Softly hued blue cabinetry brings a sense of design, while antique mirrored backsplash tiles add depth and texture. Thoughtfully integrated and impeccably detailed, the wet bar balances function with elegance and is designed for both everyday use and entertaining.

Trendy boy light wood floor, beige floor and wallpaper kids' bedroom photo in San Francisco with multicolored walls

Kitchen - contemporary l-shaped kitchen idea in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Trendy u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, blue backsplash, black appliances, no island and black countertops

Home bar - traditional home bar idea in Cleveland

Open concept kitchen - contemporary u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a contemporary metal railing deck remodel in San Francisco with no cover

Inspiration for a timeless home bar remodel in Minneapolis

Builder: Erwin Forrest Builders Photography: Juan Vidal
Farmhouse kitchen photo in Philadelphia

Example of a classic basement design in Minneapolis

Beach style home bar photo in Minneapolis

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So often our task as residential architects is not to create something out of nothing. Instead, it is to help evolve, or bring forward something that is already there; to see with new eyes the best of what exists and to clarify and expand it, so that the house supports and celebrates how the client lives, and hopes to live, in the home. So was the case with our House of Blues. The house was already wonderful. There was plenty of space, good views, a functioning floor plan, and the home was in overall good condition. The best features however, were embedded in the time it was built – mid 1960’s. The views were good, but too small. The kitchen location worked well, but is was closed off, cramped, and lacking counter space. The dining room was elegant, but too large and isolated. The graceful central hallway remained the homes most unique feature, but it was dark and the entry to the rooms on either side were accessed via small doorways. The bathrooms were large enough, and in the right locations, but they were tired and dated, and there was no mudroom. We created something out of something. Beautiful shades of blue permeated the owner’s things and became a central theme in new elements. Daylight was expanded and brought deeper into the space. Doorways were widened and walls removed. The central hallway was fully opened at the end with two-story glass to improve on an already good idea. The kitchen was wholly new and expanded by borrowing space from the dining room. A mudroom was carved out of the garage. All the bathrooms were remodeled with fresh materials and new features. The gracious concrete stoop was reclad in stone and the front door was changed out for a splash of color. Light now permeates all the rooms and spaces flow together without losing their identity or function. The owners no longer feel blue in their House of Blues! Location: St Paul, MN Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal- in -Charge Nate Dodge

Kitchen - transitional u-shaped kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, purple cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Alcove shower - transitional dark wood floor, brown floor and single-sink alcove shower idea in St Louis with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Trendy u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Newark with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

A client of ours recently came in and her vision was clear: she was looking for a beautiful, welcoming kitchen that blends both style and functionality. White Oak cabinetry was part of the inspiration and we were able to work with her and her daughter to find a door style that fit both our style and budget. We achieved the organic charm from her inspiration photos utilizing Pioneer Cabinetry. We landed on maple cabinets in the Sweet Honey stain — a finish that echoes the tones of Baltic Birch and brings a soft, Scandinavian peacefulness to the space.

Example of a trendy backyard tile patio design in San Francisco with no cover

Our latest project in Harlem involves the transformation of the lower two floors of a four-story brownstone into a vibrant and playful duplex apartment. The design balances functionality with whimsy, creating a bright, welcoming home full of character and personality. The main floor is designed as an open-concept living and kitchen area that maximizes both light and space. The living room is anchored by a striking custom-built floor-to-ceiling unit, which serves as a multifunctional centerpiece, combining a TV entertainment center, a bar, and display shelving. This elegant feature also subtly divides the living area from the staircase leading to the lower level. The kitchen, a focal point of the home, features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that makes full use of the high ceilings, blending grey tones with walnut finishes. A playful multicolored triangular-tiled backsplash adds an element of fun, while large glass sliding doors lead to a newly constructed deck overlooking the backyard. Above the kitchen sink, a generously sized window allows natural light to flood in, transforming what was once a dimly lit space into a bright and inviting area. At the front of the main floor, a small music studio offers flexibility and creativity. This space can be enclosed with floor-to-ceiling aluminum and glass sliding partitions, maintaining the open flow of the layout while offering privacy when needed. A bold powder room further enhances the personality of the space. It features a custom black wall-mounted concrete sink with an angular design that wraps around the toilet. The sink is set against a fullheight mirrored wall, which reflects the dynamic black-and-white graffiti wallpaper, making the compact space both striking and memorable. The lower level is dedicated to the private quarters, designed with comfort and luxury in mind. The primary bedroom suite is a true sanctuary, boasting a spacious ensuite bath with a luxurious open wet-room concept. At its heart is a freestanding white soaking tub, complemented by dark blue hexagonal tiles that cover the floor and extend up the wall behind the double vanities, creating a dramatic and cohesive effect. The toilet is tucked away in a separate room painted in a matching deep blue, adding to the suite’s serene and cohesive ambiance. This level also includes a second bedroom and a guest bath, each reflecting the playful design theme of the home. The guest bathroom is particularly delightful, with sunny white and yellow hexagonal tiles on the walls and a matching yellow tile floor, creating a cheerful and uplifting space. Every detail of this Harlem duplex reflects the client’s vision for a home that feels modern yet full of personality. From the playful material choices to the thoughtful use of light and space, the design celebrates the character of the historic brownstone while embracing contemporary living.