This open concept had everything everyone asks for such as an open plan with connection to the Family room, an island, wall ovens, etc. However, all of these great features were poorly arranged and inhibited the use of the space. By redesigning the layout, we were able to keep all existing walls in place and provide a new and improved layout that the homeowner loves. The full size refrigerator was relocated to the corner, a range replaced the cooktop & wall ovens which were not efficient in the limited space, and a three-segment island replaced the existing two-tired island. The new island provides more seating, additional workspace and most importantly, improved flow. Cabinetry was replaced with white shaker style cabinets that extend to the ceiling. A TV was built-in above the 5-door refrigerator, a new chimney style hood and glass front cabinet were carefully positioned to create balance. The island was painted a blue-grey color and topped with a warm, elegant wood top. Cabinets lining the walls are topped with blue-grey granite and have a coordinating glass tile backsplash. Dark stainless steel appliances provide the right amount of contrast. New lighting and refreshed floors finish off the space. The inefficient pantry closet was replaced with a new built-in pantry cabinet with pull-out tray shelves and deep drawers.

This handcrafted vanity has vine-like swirling wrought iron base, a caramel-colored marble top and a copper sink of rich rustic colors ranging from oranges to dark browns. The colors of both the marble and the copper are random and natural and are not controllable – each piece is truly unique as no two pieces turn out exactly alike. Copper has rarely been used in the construction of furniture in the past, but innovation and vision resulted in the creation of this original copper furniture line from Mexico. Besides being an aesthetically pleasing recycled earth-friendly material, copper is also known to be antibacterial and inhibits the growth of microbes, thus providing a measure of protection against the presence and spread of harmful germs and bacteria.

Royal Oak - The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family. SIZE: 9″ x 59″ x 5.5mm FINISH: Surface Guardian Pro with Anti-Microbial Defense SPECIES: Oak STRUCTURE: PurCore RIGID+ Core WARRANTY: Lifetime Structural & Residential Finish

The context of this home is set atop a hillside, making for a tricky entry sequence. The driveway meanders up and around the house to the rear of the property. Though this is the back of the property, it is indeed the main entry as well. Given that the other side of the home sits 15' above ground elevation, our client's desire was to design a space off the backside of the home that doesn't inhibit the entry for new visitors, but allows for a seamless outdoor living space off their kitchen/ living room. We achieved this balance by retaining a front walkway to the main entry using large 24" x 36" bluestone slabs in a running band through the new patio space. Visually the clean lines of this walkway lead visitors to the front entrance while also subtly defining the two seating areas of the new patio terrace. The reclaimed granite piers, Saratoga Granite Seating walls, and plantings provide further definition which truly enhance the sense of space! Needless to say, our clients were thrilled with the finished product!

Appliance garages are cool design features when they make sense for a space, and can really contribute to a sleek, clutter-free look. LED lighting was installed inside to ensure visibility when operating the appliances. An under-counter microwave drawer was installed just below the appliance garage. Kitchens built before the 70's were not designed with microwaves in mind, so the previous renovation done in this kitchen placed the microwave above the stove. This set-up is commonly seen in kitchen layouts and is something we try to address in every kitchen remodel we do, simply because placing the microwave above the stove inhibits proper ventilation when cooking. Having a microwave drawer installed below the counter saves counter space, provides for safer and easier access, reduces clutter, and also allows a vent hood to be installed over the oven as it should be! Photography by www.impressia.net

This 4,000sqft, two story Spanish Modern home features the traditional red clay roof tiles and front porch and outdoor open arches. Massive columns on the floor plan create a bold statement as well as a space-defining element without inhibiting the view.

Example of a large transitional master carpeted bedroom design in Austin with white walls

Butterfly Milkweed / Asclepias tuberosa
Photo of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

The context of this home is set atop a hillside, making for a tricky entry sequence. The driveway meanders up and around the house to the rear of the property. Though this is the back of the property, it is indeed the main entry as well. Given that the other side of the home sits 15' above ground elevation, our client's desire was to design a space off the backside of the home that doesn't inhibit the entry for new visitors, but allows for a seamless outdoor living space off their kitchen/ living room. We achieved this balance by retaining a front walkwkay to the main entry using large 24" x 36" bluestone slabs in a running band through the new patio space. Visually the clean lines of this walkway lead visitors to the front entrance while also subtly defining the two seating areas of the new patio terrace. The reclaimed granite piers, Saratoga Granite Seating walls, and plantings provide further definition which truly enhance the sense of space! Needless to say, our clients were thrilled with the finished product!

Solidago Flexicaulis / Zigzag Goldenrod
Inspiration for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

This 4,000sqft, two story Spanish Modern home features the traditional red clay roof tiles and front porch and outdoor open arches. Massive columns on the floor plan create a bold statement as well as a space-defining element without inhibiting the view.

