These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

We were called in, in hopes our Pond Reconstruction skills could fix this customers woes. The existing pond was problematic and a bit of an eyesore. There were various leaks, section of random concrete as well as DIY pond implements. The overall construction of the pond was also far from These are just a few of the reasons why it’s imperative that you never hire a contractor based on price. Shortcuts lead to short term solutions. Always seek out a Certified Aquascape Contractor for any water feature project. -anyway- We vowed to rectify the situation with a reconstructed and remodeled work of art. After all the water was pumped out we began disassembling the pond. All aquatic life was removed with some being salvaged for reuse. Next was on to the large boulders as well as other rock and gravel throughout the pond. The random concrete and DIY implement creation abominations were removed along with the liner. Fortunately an Aquascape skimmer was installed, which we were able to re-use. Once everything was removed we began excavating for the new pond. New liner, underlayment, and biofalls were installed. We reused the existing boulders as well as brought in more since the pond was made larger. Driftwood was installed to naturalize the pond and aquatic plants and fish were reintroduced. a few landscape boulders were placed around the pond and it was finished off with a bit of fresh mulch. This pond reconstruction project is located in Ephrata, PA Lancaster County.

In this great room, orangey-gold wood is featured in the minimal L-shaped kitchen (on the left -- not shown). This wood tone became the basis of our selections for furnishings in the larger seating area. A bulky sectional in cognac leather and a classic Eames chair and ottoman with a golden cherry frame offer comfortable lounging. The kitchen's off-black granite countertop also inspired the use of the black slate floors and other dark finishes. The rough surface of the slate tiles lends a natural earthy flavour to the room. Notable is the dark grid created by painting the garden door frames and the open shelving unit in charcoal grey.

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

A project collaboration with Mekastin Interiors, this project transforms a modest brick bungalow into a modern, family-oriented home that embraces both style and function. Designed for a rural property in Madawaska Valley, our clients requested a sleek, low-maintenance exterior that reflects the rural surroundings, which include a pine forest behind the house and a scenic duck pond. To honour these natural elements, the design incorporates wood timber and lattice accents, creating a balance of modern and organic materials. The layout is crafted with the family’s dynamic lifestyle in mind, offering ample spaces for both active living and quiet moments. The home features a spacious open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen with high ceilings and large windows, designed to promote family gatherings and entertaining. The new kitchen, equipped with an island and stool seating, flows effortlessly into the great room, which includes a fireplace with a concrete slab surround and a timber mantel, tying together modern and natural design elements. The home expansion includes a larger master ensuite, an additional bedroom, and a new study for a quiet space. Practical additions such as a powder room, mudroom, large pantry, and a modern kitchen further enhance the home’s functionality. A large screened porch off the dining room and kitchen offers an extended area for entertaining guests, while a wrap-around deck with a covered section provides protection from the summer sun. The design also includes a new oversized, attached two-car garage, perfect for storing sports equipment and ensuring easy access to the home. This thoughtful renovation successfully transforms the bungalow into a stylish, functional family home that reflects both the clients’ vision and the beauty of their rural setting.

CCI Renovations/North Vancouver/Photos - Luiza Matysiak. This former bungalow went through a renovation 9 years ago that added a garage and a new kitchen and family room. It did not, however, address the clients need for larger bedrooms, more living space and additional bathrooms. The solution was to rearrange the existing main floor and add a full second floor over the old bungalow section. The result is a significant improvement in the quality, style and functionality of the interior and a more balanced exterior. The use of an open tread walnut staircase with walnut floors and accents throughout the home combined with well-placed accents of rock, wallpaper, light fixtures and paint colors truly transformed the home into a showcase.

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

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES CONNECTICUTWestport CT. WITH A LOVE of outdoor living, these Connecticut homeowners wanted to outfit their open-air area for maximum enjoyment. Envisioning a space especially for cooking, dining, and relaxing, they hired Michael Gotowala, principal designer and president of Preferred Properties Landscaping and Masonry, whose motto is to “live beyond the walls of your home outdoors.” Preparing their home so the owners could do just that, Gotowala got to work on an addition that allowed for a master bedroom and office walkout for private outdoor living. The heart of the outdoor area features a fireplace with arched stone bins, granite countertops, and an adult beverage center. To the right, a stone hot tub complements the stone courtyard and privacy walls, which are highlighted with fire jars. To the left of the addition is pool central. This section includes a fire pit with stone bench and L-shaped island against the house. element, visually connecting areas. The stone façade on the house matches that of the island, making the entire space appear larger. Stone steps at all the door openings have different heights to accommodate the pool and home addition. And Gotowala chose an artful mix of varieties that all complement each other: Noble hill yellow stone for the walls, Norwegian buff limestone for the pool deck and coping, and yellow river granite for the kitchen countertops. For more insight on this Fabulous outdoor living project in Westport, Ct. by Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES go to www.OutdoorKitchenDesigner.com

Example Photo This master suite has it all -- spacious bedroom and luxury bath, office nook with plenty of storage space, and a lower level lounging area. Each room takes advantage of glorious views of woodland with the Hudson River just beyond it. Cutting away sections of existing walls completely opened the space up, making it feel much larger. The unifying white wall color also aids in making the space feel bright, clean and airy. MainFrame Photography

