The winding walkway with fire pit from the house on the hill down to the dock and break wall. Showcased in this project is a “Lakeside Landscape” created for a homeowner who purchased an old vacant lot on the banks of Lake Erie on the near west side of Cleveland. The lot was attractive given its location and potential for lakeside access, yet it presented some major challenges. First and foremost, the lay of the land was unfavorable, dropping 50 feet from the front of the house to the lake in just 175 linear feet. Erosion wasn’t the only concern in this case, as the space also needed to be functional. The result was over 1300 tons of locally-mined sandstone top rock and a strategic placement of each boulder to create a winding grass path to the lake and tiered entertaining spaces. One such space serves as a natural bluestone patio for unparalleled views of the lake, complimented by a decorative fountain sculpted by a local artist. The lower space is used as a secluded fire pit carved into the hillside with a bench overlooking the western horizon to catch the spectacular Lake Erie sunsets. The addition of 34 natural sandstone steps from the top patio to a reinforced concrete break wall meanders through a landscape with over 625 flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Below the surface is a series of drains, tile, low-voltage lighting, and irrigation, all designed to maximize every square foot of usable space. What began as a cliff ended as a unique lakeside living space used for recreation, entertaining, and more importantly, as a retreat for family and friends alike.

Photo by Molly Culver. Light remodel, we added a few feet onto the existing cabinets and painted them this dark blue green. We removed the backsplash, counter and tile floor and replaced them with upgraded materials.

The homeowners of this Marblehead residence wished to remodel their master bathroom, which had been redone only a few years prior. The previous renovation, however, was not a pleasant experience and they were hesitant to dive-in again. After an initial conversation, the homeowners agreed to meet with me to discuss the project. listened to their vision for the room, paid close attention to their concerns, and desire to create a tranquil environment, that would be functional and practical for their everyday lifestyle. In my first walk-through of the existing bathroom, several major issues became apparent. First, the vanity, a wooden table with two vessel sinks, did not allow access to the medicine cabinets due to its depth. Second, an oversized window installed in the shower did not provide privacy and had visible signs of rot. Third, the wallpaper by the shower was peeling and contained mold due to moisture. Finally, the hardwood flooring selected was impractical for a master bathroom. My suggestion was to incorporate timeless and classic materials that would provide longevity and create an elegant environment. I designed a standard depth custom vanity which contained plenty of storage. We chose lovely white and blue quartzite counter tops, white porcelain tile that mimic the look of Thasos marble, along with blue accents, polished chrome fixtures and coastal inspired lighting. Next, we replaced, relocated, and changed the window style and shape. We then fabricated a window frame out of the quartzite for protection which proved to give the shower a lovely focal point. Lastly, to keep with the coastal theme of the room, we installed shiplap for the walls. The homeowners now look forward to starting and ending their day in their bright and relaxing master bath. It has become a sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom. But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working. Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway. To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space. So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues. When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath. First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved. Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia. The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters. Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi. A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles. Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable. The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns. A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures. Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch. A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly. Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck. The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included: -Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view -A large, welcoming entry from the street -A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family -A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks -Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection -An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry. The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry. These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017. Kate Benjamin Photography

Rachel Gross

The view of the lake as seen from the client's yard at the top of the hill. Wow! Showcased in this project is a “Lakeside Landscape” created for a homeowner who purchased an old vacant lot on the banks of Lake Erie on the near west side of Cleveland. The lot was attractive given its location and potential for lakeside access, yet it presented some major challenges. First and foremost, the lay of the land was unfavorable, dropping 50 feet from the front of the house to the lake in just 175 linear feet. Erosion wasn’t the only concern in this case, as the space also needed to be functional. The result was over 1300 tons of locally-mined sandstone top rock and a strategic placement of each boulder to create a winding grass path to the lake and tiered entertaining spaces. One such space serves as a natural bluestone patio for unparalleled views of the lake, complimented by a decorative fountain sculpted by a local artist. The lower space is used as a secluded fire pit carved into the hillside with a bench overlooking the western horizon to catch the spectacular Lake Erie sunsets. The addition of 34 natural sandstone steps from the top patio to a reinforced concrete break wall meanders through a landscape with over 625 flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Below the surface is a series of drains, tile, low-voltage lighting, and irrigation, all designed to maximize every square foot of usable space. What began as a cliff ended as a unique lakeside living space used for recreation, entertaining, and more importantly, as a retreat for family and friends alike.

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

The winding walkway (complete with stone stairways) from the house down to the lake is decorated with large boulders and perennial plants for both beauty and erosion control (as seen from the break wall.) Showcased in this project is a “Lakeside Landscape” created for a homeowner who purchased an old vacant lot on the banks of Lake Erie on the near west side of Cleveland. The lot was attractive given its location and potential for lakeside access, yet it presented some major challenges. First and foremost, the lay of the land was unfavorable, dropping 50 feet from the front of the house to the lake in just 175 linear feet. Erosion wasn’t the only concern in this case, as the space also needed to be functional. The result was over 1300 tons of locally-mined sandstone top rock and a strategic placement of each boulder to create a winding grass path to the lake and tiered entertaining spaces. One such space serves as a natural bluestone patio for unparalleled views of the lake, complimented by a decorative fountain sculpted by a local artist. The lower space is used as a secluded fire pit carved into the hillside with a bench overlooking the western horizon to catch the spectacular Lake Erie sunsets. The addition of 34 natural sandstone steps from the top patio to a reinforced concrete break wall meanders through a landscape with over 625 flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Below the surface is a series of drains, tile, low-voltage lighting, and irrigation, all designed to maximize every square foot of usable space. What began as a cliff ended as a unique lakeside living space used for recreation, entertaining, and more importantly, as a retreat for family and friends alike.

