What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

Stained Walnut cabinets anchor this larger than life island, housing a built-in microwave and plenty of storage. The Calacatta Borghinni countertop has a curved overhang on the back side to accommodate the owners children for breakfast or dinner guests with cocktails, keeping them involved in the conversation but out of the way. Scott Bergmann Photography

At this beautiful LEICHT Westchester project, The original design was traditional, with a layout involving many angled corners. The goal was to streamline the design and create a modern and more functional space. We accomplished this first by squaring off all corners, rotating the island and enlarging the main window to add more sunlight and visual balance. In the new design, there is ample pantry space, large pots/pans drawer storage and an appliance garage unit to hide away small items to keep the countertop clutter-free. An open display unit with built-in LED lighting allows the homeowner a place to showcase her beautiful artwork. Finishes- Bondi in Arctic (matt laminate), Topos in Textured Oak Marsh (wood veneer) Countertop- Quartz- Aurea in Divine, Granite- Black Absolute in a leathered finish.

In this home remodeling project, the homeowner's vision was to transform the primary bathroom into a Coastal-inspired spa. The project involved the removal of the old bathtub, creating space for a more luxurious shower, complete with a dedicated dry-off area and bench. The Coastal spa ambiance was accentuated through the use of white tiles and warm wood tones, which contribute to a relaxing and tranquil environment. To maximize functionality and storage, the homeowner opted for vanity drawers, providing practical solutions for keeping the space organized. The addition of vessel sinks elevated the vanity's look, adding a touch of sophistication. Overall, this transformation was a much-needed change, turning the bathroom into a Coastal spa retreat and achieving a refreshing renovation. In this home remodeling project, the homeowner's goal was to turn a guest bathroom into a captivating Coastal space. The transformation took the space from a dull and nondescript aesthetic to a truly customized and inviting atmosphere. The addition of glass shower doors not only modernized the look but also elevated the overall design. Wood tones were thoughtfully integrated, adding warmth and intentionality to the space. An added touch was the installation of a vessel sink, infusing a sense of luxury into the room. As a result, this bathroom is now a welcoming retreat, radiating cleanliness and intentionality, and fully embodying the Coastal interior design style that the homeowner desired.

A complete primary bathroom remodel in Springfield, Virginia, designed around three priorities our clients came in with: a real walk-in shower, a freestanding tub by the windows, and a proper double vanity with storage that actually worked. The original layout had everything in the wrong place. The tub sat against an interior wall away from the natural light. A small stall shower took up real estate across the room. The vanity was squeezed into whatever space was left over. Three windows on the back wall were doing nothing for the room because the layout was fighting them. Our solution involved knocking down the dividing wall between the old shower and vanity area, relocating plumbing for both the tub and the new vanities, and placing the freestanding tub directly under the bay of windows so morning light became part of the experience. Design Approach We anchored the room around contrast: deep navy cabinetry against soft white walls, warm brushed gold against cool marble tile, sharp Shaker lines against the curved silhouette of the freestanding tub. Navy was the design decision the rest of the room was built around — the clients knew they wanted color but didn't want anything that would feel dated in five years. Navy reads bold without being loud, pairs with virtually any metal finish, and has staying power that trendier choices don't. We used Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo for the vanities — all-plywood construction with solid wood doors and drawer fronts, soft close throughout. Shaker-style flat panels keep the navy from feeling heavy. The brushed gold (Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ in satin bronze) shows up across hardware, faucets, lighting, the tub filler, and the shower trim, creating a quiet continuity throughout the room. The Shower Removing the wall between the old shower and old vanity area created room for a proper walk-in. We tiled the entire shower floor to ceiling in Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain — large format installed in a 50% offset horizontal pattern, with cement board and redgard underneath. The marble-look porcelain gives the visual depth of natural marble without the maintenance. A built-in shower bench, custom-built into the corner, is wrapped in the same wall tile on the front with a quartz top matching the vanity counter. The shower niche is detailed with MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic at the back, the same tile used on the shower floor. All tile edges are finished with Schluter in satin bronze to match the room's metal finishes. The shower door is custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass with a satin bronze pull — no metal frame interrupting the sight line. The Vanities and Countertops The new double vanity gives both clients their own space for morning routines. Counter tops are MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo quartz with pencil edging and a 4" backsplash — a soft white with subtle gray veining that reads like real Calacatta marble without the porosity issues. Two undermount square porcelain sinks finish the surface cleanly. The Tub A 60" freestanding soaker tub sits under the bay of three windows. The floor-mounted tub filler is satin bronze with a handheld sprayer. We relocated the drain and supply lines to make the centered placement work. The tub is the room's quietest feature and its strongest — clients tell us they use this bathroom differently than they used the old one. Flooring MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain runs throughout the bathroom floor in a 50% offset pattern parallel to the vanity wall. Cement board underneath, 4" white wood baseboard, Whisper Grey grout that handles daily use without showing wear. Paint and Lighting Walls are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 in satin — a true crisp white that doesn't lean cool or warm. The ceiling uses Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White, which is formulated to resist mildew in high-humidity spaces. Lighting is layered: three new 6" LED recessed lights on a dimmer, two satin bronze vanity sconces above the mirrors, and the existing three windows providing the daytime ambient light. Project Specs Location: Springfield, Virginia Project type: Full primary bathroom remodel Project duration: Approximately 5 weeks Style: Modern, Transitional Color palette: Navy, white, brushed gold, marble Materials Cabinetry: Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo, Shaker-style flat panel maple, all-plywood construction Cabinet hardware: Jeffrey Alexander 635-96SBZ Satin Bronze pulls Vanity counter and bench top: MSI Calacatta Miraggio Cielo Quartz, pencil edge with 4" backsplash Sinks: Undermount white porcelain BR-202 square (x2) Wall tile: Decovita Calacatta Suave 24x48" porcelain Floor tile: MSI Sande Ivory 12x24" matte porcelain Shower floor + niche back: MSI Arabescato Carrara 2" honed hex mosaic marble Edge trim: Schluter satin bronze Shower door: Custom frameless 3/8" tempered glass Tub: 60" freestanding acrylic soaker (Ferguson) Tub filler: Floor-mounted satin bronze (Ferguson) Vanity faucets, mirrors, sconces, toilet: Satin bronze coordinated finishes (Ferguson) Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70 Satin Ceiling paint: Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa White Grout: Whisper Grey (floor), Standard White (walls and shower) Designed and built by My Kitchen and Bath out of our Alexandria showroom at 5710 General Washington Drive. We've been designing and building kitchens, bathrooms, and full home renovations across Northern Virginia and the DMV since 1994.

