If you are familiar with our work, at Berry Design Build, you know that to us each project is more than just sticks and mortar. Each home, each client, each family we have the privilege to work with becomes part of our team. We believe in the value of excellence, the importance of commitment, and the significance of delivery. This renovation, along with many, is very close to our hearts because it’s one of the few instances where we get to exercise more than just the Design Build division of our company. This particular client had been working with Berry for many years to find that lifetime home. Through many viewings, agent caravans, and lots of offers later she found a house worth calling home. Although not perfectly to her personality (really what home is until you make it yours) she asked our Design Build division to come in and renovate some areas: including the kitchen, hall bathroom, master bathroom, and most other areas of the house; i.e. paint, hardwoods, and lighting. Each project comes with its challenges, but we were able to combine her love of mid-century modern furnishings with the character of the already existing 1962 ranch. Photos by Nicole Cosentino

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.

Example of an arts and crafts dining room design in Chicago

The existing kitchen was actually tiny and poorly laid out. The solution was to completely remove the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. Even though we actually have more things in the kitchen - such as the full-size wine frig - the feeling is still expansive. In this instance, the homeowners were open to a creative blend of light gray, modern wood, and dark blue cabinets. Almost totally white quartz countertops rounded out the look.

It's possible to pack a lot of farmhouse style into a small kitchen. A, for instance, in this cooking space designed By Darash combines beautiful Barn door cabinetry with luxurious kitchen center Island wooden workhorse bence.

So, what is her favorite part of the kitchen? Well, everything. “I love the whole thing. I agonized over every detail, like the legs on the table, which we sourced from a bar company. I also love the colors like the darker gray on the island and a lighter gray for the cabinets. And, I really love the pendant lights,” she says. Elisia offers some words of advice for other IKEA customers starting their own remodel project —especially those new to the process. “I suggest you spend time on Pinterest and HOUZZ to get a good idea of kitchen designs. When you find a picture you like, try to figure out what it is exactly that you like. That’s how I realized I wanted that vent hood with the tile/brick facade, for instance,” she says. “Also, I so appreciated having the help of IKD. They were experienced and knowledgeable about the IKEA software and IKEA products. Having a sounding board and someone to translate my vision into what I needed for the cabinetry was so great,” she says. She concludes: “IKD lets you be as involved as you want to be, so I was very involved. I knew to an inch what I wanted to see. I could make sure I was buying all the right pieces, and allowing for the space necessary to make sure the doors and drawers opened enough.” We’re so glad you love your kitchen Elisia!

These highly attractive bespoke built-in bookcases and matching desk were handcrafted by Claude Clémaron for a period-style home office and library in Putney, southwest London. Traditionally constructed and designed fitted furniture like this has incredible charm and creates a warm, homely and calming atmosphere. Though traditional in style, the fitted furniture has been customised to discreetly integrate modern technology, cabling and wiring into the design. The L-shaped cabinet, for instance, cleverly houses an air conditioning unit. A bespoke home office full of character Every detail is detail. From the antique bronze doorknobs to open the cupboard doors to the beautifully crafted, solid oak library ladder to reach the highest shelves. Handcrafted and hand finished for longevity and looks The fitted cabinets have been spraypainted in Hardwick White by Farrow and Ball; a timeless light neutral colour with a rich, chalky grey-green hue. Oak has been used to line the upper open bookcases. The natural wood adds a visual contrast to the painted finish of the cabinetry and will be more resilient to wear and tear. Painted shelves can be more prone to chipping and scratching when in frequent use. Decorative woodworking and period design elements Traditionally constructed and designed, this bespoke built-in cabinetry features an authentic beaded inset detail on the cupboard doors, as well as distinctive fluting, all adding further dimension and elegance to the high end furniture. The bespoke matching handcrafted desk features integrated storage and a curved right hand detailed panel. The curved edge softens the look and feel of the desk. A smooth skiver leather inlay, made from sheepskin, is a traditional feature that provides a comfortable surface for writing or using a mouse. The inlay’s natural texture and warm tan colour enhance the desk’s visual appeal and creates a pleasant tactile experience.

Storage-wise, there are three base cabinet drawers on either side of the Whirlpool range, for instance, as well as clear Ricabi upper cabinets on either side of the microwave for plate storage. Tying the look together is granite countertops, purchased from Marble Unlimited, a local granite provider; and recessed can overhead lighting. Bryan concludes: “The client was very pleased with the aesthetic appeal of Ricabi doors on IKEA SEKTION cabinets and they stayed well within budget for this kitchen.”