These Northern Virginia residents have owned this vacation home for about ten years. With retirement imminent, they decided to give the entire home an over-haul. With it’s great bones and amazing location, this seemed like a very sound investment for their future. Paola McDonald from Olamar Interiors had been working with the clients for the past three years, helping them to renovate their Sterling, VA condominium and their Moorefield, WV weekend home. It seemed fitting that they would also hire her to help them renovate this home as well. For this project we took the home down to the studs and practically rebuilt it. The renovation includes an addition to the basement level and main floor to create a new fitness room, additional guest bedroom and larger kitchen and dining area. It also included a renovation of the facade of the home. The exterior of the home was completely re-sided and painted, and we added the tall windows at the stairs. The lower entry deck was expanded and an upper deck was added just off the kitchen in order for the homeowner to keep his grill away from the strong ocean winds. A new deck was also added off of the master bedroom. New stainless steel railings were added to all the decks. We opened the homes stairwells, adding custom glass railings and new lighting to create a much more open feel and allow for natural light to flood the entire main living area. The original, tiny kitchen was expanded substantially, adding a large custom eat in bar, wine storage area and plenty of storage. We utilized Decora’s Marquis Cabinetry in an espresso finish to give the kitchen a very clean, contemporary feel. Carrara marble countertops paired with a grey quartz, single slap marble backsplash, and stainless appliances create a clean look. In the new dining area, a simple Modloft dining table was paired with a Regina Andrew bubbles chandelier and Jessica Charles dining chairs for a sophisticated feel accentuated perfectly by beachy colors and textures that tie in the beautiful views of the Ocean. A custom chandelier from John Pomp is the highlight of the family room, particularly at night when it is reminiscent to fireflies in the sky. A new custom designed, custom made sectional, cozy newly added Spark Modern Fires gas fireplace, custom rug by Julie Dasher and Lee Industries chairs create a cozy place to lounge and watch television after a long day at the beach. Guests feel like they are in a luxurious boutique hotel complete with spectacular views, comfortable Ann Gish linens and beautiful and unique lighting fixtures. All three full baths and the powder room received complete facelifts with new glass, marble and ceramic tiles, Decora cabinetry, new lighting fixtures, quartz countertops and unique features that make unique statements in each one. Phillip Jeffries mica wallpaper are used in the entryway and family room fireplace walls to add a sandy texture to each space. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth was added to the master bedroom accent wall to create a delicate feature. New flooring throughout includes gorgeous dark stained hardwood floors, ceramic tile and Karastan carpeting in the bedrooms. The crisp white and grey walls are accentuated throughout the home by beach inspired turquoises, navies and lime greens. Perfectly appointed furnishings, artwork, accessories and custom made window treatments complete the look and feel of this gorgeous vacation home. Photography by Tinius Photography

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

White cabinets are complemented by a tile backsplash.
Enclosed kitchen - small modern galley enclosed kitchen idea in Charleston with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, solid surface countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash and black appliances

The bathroom has a private section for the toilet and a new sink area complete with plenty of drawer space. The bright palette makes the room feel even larger.

We transformed this playroom into a sophisticated, rustic retreat where the homeowners can enjoy the company of family and friends. Before the renovation the space was small and drab. We installed a large picture window, a chandelier and additional recessed lighting to illuminate the room and make it look and feel larger. As in all designs, functionality was a critical factor in designing this room. The versatility of the modular sectional sofa allows the homeowners to use the space for various functions and occasions. Beyond the functionality of the room, we installed a cultured stone accent wall the create dimension and interest. The stone also accentuates the beauty of the preexisting woodwork in the room. Photographer: Paul S. Bartholomew

Acting as a blank canvas, this compact Yaletown condo and its gutsy homeowners welcomed our kaleidoscopic creative vision and gave us free reign to funk up their otherwise drab pad. Colorless Ikea sofas and blank walls were traded for ultra luxe, Palm-Springs-inspired statement pieces. Wallpaper, painted pattern and foil treatments were used to give each of the tight spaces more 'larger-than-life' personality. In a city surrounded yearly with grey, rain-filled clouds and towers of glass, the overarching goal for the home was building upon a foundation of fun! In curating the home's collection of eccentric art and accessories, nothing was off limits. Each piece was handpicked from up-and-coming artists' online shops, local boutiques and galleries. The custom velvet, feather-filled sectional and its many pillows was used to make the space as much for lounging as it is for looking. Since completion, the globe-trotting duo have continued to add to their newly designed abode - both true converts to the notion that sometimes more is definitely more.

Our client felt the main floor of the home was too sectioned off and the kitchen too small. We designed a more open space by removing two load bearing walls, replacing them with engineered beams. We removed the patio door and replaced it with a single door and window to allow us to expand the foot print of the kitchen. When completed the main floor is much more open and light, the old formal living room is now a family room, the old family room is a sitting area and dining area, the kitchen is larger and more functional. A new “mudroom” was created to include a “drop zone”, bench, cubbies and pantry area. An old “wine” area was converted to be more of a butler’s pantry. The new cabinets are Tedd Wood Landmark in a white shaker style. Custom floating shelves were constructed for the corners and new bay window was installed. Finishing off the project, the powder room was remodeled, new doors on the hall closet and powder room, glass barn door leading to the basement a new entry door were installed. The main stair case was refinished along with the railing and the hardwood floors were refinished.

This pool has a 3’ 6” shallow portion along one side with a 6’ 6”-deep ‘plunge’ section along the other. On hot summer days jumping in is a favourite pastime. The walkway extends from the pool past the glass-walled family room rising up to a larger patio beside the main floor walkout.