This late 90’s home was ready for a refresh, and boy did we have fun delivering just that! Fully renovating the kitchen, family room, dining room, laundry room, entry, and study as well as converting an unused formal room to a wine lounge allowed us to update the first floor of this home in a meaningful way. Lightening and brightening the walls and completely redoing all furnishings and decor, were just the beginning. The kitchen’s complete redesign involved moving obtrusive walls, creating more functional spaces, and incorporating current design trends. Fresh greens and blues were chosen to brighten the spaces, and texture was integrated to keep an organic feel.

This is a whole house renovation and addition in North Seattle. The lovely clients are accustomed to the warm and vibrant colors of their native country. They asked Story to design an addition and whole-house renovation that would be in keeping with the needs of their busy family. We opened up the home on the first floor, giving a loft feel. Black windows and white, high-ceilinged spaces set a backdrop for splashes of color throughout. Warm wood flooring borders mosaic cement tile, and a large pantry has sliding barn doors that also hide an entrance to the family room. Upstairs, we redesigned the Owner’s Suite bathroom to include a high window for light, and a floating vanity with bold tile accents. These clients also asked us to add a guest suite on the first floor for visiting relatives - something that’s becoming quite common in renovations. These clients were very involved in the interiors for the project, and much of the artwork in the home was made by the client and her mother, who uses the guest suite when she visits for long intervals.

This is a whole house renovation and addition in North Seattle. The lovely clients are accustomed to the warm and vibrant colors of their native country. They asked Story to design an addition and whole-house renovation that would be in keeping with the needs of their busy family. We opened up the home on the first floor, giving a loft feel. Black windows and white, high-ceilinged spaces set a backdrop for splashes of color throughout. Warm wood flooring borders mosaic cement tile, and a large pantry has sliding barn doors that also hide an entrance to the family room. Upstairs, we redesigned the Owner’s Suite bathroom to include a high window for light, and a floating vanity with bold tile accents. These clients also asked us to add a guest suite on the first floor for visiting relatives - something that’s becoming quite common in renovations. These clients were very involved in the interiors for the project, and much of the artwork in the home was made by the client and her mother, who uses the guest suite when she visits for long intervals.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the bathroom remodeling contractor for this Delafield master bath and closet. This black and white boho bathrooom has industrial touches and warm wood accents. The original space was like a labyrinth, with a complicated layout of walls and doors. The homeowners wanted to improve the functionality and modernize the space. The main entry of the bathroom/closet was a single door that lead to the vanity. Around the left was the closet and around the right was the rest of the bathroom. The bathroom area consisted of two separate closets, a bathtub/shower combo, a small walk-in shower and a toilet. To fix the choppy layout, we separated the two spaces with separate doors – one to the master closet and one to the bathroom. We installed pocket doors for each doorway to keep a streamlined look and save space. BLACK & WHITE BOHO BATHROOM This master bath is a light, airy space with a boho vibe. The couple opted for a large walk-in shower featuring a Dreamline Shower enclosure. Moving the shower to the corner gave us room for a black vanity, quartz counters, two sinks, and plenty of storage and counter space. The toilet is tucked in the far corner behind a half wall. BOHO DESIGN The design is contemporary and features black and white finishes. We used a white cararra marble hexagon tile for the backsplash and the shower floor. The Hinkley light fixtures are matte black and chrome. The space is warmed up with luxury vinyl plank wood flooring and a teak shelf in the shower. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “Kowalske just finished our master bathroom/closet and left us very satisfied. Within a few weeks of involving Kowalske, they helped us finish our designs and planned out the whole project. Once they started, they finished work before deadlines, were so easy to communicate with, and kept expectations clear. They didn’t leave us wondering when their skilled craftsmen (all of which were professional and great guys) were coming and going or how far away the finish line was, each week was planned. Lastly, the quality of the finished product is second to none and worth every penny. I highly recommend Kowalske.” – Mitch, Facebook Review

