Transitional remodel of Mediterranean home. Rescue home to Pomeranians. Lifestyle assessment is a key element to next generation remodel planning. Design by Chris Chumbley.

Complete kitchen remodel. The footprint of the kitchen that we started with had it broken into several areas that did not work together. Previous additions had unusable space and separation of key elements so the kitchen was not even functional. After removing walls and cabinets to create one open space we were able to give the clients a large kitchen with a functional layout that finally worked for them.

After nearly 20 years of working in a cramped and inefficient kitchen, as well a doing most of their cooking on a hotplate because of on-going issues with old appliances, our food-loving clients were more than ready for a major kitchen remodel. Our goal was to open the kitchen and living space without compromising the architectural integrity of this gorgeous 1930’s home, allowing our clients to cook and entertain guests at the same time. We made sure to retain key elements, such as the plaster cove moulding detail, arched doorways, and glass knobs in order to maintain the look and era of the home. Features includes a new bar and prep sink area, new appliances throughout, a cozy dog bed area incorporated into the cabinet design, shelving niche for cookbooks, magnetic cabinet door on the broom closet to display photos, a recessed television niche for the flatscreen, and radius steps with custom mosaic tile on the stair risers. Our clients can now cook and entertain guests with ease while their beloved dog’s standby to keep the floor clean!

Hand built metal/wood/rope chandie with this natural colorway. You can always change out your paint colors, accent furniture and even rotate your art collection...but if you stick with neutrals for key elements,

The client’s vision for this house and boathouse at Horning on the Norfolk Broads was to provide an exemplary building that is sustainable and graceful in design, complementing and enhancing the setting and providing a legacy for future generations. The extensive use of wood cladding and decking were key elements of LSI architects’ design. However, given that ‘The Haven’ is in a flood zone, surrounded on three sides by water and constantly exposed to a high moisture content in the air, LSI needed to find a wood that they could be confident would deliver durability, dimensional stability and aesthetics. Accoya wood presented the perfect answer. Accoya, supplied by International Timber, was used for cladding and decking. The glue laminated Accoya wood for the curved rear screen was manufactured by Newnham & Abel Ltd and hand finished with a protective merbau-coloured coating from WoodGuard by Guard Industrie. The same finish was factory applied to the cladding.

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

The open concept of this beautiful space creates a pleasant and relaxing environment. Several key elements are emphasized by walnut wood, such as the island cabinets, the veneers, and the amazing wine cellar, which instantly attracts attention. Speaking of eye-catchers, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the unique black matte polymer materials that cover some of the kitchen cabinets. Our designers have gone a step further and chose to add TIP-ON touch latch technology to cabinet doors and drawers in order to remove any handles and to make opening and closing easy.

*BEFORE PICTURE* This fully virtual design project was a collaboration with a Connecticut-based designer for a young professional woman looking to refresh her bathroom. The goal was to blend mid-century modern elegance with contemporary luxury, creating a sophisticated, functional retreat. I worked around key elements the client already had, like gold faucets and shower hardware, and took charge of selecting everything else—from limestone polished floor tiles to deep green zellige bathroom tiles, a custom toilet room door, wallpaper, and decorative accents. I designed a neutral color palette to complement the tiles and added a gold wall sconce, tying the space together with sophistication. The heated towel rack and matching accents brought warmth to the space, all coordinated online with samples delivered across the country.

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

Bubbling sound is the key element in this small natural water feature.
Patio - backyard concrete paver patio idea in Denver

A large double sided island anchors this beautiful bright white walk-in closet. Featuring floor to ceiling custom cabinetry, enclosed upper cabinets, handbag and shoe display cases, mirrors and glass doors. Integrated LED lighting is a key element in our closets. Brass closets rods, pull-out valet rods and a stunning chandelier finish out this transitional closet.

With their timeless aesthetic, traditional craftsmanship and quality materials. The unorthodox approach to glazing was a key element. Replacing the norm with antique mirrored glass, working harmoniously with the property’s original Victorian features and hand-distressed painted walls. The continuous, period skirting board was carried through the door set by implementing a kickplate panel creating a flow through the space. Original arched sash windows adorn the rear elevation of the sitting room, and these design cues were echoed in the Fabco door shape. Through the double doors, a grand kitchen space awaits, designed and manufactured by the team at deVOL Kitchens. Noting the change in aesthetic, the kitchen side solely reveals the double door, squaring off the surrounding screen and mimicking the shape of the adjacent windows and cabinetry. The Fabco hardware, designed and manufactured in the UK by Frank Allart, was selected to compliment the hardware used throughout the kitchen. The door handle finish was specified to match in Satin Brass Unlacquered, on the 55 series ironmongery from Frank Allart.

