THE SETUP This remodeling project transformed a catchall room into a cinema-style theater designed for family entertainment and relaxation. The original space, which housed a small TV, older furniture, and various children’s toys, was reimagined to create a sophisticated, adult-friendly home theater with ample seating and modern amenities. Design Objectives: Create a Dark Theater Space: Ensure the room mimics a traditional movie theater environment. Provide Comfortable Theater Seating: Include enough seating for the family and guests. Integrate a Dry Bar Area: Include a space for snacks and drinks. Optimize Space Utilization: Maintain an open area for additional activities. Design Challenges: Natural light: The room was too bright for a theater setting. Seating: Accommodating six theater seats without obstructing views. Lighting: Ensuring the lighting does not interfere with the viewing experience. AV: Finding a clutter-free solution for AV equipment. Dry Bar: Incorporating a dry bar area without overcrowding the space. Viewing: Ensuring the TV placement allows for comfortable, optimized viewing. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Natural Light Control: Installed blackout remote shades on the back window and painted the walls dark charcoal to reduce natural light infiltration. Seating Arrangement: Built a second level for the back row of seating to ensure unobstructed views for all movie watchers. Lighting Design: Installed sconces on either side of the window that shine from the sides (to avoid interfering with the viewing experience). AV Equipment Storage: Utilized existing recess areas with custom shelves matching the cabinetry and concealed cables using a PVC pipe system. Dry Bar Integration: Created a dry bar area on the back wall with a refrigerator, candy storage, and a small counter space for a popcorn machine and ice maker, with locked drawers to prevent unsupervised access. Optimal Viewing Distance: Evaluated multiple floor plans and placed the TV on the most suitable wall to ensure optimal viewing and comfortable reclined seating. Final Thoughts: The completed home theater has been a resounding success, providing a versatile space for the entire family. The thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail have created a functional and enjoyable home theater that meets diverse needs, from watching movies and playing video games to relaxing and reading. The areas to the sides of the theater seats can accommodate spillover seating or activity zones. The area housing the AV equipment also includes extra shelves for storing snuggle-grade movie viewing blankets. This theater space has become a favorite hangout spot, offering comfort and entertainment for everyone. This view shows the dual level theater seating, bean bags, open AV shelving on the right to tuck the cables which our installers ran behind the TV with PVC piping.

Eric Kneller from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Frederick, MD, partnered with Ravenwood to design a transitional kitchen using Merillat Autograph cabinetry. The kitchen features the Bayard door style in an Evercore painted Warm White finish for the wall cabinets and Maple in Stained Molasses for the base cabinets. The client shared, “We avoided a kitchen remodel for years due to stories of stressful experiences. Our project with Reico was nothing like that! From start to finish, everything was handled professionally. Eric played a key role in the process, offering helpful suggestions for the layout and design that gave us great options for customization.” Eric added, “The homeowners wanted more storage space, especially since there was no pantry in the home. We worked together to design a solution that wouldn’t interfere with the dining area. The transitional style of the cabinets works well with the warm white and dark stained finishes. I’m pleased with the final result.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

A groundbreaking residential construction project in Connecticut, executed by HSL Builders, challenges the stereotypical notion of modern architecture as a mere "box." The innovative design, spearheaded by architect George Dumitru, revolves around a dynamic pinwheel concept. The central atrium serves as the project's focal point, with four cantilevered second-story bedrooms creating a visually centrifugal effect. Transparency is a key element, evident in the glazed atrium and open floor plan, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Embracing Connecticut's natural landscape, the design minimizes interference to maximize picturesque vistas. This collaborative effort, led by HSL Builders, showcases inventive design elements that go beyond the traditional, redefining the essence of modern residential construction.

The challenge was to create a modern, minimalist structure that did not interfere with the natural setting but rather seemed nestled in and part of the landscape while blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Special Features and Details: • wood floor, ceiling and exterior deck all run in the same direction drawing the eye toward the water view below • valence encompassing the living space aligns with the face of the loft floor and conceals window shades and uplighting. • pocket doors are flush with the ceiling adding to the feeling of one room flowing into the other when the doors are open • ample storage tucks into the walls unobtrusively • baseboards are set in, flush with the walls separated by a channel detail. • deck appears to float, creating a sense of weightlessness. This detail repeats at the bedside tables and bathroom vanity • obscured glass window in shower provides light and privacy

Single 5 Panel entry door with 2 side lights and transom by Antigua Doors
Inspiration for a large eclectic stone exterior home remodel in San Francisco

This kitchen included an odd-sized double-oven with shattered glass and appliance interference, wasted soffit space, inadequate lighting, and more. The client also faced issues with the laundry closet, storage, and countertops. We addressed these concerns by adjusting the layout. Featured changes include an integrated micro-convection double-oven, a counter-depth refrigerator, the removal of soffits, an expanded cabinetry footprint, a built-in laundry, relocating the electrical panel, and adding solid-surface countertops. Design elements include cabinet-mounted remote switches, a built-in wine refrigerator, two-tone cabinetry, all LED lighting, a pull-down swivel faucet, fully functional storage, and virtually seamless countertops. These changes addressed all of the clients’ pain points and improved the kitchen’s functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic.

