When our client purchased his mother’s home, the house he grew up in, he knew it was time to update while incorporating his preferred contemporary style. Enter remodeling specialists, Renovisions, who were hired to customize his new look. The main challenge came with creating a more open floor plan. The kitchen was part of one large room, so making this new space unique and awe-inspiring while differentiating from the surrounding dining room was the goal in mind. Renovisions accomplished this goal by first removing the walls between the dining room and kitchen to open up the space The idea was to draw your eye into the room with some interesting elements such as a 2-tier island, a functional and creative pull-out storage cabinet, sleek looking stainless steel GE appliances and glass mosaic tiles with stunning stainless steel backsplash in a Harlequin pattern. Cement colored quartz countertops in a suede finish and 12” x 24” larger format textured porcelain floor tile in a varied pattern completed the modern look. Contemporary designs boast simplicity by focusing on clean lines and an uncluttered look. This is exactly what our client wanted and the contemporary styled frameless cherry cabinetry with a medium dark stain infused a masculine vibe.

The owners were downsizing from a large ornate property down the street and were seeking a number of goals. Single story living, modern and open floor plan, comfortable working kitchen, spaces to house their collection of artwork, low maintenance and a strong connection between the interior and the landscape. Working with a long narrow lot adjacent to conservation land, the main living space (16 foot ceiling height at its peak) opens with folding glass doors to a large screen porch that looks out on a courtyard and the adjacent wooded landscape. This gives the home the perception that it is on a much larger lot and provides a great deal of privacy. The transition from the entry to the core of the home provides a natural gallery in which to display artwork and sculpture. Artificial light almost never needs to be turned on during daytime hours and the substantial peaked roof over the main living space is oriented to allow for solar panels not visible from the street or yard.

When the Aptitude team met with this family, we determined that our most important goal was to more efficiently use space in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room so we could make room for features that better fit the family’s needs. On the kitchen remodel, Aptitude put in a butcher block topped island and created a large space to both prep and serve food. Aptitude also put in a much larger range which doubled the family’s cooking capacity for food to cook at the same time. The master bath was a total redesign - we gave them a larger shower and opened up the space with glass. Aptitude utilized the bathroom footprint differently so we could take the same amount of space but make it feel a lot bigger. On the laundry room remodel Aptitude made changes so the room is much more usable and efficient. Aptitude also added places to sit down and take off their shoes with individual cubby holes for the family members. Aptitude also made their laundry room an extension of the overall design of the house because it was important for this family to enjoy the look and feel of the laundry room in addition to making it function better.

When the Aptitude team met with this family, we determined that our most important goal was to more efficiently use space in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room so we could make room for features that better fit the family’s needs. On the kitchen remodel, Aptitude put in a butcher block topped island and created a large space to both prep and serve food. Aptitude also put in a much larger range which doubled the family’s cooking capacity for food to cook at the same time. The master bath was a total redesign - we gave them a larger shower and opened up the space with glass. Aptitude utilized the bathroom footprint differently so we could take the same amount of space but make it feel a lot bigger. On the laundry room remodel Aptitude made changes so the room is much more usable and efficient. Aptitude also added places to sit down and take off their shoes with individual cubby holes for the family members. Aptitude also made their laundry room an extension of the overall design of the house because it was important for this family to enjoy the look and feel of the laundry room in addition to making it function better.

