Search results for "Major focus" in Home Design Ideas

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son.
Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow.
When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way.
Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system.
For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs.
Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use.
To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her.
Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams.
While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.

Inspired by noted American architect Norman Jaffe, the strikingly contemporary Sagaponack Residence on Long Island is highlighted by distinctively unique angles both inside and out. Jaffe was widely recognized for his contemporary residential style and use of natural materials and passive solar forms of design for his many South Long Island beach houses.
The 2,700 sq. ft. private residence is located one-half mile from the Atlantic coast and sited in an area that was originally characterized by long vistas over farm fields to the ocean beyond. Now, the area is thickly built up with weekend homes. The project was meant to address this change by creating a place that focuses on the immediate landscape and provides a garden environment for the owner.
A collaborative arrangement between two architectural firms brought the project to life. Andrew Reyniak, principal at ARAPC, New York, was architect of record; Mark Anthony C. Verzosa, principal at +macv, Sag Harbor, NY, was design consultant and general contractor.
“We knew we wanted to use zinc from the beginning,” Verzosa said. “We wanted a material that had a life.” Approximately 5,500 sq. ft. of prePATINA blue-grey RHEINZINK was specified to provide the life and the look that the design team sought. RHEINZINK Vertical Angled Standing Seam Panels and Flat Lock Tiles clad the exterior along with rough-sawn, locally-sourced white cedar. RHEINZINK Double Lock Standing Seam Panels were used on the roof.
“The RHEINZINK is obviously a very versatile material,” according to Verzosa. “The color blends very well into the environment and the sky in particular. And we like the way it patinas and self-heals.”
The unique design of the house incorporates unusual angles on both the exterior and interior. “There’s not a lot of 90 degree or horizontal plumb walls,” Verzosa said. “The dramatic geometry of the building created complicated detailing on the project.”
Fabrication and installation of the RHEINZINK panels was done by Metropan Systems, Inc., Bayside, NY. The company specializes in zinc façade and roofing projects, according to John Gushue, president. “We’ve done more than 60 zinc projects since 2001 and the majority have been RHEINZINK,” Gushue said. “If I could do zinc every day, I would.”
The unusual geometry of the Sagaponack Residence made for a challenging installation. “There was nothing cookie cutter about this job,” according to Gushue. “We began meeting with the architect about a year before actually starting the work in order to incorporate the very best detailing. Every fastener is hidden and there’s no caulk on the façade. Many of the RHEINZINK panels were fabricated on-site in order to bend around corners. And the flashing details had to be meticulous.”
The design of the project presents a modern, artistic look in every aspect. “Of all the zinc projects we’ve done, this is my favorite,” Gushue said. “It was a great job to be on. And properly maintained, it could last for 150 years.”

DAL_TNAH_2014_Vegas_0289
The New American Home 2014 | Las Vegas, NV
We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.
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This is a major renovation of a character home, in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. It is a landmark building with historical significance. We focused on appropriate design detailing to suit the era of the home while incorporating modern comforts and features.

This bathroom remodel blends modern design with practical upgrades, resulting in a clean and cohesive space. The renovation includes the installation of a new white shaker-style vanity with a white quartz countertop and matte black plumbing fixtures, complemented by sleek chrome hardware for a balanced look. Above the vanity, a pair of elegant matte black wall-mounted light sconces provide focused illumination and add a touch of sophistication.
A striking black hexagon tile floor adds bold contrast and a contemporary edge to the soft gray painted walls. A major layout update involved removing a full wall and replacing it with a stylish pony wall beside the tub, creating a more open and airy feel. The tub is surrounded by classic white subway tile that extends to the ceiling, featuring a recessed shampoo niche with a mosaic tile backing for both functionality and visual interest.
Additional upgrades include a new toilet, the removal of a ceiling soffit to raise the ceiling height, updated recessed lighting, a new modern exhaust fan, and the relocation of the air conditioning duct outlet for improved airflow and aesthetics. Altogether, this bathroom remodel delivers a fresh, bright, and sophisticated space with high-end touches and improved functionality.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets.
The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate.
While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home.
What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment.
The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge.
Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it.
Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes
Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture
General Contractor: Kasten Builders
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022
Location: Point Richmond, CA

This home is nestled within the quiet Belmont Hill neighborhood originally constructed in the early 1960′s and in need of dramatic updating. We determined the house was sited correctly to the lot but not necessarily to the street. We focused on developing the living spaces allowing for large family gatherings. This family of six each appreciates their own space within this major addition. The challenge on this type of sloping lot is to provide adequate space without overbuilding the structure. The series of sloping ceilings in the upper story provides dynamic spaces suitable for bedrooms and expressing creative windows that provide animation through natural light.

A vibrant and decidedly feminine residence focusing on exquisite furnishings, each with their own couture-like attitude and detailing for the modern woman. Featuring Villandry Daybed, Francesca Cocktail Table, Cerchio Mirror, and Custom Area Rug all by Ebanista.

While the majority of APD designs are created to meet the specific and unique needs of the client, this whole home remodel was completed in partnership with Black Sheep Construction as a high end house flip. From space planning to cabinet design, finishes to fixtures, appliances to plumbing, cabinet finish to hardware, paint to stone, siding to roofing; Amy created a design plan within the contractor’s remodel budget focusing on the details that would be important to the future home owner. What was a single story house that had fallen out of repair became a stunning Pacific Northwest modern lodge nestled in the woods!

