This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily. The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design. My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

A traditional 1926 cottage was transformed into a stunning, contemporary home. The focal point from both inside and out is a 3-story floating wood and stainless staircase, showcased by oversized windows and dramatic lighting. Walnut cabinetry with a distinct stain and natural slab surfaces offset the metals used throughout – Including at the interior and exterior of the fireplace. Reclaimed wood floors pay homage to the industrial area the home is situated in. In designing this home restrictions set forth by the building department were key. For instance, in order for the project to be considered a remodel the existing 8’ tall perimeter walls had to remain in place. The homeowners desperately wanted 9’ tall ceilings, so with crafty engineering and framing we were able to embellish the existing wall framing to achieve the added height. Clearstory windows allow much needed light into the spaces and creates the illusion of spaciousness, while maintaining wall areas for key furnishings and artwork. Every inch of space maximizes storage throughout the 2,600 square foot home. A cabinet for shoe storage immediately inside the front door also serves as a key component at the staircase and provides a platform to highlight sculptural artwork. Unique products and details, such as a metal link shower curtain and custom built-in guest beds with strategically placed outlets and horizontal surfaces to allow for electronics to be close at hand, elevate this home to the next level.

Staircase - staircase idea in Sacramento

A traditional 1926 cottage was transformed into a stunning, contemporary home. The focal point from both inside and out is a 3-story floating wood and stainless staircase, showcased by oversized windows and dramatic lighting. Walnut cabinetry with a distinct stain and natural slab surfaces offset the metals used throughout – Including at the interior and exterior of the fireplace. Reclaimed wood floors pay homage to the industrial area the home is situated in. In designing this home restrictions set forth by the building department were key. For instance, in order for the project to be considered a remodel the existing 8’ tall perimeter walls had to remain in place. The homeowners desperately wanted 9’ tall ceilings, so with crafty engineering and framing we were able to embellish the existing wall framing to achieve the added height. Clearstory windows allow much needed light into the spaces and creates the illusion of spaciousness, while maintaining wall areas for key furnishings and artwork. Every inch of space maximizes storage throughout the 2,600 square foot home. A cabinet for shoe storage immediately inside the front door also serves as a key component at the staircase and provides a platform to highlight sculptural artwork. Unique products and details, such as a metal link shower curtain and custom built-in guest beds with strategically placed outlets and horizontal surfaces to allow for electronics to be close at hand, elevate this home to the next level.

Driftwood Custom Home was constructed on vacant property between two existing houses in Chemainus, BC. This type of project is a form of sustainable land development known as an Infill Build. These types of building lots are often small. However, careful planning and clever uses of design allowed us to maximize the space. This home has 2378 square feet with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Add in a living room on the main floor, a separate den upstairs, and a full laundry room and this custom home still feels spacious! The kitchen is bright and inviting. With white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, the feel of this space is timeless. Similarly, the master bathroom design features plenty of must-haves. For instance, the bathroom includes a shower with matching tile to the vanity backsplash, a double floating vanity, heated tiled flooring, and tiled walls. Together with a flush mount fireplace in the master bedroom, this is an inviting oasis of space.

A traditional 1926 cottage was transformed into a stunning, contemporary home. The focal point from both inside and out is a 3-story floating wood and stainless staircase, showcased by oversized windows and dramatic lighting. Walnut cabinetry with a distinct stain and natural slab surfaces offset the metals used throughout – Including at the interior and exterior of the fireplace. Reclaimed wood floors pay homage to the industrial area the home is situated in. In designing this home restrictions set forth by the building department were key. For instance, in order for the project to be considered a remodel the existing 8’ tall perimeter walls had to remain in place. The homeowners desperately wanted 9’ tall ceilings, so with crafty engineering and framing we were able to embellish the existing wall framing to achieve the added height. Clearstory windows allow much needed light into the spaces and creates the illusion of spaciousness, while maintaining wall areas for key furnishings and artwork. Every inch of space maximizes storage throughout the 2,600 square foot home. A cabinet for shoe storage immediately inside the front door also serves as a key component at the staircase and provides a platform to highlight sculptural artwork. Unique products and details, such as a metal link shower curtain and custom built-in guest beds with strategically placed outlets and horizontal surfaces to allow for electronics to be close at hand, elevate this home to the next level.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath designed and remodeled this Delafield master bathroom. The original space had a small oak vanity and a shower insert. The homeowners wanted a modern farmhouse bathroom to match the rest of their home. They asked for a double vanity and large walk-in shower. They also needed more storage and counter space. Although the space is nearly all white, there is plenty of visual interest. This bathroom is layered with texture and pattern. For instance, this bathroom features shiplap walls, pretty hexagon tile, and simple matte black fixtures. Modern Farmhouse Features: - Winning color palette: shades of black/white & wood tones - Shiplap walls - Sliding barn doors, separating the bedroom & toilet room - Wood-look porcelain tiled floor & shower niche, set in a herringbone pattern - Matte black finishes (faucets, lighting, hardware & mirrors) - Classic subway tile - Chic carrara marble hexagon shower floor tile - The shower has 2 shower heads & 6 body jets, for a spa-like experience - The custom vanity has a grooming organizer for hair dryers & curling irons - The custom linen cabinet holds 3 baskets of laundry. The door panels have caning inserts to allow airflow.