This is a whole house renovation and addition in North Seattle. The lovely clients are accustomed to the warm and vibrant colors of their native country. They asked Story to design an addition and whole-house renovation that would be in keeping with the needs of their busy family. We opened up the home on the first floor, giving a loft feel. Black windows and white, high-ceilinged spaces set a backdrop for splashes of color throughout. Warm wood flooring borders mosaic cement tile, and a large pantry has sliding barn doors that also hide an entrance to the family room. Upstairs, we redesigned the Owner’s Suite bathroom to include a high window for light, and a floating vanity with bold tile accents. These clients also asked us to add a guest suite on the first floor for visiting relatives - something that’s becoming quite common in renovations. These clients were very involved in the interiors for the project, and much of the artwork in the home was made by the client and her mother, who uses the guest suite when she visits for long intervals.

Significant progress is evident in crafting this beautiful coastal-themed kitchenette. The white, wood-grain cabinetry immediately creates a light, airy foundation, perfectly setting the stage for a serene coastal aesthetic. A key design element is the designated space for a panel-ready dishwasher. This allows for seamless integration of a custom cabinet panel, blending the appliance flawlessly with the surrounding cabinetry. This maintains the clean, uninterrupted lines crucial for a sophisticated coastal design and achieves a truly built-in, cohesive look. While the air fryer's specific placement isn't explicitly visible, its integration in a modern coastal kitchen can be achieved smartly. Options include a dedicated appliance garage with a retractable door to keep it out of sight, a sturdy pull-out shelf in a base cabinet for easy access, or even stylish open shelf integration for frequent users, ensuring it aligns with the overall coastal decor. The clear, possibly beach glass , cabinet knobs further enhance the coastal vibe, resembling sea glass and adding subtle charm. The microwave is already installed, suggesting the upper cabinetry is nearing completion. Next steps will involve countertop installation, which will further define the space, and the integration of the custom dishwasher panel. This thoughtful customization, particularly for appliances, ensures this kitchen will be both visually stunning and highly practical for modern living.

Copper chimney flashing being installed as part of the wood roof replacement on this historic North Branford farmhouse. Built in 1815, this project involved removing three layers of shingles to reveal a shiplap roof deck. We Installed Ice and Water barrier at the edges and ridge and around chimneys (which we also replaced - see that project here on Houzz). We installed 18" Western Red Cedar perfection shingles across all roofing and a top bay windows. All valleys and chimney/vent protrusions were flashed with copper, in keeping with the traditional look of the period.

At this beautiful LEICHT Westchester project, The original design was traditional, with a layout involving many angled corners. The goal was to streamline the design and create a modern and more functional space. We accomplished this first by squaring off all corners, rotating the island and enlarging the main window to add more sunlight and visual balance. In the new design, there is ample pantry space, large pots/pans drawer storage and an appliance garage unit to hide away small items to keep the countertop clutter-free. An open display unit with built-in LED lighting allows the homeowner a place to showcase her beautiful artwork. Finishes- Bondi in Arctic (matt laminate), Topos in Textured Oak Marsh (wood veneer) Countertop- Quartz- Aurea in Divine, Granite- Black Absolute in a leathered finish.