We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

©DAVID MEAUX PHOTOGRAPHY
Large cottage chic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Large cottage chic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Renovations, Basement Re-modelling and General Construction and Design, Goldenline Remodeling has the expertise to get the job done right the first time.
There are many good contractors in and around LA; however, there are few that share the same passion as we do when it comes to our customers. In fact, it’s our value added service that’s been the foundation for our growth in this industry and continues to make us stand out against our competition. Whether you are looking at a major renovation or just updating your home or rental property, Goldenline Remodeling has the expertise to help make your next project a success. We are top tradespeople, meticulously trained to be extremely customer-focused and ensuring that each contractor is able to provide the highest level of service and expertise to clients.
When you hire Goldenline Remodeling for your renovation project, you can rest assured our commitment to quality, integrity and service will be reflected in our work.

Laurel Heights
Photo features Gray Summit 12 x 24 in a brick pattern on the floor and 12 x 18 on the wall, with 2 x 4 brick-joint mosaics on the wall.
We are a customer driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

A transformation inspired by the owner’s love of modern architecture, art and color (and the adjacent sand, rock, water, and the northwest landscape), the Indianola House sought to bring the soul of a home to a colorless muted box. The original house was a drab 1990’s-era box with no personality or presence sited on a beautiful secluded bay, facing water and island views, northwest of the City of Seattle. The existing mono-colored stucco-clad exterior and pyramidal glass-block openings had led the neighborhood to dub the structure, unflatteringly, “The Miami Vice House”.
Rhodes Architecture’s Residential Architects careful use of natural light, rich, collaged finishes and ability to open the house to gardens, beach, and outdoor gathering was critical to the design. The house soon became “The Gallery”.
The original home’s grey stucco exterior made the house seem both large and featureless; the introduction of no-maintenance exterior materials that collage and complement each other was a goal of the homeowner and the Seattle Architects who teamed up for this residential design. The bloated scale of the house cried out for the establishment and definition of the parts of the structure, a breaking down of the home’s form and its apparent bland size.
Living, sleeping, and bathing areas that started as staid spaces were in need of opening to the natural environment with additions of large doors, folding glass walls and useable balconies were crucial to each space having a dialogue with the outdoors.
The owner’s extensive art collection was highlighted and became the focus of interior places, well-lit naturally and through a new lighting system. Energy use and sustainable systems were a key component of the design which used high-efficacy lighting, better cladding on a rain-screen system, high-efficiency doors and windows, new insulation and weather barriers, and which added a photovoltaic-generated electrical system. The contemporary design sought to integrate all of these systems, materials, and finishes into a seamless whole that lent interest and drama to a residence which was previously lusterless.
How radically this house was transformed is evident in the exteriors, gardens and the natural spaces the house now opens to, as well as the gallery-like interiors. This home is a stunning testament to what is possible “before-and-after” when remade by Rhodes Architecture + Light.
The clients are an older couple with long professional and political careers, a love of art and a clear desire to connect with the Northwest environment and enliven their daily lives with spaces full of color and natural light.
Rhodes Architecture + Light was hired in 2019 to add new exteriors and interiors, natural light, larger openings to beach and bay, seismic and foundation upgrades to the home, and to infuse life into the house through the re-use of existing space and varied materials, color, textures, and lighting. The only actual change to the exterior “shell” of the house was the introduction of a low “gull-wing” roof with wood soffits above the central atrium space, to add drama and bring natural light into the entry gallery space. Interior spaces, including bedrooms and bathrooms, were re-planned and opened to each other, to greater natural light, to roof decks, and to the incredible views and sea-side environment.
The Builder, Fairbank Construction Company of Bainbridge Island, Washington, met the challenge of the design, first completely deconstructing the finishes inside and out, then precisely interlocking new claddings, windows and doors, cabinetry, finishes and a new gull-wing central roof in a beautiful transformation. The construction was total, thorough, and very detailed, resulting a house that, far from seeming a “remodeling”, is far more present and fitting to the owner’s lives and the natural environment than the house we started with.

This beautifully reimagined kitchen in Laguna Niguel exemplifies clean-lined sophistication and everyday functionality. The design focuses on a minimalist aesthetic while integrating premium features that enhance both form and utility. One of the standout elements is the use of custom paneling to conceal major appliances—including the refrigerator and dishwasher—creating a seamless, built-in look that elevates the entire space. A full quartz backsplash flows uninterrupted from the countertops up the wall, emphasizing continuity and luxury. The soft white cabinetry is paired with understated brushed hardware, keeping the palette calm and modern.
Natural light pours in through the updated window and overhead skylight, highlighting the intricate veining in the quartz and the warmth of the engineered hardwood floors. A powerful gas cooktop is integrated directly into the expansive island, making this kitchen as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you're prepping meals or entertaining guests, this kitchen was designed to support the lifestyle of a modern Southern California household. It’s timeless, sleek, and refreshingly open.

We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

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Brancacci
Photo features Windrift Beige 12 x 12 field tile in a diamond pattern with Universal Accent 3 x 12 border on the floor. Wall features coordinating Windrift Beige 9 x 12 wall tile with Windrift Beige 9 x 12 wall accent tile.
We are a customer driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

We had the opportunity to come alongside this homeowner and demo an old cottage and rebuild this new year-round home for them. We worked hard to keep an authentic feel to the lake and fit the home nicely to the space.
We focused on a small footprint and, through specific design choices, achieved a layout the homeowner loved. A major goal was to have the kitchen, dining, and living all walk out at the lake level. We also managed to sneak a master suite into this level (check out that ceiling!).

Pastiche Hardwood Flooring
We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."
Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff.
We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring.
We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered.
Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today.
Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.
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