Meet Susan McDermott. Susan is a graduate of the University of Texas, is licensed in the state of Texas and has more than 30 years design experience. She has used her talent and experience with Star Furniture since 1991. Susan's main objective is to create a pleasing environment that makes her clients happy. She is an "idea expert" and has the expertise needed to solve any design issue. "I design in layers: The base layer is the wood and furniture - the next layer is color. The last layer is accessories. My clients finish their room with the confidence those layers reflect their personality." "I enjoy doing a wide variety of styles and learning from my clients. When starting, I find out what my client's goals are and incorporate them into my design." https://www.starfurniture.com/susan-mcdermott

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years.

This 44' long water feature blends into the woodland setting of this large back yard by starting in the Redwood grove outside the client's bedroom deck, meandering by a fire pit sitting area, and ending in front of their dining patio. It has become the main feature of the yard as it can be heard and seen throughout. It is subtle, yet central. There are three falls and a place to cross from the deck to the fire pit. The water recirculates and is stored in a reservoir underground, eliminating evaporation, algae, and bug issues. The grade of the yard needed to be raised near the Redwood grove to increase the slope of the stream.

This tiny retro kitchen was both cut off from the living and dining spaces and had virtually no counter space to speak of. With the birth of the owners first child the need for a functional family kitchen became of utmost importance. Several issues had to be considered including leaving the existing back door and basement access, opening the kitchen to the main living spaces and creating a larger feeling kitchen. In order to serve these needs and stretch the budget we came up with the smallest addition possible by adding 32 sf. This small addition made a huge impact on the functionality of the kitchen by providing ample storage, an island and plenty of counter space. From the exterior, the challenge was to integrate the addition into the existing roof line and kitchen bump-out at the front of the house. Photographer: Zsofia Tantos

This powder room acts as a guest bath; it is adjacent to the main floor hall. The wall is near the property line (an issue for city homes) but a steel frame with special ceramic glass enables us to bring natural light into the bath. The decorative band in the shower is formed by tile from Heath ceramics.

This remodel incorporated the client’s love of artwork and color into a cohesive design with elegant, custom details that will stand the test of time. The space was closed in, dark and dated. The walls at the island were the first thing you saw when entering the condo. So we removed the walls which really opened it up to a welcoming space. Storage was an issue too so we borrowed space from the main floor bedroom closet and created a ‘butler’s pantry’. The client’s flair for the contemporary, original art, and love of bright colors is apparent in the materials, finishes and paint colors. Jewelry-like artisan pulls are repeated throughout the kitchen to pull it together. The Butler’s pantry provided extra storage for kitchen items and adds a little glam. The drawers are wrapped in leather with a Shagreen pattern (Asian sting ray). A creative mix of custom cabinetry materials includes gray washed white oak to complimented the new flooring and ground the mix of materials on the island, along with white gloss uppers and matte bright blue tall cabinets. With the exception of the artisan pulls used on the integrated dishwasher drawers and blue cabinets, push and touch latches were used to keep it as clean looking as possible. Kitchen details include a chef style sink, quartz counters, motorized assist for heavy drawers and various cabinetry organizers.

Meet Susan McDermott. Susan is a graduate of the University of Texas, is licensed in the state of Texas and has more than 30 years design experience. She has used her talent and experience with Star Furniture since 1991. Susan's main objective is to create a pleasing environment that makes her clients happy. She is an "idea expert" and has the expertise needed to solve any design issue. "I design in layers: The base layer is the wood and furniture - the next layer is color. The last layer is accessories. My clients finish their room with the confidence those layers reflect their personality." "I enjoy doing a wide variety of styles and learning from my clients. When starting, I find out what my client's goals are and incorporate them into my design." https://www.starfurniture.com/susan-mcdermott

This is a little nook in the second floor hall leading to the bedrooms. What a great space to have for the kids. The table happened by mistake which worked out beautifully. It was purchased for the main Foyer and it just so happened that the home owner did not like it. It fit perfectly in this space. The only issue is that it needs to be a little higher so we are building a platform for it to sit on to raise it. At that point it will be the perfect height.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Like many families with older children, this local Glen Ellyn couple wanted to expand the size of their kitchen while also creating a more open, airy feel for their main level. The home had plenty of space that included a formal living room, formal dining room, family room with eat-in area and kitchen with butler’s pantry. What it didn’t have, was an effortless flow between the areas used daily for cooking, eating and gathering. Additionally, the kitchen had become outdated, feeling dark and dismal, despite the abundance of natural light. Our clients wanted a bright, cheerful interior that would inspire the family to congregate in this part of the house. No easy feat with teenagers. An open floor plan design solved the issues with functionality and circulation, removing the walls that restricted flow and opening up the entry to the dining room. We also eliminated the rarely used butler’s pantry allowing us to expand the kitchen and add a large island for food prep and gathering. To create a sense of symmetry and consistency in the space, a clerestory window was added below the header and framed to match the existing adjacent entry from the living room. Inspired by the owner’s Scottish ancestry, the island cabinetry boasts a beautiful blue hue, paired with stools upholstered in a sprightly plaid. The built-in buffet area provides additional storage, topped with a beautiful wooden top stained to coordinate with the stunning tones of the flooring. The owner’s opted for stainless steel appliances, inspiring the selection of brushed silver light fixtures and polished chrome hardware. Marble-look quartz offered a durable, lightly colored surface to reflect sunlight and enhance the cheer factor. According to this happy family, this uplifting space is now everyone’s favorite place to gather. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