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

Originally built in the early twentieth century, this Orchard Lake cottage was purchased almost 10 years ago by a wonderful couple—empty nesters with an appreciation for stunning views, modern amenities and quality craftsmanship. They hired MainStreet Design Build to design and remodel their home to fit their needs exactly. Upon initial inspection, it was apparent that the original home had been modified over the years, sustaining multiple room additions. Consequently, this mid-size cottage home had little character or cohesiveness. Even more concerning, after conducting a thorough inspection, it became apparent that the structure was inadequate to sustain major modifications. As a result, a plan was formulated to take the existing structure down to its original floor deck. The clients’ needs that fueled the design plan included: -Preserving and capitalizing on the lake view -A large, welcoming entry from the street -A warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family -A large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks -Built-ins for the homeowner’s book collection -An in-law suite for the couple’s aging parents The space was redesigned with the clients needs in mind. Building a completely new structure gave us the opportunity to create a large, welcoming main entrance. The dining and kitchen areas are now open and spacious for large family gatherings. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. The homeowners loved the Grabill cabinetry so much that they decided to use it throughout the home in the powder room, (2) guest suite bathrooms and the laundry room, complete with dog wash. Most breathtaking; however, might be the luxury master bathroom which included extensive use of marble, a 2-person Maax whirlpool tub, an oversized walk-in-shower with steam and bench seating for two, and gorgeous custom-built inset cherry cabinetry. The new wide plank oak flooring continues throughout the entire first and second floors with a lovely open staircase lit by a chandelier, skylights and flush in-wall step lighting. Plenty of custom built-ins were added on walls and seating areas to accommodate the client’s sizeable book collection. Fitting right in to the gorgeous lakefront lot, the home’s exterior is reminiscent of East Coast “beachy” shingle-style that includes an attached, oversized garage with Mahogany carriage style garage doors that leads directly into a mud room and first floor laundry. These Orchard Lake property homeowners love their new home, with a combined first and second floor living space totaling 4,429 sq. ft. To further add to the amenities of this home, MainStreet Design Build is currently under design contract for another major lower-level / basement renovation in the fall of 2017. Kate Benjamin Photography

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons

The stone stairway down the hillside leads to a concrete/stone storage house with wooden "roof" picnic patio. Showcased in this project is a “Lakeside Landscape” created for a homeowner who purchased an old vacant lot on the banks of Lake Erie on the near west side of Cleveland. The lot was attractive given its location and potential for lakeside access, yet it presented some major challenges. First and foremost, the lay of the land was unfavorable, dropping 50 feet from the front of the house to the lake in just 175 linear feet. Erosion wasn’t the only concern in this case, as the space also needed to be functional. The result was over 1300 tons of locally-mined sandstone top rock and a strategic placement of each boulder to create a winding grass path to the lake and tiered entertaining spaces. One such space serves as a natural bluestone patio for unparalleled views of the lake, complimented by a decorative fountain sculpted by a local artist. The lower space is used as a secluded fire pit carved into the hillside with a bench overlooking the western horizon to catch the spectacular Lake Erie sunsets. The addition of 34 natural sandstone steps from the top patio to a reinforced concrete break wall meanders through a landscape with over 625 flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Below the surface is a series of drains, tile, low-voltage lighting, and irrigation, all designed to maximize every square foot of usable space. What began as a cliff ended as a unique lakeside living space used for recreation, entertaining, and more importantly, as a retreat for family and friends alike.

Young couple with two youngsters lived in 1970 Rambler in Arlington. As their kids growing and their nanny moving in, they all needed more space, bigger kitchen and better backyard space for kids to play.  Existing kitchen was 10’x10’ adjacent to dining room of about the same size  Old cabinets, vinyl floor and olive green appliances no longer made this kitchen a happy place to come home to  The back wall of solid block and brick and interior plaster walls where all big challenges to get rid of and opening up the place  A narrow hallway leading to bedroom was one of their major concerns and tough to get through. As the traffic path to get to the kitchen has been difficult  In few consultation session we all agreed on bumping the entire kitchen and dining room back wall and move the kitchen into new addition  This required breaking through a massive amount of cinder block and brick, leveling a majority of backyard to accomplish the desired grade level for addition and back deck  In past the only way out to backyard was through a single door of back stairway and it has been a big problem for them  With a new angle wall we have placed a large French door leading kitchen into back deck area  The old hallway wall has came down and gotten wider and new path from front to open floor plan kitchen and dining room was put in place  Another big challenge for this job was to run heating and cooling as well as plumbing into a kitchen area  The new kitchen had tall cabinets a beautiful cherry finish with a large bay window over sink area leading lot of light form back side.  New island with seating contributed to addition work space and more storage  Lot of recessed lights and a stone back splash made the project even more attractive  New wood flooring was put in place and entire Living, Dining room and kitchen was sanded and refinished to unify the space and make a seamless connection  A big wooded deck on the entire back was a place for kids to play and couple to retire and grill on their afternoons