Search results for "Master affordable" in Home Design Ideas

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

Look at this example of Lafayette custom wood blinds. The slat sizes vary from 1 inch, 2 inch and 2 1/2 inch. These are white wood blinds, and you can have black, dark wood, green - and a whole lot more. These horizontal wood blinds can be made of composite materials, so if you are looking for faux wood blinds or vinyl blinds, for your windows they are available. Wooden window blinds are used all over the home - kitchen, bathroom, living room, home office, bedroom, on large and small windows, sliding doors and french doors. They are considered an affordable window treatment.
If you are looking for window treatments to add value to your home before the sale, or to make your new home your own, Windows Dressed Up in Denver has blinds, shades, shutters, from Hunter Douglas, Graber & Lafayette. custom curtains, drapes, bedding & drapery hardware too. Over 3,000 designer fabrics. Window treatments vary from budget to indulgence.
Lafayette custom wood blinds photo.

Lacking confidence after a really rough remodeling experience, this client called SYI first to redesign her master bathroom, after which she asked us to carry its zen into the family room. There, we created a more cohesive and functional furniture plan and filled it in with mostly new pieces and accessories, repurposing some existing furniture and using the rest elsewhere in the house. It's a large room that must comfortably accommodate grandkid sleepovers, frequent group meetings, and a gaggle of aging little dogs, while also being the homeowners' place to relax and wind down in quiet and calming environs. SYI created activity zones, specified easily cleanable and replaceable FLOR carpet tiles that affordably unified those zones, replaced the husband's bulky lazyboy with a more streamlined recliner, and made sure to include layers of light with table and floor lamps, adding warmth and flexibility. We decorated with local art and our own line of custom throw pillows made locally from upcycled fabrics.
Photographer: Nina Nelsen
Find the right local pro for your project

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

There are a small number of cities in the world where luxury and lifestyle enthusiasts would aim to live. One of them is Dubai, a realm of high end living, glamour and complexity. Possessing a luxury address in this culturally rich city is for sure a exceptional treat. For those of you who can actually afford one, this penthouse which is Signature Stagers’ end of the year work of art is a very engaging proposal.
This penthouse we staged at the start of November 2015 has been lingering on the market for about 2 years prior to our meeting the owner. It is located in the exclusive Dubai Marina district among a few other select buildings and is currently for sale with Verzun on a POA (Price on application) basis due to its unique stature and lifestyle element which removes it from the “square foot” mentality and elevates it from its competition within the same building.
The penthouse was renovated prior to staging, and the apartment itself displays a fresh and modern look whilst keeping its classic and initial fit out and design.
Although a few key elements of the penthouse’s original architecture were retained, this neo-classical approach we decided on contributed to the dwellings select and sophisticated appeal numerous novel and sharply modern features which are also present around the residence, thus safeguarding its uniqueness and extremely fascinating form.
Swaggering 14,000 square feet this splendid home is apposite to a family as much as it is for the traveling executive who desires an exclusive and ultra-private address in Dubai. Enjoying 5 bedrooms all en-suite including a master bedroom with a sunset that decorates the floor to ceiling windows with a purple-orange and that by itself is a deal closer!
Photo credit: Mo Younes

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

Todd Vorenkamp; trvphoto.com
Mid-sized mountain style master carpeted bedroom photo in New York with white walls
Mid-sized mountain style master carpeted bedroom photo in New York with white walls

Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the project into its setting
Interior: creative and innovative use of space including architectural detail and form
Functionality of floor plan
Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health)
Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices
By design, this laneway residence is an intelligently-planned, small-scale replication of the main, single-family house. Natural-stone façades, mullioned windows, and aggregate sidewalks/paths honour homes heritage as a family farm.
Cedar hedges provide separation between main home’s backyard and laneway’s private patio for relaxing or al fresco dining/barbecuing. A non-compromise space for anyone who loves outdoor dining/entertaining.
Main-floor offers flexible living space for diverse range of lifestyles. Residents enjoy an upper-level master-suite plus a lower-level flex-space (guest bedroom, home-office, artist studio) off the main living area. The best of all worlds in a compact/affordable space.
Kitchen features full-sized range and refrigerator. Undermount sink (with window above) create unanticipated, much-appreciated natural light penetration. Sliding door provides access to mechanical room without compromising cooking-space in compact kitchen.
Great-room is a comfortable, cozy, flexible space. Lots of room for a dining-room table as well. Feels like a single-family home just in a more compact, easy care format.
Bathroom with compact shower on main floor: easily accessible for overnight guests or roommates.
Upper-floor master-suite includes private east-facing balcony--perfect for morning coffee!--and urban savvy ensuite with dramatic, green-glass subway-tile shower/soaker-tub surround (with window above).
Full-size laundry tucked into upper-floor vaulted laundry supports residents' active lifestyle.
Engineered, white-oak hardwood flooring throughout.
Built to PassiveHaus standards (certification pending), high-level environmental-savvy features include state-of-the-art Lifebreath HRV (removes bacteria from interior air), radiant in-floor heating, and on-demand, tankless hot-water.
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