Influenced by the Eichler homes in the region, the clerestory window in the living space encourages cross-ventilation. The thick rammed earth walls results in a tremendous amount of thermal mass, keeping the indoors comfortably cool even in the middle of Californian summers. In the wintertime, radiant-heated concrete floors provide warmth. Architect: Juliet Hsu, Atelier Hsu | Design-Build: Rammed Earth Works | Photographer: Mark Luthringer

The client had partially remodeled the home a few years prior but said the kitchen did not have the right feel. In addition, its functionality was stunted by the layout. The two large ovens were shoved in a corner and inhibited the use of the nearby drawer space. Colors of the kitchen all blended together in a wash of cream. The countertops were marble and showing wear. Ultimately the client wanted a more functional kitchen, updated appearance, easy to use and something they would feel reflected the warmth of their family. Visually the new kitchen is stunning. It combines an old world feel with some modern twists. The custom stone hood and large stoves became a focal point in the kitchen. The antiqued red island softens the look of the stoves, compliments the moss tones of the ceiling beams and creates a warm touch in the heart of the kitchen. Perimeter counters are made of leathered Taj-Mahal granite, and the island is polished Typhoon Bordeaux granite. Above the island are hand blown glass pendants that give a little shimmer and sparkle to the old world feel. The Arabesque style handmade ceramic backsplash pulls together the tones from the cabinets, countertops and ceiling. As part of our environmentally conscious building, we used KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association) Environmental Stewardship Program certified cabinets and replaced all of the lighting with energy efficient lighting. Outcome is warm, highly functional and inviting space for family and friends to gather.

The client had partially remodeled the home a few years prior but said the kitchen did not have the right feel. In addition, its functionality was stunted by the layout. The two large ovens were shoved in a corner and inhibited the use of the nearby drawer space. Colors of the kitchen all blended together in a wash of cream. The countertops were marble and showing wear. Ultimately the client wanted a more functional kitchen, updated appearance, easy to use and something they would feel reflected the warmth of their family. Visually the new kitchen is stunning. It combines an old world feel with some modern twists. The custom stone hood and large stoves became a focal point in the kitchen. The antiqued red island softens the look of the stoves, compliments the moss tones of the ceiling beams and creates a warm touch in the heart of the kitchen. Perimeter counters are made of leathered Taj-Mahal granite, and the island is polished Typhoon Bordeaux granite. Above the island are hand blown glass pendants that give a little shimmer and sparkle to the old world feel. The Arabesque style handmade ceramic backsplash pulls together the tones from the cabinets, countertops and ceiling. As part of our environmentally conscious building, we used KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association) Environmental Stewardship Program certified cabinets and replaced all of the lighting with energy efficient lighting. Outcome is warm, highly functional and inviting space for family and friends to gather.

The context of this home is set atop a hillside, making for a tricky entry sequence. The driveway meanders up and around the house to the rear of the property. Though this is the back of the property, it is indeed the main entry as well. Given that the other side of the home sits 15' above ground elevation, our client's desire was to design a space off the backside of the home that doesn't inhibit the entry for new visitors, but allows for a seamless outdoor living space off their kitchen/ living room. We achieved this balance by retaining a front walkway to the main entry using large 24" x 36" bluestone slabs in a running band through the new patio space. Visually the clean lines of this walkway lead visitors to the front entrance while also subtly defining the two seating areas of the new patio terrace. The reclaimed granite piers, Saratoga Granite Seating walls, and plantings provide further definition which truly enhance the sense of space! Needless to say, our clients were thrilled with the finished product!

Plants trained to grow along the redwood fence will soften the view, provide shelter for the birds, and inhibit glare. The wide countertop provides lots of room for food prep and presentation. A waterfall countertop takes the stone from working height to sitting height.

Admiral Oak – The Courtier Waterproof Collection combines the beauty of real hardwood with the durability and functionality of rigid flooring. This innovative type of flooring perfectly replicates both reclaimed and contemporary hardwood floors, while being completely waterproof, durable and easy to clean. Nancontrol® Anti-Microbial Defense works to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms & bacteria – For healthy, clean floors for you & your family. SIZE: 9″ x 59″ x 5.5mm FINISH: Surface Guardian Pro with Anti-Microbial Defense SPECIES: Oak STRUCTURE: PurCore RIGID+ Core WARRANTY: Lifetime Structural & Residential Finish

Rust was removed with angle grinder. Attachment used: 40 grit flap discs and twisted wire cups. All cleaned, grinded areas was primed with rust converting primer - Rust Destroyer. Rust converting primer works much better that rust inhibitive primers (cheaper products). Matal was finished with Sherwin Williams Pro Industrial Urethane Enamel. Cornice was finished the same way but topcoated with white Urethane Enamel. Chicago painters cleaned job site and marked fence with "Wet Paint" signs. The project was finished in two days, with no paint spills on the concrete, no damages etc. Chicago painters. Oskar M.

The client had partially remodeled the home a few years prior but said the kitchen did not have the right feel. In addition, its functionality was stunted by the layout. The two large ovens were shoved in a corner and inhibited the use of the nearby drawer space. Colors of the kitchen all blended together in a wash of cream. The countertops were marble and showing wear. Ultimately the client wanted a more functional kitchen, updated appearance, easy to use and something they would feel reflected the warmth of their family. Visually the new kitchen is stunning. It combines an old world feel with some modern twists. The custom stone hood and large stoves became a focal point in the kitchen. The antiqued red island softens the look of the stoves, compliments the moss tones of the ceiling beams and creates a warm touch in the heart of the kitchen. Perimeter counters are made of leathered Taj-Mahal granite, and the island is polished Typhoon Bordeaux granite. Above the island are hand blown glass pendants that give a little shimmer and sparkle to the old world feel. The Arabesque style handmade ceramic backsplash pulls together the tones from the cabinets, countertops and ceiling. As part of our environmentally conscious building, we used KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufactures Association) Environmental Stewardship Program certified cabinets and replaced all of the lighting with energy efficient lighting. Outcome is warm, highly functional and inviting space for family and friends to gather.