When local business owners with four kids and an extended family decided to build their custom home with OakWood, they knew what they wanted – a luxurious yet functional space. This kitchen was designed with the intention of considering the fast-paced lives the family members while also looking to provide a space where everyone can interact and spend time together. Not only was this spacious kitchen inspired by a love of cooking, it was configured to easily facilitate informal dining for the whole large family. A large window behind the main sink brings natural light into the space but also provides a nice view into the backyard so mom can be in the kitchen and see the kids in the backyard. The kitchen was also designed with a variety of entry points; clients can access the kitchen from their sunroom, mudroom, formal dining area and more. As a result, the space is a central space for the family. Directly adjacent to this space is the informal dining area and a desk with a computer which allows the clients to work while still being present for the comings and goings of everyone in this family space. Although two colours and textures are used for the cabinetry, there is harmony created between them as a result of the raised panel being used. The cloudy glass backsplash not only breaks up the light toned cabinetry but also adds a glossy finish that contrasts with the smooth wood finishes. Seagrove quartz is present on both the counter and island. This highly detailed quartz adds a great deal of texture and also helps to guide the viewer’s eye around the space. Pendant lights placed above the island help to draw attention toward the center of the space while also mimicking the glass seen in the cabinetry. This project was a finalist for the GOHBA Awards in the category Traditional Custom Kitchen and was also featured in the Fall issue of LUXE Magazine Ottawa. You can read the full story here: https://console.virtualpaper.com/luxe/luxe-fall-2020/#42/

Anice Hoachlander
Example of a classic exterior home design in DC Metro

The main door leads to the entry hall. To the right is the living room and stairway. Directly ahead of the entry is the library. We reupholstered a vintage settee the clients had, replacing the torn rattan, and using a performance teal velvet for the cushion.

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years. Photographer: Hannah Lloyd

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills. Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential. The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house. Photo by Chi Chin Photography. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

The client's purchased an 80's condo unit of the 4th floor. The main goal(s): To create a space suitable for aging-in-place and to successfully incorporate pre-existing furniture and decor from the client's previous home. The challenges: - To be able to fully incorporate existing furniture into a smaller space, as the client's had down-sized by moving into a condo unit. - Creating and providing a wide range of accessibility and universal design to accommodate certain health issues of one of the clients. Inspiration: Existing arches throughout the home. Treve Johnson Photography

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

Complete Hillside Backyard Renovation, El Paso – by GoDesigns This breathtaking backyard transformation in the historic area of El Paso, Texas, is a shining example of GoDesigns’ vision, expertise, and resilience. Situated on a challenging hillside property, the original backyard installed in 2005 was plagued by critical design flaws that led to a complete failure of the outdoor space. The existing negative edge pool, improperly installed with insufficient grade, drainage, and support, caused massive water loss and structural issues. The consequences were severe — the side rock wall broke in half, the backyard destabilized, and even a portion of the house was compromised. GoDesigns was brought in to turn crisis into opportunity. During the height of COVID-19, they launched Phase 1 of a multi-phase master plan to restore and reinvent the space. The entire backyard was demolished, including the compromised pool shell. The broken negative edge section was filled in, making way for a reimagined pool design. A new, reinforced pool structure was shot, finished with 5cm tumbled travertine coping, oversized mossrock boulders, new waterline tile, and a premium PebbleTec interior. Beneath the beauty lies smart engineering: GoDesigns replaced all plumbing and regraded the property, applying subsurface remediation and compaction techniques to ensure long-term stability. A new rocksalt steel reinforced concrete deck was poured, replacing the narrow wraparound layout with a spacious, functional outdoor living area. Now, the family enjoys ample room for chaise lounges, alfresco dining, and relaxing by the existing outdoor fireplace — luxuries they never had before. GoDesigns didn’t stop there. Advanced drainage systems — including underground piping, box drains, and planter drains — were installed to protect the integrity of the hillside. These systems are integrated into leveled planters that not only beautify the space but also reinforce the structure of the pool and surrounding terrain. Phase 2 focused on upgrading the patio directly outside the main house, while Phase 3 was the final touch — a lush landscape planting plan paired with elegant outdoor lighting to enhance ambiance and curb appeal. What was once a scene of despair is now a luxurious retreat — completed in thoughtfully timed phases over four years. Thanks to GoDesigns’ master planning and unwavering commitment, this hillside haven is a true testament to transformation. The clients are now looking forward to their next chapter: the front yard.

The client's purchased an 80's condo unit of the 4th floor. The main goal(s): To create a space suitable for aging-in-place and to successfully incorporate pre-existing furniture and decor from the client's previous home. The challenges: - To be able to fully incorporate existing furniture into a smaller space, as the client's had down-sized by moving into a condo unit. - Creating and providing a wide range of accessibility and universal design to accommodate certain health issues of one of the clients. Inspiration: Existing arches throughout the home. Treve Johnson Photography

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years. Photographer: Hannah Lloyd