Search results for "Initial step" in Home Design Ideas

close up of pebble tile design around soaking tub.
Inspiration for a large asian master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile home design remodel in Seattle with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls
Inspiration for a large asian master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile home design remodel in Seattle with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out.
“We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said.
After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction.
“There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said.
Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said.
A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”.
An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family.
The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together.
Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet.
Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said.
Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.
Find the right local pro for your project

Building a new home is a momentous occasion. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the home of their dreams. However, selecting the perfect home design and floor plan can feel like a daunting task. After all, you want to ensure that your new home will meet your family's needs and desires for years. That's where trusted services come in. With the latest technology, you can design your entire home and even tour it in 3D. From building your 2D floor plan to furnishing it, you can watch as your dream home is brought to life. In this article, we will explore how you can beautifully decorate your home online.
Select the Main Theme
Embarking on a new home design project can be an exciting yet difficult task. One crucial step is to determine your style preference, as it will guide your decor choices throughout your home. Researching through various platforms and furniture websites can provide inspiration and help gauge pricing for your favorite pieces. One helpful strategy is to create a mood board where you gather your favorite interior design looks and examine any patterns that emerge.
By taking the time to establish your preferred style, you can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your home that reflects your personal taste and style. If you want to create a design while traveling, you may need to use a USA VPN to access some online services with advanced home design tools. It will allow you to bypass geo-blocks.
Create a Layout
The global home design market reached $115 billion in 2022. When designing living spaces, several factors must be considered, including the arrangement of social and private areas and accommodating the changing needs of families over time. Parents with young children usually prefer bedrooms and bathrooms to be clustered together while families with teenagers often request more segregated spaces in two-story home designs.
Home design is an intricate art form that involves creating an interior space that is both visually appealing and functional. Whether you are starting afresh with a new home or looking to revamp an existing one, home design offers ample opportunities to unleash your creativity. It does not matter if you lack professional architecture expertise, as anyone can undertake the planning and execution of a home design project.
The initial steps involve analyzing your existing home layout and then conceptualizing your desired vision for the remodel. This is the cornerstone on which your entire project will be built, and it sets the tone for the aesthetic of your home's interior.
Utilize online home design software to generate realistic images of your new home and easily gather feedback from others. This allows you to make necessary adjustments to perfect your design. With the help of professional software, realizing your ideal home design is now made easy and achievable without requiring any specialized training or knowledge. You can access online tools using VeePN for a secure connection. Start by creating a blueprint of your floor plan.
Furnish Your Space
If you need to decorate house, selecting the right flooring and paint or wallpaper for the walls is key. Using online services, you can speed up this process. With intuitive tools such as dragging and dropping items, you can create a truly unique and personalized home design that is sure to impress.
When selecting a color scheme for your design, it is crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using neutral tones versus incorporating a pop of color. While a neutral palette can simplify the design process and provide a timeless look, it may lack individuality or a focal point. Whereas, a splash of color can introduce a dynamic quality, offer intrigue, and contribute to an energetic ambiance. Additionally, combining a range of price points and textures can add dimension to your design. Consider juxtaposing high-end decor with refurbished furniture and incorporating cozy textures like plush rugs and fluffy cushions, to achieve both sophistication and comfort in your space.
Create a 3D Tour
Home design is a craft that involves creating an attractive home interior, irrespective of whether you're starting from scratch or remodeling an existing home. While anyone can undertake a home design project, you don't necessarily need to be a professional architect. The first step to kick-starting your project entails creating an outline of your abode's current status, and then proceeding to blueprint your preferred design. As you piece everything together, you'll be able to turn your creative vision into a tangible reality. The satisfaction derived from transforming your space into the home of your dreams is truly priceless.
As the market size of the interior design industry is projected to grow by over 4% in the next five years, it is clear that such services are in high demand. Home design involves creating an interior space that is both pleasing and functional. With the help of online tools, you can easily create realistic images of your dream home while gathering feedback from others to perfect your vision. As you piece everything together, be sure to consider neutral color palettes, mix price points, and textures, and add accent colors for depth and vibrancy. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can achieve your ideal design in no time!