In this beautiful Houston remodel, we took on the exterior AND interior - with a new outdoor kitchen, patio cover and balcony outside and a Mid-Century Modern redesign on the inside: "This project was really unique, not only in the extensive scope of it, but in the number of different elements needing to be coordinated with each other," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Our entire team really rose to the challenge." OUTSIDE The new outdoor living space includes a 14 x 20-foot patio addition with an outdoor kitchen and balcony. We also extended the roof over the patio between the house and the breezeway (the new section is 26 x 14 feet). On the patio and balcony, we laid about 1,100-square foot of new hardscaping in the place of pea gravel. The new material is a gorgeous, honed-and-filled Nysa travertine tile in a Versailles pattern. We used the same tile for the new pool coping, too. We also added French doors leading to the patio and balcony from a lower bedroom and upper game room, respectively: The outdoor kitchen above features Southern Cream cobblestone facing and a Titanium granite countertop and raised bar. The 8 x 12-foot, L-shaped kitchen island houses an RCS 27-inch grill, plus an RCS ice maker, lowered power burner, fridge and sink. The outdoor ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine boards, done in the Minwax stain "Jacobean." INSIDE Inside, we repainted the entire house from top to bottom, including baseboards, doors, crown molding and cabinets. We also updated the lighting throughout. "Their style before was really non-existent," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer with Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. "They did what most families do - got items when they needed them, worrying less about creating a unified style for the home." Other than a new travertine tile floor the client had put in 6 months earlier, the space had never been updated. The drapery had been there for 15 years. And the living room had an enormous leather sectional couch that virtually filled the entire room. In its place, we put all new, Mid-Century Modern furniture from World Market. The drapery fabric and chandelier came from High Fashion Home. All the other new sconces and chandeliers throughout the house came from Pottery Barn and all décor accents from World Market. The couple and their two teenaged sons got bedroom makeovers as well. One of the sons, for instance, started with childish bunk beds and piles of books everywhere. "We gave him a grown-up space he could enjoy well into his high school years," says Lisha. The new bed is also from World Market. We also updated the kitchen by removing all the old wallpaper and window blinds and adding new paint and knobs and pulls for the cabinets. (The family plans to update the backsplash later.) The top handrail on the stairs got a coat of black paint, and we added a console table (from Kirkland's) in the downstairs hallway. In the dining room, we painted the cabinet and mirror frames black and added new drapes, but kept the existing furniture and flooring. "I'm just so pleased with how it turned out - especially Lisha's coordination of all the materials and finishes," says Wayne. "But as a full-service outdoor design team, this is what we do, and our all our great reviews are telling us we're doing it well."

A key frame is used to partially close the sides of you veranda when it for instance is next to a fence or wall, these key frames are designed to cover the sloped part between the veranda roof and the top of the sidewall.

No job is to small. Take this mailbox and base for instance, three different colors was used to get the look of the original finish. (for privacy house numbers were removed from photo)

Sloan strikes an ideal balance between sleek and soft. Take, for instance, the crisp lines of its track arm, which are offset by a subtle taper near the back. Order free swatches and start customizing.

Home conversions from a single-family home to a mother/daughter home may be just what your family needs to cut costs or care for an aging parent. You must designate two distinct living areas with two separate entrances in your home for the independence and privacy of your aging parents. The majority of floor plans are not ideal for mother-daughter living, so trust the professionals at Cavalier Homes Inc. to perform a transformative mother/daughter home conversion that will give your family two separate living spaces. Since many people are unfamiliar with the term, a mother-daughter home is simply a house with separate living spaces, such as two bathrooms, two bedrooms, two kitchens, two living rooms, etc. Even though the extended family lives under one roof, they appear to be divided between two houses. However, if one member of the family requires the assistance of another in an emergency, such as an elderly parent falling, the other family members can respond quickly. A mother/daughter home is not the same as a duplex or a single-family home with an in-law suite. A mother/daughter conversion creates completely separate living quarters for the family. A mother-daughter home can be arranged in a variety of ways, and many different kinds of families could benefit from it. For instance, the most typical arrangement for mother-daughter homes is for elderly parents to live with their adult child and their family. The elderly parent retains their independence and dignity in this type of mother-daughter home while also having access to a lot of assistance from their adult children. In addition, a family with a son or daughter who has recently graduated from college but isn’t quite ready to buy or rent a living space of their own would profit from a mother/daughter conversion. They receive a separate living space so they can live independently, even though they are technically still living with their parents. No matter what your family’s particular requirements are, Cavalier Homes can make a mother/daughter conversion of your house to meet everyone’s needs and preferences. Our design experts can create two separate spaces for the two distinct personalities or families that live in them, all while maintaining the cohesion that binds the mother/daughter home together. Your home is your calling card, and your happiness is our greatest goal, as well as our greatest pleasure. Our qualified professionals in West Islip, Long Island can help you with your mother/daughter conversion or any type of home remodeling project. Call us at 631-422-9138 or email us at cavalierhomes@aol.com to set up a meeting to discuss your needs and how we can help you meet them.

Enclosed dining room - large traditional ceramic tile and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Birmingham with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Villa Lumina, in Paphos, Cyprus, blends modern architecture and practicality with nature preservation. We made sure to harmonize nature with the modern style, integrating trees into the overall design for the house and terrace. The materials used, like stone, wood, and porcelain stoneware, not only match the Cypriot scenery but are also long-lasting and environmentally friendly. For instance, stone surfaces look nice and are able to withstand the elements well, whereas wood keeps the warmth inside. The villa has two separate parts - a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living area, and a more secluded part containing a main bedroom, walk-in closet, kids' rooms, and private bathrooms. Entering the house leads to a courtyard which is connected to the terrace and pool area and extends the living space. Villa Lumina shows how to make living spaces that fulfill people's needs without hurting the environment. Size / 351 sq.m. Year / 2023 Location / Paphos, Cyprus

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.