The custom designed and crafted railing is made with welded steel for the top rail and stanchions with cable rails below. This style of railing is strong and creates a safe deck, but also is minimal and does not interfere with the gorgeous views of the Missouri River below. Greenovision Home Design

The design strategy included working within the footprint created by the home and backyard, wanting to incorporate a swimming pool “destination” within the backyard that would be large enough to fit the “larger than life” criteria, but without taking away any of the natural beauty or obstructing the view of the horse pastures, barn and nature surrounding the home. Once the design work began, and the pool area was able to incorporate one of every feature the customer could have wanted, Curtis had some steel grates from a former tilt-a-whirl carnival ride that gave him the idea of suspending a stage over the pool. The initial idea was a modest stage with some waterfall/sheer decent features. With the idea of using steel to form the framework, the stage idea grew into something much more that would include a full stage set up, lighting trusses, a “green room” and staging area. Once the stage was designed to be so large, the pool size and scope needed to match including the patio surround, area underneath the stage, and all the additional features. The home architecture is a Ranch with a full finished walkout basement adjacent to the pool area. An existing deck had to be removed to allow for the pool build and new Trex deck, as well as a 3 story tall observation tower that overlooks the pool and surrounding horse pastures. The design strategy was to work within the footprint the house and decks provided to create an extension of the home for outdoor entertaining. Since the exterior of the house was quite long (and dull, the owner equating it to a 1970’s motel), our team needed to incorporate elements to make the space feel more like a backyard resort. The goal was maintaining a cozy at home feel in a grand expanse of space. It takes a team and a unique blend of artistry to build this project. Sandi Maki, co-owner of the company is responsible for the business side of things, and marketing to reach exceptional customers who allow us to build these backyard dreams. The construction side of our company boasts a diverse, multi-geneational family business. Allan Curtis is the designer/builder and comes up with the fantastic pool plans and ideas. His team consists of his daughter Jesse Curtis, who is high right hand and manages the project just as much as Allan does. She is instrumental in everything from dig day, to tying the steel, pouring the concrete, stonework and tile work, forming the waterfall, applying ecoFinish, pouring and stamping patio, and everything in between. Allan’s nephew Mark Curtis installed and plumbed the three pool filtration systems. Allan’s wife Annie has become very good at stonework on walls and waterfalls adding the unique accents our projects have become known for. Allan’s sister-in-law, Karen Olson also does tile and stonework on the jobs and created the rockstar mural on the patio. Frank DiPiazza assists with structural elements and built the new deck, and college student Brendan Schafer assists where needed and maintains the pool and equipment during the summer on a weekly basis. As with many homeowners who reach out to Legendary Escapes, this owner, Dale Walter, knew he wanted a “custom” pool without knowing what that really meant. He was able to show Curtis the space, and his initial ideas, and then allowed Allan and his team the freedom to dream and build. The majority of Legendary Escapes customers make the decision to hire the company after the first meeting with Curtis. As long as the project and design are challenging and interesting, the customer meets the criteria of being easy to work with, and is special in their own unique way Curtis will consider taking on their project. From the beginning it is important to Curtis that the customer understands they need to allow the project to take on a life of it’s own, and for Curtis to create without interference or asking too many questions – working together becomes a reality. The design is typically presented on paper, a hand-colored, hand drawn design that outlines only the large elements, and an accompanying budget which outlines the structural elements and budgets and has a “theme” budget for items to be determined but doesn’t change once it is set. Once that contract is signed, Curtis and his team over-deliver on what the customer could only have dreamed up in their wildest imagination. Projects proceed in an organic way- not every element is planned before the project begins. As the space begins to take shape, so do the details and finishing elements. When the Rockstar project began, there was no plan for the guitars on the fences, or guitar fire features. The VIP seating area wasn’t added until mid way through the patio pours as the space began to take shape. The murals both in the grotto and on the pool floor were planned just moments before each of them was to be installed. It’s this free-flowing combination of the customers and team’s dreams, ideas, elements and the Legendary Escapes team that creates backyard pools that are as much art as they are design and engineering masterpieces.

