroom was opened up to the kitchen, providing space for the office and bookcase areas. The laundry was moved to another part of the house, thus allowing for more cabinetry and countertop space. Two pantries were added, along with open shelving, plus alcoves for a microwave and a kitchen TV. A maple free standing Island is a classic contrast to the white cabinetry. By specifying maple countertops for the office area, it ties the kitchen and office areas together. Hahka Kitchens handled both phases of the kitchen remodel, and we were able to order matching cabinets and obtain the same countertop material. The result is that the kitchen is completely integrated with no evidence that this amazing kitchen was done in 2 stages, 8 years apart. The new homeowner did replace knobs and pulls from phase 1, and more ordered for the new cabinets, thus putting her mark on the kitchen. And the new homeowner found the sturdy and functional Island, which was a perfect complement to the white shaker cabinets. One last note about the office area, which is flooded with light from patio doors and large windows. The desk, with white shaker doors that match the kitchen, has loads of functionality. 2 large desk drawers, with hanging file folders, a pull-out trash can, small desk drawers and open shelving meet the needs of a home office. The built-in bookcase, which was fitted into an existing recessed alcove, was expertly installed and provides both open display areas and hidden storage. The “V groove doors” complement the Shaker doors, adding a furniture charm to the office. This expanded kitchen is truly the “heart of this historic home”.

The finished kitchen feels elevated but inviting, perfect for returning home after travel and just as comfortable for quiet evenings as it is for entertaining. The upgraded layout, increased storage, and refined material choices create a kitchen that functions beautifully and looks effortlessly polished.

A remodel of this contemporary kitchen improved the layout for better function and improved flow to the adjacent areas. Corner windows increase natural light in the kitchen and a new passage into the family room improves traffic flow. A round wooden counter adds seating while retaining the openness of the space. The main work area consists of an L-shaped layout with an island. This arrangement includes the built-in refrigerator with TV above, an ergonomic elevated dishwasher with appliance garage, curved front corner sink cabinet and the cooktop with integrated curved front stainless chimney and glass backsplash. A large walk-in pantry was reconfigured to allow for a wrap-around bar with sink, refrigerator drawers, additional storage and glass front upper cabinets.

This homeowner’s story resonates with many who are considering aging in place. She loved her Normandy Park home but found that her bathroom no longer met her needs. While soaking in her jacuzzi tub had been a cherished routine, the high ledge made it increasingly difficult—and unsafe—to use. After experiencing a few falls, she knew it was time for a change. Initially, she contacted a national company specializing in ADA-compliant tubs, but they couldn’t retrofit her space. That’s when she called Better Builders. Together, we transformed her bathroom into a safe, functional, and beautifully designed retreat where she could relax without worry. By thoughtfully integrating accessible features without compromising aesthetics, we gave this homeowner a bathroom that meets her current needs and supports her ability to live independently for years to come.