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

Tucker Design Awards celebrate the innovation and vision that designers bring to their projects through the specification and use of natural stone materials. For members of the Natural Stone Institute, acknowledgment as a contributor to a Tucker Design Awards winning project is a genuine tribute to their traditional values, physicality of work, and dedication to precise specifications required in the realization of such accomplished architectural design.
Landscape Architect
Design Workshop, Aspen, CO
Landscape Contractor/
Installer
Landscape Workshop, Carbondale, CO
Stone Installer
JD Masonry, Arvada, CO
Stone Suppliers
Coldspring, Cold Spring, MN
Gallegos Corporation, Vail, CO
Through a collective dialogue between landscape, architecture and interior design, a new vision reimagines the disturbed site into a livable landscape, emblematic of our American West. The residence – an ensemble of structures designed in a modern ranch vernacular – is effortlessly unified through layered, interconnected outdoor gathering spaces and regional materials that elaborates upon the experience of moving between structures, heightening and renewing one’s sense of place. Upon entering the courtyard, one is immediately aware of seamless and unfolding relationships between architecture and landscape through a sophisticated, regional palette of natural stone, water, and plants. Set upon architectural focal points, two perpendicular sandstone paths descend into the space and converge upon a monolithic, hand-carved granite fountain. The design of the fountain is purposefully quiet, both in its detailing and operation. The feature includes a recessed interior, allowing water to become still before it reaches the surface, with lightly cleft sides, allowing the water to delicately bounce as it descends into the geometric lower granite basin. The landscape architect’s selection of various stone material extends the tones of the home’s granite walls and contextual surroundings into the garden, but also be detailed in a manner that balances rural and modern qualities. The majority of the paving is constructed of rectilinear gray sandstone with a natural finish and snapped edges, laid in a staggered running bond organization. Throughout the garden, thoughtful attention was also given to the configuration and layout of terraces, pathways, and steps. In doing so, this ensured that the edges of the terrace and its interface to other elements were designed so that no “leftover” stone paver pieces would be found. Within the central courtyard, split-faced stone stairs descend into a rectilinear plinth of lawn, punctuated by a carved granite fire pit. Leveraging the property’s existing topographic relief, a shallow infinity-edge dipping pool abstracts the transparent and cavity-like pools found throughout the Rocky Mountains. The design purposefully achieves the illusion of a larger water feature with the distant pond and offers a refreshing recreational element. Containing the infinity edge, a designed granite escarpment emerges from the meadow, juxtaposing the geometric water feature and providing informal seating ledges. The site’s prior use required the landscape architect to incorporate a highly technical and complex sub-surface structural system. The initial geotechnical report identified the building envelopes rested on 12 feet of man-placed fill. Assuming a 1 percent settlement, the team faced concerns that the terraces would settle up to 12 inches. In response, a grid of structural micro-piles provides the necessary foundation for the construction of terraces immediately outside of the architecture, under the water features and site walls. The solution enabled the crisp detailing and design resolution of the architectural structures to seamlessly connect with the horizontal stone terraces.

Sponsored
Westerville, OH
Custom Home Works
Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

This gorgeous, nature-inspired Great Room—comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.
Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.
A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.
The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.
A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.
After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design
Cabinetry: custom by Schmitz Woodwork
Countertops: Primordia and Calcatta Maximus by Caesarstone
Backsplash: Elements in Miami Sand Pearl by Lunada Bay
Island pendants: Simple Sanders by Shades of Light
Stools: Essex by Lazar in Brisa fabric by Ultrafabrics
Dining table: Emerson Wave by Saloom
Dining chairs: Essex by Lazar
Dining lighting: Triad chandelier by Kichler
Dining rug: Soho Smoke by Jaunty Inc.
Sitting area sofa and ottoman: Corvo by Lazar
Sitting area swivel chair: Noah by Lazar
Sitting area rug: Soho Stone by Jaunty Inc.
Motorized shades: Hunter Douglas
Entry console: Reed by Uttermost
Entry light: Re by Visual Comfort
Fireplace: Haisa cut and polished marble by Icontile
Wall paint: Mascarpone by Benjamin Moore

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

This brownstone renovation was a full gut project in every sense of the word. On top of installing new floors, a kitchen and bath renovation, and all the typical restoration and refinishing involved in a brownstone built in 1899, we also completely updated the exterior, constructed a balcony that was not originally there, and converted the space from a single-family home into an an owner’s triplex. A newly separated studio rental on the garden level offers the opportunity for supplemental income, an uncommon and welcome addition to a New York brownstone.
A TRANSITIONAL GEM
The result is a two-family brownstone that perfectly combines classic townhouse living with today’s modern needs, including SmartHome technology that we installed to control Bluetooth speakers, Nest thermostats, and the security system.
The overall aesthetic goal was to pay homage to the historical periods the brownstone has lived through in a cohesive way that is the hallmark of modern transitional style.
In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and marble rather than quartz countertops bring a classically upscale sensibility. To modernize the space further, we opened up the back wall to create floor-to-ceiling windows that are also doors, opening up into the newly built balcony.
TIMELY TOUCHES
This brownstone renovation included many quintessential elements, such as millwork like the ceiling medallions. We restored some and custom built others, perfectly recreating their original appearance.
The heated master bathroom is now serene, with a walk-in shower featuring a subtly modern linear drain. A herringbone Carrera marble tiled floor and marble slab sink complete the scene. In the powder room, we embraced a contemporary look by pairing dark hexagonal floors with light chevron tiles, accented with dramatic navy blue wallpaper. With its clear-cut 1920s-style, we selected the wall sconce to reference one of the brownstone’s earlier eras.
DESIGN DETAILS
Natural oak herringbone floors we installed throughout the entire home bring a modern yet warm touch. We restored the wood-burning marble fireplace, which is fully functioning. An elegant staircase with a custom-crafted black wooden banister and white balusters winds up and down alongside a real brick interior wall that we restored and refinished.
In this brownstone renovation, we were also able to create ceiling height, an unexpected yet aesthetically pleasing side benefit. When working on the joists and beams to level out the floors (a common issue in pre-war renovations) we added ceiling height in the main parlor floor by taking the second floor and raising the ceiling an entire foot. The end result is a main floor with stunning 9-foot ceilings.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Solid natural oak herringbone floors throughout
- A fully restored, refinished, and functioning wood burning fireplace with a marble mantle
- Complete exterior renovation of the facade, cornices, windows, mouldings, and even the ironwork, including the railings leading up to the stoop and those facing the street
- A brand new central air and heating system with uniquely modern vents – look above the couch in the living room with the fuzzy rug and large painting
Considering a brownstone renovation? Contact us today! We specialize in brownstone renovations in New York as well as all pre-war apartments. When you work with a design-and-build firm like Gallery to renovate your brownstone, you get the full range of our expertise in working with all the finest details and pre-war architectural elements of these classic New York spaces. We also handle every step of the process, from filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and building entirely new rooms (or even balconies). Call us for a free initial consultation when you’re ready.

