The conversion of this iconic American barn into a Writer’s Studio was conceived of as a tranquil retreat with natural light and lush views to stimulate inspiration for both husband and wife. Originally used as a garage with two horse stalls, the existing stick framed structure provided a loft with ideal space and orientation for a secluded studio. Signature barn features were maintained and enhanced such as horizontal siding, trim, large barn doors, cupola, roof overhangs, and framing. New features added to compliment the contextual significance and sustainability aspect of the project were reclaimed lumber from a razed barn used as flooring, driftwood retrieved from the shores of the Hudson River used for trim, and distressing / wearing new wood finishes creating an aged look. Along with the efforts for maintaining the historic character of the barn, modern elements were also incorporated into the design to provide a more current ensemble based on its new use. Elements such a light fixtures, window configurations, plumbing fixtures and appliances were all modernized to appropriately represent the present way of life.

Originally a concrete pad for parking a car, the floor has been transformed into a "work of art"... an original design, hand painted, and finished with a clear-coat, industrial epoxy finish. This space serves multiple purposes - an inviting entry, it also serves the owner with an area for exercise, yoga, and meditation, as well as storage space.

bluestone Downers Grove
Large elegant backyard stone patio photo in Chicago with a pergola

Bluestone treads, walls and a private patio all fit seamlessly with the mid century modern home.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Chicago

Patrick Reynolds
Inspiration for a contemporary blue two-story wood gable roof remodel in Auckland

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in Boston

While preparing to build their new ICF home in Arcadia, our clients hired EKB to create a modern kitchen that would reflect their lifestyle desires. We call this “The Edge”. This project was all about clean lines while maintaining interest and an inviting warmth in the home. Our custom cabinetry was created with flat panel doors and drawers with laminate finishes for an easy to maintain surface with a modern, crisp edge. Quartz from Dekton – Helena, evokes the feeling of clouds as it soars above the cooktop in a gradated design that was echoed in the hidden channel pulls on the cabinetry below. The Thermador appliances included paneled refrigerator and freezer flanking the induction cooktop and custom vent hood. (If you are not familiar with the benefits Induction offers, watch our video tutorial here: Induction.) Other design elements include our low-bar seating at the island which also incorporates a Galley Workstation Sink. In the tall cabinet to the right of the ovens you will notice the open space below. This allows their robot vacuum to roam freely at the specified time while placing itself out of sight when not in use. As you tour our portfolio, you will see a wide range of styles from Rustic to Ultra Modern. EKB Home does not have one particular style that we “do”. In fact, we strive to make each project unique so that each of our homeowners has something special. This one is just that! For this project, our homeowners invited us into the process before their home was even in the framing stage, allowing us to carefully refine the kitchen and pantry layout long before the finishes were installed. Thoughtful planning during construction leads to a more functional, elevated, and beautifully finished home.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.

