Inspiration for a mediterranean family room remodel in San Francisco

I received an enquiry from a property in Crowthorne to come and survey an unknown Flagstone Floor in a converted barn that was ready to be rented out. The owners where concerned the stone was letting the rest of the property down due to it being dirty and heavily stained, particularly around the kitchen and entrance areas. If your selling or renting out a property it really needs to look its best if you want to achieve a good price. Having spoken over the phone we agreed a date for me to pop over to complete a survey. From further inspection I confirmed the stone was in fact a Sandstone, it was also clear that the sealer protecting the stone from ingrained dirt had worn away and was now allowing dirt and staining to ruin the appearance of the flagstones. It was a large floor so I measured up so I could work out the quantities of cleaning and sealing products needed and then walked the customer through the cleaning process. Later that day I sent over a detailed quotation which was accepted, and a date agreed for my return. I should mention this work took place during the Covid restrictions, fortunately being a rental property, I was able to work in the property alone. To deep clean the floor and remove the ingrained dirt and staining I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean. It is sprayed onto the floor and left to soak in for five minutes before agitating with a Black scrubbing pad fitted to a weighted buffing machine. The resultant slurry was then wet extracted away using a powerful high-pressure van mounted extracting system. This action cleaned up most of the stone nicely however certain areas where heavily stained, particularly in the kitchen area where food and drink stains were more apparent. To tackle this, I applied a stronger cleaner/stripper product called Tile Doctor Remove and Go this time allowing ten minutes for it to soak in before scrubbing the surface with a very coarse 100-grit soft milling pad. This took quite a few attempts each time extracting the slurry away and then inspecting the floor to see if more work was needed. Happy the stains have been removed, I then focused on renovating the surface Sandstone after the application of the coarse pad. This involves the application of several finer grit burnishing pads which close the pores and adds a subtle polish to the Sandstone. As I started with 100-grit pad it was necessary to gradually refine the surface with an incremental series of pads that included 200, 400 and finally 800-grit pads. Then to ensure a uniform finish across the floor I continued the 400 and 800 grit pads throughout the property. Water is used to lubricate the process and this turns into a fine slurry that is rinse extracted as before. The cleaning process took up the whole of the first day and I am pleased to say the Sandstone floor looked very clean after I had finished. The stone was then allowed dry off overnight with the aid of an industrial air mover and I returned later the next day to apply a new protective seal. In the meantime, my customer had been over to check out the floor and were over the moon with how it looked and wanted to keep the finish as natural as possible. With this in mind, I applied Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal sealer to the Sandstone throughout, only two coats were needed. This is a premium sealer that is almost invisible and works by penetrating the stone thus preventing dirt from becoming ingrained. Once done the floor looked very clean and much brighter than before, it now had that wow factor which will help it attract a good yield in the rental market. The trouble with rental properties of course is making sure the tenant uses the right product to maintain the floor and not a typical supermarket tile cleaner that are only designed for use on Ceramic and Porcelain tiles. In fact, these types of cleaning product can slowly strip the sealer off the floor so it’s always worth checking the label before purchasing. Fortunately Tile Doctor sells a product called Neutral Cleaner that is ideal for maintaining sealed stone floors, so I left them with a complimentary bottle and recommended they get some more to leave under the sink for the new tenant. Dennis Buckland Berkshire Tile Doctor

Making a real impression by designing & building with exceptional people is exactly the effect JL Design & the client as owner-builder have achieved with “Scarborough House” in Scarborough, NSW. The brief required the dwelling to take maximum advantage of stunning views over the ocean & nearby escarpment cliffs. The residence was also to be a contemporary modernist four bedroom family dwelling, maximising built external living & pool areas. The client was extensively involved with the overall design, & carried out material selection, interior detailing and selection of fixtures and fittings. This collective method guaranteed a result where the client as the builder, through continued personal investment throughout the design and construction achieved a stunning result. The concrete, steelwork, windows, timber & various forms of cladding, joinery and concealed lighting are all custom made hand crafted elements. The design called for minimal tolerances, requiring a high level of skill and cooperation between trades. “Scarborough House” features BlueScope Colorbond monument matt ribbed wall cladding with rendered & ‘rendered look’ areas in off-white. A vertical feature hardwood timber screen to the side of the entry softens the ‘industrial’ feel, giving a modernist external appearance. Carefully calculated overhangs allow a passive solar solution to heating & cooling, with efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning required only during weather extremes. Internally, timber floors to the upper living areas give a feel of comfort & warmth. The warm, substantial character of the dwelling is carefully composed by means of the clarity of the detailing, a palette of tactical natural materials and the careful manipulation of light.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but that is completely understated in this project for an award winning builder. Deluxe was faced with the challenge of a continuous staircase from basement up to second floor, surrounded mostly with windows which limited our abilities to leverage weight distribution. As you can tell, our mission for this client was accomplished, and done so beautifully. This is as custom as custom is going to get. The treads were made of 100% solid 2-1/4" Red Oak materials and the stringers were made of two laminated solid Red Oak boards to achieve a final 3-1/2" thickness. Many people would think that with those thicknesses it would involve veneer but we stand by our quality of work and delivered exactly what the client wanted. *railings were completed by others *featured images are property of Deluxe Stair & Railing Ltd