The attic door is located in the master closet. This limits clothing items that can be placed on the wall since the owner would have to remove every time they entered the attic. By placing shelves and drawers on the side (which does not interfere when opening the attic door), this allows more storage for shoes, purses, folded clothes, undergarments, etc, and allows the client to store the hanging on the back wall. Our client wanted to maximize the storage space by going all the way to the top of the 10' space. WOW! Lots of storage now!

Our clients loved the look of natural wood but felt their honey oak cabinets were starting to feel a bit dated. They weren’t ready for a full remodel, but they knew it was time for an upgrade—and cabinet refacing was the perfect solution! The layout still worked well, but the wall cabinets above the refrigerator needed to be raised to fit a new, taller appliance. The cabinet doors above the fridge couldn’t open fully due to interference from the refrigerator hinge brackets—definitely not ideal. We refaced the cabinets with a Palamino wood tone in a transitional full-overlay style, bringing warmth and a clean, updated look while keeping the wood aesthetic they loved. We also elevated the functionality and style with new solid wood drawers, a rollout drawer next to the oven, elegant brushed pewter hardware with a mix of knobs and pulls and crown molding added where none existed before for a finished, polished look. The homeowners were thrilled and told us, “Everything looks perfect.”

Inspiration for a craftsman home design remodel in Vancouver

Eric Kneller from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Frederick, MD, partnered with Ravenwood to design a transitional kitchen using Merillat Autograph cabinetry. The kitchen features the Bayard door style in an Evercore painted Warm White finish for the wall cabinets and Maple in Stained Molasses for the base cabinets. The client shared, “We avoided a kitchen remodel for years due to stories of stressful experiences. Our project with Reico was nothing like that! From start to finish, everything was handled professionally. Eric played a key role in the process, offering helpful suggestions for the layout and design that gave us great options for customization.” Eric added, “The homeowners wanted more storage space, especially since there was no pantry in the home. We worked together to design a solution that wouldn’t interfere with the dining area. The transitional style of the cabinets works well with the warm white and dark stained finishes. I’m pleased with the final result.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

The internally installed porch enclosure system makes opening and closing easy from their second story screened porch. The home owner was looking for an attractive, simple and high quality alternative to elaborate 3 season rooms and bulky storm shutters. Our marine grade, high tech and low profile solution protect the contents of their screened porch from blowing sand, salt spray, wind, rain & snow. It allows them to use this outdoor space during colder months as well as on rainy and windy days. Yet, when rolled up the minimalistic design allows the home owners to keep their screened porch completely intact, with zero interference either from a cool summer breeze or their beautiful clear view.