Welcome to a newly built home in Redwood City, crafted from the ground up with over 25 years of skilled construction expertise. Original home was demolished. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to meet city standards, limitations, and requirements—resulting in a residence that feels light, crisp, and deeply connected to nature. Wood floors run throughout the home, creating warmth and continuity from the moment you step inside. *Entry & Living Spaces* As you enter through the clean, modern 8-foot door—perfectly aligned with the 9-foot ceiling—you’re greeted by a bright, open feel. The living room centers around a custom fireplace clad in artistic tile, paired with a built-in TV stand. Directly across, double sliding doors invite natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor living. The entire home enjoys a ceiling of 9' with a combination of vaulted ceiling in the primary bedroom. *Kitchen – The Heart of the Home* The kitchen is the true centerpiece. Designed with an open concept and surrounded by generous windows, it features quartz on both the countertops and full-height walls for a luxurious, cohesive aesthetic. A large island—topped with a full slab of quartz—anchors the room, offering extra space between the island and main counters for comfortable movement and entertainment. Two elegant clear pendant lights highlight its presence. Outfitted with top-tier luxury appliances designed for both performance and visual refinement. White cabinetry keeps the look clean and minimalist, while oversized drawers provide functional storage for cooking utensils. The induction cooktop, paired with a pot filler, reinforces the modern and streamlined design. A double oven and an almost-hidden pantry maintain the sleek look, keeping the focus on the kitchen’s architecture and flow. Mudroom & Dining Area Adjacent to the kitchen is a mudroom with a charming barn door leading toward the garage. A half-wall accent features eccentric black-and-white tile, complemented by bold black fixtures. A small custom hidden closet maximizes storage while maintaining a refined appearance. The dining room, open and airy, continues the wood flooring and is adorned with stylish pendant lighting—perfect for gatherings and everyday meals. The wide, open staircase is fully exposed to the dining area and first floor, creating a striking architectural feature that visually connects the spaces. Its modern wood-and-metal design contributes to the home’s open flow while serving as a sculptural centerpiece within the main living level. *Bedrooms & Laundry* Guest and secondary bedrooms are bright and inviting, each with multiple windows framed in sleek black for a modern edge. Every bedroom enjoys its own bathroom, offering comfort and privacy. A compact but well-designed laundry room includes a sink and drying rack, making smart use of space. The second story features an open layout with wide hallways, enhancing the sense of space and natural flow. This home also includes an office and one of the bedrooms is used for a workout space. *Primary Suite* Set apart from the other bedrooms for privacy, the primary suite is a luxurious retreat. An accent wall adds character, while a large walk-in closet offers abundant storage. A skylight fills the room with natural light, enhancing the open, breathable atmosphere. *Bathrooms* Each bathroom was thoughtfully designed with its own personality: - Primary bathroom: The primary bathroom embraces a concrete-inspired look, featuring dual sinks and a spacious shower with double-sided niches—one for each person. An LED makeup mirror adds functional elegance. - Second bathroom: Gray cabinet, tile wall, black fixtures, frameless shower door, and a striking floral tile accent. - Third bathroom: White cabinets, gold fixtures, white tile floors, a shower stall, and a bold green tile feature wall with a large niche. - Fourth bathroom: Blue cabinet, gray tile floors, a tub with frameless shower door, and gray wall tiles paired with sleek chrome fixtures. - Powder Room: Half wall crown molding with black tile design and fixtures. *Exterior & Landscape* The planning process also emphasized low-maintenance landscape design, using easy-care plants that enhance the home’s natural feel without demanding constant upkeep. The home is also equipped with a dedicated EV charging station and solar panels, supporting energy efficiency and modern sustainable living.

"The homeowners wanted a modern kitchen design with a striking marble back splash, clean, white countertops, and light colored cabinets with a wood island. Our goal was to satisfy our client's wishes by creating a kitchen that is highly functional, polished, and visually striking." Fernando Geurra Spogue Kitchens & Bath

Refined conservatory, designed with a focus on both aesthetic elegance and wellness-centric living. The space is anchored by a classic checkerboard marble tile floor, which adds a layer of timeless sophistication while maintaining a cleanable, allergen-aware surface essential to the CLEAN DESIGN HOME philosophy. Plants are a focal point to maintain privacy from street and to enhance the room’s airy, light-filled atmosphere. The room's architecture and finishes are intentionally curated to provide a restorative sanctuary that blends high-end design with functional, healthy living principles. Lighting: Progress Furniture: Vintage, Facebook Marketplace Architect: Brian Gille Builder: Brandon Construction Designer: Robin Wilson, CLEAN DESIGN HOME

Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Los Angeles

Kitchen in Bronco Revival | Key Feature: A warm, masculine, family-friendly Scottsdale home refresh designed to function as both a lived-in family space and a design showroom, blending current trends with timeless style. Challenge: The main challenge was maintaining a cohesive design while replacing underperforming elements from a previous installation, all within an existing architectural framework. Additional hurdles included sourcing pieces that worked with existing furniture, finding properly scaled rugs for large North Scottsdale rooms, ensuring correct counter stool height for a substantial 3-inch stone slab island, and coordinating the timeline around photography/videography schedules and local contractor availability. Solution: We approached the refresh strategically by preserving the strongest existing elements while updating key furnishings and finishes to create a warmer, more sophisticated look. New vendor relationships and products were tested before specifying for broader client use, while all selections prioritized durability for an active family lifestyle. Timeline flexibility became a creative advantage, allowing for an unconventional beam wallpaper application that ultimately became a signature design moment. Our construction management ensured seamless coordination across trades throughout the Scottsdale area. Materials: Moss Studio- Sofa + Pillows | Coffee tables by MadeGoods: Davion Coffee Tables – sculptural mango wood with rich texture | Performance rugs by Loloi: High-traffic wool construction perfect for pets and children | Custom drapery fabric by Schumacher: Premium textiles maintaining original custom window treatments | Drapery hardware by Hesler Brothers | Palmer Industries - | Sun Lighting - Chandeliers, Table Lamps, Pendants | Budget ($ Range): $75-$100K | Timeline (Duration): 3 months