When the Aptitude team met with this family, we determined that our most important goal was to more efficiently use space in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room so we could make room for features that better fit the family’s needs. On the kitchen remodel, Aptitude put in a butcher block topped island and created a large space to both prep and serve food. Aptitude also put in a much larger range which doubled the family’s cooking capacity for food to cook at the same time. The master bath was a total redesign - we gave them a larger shower and opened up the space with glass. Aptitude utilized the bathroom footprint differently so we could take the same amount of space but make it feel a lot bigger. On the laundry room remodel Aptitude made changes so the room is much more usable and efficient. Aptitude also added places to sit down and take off their shoes with individual cubby holes for the family members. Aptitude also made their laundry room an extension of the overall design of the house because it was important for this family to enjoy the look and feel of the laundry room in addition to making it function better.

design: Studio TOOP, 2013 location: Rotterdam, NL status: built in 2014, Weldam Groenprojecten photo: Hans Clauzing, 2014 Our good friend Gerda is an avid photographer with a special interest in nature photography and butterflies. She also suffers from a lung disease that sometimes leaves her less mobile and able to head out to pursue this passion. A garden to take pictures in, even when you're not up to heading further out into the world. That was the main goal of this garden. With limited means and the use of affordable materials we created a wheel chair friendly garden that offers ample space for both human and wild life.

The goal for this recent bathroom remodel in Ashburn VA was to make the new bathroom feel larger and update the materials. The old bathroom cabinet was replaced with a modern full-width bathroom vanity mirror. The shower enclosure footprint remained the same, and the separation walls were replaced with a glass surround. The flooring tile was done while marble on the bath floor and into the shower pan to expand the visual space. The bathtub next to the shower was matched with the wall color to expand the space visually.

Photo by Andrew Giammarco.
Living room - mid-sized contemporary open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Seattle with white walls and a tv stand

Goals Our client wanted to open up the kitchen into the living area, allowing the first floor to feel more open and optimize storage, since it was a smaller space. They wanted to keep with the original architecture while still making the space feel modern and fresh. Our Design Solution By removing hanging cabinets that blocked views into the living area and enlarging the kitchen island, we created a more open and inviting space. Replacing the dark cabinets and updating the counters with white marble, we transformed this space into a modern-style kitchen. Aqua colored subway tile was used to add a complementary accent color. We custom designed a pantry in order to store food as well as larger appliances that the client didn’t want out on the counter.

The driving force for the design of the new bathrooms was to completely reinvent the space to stylishly meet the clients’ current and future needs. Re-working the entire layout of the space was needed to achieve the goal. With a transitional style, we brought it rustic finished and modern colors to the space to reflect the character and style of the clients. The new placement of the shower and tub opened up the space allowing natural light penetrate throughout the entire room, making the space feel larger than before. With the addition of a custom frameless glass walk-in shower, a drop in tub under the window with tile surround, custom cabinetry with His and Her side, the couple is now enjoying their new master bath custom designed for their unique needs. Cindi with an eye Photography

This Master Suite Addition project was initiated by our Clients’ desire to stay in their family home well into their golden years. Their wish list included a master suite and large open space for entertaining. With “Aging in Place” a main objective, our goal was to move all essential tasks to the first floor. Our design created a smooth transition between old house and new by expanding their dining room and adding a vestibule between the two spaces. This resulted in a much larger dining space and the larger entertaining area they were seeking. The master bedroom’s floor to ceiling windows on two of the walls frames picturesque views of their beloved garden outside. Vaulted ceilings, French doors to the bathroom with a transom window above express class and grandeur. Through the French doors the elegant master bathroom shines with reflections from the decorative crystal chandelier, white and grey tile, polished chrome fixtures and lighted glass bowls. A double headed shower, with dual temperature controls, and the air-jetted tub provide a true sanctuary for a relaxed bathing experience. “His and Her” elements are also fulfilled with dual vanities, and dual toilet areas. Upon completion, the homeowners passionately stated that this project turned out even better than they could have imagined. They truly love their new space in their long loved home and look forward to many more years in their new haven.

