photos by Trina Roberts 949.395.8341 trina@grinphotography.com www.grinphotography.com
Inspiration for a coastal exterior home remodel in Orange County

This is an example of a modern landscaping in Austin.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Hallway - industrial light wood floor hallway idea in Philadelphia with white walls

Photo: Kaia Calhoun © 2017 Houzz
Example of a cottage living room design

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas. The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing. From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This "perfect-sized" laundry room is just off the mudroom and can be closed off from the rest of the house. The large window makes the space feel large and open. A custom designed wall of shelving and specialty cabinets accommodates everything necessary for day-to-day laundry needs. This custom home was designed and built by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Joshua Caldwell.

The master bedroom is the highlight of the home with a wall-to-wall gray headboard surrounded by vintage black and white photographs the design team located and framed.

Modern family loft renovation. A young couple starting a family in the city purchased this two story loft in Boston's South End. Built in the 1990's, the loft was ready for updates. ZED transformed the space, creating a fresh new look and greatly increasing its functionality to accommodate an expanding family within an urban setting. Improvement were made to the aesthetics, scale, and functionality for the growing family to enjoy. Photos by Eric Roth. Construction by Ralph S. Osmond Company. Green architecture by ZeroEnergy Design.

With tall ceilings, an impressive stone fireplace, and original wooden beams, this home in Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago, had plenty of character and a style that felt coastal. Six months into the purchase of their home, this family of six contacted Alessia Loffredo and Sarah Coscarelli of ReDesign Home to complete their home’s renovation by tackling the kitchen. “Surprisingly, the kitchen was the one room in the home that lacked interest due to a challenging layout between kitchen, butler pantry, and pantry,” the designer shared, “the cabinetry was not proportionate to the space’s large footprint and height. None of the house’s architectural features were introduced into kitchen aside from the wooden beams crossing the room throughout the main floor including the family room.” She moved the pantry door closer to the prepping and cooking area while converting the former butler pantry a bar. Alessia designed an oversized hood around the stove to counterbalance the impressive stone fireplace located at the opposite side of the living space. She then wanted to include functionality, using Trim Tech‘s cabinets, featuring a pair with retractable doors, for easy access, flanking both sides of the range. The client had asked for an island that would be larger than the original in their space – Alessia made the smart decision that if it was to increase in size it shouldn’t increase in visual weight and designed it with legs, raised above the floor. Made out of steel, by Wayward Machine Co., along with a marble-replicating porcelain countertop, it was designed with durability in mind to withstand anything that her client’s four children would throw at it. Finally, she added finishing touches to the space in the form of brass hardware from Katonah Chicago, with similar toned wall lighting and faucet.

Transitional sunroom photo in Boston with a skylight

Spacecrafters Photography
Example of an arts and crafts green exterior home design in Minneapolis