This 4,140 sqft Spanish-style home underwent an extensive, multi-space remodel designed to preserve its original character while elevating it with custom craftsmanship and high-end materials throughout. The kitchen, pantry, powder room, laundry room, primary closet, and primary bathroom were all thoughtfully redesigned with Spanish-inspired detailing and a refined, luxurious approach. The kitchen is the heart of the remodel and showcases fully custom cabinetry with arched reed columns, bespoke door profiles, and an island wrapped in individually applied oak reeds. Pocket doors conceal a coffee nook, while arched metal-framed glass doors seamlessly integrate into custom arched cabinetry and pantry units. A custom ornamental metal detail doubles as a hanging bar for the banquette’s tailored blue cushions. Cabinet finishes combine soft off-white with lightly stained natural oak. A dramatic custom arched lime-plaster hood anchors the space, featuring hidden storage and a striking Zia tile backsplash above a custom blue BlueStar range. Taj Mahal quartzite wraps the countertops and backsplash, while walls and ceilings are finished in Patagonia Roman clay for added depth and texture. Dornbracht fixtures in brushed champagne gold, Top Knobs hardware, and a blue marble banquette tabletop complete the space. The powder room continues the artisanal theme with a floating microcement countertop, Oska vessel sink by Kast, warm bronze wall-mounted faucet by Graff, alabaster sconces, handmade Moroccan zellige tile flooring, original painted glass windows, and Roman clay walls and ceiling. In the laundry room, custom cabinetry, generous storage, and patterned painted limestone tile flooring maintain the Spanish influence while maximizing function. The primary closet features a custom dark blue closet system, highlighted by an arched illuminated glass display cabinet set atop a Viola marble countertop. Roman clay walls in a deeper blue tone and a sculptural glass chandelier complete the space. The primary bathroom is one of the most distinctive spaces in the home. A custom layout includes a freestanding tub, arched walk-in shower, and bespoke double vanity. Dramatic Dover White marble slabs were bookmatched and carried across half-height walls, shower walls, vanity surfaces, and backsplash. The same marble was meticulously fabricated into custom 4”x4” pieces for the shower pan, allowing the veining to flow seamlessly while maintaining slip resistance. The remaining walls are finished in Concretta microcement for a soft plaster effect. The rift white oak double vanity features curved edges, ribbed side details, and six-panel drawer fronts. Warm bronze fixtures by Graff, arched niches, elliptical mirrors, and custom handmade Voyager sconces by Allied Maker complete this Spanish-inspired sanctuary. This project is a true celebration of craftsmanship, material integrity, and timeless Spanish design, reimagined for modern luxury living.

Living Room in Bronco Revival | Key Feature: A warm, masculine, family-friendly Scottsdale home refresh designed to function as both a lived-in family space and a design showroom, blending current trends with timeless style. Challenge: The main challenge was maintaining a cohesive design while replacing underperforming elements from a previous installation, all within an existing architectural framework. Additional hurdles included sourcing pieces that worked with existing furniture, finding properly scaled rugs for large North Scottsdale rooms, ensuring correct counter stool height for a substantial 3-inch stone slab island, and coordinating the timeline around photography/videography schedules and local contractor availability. Solution: We approached the refresh strategically by preserving the strongest existing elements while updating key furnishings and finishes to create a warmer, more sophisticated look. New vendor relationships and products were tested before specifying for broader client use, while all selections prioritized durability for an active family lifestyle. Timeline flexibility became a creative advantage, allowing for an unconventional beam wallpaper application that ultimately became a signature design moment. Our construction management ensured seamless coordination across trades throughout the Scottsdale area. Materials: Moss Studio- Sofa + Pillows | Coffee tables by MadeGoods: Davion Coffee Tables – sculptural mango wood with rich texture | Performance rugs by Loloi: High-traffic wool construction perfect for pets and children | Custom drapery fabric by Schumacher: Premium textiles maintaining original custom window treatments | Drapery hardware by Hesler Brothers | Palmer Industries - | Sun Lighting - Chandeliers, Table Lamps, Pendants | Budget ($ Range): $75-$100K | Timeline (Duration): 3 months