This project began right after the homeowners moved in. The only furnishings re-used were the beautiful rugs collected over time and travels. The goal was to create a welcoming space for family and friends to gather. We used the rugs as a jumping off point, choosing colourful fabrics and themes that reflect a global aesthetic as well as coordinating the different rugs throughout the open spaces. Living Room tables were carefully chosen to be individual pieces while allowing the rug to show through. The custom wall unit was designed by Teresa for the homeowners' many books and collectibles as well as the TV, and was built by Ian Schroeder of Forest Hill Woodwork and Cabinetry. Benches were added under the windows to maximize seating for larger gatherings. Photos by Kelly Horkoff, kwestimages.com

This beautiful country manor struggled with access and a cohesive feel with the addition of the newly expanded barn. Out goal was to remove the outdated timber walls with unsafe steps and replace them with a beautiful durable man made stone, creating a larger entrance, safer stairs and a gentle rolling landscape surrounded with perennials and deer resistant plants with color for every season. Relocating the steps allowed for safer access and more room for plant material. The home owner loved the walls so much that they installed stone on the barn to match. Now everything comes together seamlessly on this beautiful country estate in Ann Arbor Michigan.

Goals Our client wanted to open up the kitchen into the living area, allowing the first floor to feel more open and optimize storage, since it was a smaller space. They wanted to keep with the original architecture while still making the space feel modern and fresh. Our Design Solution By removing hanging cabinets that blocked views into the living area and enlarging the kitchen island, we created a more open and inviting space. Replacing the dark cabinets and updating the counters with white marble, we transformed this space into a modern-style kitchen. Aqua colored subway tile was used to add a complementary accent color. We custom designed a pantry in order to store food as well as larger appliances that the client didn’t want out on the counter.

The goal was to enlarge the Kitchen, utilize the wasted space in the Family Room and Dining Room and remodel the Fireplace. We strategically removed dividing walls to create an "open plan" and relocated the dining room to the back of the space allowing for a larger, more efficient kitchen and an island with seating and a breakfast eating area. Instead of a down draft , or island hood, we selected a ceiling exhaust system that didn't obstruct the view. Opening up the wall from the entry to the dining area made a clear walkway to the kitchen. The "shiplap" was added to the fireplace and accent wall behind the dining table for texture and interest.

The driving force for the design of the new bathrooms was to completely reinvent the space to stylishly meet the clients’ current and future needs. Re-working the entire layout of the space was needed to achieve the goal. With a transitional style, we brought it rustic finished and modern colors to the space to reflect the character and style of the clients. The new placement of the shower and tub opened up the space allowing natural light penetrate throughout the entire room, making the space feel larger than before. With the addition of a custom frameless glass walk-in shower, a drop in tub under the window with tile surround, custom cabinetry with His and Her side, the couple is now enjoying their new master bath custom designed for their unique needs. Cindi with an eye Photography

The driving force for the design of the new bathrooms was to completely reinvent the space to stylishly meet the clients’ current and future needs. Re-working the entire layout of the space was needed to achieve the goal. With a transitional style, we brought it rustic finished and modern colors to the space to reflect the character and style of the clients. The new placement of the shower and tub opened up the space allowing natural light penetrate throughout the entire room, making the space feel larger than before. With the addition of a custom frameless glass walk-in shower, a drop in tub under the window with tile surround, custom cabinetry with His and Her side, the couple is now enjoying their new master bath custom designed for their unique needs. Cindi with an eye Photography

Two young children were the focus of this design challenge, with creating functional everyday spaces at the heart of our client's goals. A working larder to hide counter top appliances, a coffee bar, and breakfast station sits adjacent to a round kitchen table. The U shaped kitchen with centre island became the hub of the home for both everyday cooking and homework station, to entertaining friends and family for larger get togethers.

The goal was to enlarge the Kitchen, utilize the wasted space in the Family Room and Dining Room and remodel the Fireplace. We strategically removed dividing walls to create an "open plan" and relocated the dining room to the back of the space allowing for a larger, more efficient kitchen and an island with seating and a breakfast eating area. Instead of a down draft , or island hood, we selected a ceiling exhaust system that didn't obstruct the view. Opening up the wall from the entry to the dining area made a clear walkway to the kitchen. The "shiplap" was added to the fireplace and accent wall behind the dining table for texture and interest.