Richard Herman is in the hospitality business and owns several upscale hotels in Florida and in other states as well as cattle ranches in both Florida and Missouri. Their farm in Ocala is by farm their most unique. The property serves as a 4-H demonstration project for the purpose of children’s education. They have been working with the Academy Prep of St. Pete which is dedicated to inner-city youths that are selected on the basis of need and achievement. Wife Diane spends her time on the farm raising Gypsy Vanners, a diminutive draft horse named after the job they did in Eastern Europe, pulling the wagons (vans) for gypsies that wandered across the continent. On the Ocala farm, there are several mules with a unique profession.
Richard had visited the Hearthstone display at a Log & Timber Home Shows at the Orlando Convention Center many years ago. He was impressed that Hearthstone had stayed in touch with him over the years by mailings, invitations to shows, and periodic phone calls. When the time came to start serious consideration of the design of barn, Hearthstone responded promptly and professionally to Richard and Diane’s requests for information and a review of their ideas for their barn, which would serve as the centerpiece for their new farm.
They wanted a multipurpose facility that could accommodate an educational environment and a large hall suitable for the fundraising events for his charities. Richard wanted a barn that reflected the look and feel of barns built at the dawn of the 20th century. Besides the rustic chicken houses and vegetable gardens, they have completely renovated a 1020’s era farmhouse to be as historically correct as possible and serves as the entry to the farm.
“They very careful to feel us out, get comfortable with our capabilities, and be convinced that we could perform as promised,” said Project Manager John Ricketson of Hearthstone.
Design Process
There were some initial drawings that gave us a start on the basic shape and size of the barn. From there, it was a process of narrowing down the uses of each area and the spans that could be achieved. The barn was going to have the traditional “board & batten” exterior siding and a metal roof. There is a cantilevered ‘hay hood” on the north gable end above the large sliding barn doors that open into the foyer and horse stalls. The wings house a combination of areas, beginning with the large restrooms to accommodate crowds for events. Other parts of the wings have garage areas for the farm vehicles, feed room, tack room, wash rack, storage, offices, and smaller restrooms.
Keeping with the look and feel of the turn of the century, Hearthstone developed a process for giving the timbers a surface texture that mimicked the circular cuts of timbers that had just come out of an old sawmill. This was easier said than done. Randy Giles guided his millwright (Wolfgang) in designing a machine that would do this effectively.
The barn was delivered in October of 2014 and was erected over the course of two weeks, thanks to a hardworking crew (Eric Foster) and near-perfect weather. After the Hearthstone crew completed the erection and roof dry-in, it was time for the local carpenters to step up and install some light conventional framing on the gable ends before applying the roof fascia and exterior board & batten siding. Next came the big sliding barn doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling. Large rustic fixtures were hung from the great hall roof timbers.
Exterior
The board & batten siding was cypress and allowed to turn color naturally as rain hit it and the sun started working on it with UV rays. This method causes a much grayer look closer to the ground and less so where the roof overhang provides protection. The North end has some large limestone boulders and planters arranged around the pad with tall pampas grass. The planters provide casual seating before events and during outside receptions. The entire area was sodded with lush St. Augustine grass and split rail fences were added to enclose the barn area. The corrugated metal roof was a special order material that immediately rusted after being exposed to moisture. The layer of rust protects the metal from the elements.
Interior
The board & batten theme was carried throughout most of the interior with the timbers left natural to show off the circular saw texture. All of the tongue & groove decking was shipped in advance to allow the local painter to pre-stain it with a dark brown transparent stain that is a beautiful background to the light color Eastern White Pine timbers.
“Everything was unique in this project” said Project Manager John Ricketson. “The setting on a small demonstration farm close to Ocala, the multipurpose design, the circular saw texture on the timbers.”
The Hermans are very proud of their farm’s outcome. Richard sent a note to Randy Giles, owner of Hearthstone: “The Barn is fantastic, not a single problem, period. Next month, we have Jo Dee Messina coming in to help with a fundraiser for a local center for abused kids. Folks love the farm, ...... but that barn gets all of the attention. I would encourage you to use me as a reference for your sales team, feel free to extend my cell phone to any prospective purchasers.”

Timber + gravel stair with board formed concrete cheek walls and modern railings. Inset landscape lighting allows nighttime way-finding to the utility deck.
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