2010 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A young couple with toddlers purchased this home and decided to do extensive renovations before they moved in. The existing galley kitchen and dining room were too small and separated by a load bearing wall. The sunken family room floor was less than ideal for small children to have to climb up and down. The first step in the renovation involved eliminating the load bearing walls and replacing them with a new steel beam capable of handling the load. By doing so, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes was able to combine the galley kitchen and dining room into one large family kitchen with an eating area. The focal point of the new space is a large multi-purpose island with a cooktop. Cherry stained cabinetry with a dark granite countertop provides plenty of storage and workspace, as well as bar seating. The same materials are used around the perimeter of the kitchen. One wall features upper and lower cabinets which surround a stainless steel refrigerator and double wall ovens. A large pantry is included on this wall. The second wall houses the main kitchen sink and built-in dishwasher. A large window sits above the sink area allowing the parents to watch over children playing in the backyard. A butler area features a utility sink and an under-the-counter beverage refrigerator that is easy for the kids to access. The family room floor was raised to be level with the rest of the first floor and Brazilian cherry wood floors provide continuity and richness throughout the space. Archways were built for style and pleasant viewing from each room. The end result of the project is that this kitchen is the heart of the home. The living and dining area is now large enough for family gatherings and entertaining.

Historic Victorian Reconstruction and Companion Residence This project involved the reconstruction and restoration of a historic Victorian residence in Santa Barbara, California, along with the design and construction of a new companion residence carefully crafted to reflect the architectural character and detailing of the original home. The project focused on preserving and celebrating the qualities that make Victorian architecture enduringly appealing: rich exterior detailing, proportioned massing, decorative trim elements, covered porches, and a strong relationship between the home and surrounding landscape. While modern building systems and construction methods were incorporated throughout the project, the design intent remained rooted in the craftsmanship and architectural traditions that defined the original residence. Special attention was given to maintaining visual continuity between the historic structure and the new residence. Exterior materials, roof forms, window proportions, trim profiles, and architectural details were carefully coordinated to create a cohesive property that feels authentic to its historic context while meeting the needs of contemporary living. The result is a property that honors the architectural heritage of Santa Barbara while demonstrating how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can successfully bridge historic character and modern construction.

This full-scale remodel transformed a dated traditional home into an elegant, modernized retreat. The project involved reimagining every room—from the formal living spaces to the kitchen, bathrooms, and private suites—blending classic design elements with luxurious modern amenities. High-end finishes, custom millwork, and thoughtfully curated materials were used throughout to elevate and further develop the home’s character. The kitchen now features elegant lines, marble countertops, and luxury appliances, designed for both beauty and functionality. Bathrooms were reconfigured for spa-like comfort, with features such , focal tiling, and freestanding tubs. Additional hardwood flooring connects to original, and designer lighting create continuity and sophistication across the spaces. We also enhanced flow and openness by selectively removing and combining islands, and expanding key areas to accommodate contemporary living without sacrificing traditional elegance. From concept to completion, this project exemplifies USI's design-build approach—seamlessly integrating architecture, interior design, and craftsmanship to deliver a cohesive, upscale home tailored to modern lifestyles.

Designed for repeat clients, this Overland Park remodel focused on improving function, flow, and everyday livability across multiple spaces. In the kitchen, the layout was refined to create a more open and efficient environment. An enlarged island now serves as a central hub for cooking, gathering, and daily use, while ceiling-height cabinetry maximizes storage and creates a clean, built-in aesthetic. New hardwood flooring ties the space together, adding warmth and continuity. A key transformation involved reconfiguring the layout to better support storage needs. By relocating the laundry room door, a dedicated pantry was introduced, significantly improving organization and accessibility. The adjacent laundry room was also updated, along with the addition of custom cubbies to streamline daily routines. For a bold contrast, the powder bath was reimagined as a moody, speakeasy-inspired space, bringing depth, character, and a memorable design moment to the home. The result is a cohesive, thoughtfully redesigned interior that enhances how the family lives day to day, balancing function, storage, and distinctive style.