Awarded by the Classical institute of art and architecture , the linnean house has a restrained and simple elevation of doors and windows. Nestled in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Washington, D.C., the Linnean House is classical in both plan and elevation throughout its award-winning house plans. The main mass, comprising of the most formal and public spaces, is a spatial triptych along a symmetrical main axis. Inside the luxury home, the limestone façade, simple but well-proportioned with classical elements, extends itself into both the entry portico and main foyer with consistent proportions and materiality. This introduction allows the flanking living and dining rooms to be perceived as separate pavilions, each equipped with eight equal-proportioned French doors symmetrical of the main axis. Beyond the classical spaces are two wings which lead to the master suite and a kitchen/family space, respectively. Both of which are situated to queue from the French door axis, a focal feature in the repeatedly published home design. At the entry foyer, the stark stone luxury architecture is warmed by two symmetrical wood armoire-like freestanding sculptural objects, a persistent theme throughout the luxury house. In the kitchen, for instance, stand four similar wood armoire objects at opposite corners that act as columns and help give this space a sense of boundary and enclosure. The master bath vanity, in similar fashion, is introduced as a central free-standing form anchoring itself as a notable presence in the space. Lastly, the wine room is designed as a series of free-standing heavy wood cavity walls spanned only by a hint of glass.

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

Country exterior home photo in Baltimore

Example of a trendy medium tone wood floor family room design in Portland with beige walls

A traditional 1926 cottage was transformed into a stunning, contemporary home. The focal point from both inside and out is a 3-story floating wood and stainless staircase, showcased by oversized windows and dramatic lighting. Walnut cabinetry with a distinct stain and natural slab surfaces offset the metals used throughout – Including at the interior and exterior of the fireplace. Reclaimed wood floors pay homage to the industrial area the home is situated in. In designing this home restrictions set forth by the building department were key. For instance, in order for the project to be considered a remodel the existing 8’ tall perimeter walls had to remain in place. The homeowners desperately wanted 9’ tall ceilings, so with crafty engineering and framing we were able to embellish the existing wall framing to achieve the added height. Clearstory windows allow much needed light into the spaces and creates the illusion of spaciousness, while maintaining wall areas for key furnishings and artwork. Every inch of space maximizes storage throughout the 2,600 square foot home. A cabinet for shoe storage immediately inside the front door also serves as a key component at the staircase and provides a platform to highlight sculptural artwork. Unique products and details, such as a metal link shower curtain and custom built-in guest beds with strategically placed outlets and horizontal surfaces to allow for electronics to be close at hand, elevate this home to the next level.

Driftwood Custom Home was constructed on vacant property between two existing houses in Chemainus, BC. This type of project is a form of sustainable land development known as an Infill Build. These types of building lots are often small. However, careful planning and clever uses of design allowed us to maximize the space. This home has 2378 square feet with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Add in a living room on the main floor, a separate den upstairs, and a full laundry room and this custom home still feels spacious! The kitchen is bright and inviting. With white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, the feel of this space is timeless. Similarly, the master bathroom design features plenty of must-haves. For instance, the bathroom includes a shower with matching tile to the vanity backsplash, a double floating vanity, heated tiled flooring, and tiled walls. Together with a flush mount fireplace in the master bedroom, this is an inviting oasis of space.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily. The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design. My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

Driftwood Custom Home was constructed on vacant property between two existing houses in Chemainus, BC. This type of project is a form of sustainable land development known as an Infill Build. These types of building lots are often small. However, careful planning and clever uses of design allowed us to maximize the space. This home has 2378 square feet with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Add in a living room on the main floor, a separate den upstairs, and a full laundry room and this custom home still feels spacious! The kitchen is bright and inviting. With white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, the feel of this space is timeless. Similarly, the master bathroom design features plenty of must-haves. For instance, the bathroom includes a shower with matching tile to the vanity backsplash, a double floating vanity, heated tiled flooring, and tiled walls. Together with a flush mount fireplace in the master bedroom, this is an inviting oasis of space.

Driftwood Custom Home was constructed on vacant property between two existing houses in Chemainus, BC. This type of project is a form of sustainable land development known as an Infill Build. These types of building lots are often small. However, careful planning and clever uses of design allowed us to maximize the space. This home has 2378 square feet with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Add in a living room on the main floor, a separate den upstairs, and a full laundry room and this custom home still feels spacious! The kitchen is bright and inviting. With white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, the feel of this space is timeless. Similarly, the master bathroom design features plenty of must-haves. For instance, the bathroom includes a shower with matching tile to the vanity backsplash, a double floating vanity, heated tiled flooring, and tiled walls. Together with a flush mount fireplace in the master bedroom, this is an inviting oasis of space.

Driftwood Custom Home was constructed on vacant property between two existing houses in Chemainus, BC. This type of project is a form of sustainable land development known as an Infill Build. These types of building lots are often small. However, careful planning and clever uses of design allowed us to maximize the space. This home has 2378 square feet with three bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Add in a living room on the main floor, a separate den upstairs, and a full laundry room and this custom home still feels spacious! The kitchen is bright and inviting. With white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, the feel of this space is timeless. Similarly, the master bathroom design features plenty of must-haves. For instance, the bathroom includes a shower with matching tile to the vanity backsplash, a double floating vanity, heated tiled flooring, and tiled walls. Together with a flush mount fireplace in the master bedroom, this is an inviting oasis of space.

Example of an arts and crafts dining room design in Chicago