Nestled in the heart of Jackson Heights this large condo went from dark, old and drab to bright, contemporary and fab. It’s designed with a neutral pallet, incorporating pops of color throughout and occasional instances of distressed leather and reclaimed wood for warmth and character. The large, light-flooded living space home to both the living room and dining room is perfect for entertaining which is very important to the client. The living room provides 3 different seating options all with very different experiences but the same comfort and luxury. The seating is accompanied by Aged Brass and Shagreen nesting coffee tables and Marble side tables for resting a cocktail or kicking up one’s feet while enjoying a movie on the oversized wall mounted television. The low profile walnut media console is the perfect addition of warmth to the space. With so many amazing furniture and decor pieces, it’s hard to play favorite but we think the oversized photograph imported from Morocco is the real showstopper. Right off of the living room, the dining room is simple, clean, warm and elegant. The brass and glass globe linear chandelier shines bright above a farm-style solid wood table for 8. Brass framed antique mirror, potted succulents with quartz crystal, and a gallery wall showcasing special moments make this space perfect for the family to gather around while enjoying a home cooked meal made in the Galley Chef's Kitchen nearby. White cabinets and a cream colored pearlescent herringbone backsplash keep the narrow kitchen space open and airy. Navy base cabinets with brass hardware throughout add a touch of elegance and personality. Carrying the theme of clean and contemporary with a touch of warmth, reclaimed shelving above the farmhouse apron sink showcase some of the client’s favorite glassware and artifacts from travel. But what would a chef’s kitchen be without commercial grade appliances? The Cafe Series appliances from GE are nothing short of amazing and robust; and for the client who cooks - these appliances place a cherry on top .

Summer will soon be knocking at your door, begging you to come outside and spend time in its warm sunshine. The nicer weather means hosting family barbecues and parties, kicking back in the shade with a good book or floating around in the pool, allowing the stresses of everyday life to slowly drift away. Outdoor Seating - Sectional Is your back yard ready for all of the summertime fun? More specifically, take a good look at your patio furniture. Perhaps certain pieces should be spruced up or repurposed, while others may need to be replaced altogether. Whether you’re dealing with a big or small project, don’t let the details intimidate you. With the right preparation and planning, you can transform your outdoor living space into an oasis where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Choose Your Aesthetic Before you dive into an outdoor renovation and end up feeling like you’re drowning in all of the possibilities and decisions, take some time to think about how you envision your new space. How will you be using it? Do you spend more time entertaining or relaxing? What kind of seating do you need? Does it need to be kid- and/or pet-friendly? Do you prefer clean, modern lines or playful, colorful textures? Do you like harder surfaces, such as wood, or softer ones, like cushions? Addressing these questions should help you narrow down the outdoor seating options that work best for your family. Get Trendy Once you’ve honed in on your desired aesthetic, start putting your ideas into action. Looking at this year’s trends can help. For instance, the biggest trend of 2017 is bringing the indoor look outdoors. This theme incorporates plush sofas made from durable fabrics, side tables, ottomans, vibrant-colored throw pillows and outdoor rugs. To protect their outdoor living room, many homeowners also opt for a patio cover, which can be either a hard cover or soft awning. Outdoor Seating - Benches This year’s outdoor furniture also blends wood-grain finishes with worn surface textures and pairs neutral colors with pastels for a washed-out effect. When it comes to dining tables and chairs, classic wrought-iron tea garden furniture is always in style. Go Green Adding a new chair or replacing an entire outdoor living room can be a great opportunity to bring in materials that look great and are also good for the environment. You can make your own (try these ideas from WooHome) or purchase eco-friendly furniture from shops such as Breezesta and Viesso, which offer “green” seating options in a variety of styles and colors. Create A Warm Front While you’ll probably focus on furnishing your back yard, don’t forget to pay some attention to the front of your house, too. Curb appeal counts – it’s the first thing your friends and neighbors see, so making a good impression is a must. Be sure to keep the area clean. As for décor, don’t over-decorate. A simple rocking chair or swing can generate a warm, welcoming feeling for all. Stay On Budget Outdoor Seating - Wicker Whether money is no object or you follow a strict budget, options are available for every wallet. High-end luxury furniture sites such as Frontgate, offer posh designer couches, mosaic dining tables, cushioned hammocks and even a hanging daybed. However, affordable, luxurious-looking options are available, too — especially if you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and do some of the work yourself. Pinterest provides countless design inspirations for do-it-yourselfers, such as repurposing an old tire into a cushioned seat and building a lawn chair using wood pallets, among others. Plus, check out money-saving suggestions from Better Homes and Gardens’ Budget-Friendly Ideas for Outdoor Rooms, DIY Network’s 10 Outdoor Rooms on a Budget and HGTV’s 25 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Concentrate on small areas and budget your time and money for the items that will best fit each space. Have you recently redone your outdoor living space? We’d love to see photos! Post them in the comments below.