This kitchen remodeling project involved the challenge of transforming the space while keeping the existing granite countertops. This was achieved by refacing the lower base cabinets and replacing the upper wall cabinets. New shelving was provided in the interior of all cabinets along with new hardware. The tile backsplash was replaced, and the homeowner updated all their appliances. Products used: Medallion Rushmore Raised Panel Doorstyle in Cherry - Full Overlay. Finish: Tumbleweed with Burnt Sienna Highlights. Base Cabinets & Pantry Refaced with new wall cabinets. Backsplash: Lunda Bay Tozen Glass Moasic 1"x4" - Color: Copper, Natural. Existing Countertops.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

Project Summary: Master Bathroom Addition and Remodel We recently completed a big project. We built a master bathroom as an addition to an existing house. We planned this project carefully. We also executed it carefully. We did this to ensure it would look good and work well. Below is a detailed overview of the various elements that were incorporated into this master bathroom build. Bathroom Construction and Design The project involved adding a new master bathroom to the house. It was an expansion of the living space. Shower and Tiles This new bathroom has a custom-built shower bed. It has a comfortable bench and was designed from scratch for a luxurious shower experience. Large Format Tiles: The bathroom walls were adorned with beautiful, large tiles. They extend up to the ceiling, creating a sense of space and modern elegance. Plumbing and Fixtures Modern Black Plumbing Fixtures: To match the modern design, we installed black plumbing fixtures. They add a sleek touch to the bathroom. Faucets for a Double Vanity: We put stylish new faucets on the double vanity. They make it work better but keep the modern look. Lighting and Mirrors Electrical Mirrors with Separate Switches: We installed two modern electrical mirrors. Each has its own switch for ease of use and more functions. The bathroom has recessed lighting. It gives plenty of light in a sleek, unobtrusive design. An exhaust fan with an integrated light ensures ventilation and additional lighting. Final Touches This project’s completion resulted in a master bathroom. It meets modern needs and adds much value and comfort to the home. The large tiles, modern fixtures, and advanced lighting are thoughtfully combined. They make a space that is both beautiful and useful. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering quality and style in every aspect of our work.

In keeping with the heritage of the New England Arts and Crafts period, this island is detailed with bowed ends in t&g beaded board with an added feature of the OG plinth apron legs. The refrigerator panels are large simple and based upon similar cope and sticking profile with other historical features of the island. Image # 20138.2

At this beautiful LEICHT Westchester project, The original design was traditional, with a layout involving many angled corners. The goal was to streamline the design and create a modern and more functional space. We accomplished this first by squaring off all corners, rotating the island and enlarging the main window to add more sunlight and visual balance. In the new design, there is ample pantry space, large pots/pans drawer storage and an appliance garage unit to hide away small items to keep the countertop clutter-free. An open display unit with built-in LED lighting allows the homeowner a place to showcase her beautiful artwork. Finishes- Bondi in Arctic (matt laminate), Topos in Textured Oak Marsh (wood veneer) Countertop- Quartz- Aurea in Divine, Granite- Black Absolute in a leathered finish.

The six-panel NanaWall NW Wood 540 was customized with elegant Pine wood frames to perfectly complement the exterior envelope and interior design features. This wood framed bifold door elevates the contemporary pool house feel of the space with thin, minimal frames and a barefoot-friendly Low Profile Saddle sill. For optimal year-round function, the system was specified with a convenient swing door to provide quick indoor-outdoor access when the panels are closed. As a Generation 4 folding glass door, the system is designed to offer the smoothest operation, allowing the homeowners to easily open or close the pool house based on the needs of the day. From Summer to Winter: Year-Round Indoor-Outdoor Living To create a true four-season retreat, the wood framed bifold door was specified with double-glazed panels. This would ensure optimal thermal comfort by keeping the contemporary pool house space warm in winter without breaking the visual connection to the outdoors. The system’s quadruple laminated wood adds another layer of energy efficiency and strength against seasonal weather. “The homeowners love the flow between the pool house and pool area,” says PSW. “Even when it snows, the homeowners talked about how nice it would be to be in the pool house and enjoy the beauty of snowfall from inside with amazing views provided by the NanaWall.” This Fox Chapel backyard perfectly embodies the very essence of indoor-outdoor living. What was once an outdated pool and shed has been reimagined into a contemporary pool house and outdoor entertaining area that sits in harmony with its natural surroundings. Seamlessly connected through the NanaWall wood framed bifold door, the indoor-outdoor spaces merge into one, creating a luxurious backyard retreat for laid-back living and memorable gatherings. “The homeowners are absolutely in love with the finished project. This has made their outdoor living experience so much more enjoyable,” says PSW. “Everyone involved with the project exceeded expectations, and PSW is honored to be a part of bringing this dream to reality.” Discover how other indoor-outdoor spaces leverage NanaWall wood framed bifold doors in our inspiring project library! https://www.nanawall.com/blog/luxury-outdoor-living-design-and-wood-framed-bifold-door-create-serene-escape