The warmer season, upcoming Super Bowl Sunday, and a raging pandemic. These were the problems plaguing the World of Beer Bar in Tampa Bay, FL, when they got in touch with us for an outdoor bar pergola solution. Outdoor Project They wanted to entertain massive crowds of people and watch parties, but the guests could be limited to an outdoor seating space due to the area’s pandemic restrictions. The solution for the restaurant patio cover was the louvered roof system. The World of Beer Bar decided on a modern pergola with an automated louvered roof to create an outside terrace where their customers can enjoy Super Bowl while maintaining the government’s SOPs due to the pandemic. They loved our R-Blade pergola as it offered a covered outdoor space where they could receive and entertain their guests. They wanted the industrial patio cover installed on their outdoor terrace to offer rain protection to their customers. But they also wanted a part of the terrace to be uncovered so that their customers can enjoy the beautiful day outdoors. R-Blade pergola design with the louvered system was the perfect solution for this beer bar’s outdoor space. Product Choice Outdoor Terrace - World Of Beer Bar and Kitchen - covered with a louvered roof Product 4 Pergolas Model R-BLADE louvered roof Type Attached to the wall Size 52’ x 22’ projection – 15’ high Options Screens Color Grey Bronze / White louvers Benefits Stunning 2-story patio The challenges of this outdoor bar pergola project Working on this outdoor bar pergola while keeping the pandemic restriction. 4 louvered roofs opening altogether as well as independently outdoor bar pergola louvered roof with better sealing and less chance of leaks 4 louvered roof that open and close independently - outdoor bar pergola This industrial patio cover for the outdoor terrace consists of 4 louvered roofs mounted to the bar’s wall. Additionally, the client wanted these roofs to open and close independently so that their customers can enjoy a nice beer and enjoy the Super Bowl watch parties outside when the weather’s good. Automated screens for wind and rain protection The R-Blade bioclimatic louvered roof installed at the outdoor terrace comes with outdoor screens, a rain sensor that prompts the pergola to close automatically when it detects rain. Moreover, the outdoor bar pergola has a wind sensor for automatic opening whenever it detects a strong wind force. While offering the perfect ambiance to this convivial sports bar, it shelters the customers from winds during watch parties and gatherings. Moreover, our modern louvered roof system is complemented by Azenco’s well-engineered invisible gutter system to drain the rainwater immediately, ensuring that the space under the pergola remains dry. Grey bronze structure to match the bar’s overall look We installed grey bronze structures that go very well with the sports bar’s overall look and ambiance. They also asked for white louvers to perfectly contrast with the grey bronze structures giving the outdoor bar pergola a more sophisticated yet friendly vibe. The pergolas were designed to perfectly blend with the bar’s exterior, offering the perfect place for beer and sports enthusiasts to connect over their favorite teams in the Super Bowl. Outdoor bar pergola features and Azenco’s solutions As a result, we created an amazing restaurant patio design for the World of Beer Bar to entertain their guests outside even during the pandemic restrictions. The louvered system was designed to blend with the sports bar’s look, so the structures were attached to the outdoor wall and crafted in grey bronze while the louvers were white. Before the renovation, it was just an uncovered terrace on the second story of the patio. But now it’s the perfect outdoor sitting area for customers who come to enjoy the outdoors and watch Super Bowl. The elegant-looking louvers protect the customers from rain or the sun, while the uncovered part gives guests the perfect outdoor experience. Not to mention that Azenco successfully installed the louvered roof before the Super Bowl 2021 started as the client needed to arrange an outdoor terrace to receive the guests. Turnaround time Manufacturing: Custom manufactured adjustable white louvered roof with grey bronze structure. Delivery in 4 weeks. Mounting On Site: 4 days deal with specific timing and scheduling to ensure that the mounting doesn’t interfere with opening hours.

Our clients loved the look of natural wood but felt their honey oak cabinets were starting to feel a bit dated. They weren’t ready for a full remodel, but they knew it was time for an upgrade—and cabinet refacing was the perfect solution! The layout still worked well, but the wall cabinets above the refrigerator needed to be raised to fit a new, taller appliance. The cabinet doors above the fridge couldn’t open fully due to interference from the refrigerator hinge brackets—definitely not ideal. We refaced the cabinets with a Palamino wood tone in a transitional full-overlay style, bringing warmth and a clean, updated look while keeping the wood aesthetic they loved. We also elevated the functionality and style with new solid wood drawers, a rollout drawer next to the oven, elegant brushed pewter hardware with a mix of knobs and pulls and crown molding added where none existed before for a finished, polished look. The homeowners were thrilled and told us, “Everything looks perfect.”

Dom Koric Master Bedroom with Feature Stone Wall
Bedroom - large rustic master medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Vancouver with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The challenge was to create a modern, minimalist structure that did not interfere with the natural setting but rather seemed nestled in and part of the landscape while blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Special Features and Details: • wood floor, ceiling and exterior deck all run in the same direction drawing the eye toward the water view below • valence encompassing the living space aligns with the face of the loft floor and conceals window shades and uplighting. • pocket doors are flush with the ceiling adding to the feeling of one room flowing into the other when the doors are open • ample storage tucks into the walls unobtrusively • baseboards are set in, flush with the walls separated by a channel detail. • deck appears to float, creating a sense of weightlessness. This detail repeats at the bedside tables and bathroom vanity • obscured glass window in shower provides light and privacy

This kitchen included an odd-sized double-oven with shattered glass and appliance interference, wasted soffit space, inadequate lighting, and more. The client also faced issues with the laundry closet, storage, and countertops. We addressed these concerns by adjusting the layout. Featured changes include an integrated micro-convection double-oven, a counter-depth refrigerator, the removal of soffits, an expanded cabinetry footprint, a built-in laundry, relocating the electrical panel, and adding solid-surface countertops. Design elements include cabinet-mounted remote switches, a built-in wine refrigerator, two-tone cabinetry, all LED lighting, a pull-down swivel faucet, fully functional storage, and virtually seamless countertops. These changes addressed all of the clients’ pain points and improved the kitchen’s functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic.

This custom media center was designed with a two-tone (White and Espresso Pine) modern style. We included downward LED lighting in all of the floating shelves for useful lighting and strip LED lighting inset in the back of the shelves and base unit for lower-level mood lighting. Two diffused laminated doors were placed at the bottom for extra visual contrast and to prevent interference with remote controls.