Hall in Bronco Revival | Key Feature: A warm, masculine, family-friendly Scottsdale home refresh designed to function as both a lived-in family space and a design showroom, blending current trends with timeless style. Challenge: The main challenge was maintaining a cohesive design while replacing underperforming elements from a previous installation, all within an existing architectural framework. Additional hurdles included sourcing pieces that worked with existing furniture, finding properly scaled rugs for large North Scottsdale rooms, ensuring correct counter stool height for a substantial 3-inch stone slab island, and coordinating the timeline around photography/videography schedules and local contractor availability. Solution: We approached the refresh strategically by preserving the strongest existing elements while updating key furnishings and finishes to create a warmer, more sophisticated look. New vendor relationships and products were tested before specifying for broader client use, while all selections prioritized durability for an active family lifestyle. Timeline flexibility became a creative advantage, allowing for an unconventional beam wallpaper application that ultimately became a signature design moment. Our construction management ensured seamless coordination across trades throughout the Scottsdale area. Materials: Moss Studio- Sofa + Pillows | Coffee tables by MadeGoods: Davion Coffee Tables – sculptural mango wood with rich texture | Performance rugs by Loloi: High-traffic wool construction perfect for pets and children | Custom drapery fabric by Schumacher: Premium textiles maintaining original custom window treatments | Drapery hardware by Hesler Brothers | Palmer Industries - | Sun Lighting - Chandeliers, Table Lamps, Pendants | Budget ($ Range): $75-$100K | Timeline (Duration): 3 months

This shower design makes a bold architectural statement through pattern, proportion, and material contrast. Vertical and horizontal tile bands create a striking graphic backdrop, adding rhythm and depth while maintaining a clean, tailored aesthetic. The neutral palette keeps the composition grounded, allowing texture and line to take center stage. A marble bench introduces organic movement through expressive veining, balancing the structured geometry of the tilework. Warm brass plumbing fixtures provide a refined contrast, adding warmth and subtle sophistication against the cool stone and tile surfaces. Frameless glass panels maintain visual openness, allowing the full material story to remain uninterrupted. The result is a modern, thoughtfully layered shower space that feels both sculptural and highly functional, blending bold design with timeless material choices.

The 722 Ash Street residence consists of a 1500 sf primary house with a contiguous 500 sf accessory dwelling. The project is set in the rich culture of North Lawrence, its rear property line abuts the Lawrence levee trail which runs for nine miles along the north bank of the Kansas River. North Lawrence is known for its quality soil, large trees, curbless streets and random size parcels before it breaks into larger farms further from the urban center. It is built on the typical orthogonal grid of American development, but it represents the older growth of the city prior to urban planners and zoning regulations. The rumble of freight trains and farm trucks in the shadows of the towering grain elevators are only blocks away. It is home to many who enjoy being only a bridge crossing away from Lawrence’s vibrant downtown but are far enough away to maintain their independence from many of the restrictions on living near the historic district. They can work in their large gardens and toiling in their garages and shops in a manner more rural than urban. The house on 722 Ash St. is imbued with the character of North Lawrence and the Levee Trail area. The design was inspired by the Midwestern farmstead vernacular of the region. These timeless vernacular qualities house all the accommodations necessary for modern, sustainable living. A unique feature of this house is the Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted in the zoning district. It is a small separate residence on the same lot that can be used for income property or for extended family members. It also supports the city of Lawrence’s goals of increased density close to downtown rather than continued sprawl into the countryside. The buildings use technology and common-sense design to reduce the building’s footprint and assure the owners low energy use and costs. A 4.9 Kw solar collection system is located on the only south facing gable and the super insulated envelopes (r-62 roof and r-35 walls) of all three forms easily exceeds the standards. Studio 804 continues their long standing pattern of maintaining the highest level of sustainable design while remaining contextually sensitive to the surrounding community. This house, like every Studio 804 project since 2008, is USGBC LEED Platinum Certified.