The goal of this project was to have a vacation-like atmosphere when coming home from work everyday. While maintaining the original redwood paneling, a color palette of warm, earthy colors continued the ambience. The kitchen design involved taking down walls, incorporating an eight foot island, adding multiple work areas, and a fireplace. We created an intimate eating area for four by the fireplace, and another dining area for the whole family.

This three bedroom duplex apartment is uniquely located at the corner of Gramercy Park. The project involved the renovation of one apartment and expansion into the unit above. The one bedroom apartment upstairs was converted into a Master Suite, while the original Master Bedroom was absorbed into the living room, creating a larger entertainment space to accommodate a piano and a custom bar with a cantilevered counter. A new staircase connecting the existing apartment with the Master Suite is tucked away to maximize open social area. The dark wood floors were continued through the stair to suggest that this had always been part of the original design. Upstairs, the new Master Bedroom faces south overlooking the park with integrated millwork on either side of the fireplace. A built-in bed floats off the floor and adjacent wall. Her closet used space flanking the fireplace for built-in shoe storage, providing a functional yet colorful display when lit. Cove lighting, stretched fabric and frosted glass were employed to provide a warm glow for the spaces when not illuminated by the abundant daylight on both levels. Project by Richard Meier & Partners, Architects LLP

This private residence involved construction of a modern architectural style estate property in Highland Park, Texas. Dee Brown Inc’s role came into play late in the project, when corrections were needed to some specialty stonework. The home’s center is formed around the main entry. The floorplan is largely open, but parallel core wall areas serve to define the foyer, kitchen, dining, and living areas. As key areas, the architect put special focus on materials selection for the core walls. It was decided that Indiana limestone would be the finish, and that the cladding panels would all have unique continuous horizontal grooves. Material was received and installed by the original subcontractor. Upon seeing the completed work, it was evident to the architect and owner that grooves in the fabricated material were not consistent, and that the installation process had left numerous chips to the panels. It was at this point that the partially completed work was removed, and the second fabricator/installer was contacted. Dee Brown Inc ordered the Indiana limestones slabs. There, special care was taken to hold tight tolerances to the horizontal grooves as well as to the typical cut-to-size aspects. Erection of these mechanically set panels was done very carefully. The result was a clean finished product with none of the tolerance and chipping issues of the original installation. Dee Brown, Inc also created and installed special stone finishes at the adjacent half-bath. Semi-precious white onyx was transformed into a lavatory top/bowl assembly, water-closet wall cladding, and even tissue and towel holders.

Project involved total demo of a condo in Boca and redesigning the space to an open look for entertaining. Wood laminate flooring adds warmth and durability without fear of warping. Ceiling customized with stepping outlines the spaces and provides for lighting where concrete ceilings would not allow lighting. Woven custom shades and sheer panels create a light air look to the space with views out to the intercoastal. Kitchen is all white, counter top for island is Calacutta white, back splash is white glass installed as three horizontal continuous rows. All doors are customized in espresso wood finish and opague glass centers. Master Bedroom wall is expanded by sliding wood and Lumicor panels of reeds to create a beautiful back drop to the bed. Design by Karla Trincanello. Photo by Jason Juliano

This is a Sunroom Addition. It involved removing the Kitchen's existing exterior wall and adding a new Sunroom Addition, open and connected with the existing Kitchen. A new high counter was added for barstools adjacent the kitchen sink area as well as a new large island accommodating the "kids" while mom prepares dinner. The addition incorporates lots of glass windows, a continuous bench seat (with storage beneath) along an outside wall as well as a table for eight and a special "beverage center" for entertaining. Matching hardwood flooring lets one space smoothly "flow" into the next. All this is carefully designed while maintaining an uninterrupted Kitchen "work triangle" that allows the cook to remain a part of the "event".

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son. Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow. When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way. Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system. For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs. Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use. To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her. Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams. While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.

This renovation involved expanding the kitchen space into an adjacent office area, creating a side entry, new kitchen layout that worked well for two cooks, professional grade appliances, oversized island with seating on two sides, eat-in area, sitting area and furniture look cabinets with both stained and painted finishes. We enlarged an existing window by creating a boxed bay at the relocated sink and designed a continuous quartzite counter which serves as planting ledge for herbs and flowers. Some of the appliances were integrated into the cabinetry with panels, while others were designed as impact pieces. Custom designed cabinets include a large mantel style chimney hood with vent insert, furniture grade hutch with leaded glass doors, contrasting stained island with seating on two sides, bar with wine refrigerator and deep drawers, and a galley style butler's pantry which provides secondary prep space and ample storage. Details such as shaped cabinet feet, upper glass front cabinets, pull-out trash drawer, spice columns and hidden drawers and storage make this newly designed kitchen space feel luxurious and function perfectly. Traditional materials and forms meld seamlessly with industrial accents and modern amenities. Mixed metals are used in a balanced and dynamic way with warm gold tone cabinet hardware, stainless steel and chrome all working in harmony. Antique furnishings blend with the newly designed cabinets and modern lighting. Photos by: Kimberly Kerl