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

Upgraded countertops are one of the most valuable assets you can have in your home. Granite remains the favorite choice for kitchens and bathrooms, and the benefits it offers are abundant. Not only do granite countertops invite daily enjoyment and utility, they can also increase the value and desirability of your home, and give you a higher return on investment (ROI) than many other remodeling projects. Return On Investment Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value Report, which provides an annual look at individual remodeling projects and their ROI, reported that a minor kitchen remodel returns 79.3 percent ROI. Countertops are a key element of the remodel, along with items such as cabinets, appliances, and flooring. Upgrading bathroom countertops to granite has a similar impact, with a 70 percent ROI on a minor bathroom renovation. The ROI is an important factor for those looking to renovate because it presumes an easier home sale at a higher home price. "Granite or marble countertops will make a home more appealing to buyers than will older countertops made from materials like laminate or wood," said the New York Times. Easier To Maintain Granite countertops are also easier to maintain than many others, which can help indecisive remodelers make a choice. "Marble is softer and more porous than the nearly indestructible granite, and so it can etch (scratch) and stain in a way that granite usually won't," said the kitchen. Quartz is considered among the easiest surfaces to take care of and is also a growing trend; add a glass mosaic tile backsplash to create a fancy and functional kitchen. Looking to express your more modern side? Try a recycled glass countertop to create a showstopping kitchen that is also friendly to the Earth. A Better Alternative Cabinet Refacing: The Smart, Financially Sound Choice Brand new cabinets are something most of us would love to add to our home. But when we see the cost, those cabinets are often off the table. New cabinets cost thousands of dollars at a minimum and can rise to numbers rivaling a luxury car. Refacing costs a fraction of the cost of new cabinets while providing a fresh new look to your space. New cabinets can be budget busters "Most cabinets range from $500 to $1,500 per cabinet box," said Better Homes and Gardens. "Based on an estimated 30 cabinets in an average-size kitchen, you can be looking at a cost of about $15,000-$45,000." If you're planning a small or midsize renovation, that could eat up your whole budget. Refacing instead of replacing can save you money and time, allowing you to use those funds in another area or simply lowering your renovation cost. "Fans of refacing say this mini-makeover can give a kitchen a whole new look at a much lower cost than installing all-new cabinets," said HGTV. "Cabinet refacing can save up to 50 percent compared to the cost of replacing. Jaymi Naciri is the award-winning author of hundreds of original articles focused on real estate, interior design, and home improvement. Granite Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops at Granite Transformations Ventura provides products made from engineered stone, quartz & recycled Glass Photo Provided by Granite Transformations Corporate

The beam work defines the kitchen floor plan and highlights a combination of wood species, including Wisconsin-sourced Douglas fir and Red Birch as well as a selection of exotic species. Other key elements include a one-inch thick limestone heated paver floor and an island component that is lit internally to highlight display area. The combination of materials turns a standard kitchen into a dynamic space.

These empty-nesters designed their dream “in-town home” by evolving the kitchen in their former home to meet their needs today. The owner loves to entertain, and there were three key elements behind the design to make this kitchen a cook’s dream: accommodating a generous banquette for seating, an L shaped island with two full-sized sinks and dishwashers along with virtually indestructible Pyrolave countertops with integrated drainboards.

*BEFORE PICTURE* This fully virtual design project was a collaboration with a Connecticut-based designer for a young professional woman looking to refresh her bathroom. The goal was to blend mid-century modern elegance with contemporary luxury, creating a sophisticated, functional retreat. I worked around key elements the client already had, like gold faucets and shower hardware, and took charge of selecting everything else—from limestone polished floor tiles to deep green zellige bathroom tiles, a custom toilet room door, wallpaper, and decorative accents. I designed a neutral color palette to complement the tiles and added a gold wall sconce, tying the space together with sophistication. The heated towel rack and matching accents brought warmth to the space, all coordinated online with samples delivered across the country.