Designed for repeat clients, this Overland Park remodel focused on improving function, flow, and everyday livability across multiple spaces. In the kitchen, the layout was refined to create a more open and efficient environment. An enlarged island now serves as a central hub for cooking, gathering, and daily use, while ceiling-height cabinetry maximizes storage and creates a clean, built-in aesthetic. New hardwood flooring ties the space together, adding warmth and continuity. A key transformation involved reconfiguring the layout to better support storage needs. By relocating the laundry room door, a dedicated pantry was introduced, significantly improving organization and accessibility. The adjacent laundry room was also updated, along with the addition of custom cubbies to streamline daily routines. For a bold contrast, the powder bath was reimagined as a moody, speakeasy-inspired space, bringing depth, character, and a memorable design moment to the home. The result is a cohesive, thoughtfully redesigned interior that enhances how the family lives day to day, balancing function, storage, and distinctive style.

This designer’s ideal is homeowners with a clear vision, set priorities, and values that align seamlessly with ours. These clients, an accomplished artist and the owner of a generational hops growing farm, were collaborative and trusting from the start. They conscientiously selected a team of Architect (Green Hammer), General Contractor (Cellar Ridge) and ATIID for furnishings and finishing touches. Each firm was able to meticulously manage their leg of the project, while collaborating wholistically with each other and the homeowners. The family farmhouse, lovingly named “Westwood,” was showing the wear one expects after serving a growing family for decades. The owner’s dream was to revive, open up, and breathe modern life into each space, while respecting the home’s heritage. One of our first collaborations was the light fixture that would grace the main two-story entry hall. HiiH Lights in Astoria, Oregon, was commissioned to bring “the function of light, the craft of paper, and the art of sculpture” to the home. Visiting the maker’s space – a massive barn on his coastal property – was such an inspiring adventure! Original work by the resident artist sets an ethereal tone in the space, and an antique bench handsomely blends the old with the new. A wall that divided the home’s living room and kitchen was removed, and the breezy and bright gathering room was born. Light walls, warm wood tones, cozy upholstery, clean lines and heritage elements create a welcoming atmosphere and invite lounging and conversation. The sun-drenched nook is the home’s main indoor dining area, with an extension table and sculpted chairs that are just right for family gatherings or morning rituals with the Sunday paper. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with every modern amenity, but its casual attitude is “let’s make a mess and eat!” The owner’s artwork graces the mantel over the new fireplace that was carved from a tree felled on the property, illustrating the thoughtful consideration of each element. The muted wool area rugs in the entryways and great room are hard-wearing for farm life, and the furniture’s classic lines, bold contrasting colors, deep seating and soft textures encourage cozy conversations or large group gatherings. The library is undoubtedly our favorite space in this home. Tucked in “speakeasy style” behind a hidden (wallpapered!) door in the moody wet bar, and drenched in deep green, the room offers a quiet retreat that hugs you in an embrace of books and family photos. The cozy settee nestled between the bookcases sits opposite a custom pair of modern cognac leather wing chairs. The area rug continues the storied look without the antique price tag with a piece from Loloi’s “Heritage Collection.” A little va-va-voom was requested for the powder bath and boy did we deliver! Custom wallpaper plays over original wainscotting and ceilings wrapped in more glorious green. The space evokes joy every time you open the door! A primary suite that would “transport us to another world” and be “classic yet modern, peaceful, collected and uncluttered” was a tall order. Our new furniture layout takes full advantage of the view of wine country hills and the Willamette River, welcomes fireside lounging, and serves as a calm respite for the lovely owners. Westwood Farmhouse truly was inspired by family, genuine love for home and graciousness for all who enter. Finishing the job was emotional for all involved because we were truly made to feel like part of the family. Photography by George Barberis

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Rooftopia continues to enjoy working with this client on multiple projects, starting with this lovely first collaboration. The clients goals were to use mostly black finishes with a pink statement dining chair! We developed the space with some existing project challenges so our first tasks involved modifications to the existing pergola and flooring tiles. We integrated a retractable fabric shade canopy and several up/down light fixtures into the new space. We designed, built and installed privacy screens made of faux greenery to block out unsightly views toward the alley. We added cedar screens for privacy and to act as a backdrop for an outdoor TV. We also customized and installed a lovely outdoor cabinet system with drawers and a built-in outdoor refrigerator. Their coffee table doubles as an ice bin to top off the overall party vibe!