Photo by Jody Dole This charming farmhouse sits atop a grassy hill overlooking a serene Connecticut River Estuary. The new design reformulated the first floor plan making it much more functional and visually exciting. It encompassed the reorganization of multiple spaces including the Mudroom, Kitchen, Dining Room, Family Room, Sun Room, Laundry, Bathroom, and Master Closet. The design also added, deleted, and relocated windows and French doors to greatly enhance exterior views, draw in more natural light, and seamlessly upgrade the articulation of exterior elevations. Improvements to the plumbing and mechanical systems were also made. The overall feeling is both sophisticated and yet very much down to earth. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Unique and singular, this home enjoys stunning, direct views of New York City and the Hudson River. Theinnovative Mid Century design features a rear façade of glass that showcases the views. The floor plan is perfect for entertaining with an indoor/outdoor flow to the landscaped patio, terrace and plunge pool. The master suite offers city views, a terrace, lounge, massive spa-like bath and a large walk-in closet. This home features expert use of organic materials and attention to detail throughout. 907castlepoint.com.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A spacious double vanity with towers anchoring both sides gives the bathroom ample storage space. Minimal white countertops and polished chrome plumbing fixtures by Dornbracht give the vanity a sleek and modern touch. We opted for a custom mirror to fit perfectly between the vanity towers for a seamless look. Sculptural pendant fixtures add the perfect touch of ambiance without taking attention away from the rich wood tones and sleek details of the vanity.

Guest Bunk Room, custom luxury residence in Baja California by Hyde Evans Design, Seattle. The home includes four guest suites alongside the master, each designed with the same level of attention as the primary spaces. Hyde Evans Design's approach to multi-suite residences: every room should feel like it was designed for someone, not just furnished for occupancy. Interior Design: Hyde Evans Design, Seattle, WA. Architecture: Arturo Ponce De Leon.

Our empty nester clients purchased a lovely Burr Ridge cottage with the plan to create their dream home. Their main objective when they first met with LaMantia architectural designer Jackie Prazak was to create a kitchen large enough to accommodate their extended (and now grown) family. After several design revisions the clients agreed to give up a Bedroom and a Powder Room to gain the enlarged Kitchen, Walk-in Master Closet and a separate double-entry Laundry Room they so desired. By moving the kitchen wall 3’ we were able to accommodate the large Kitchen and Island the clients so desired. The main entry to the Kitchen was both moved and enlarged to enhance the arrival and the view into the enlarged space. We were also able to reclaim attic space and create the volume ceiling with added beams to continue the theme of the Living and Dining Room ceilings. At this point LaMantia kitchen designer Katie Suva, CKD, CBD joined the team to begin the detailing of the cabinet layout. The Family Room, with its new large stone flooring was recreated with specialties galore; including a walk-up wet Bar. We were also able to re-purpose the existing Study into a Guest Bedroom with built-in closets and cabinetry. What was once a laundry space now became a new large Laundry Room accessed from both the Master Walk-in Closet and the hallway. In the Master Bedroom the exterior entry door was replaced with large open glass window panels. The Master Bath ceiling was reworked to accommodate a soaring Master Shower. And then there was the enlarged Master Closet that speaks for itself! The existing Solarium took on a different personality with a re-aligned entry door and built-in cabinetry. This room now houses all the home office and craft activities. The scope of this project included every room in the residence, with the utmost attention paid to every detail, and the outcome is definitely worthy of the Professional Remodeling 2014 Gold Award it just won! Follow the link below to read about the designer of this project Jackie Prazak http://lamantia.com/designers/jackie-prazak/

This beautiful French Provincial home is set on 10 acres, nestled perfectly in the oak trees. The original home was built in 1974 and had two large additions added; a great room in 1990 and a main floor master suite in 2001. This was my dream project: a full gut renovation of the entire 4,300 square foot home! I contracted the project myself, and we finished the interior remodel in just six months. The exterior received complete attention as well. The 1970s mottled brown brick went white to completely transform the look from dated to classic French. Inside, walls were removed and doorways widened to create an open floor plan that functions so well for everyday living as well as entertaining. The white walls and white trim make everything new, fresh and bright. It is so rewarding to see something old transformed into something new, more beautiful and more functional.

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.

The owners of a traditional 1940s house on a large corner lot wanted a substantial renovation and addition that would open up their foursquare brick home and provide a contemporary but harmonious counterpoint to it. PLANT demolished a previous addition along the west side to create a new entry on the north that combines mudroom functionality with the polished but informal elegance of oak cladding. This entry leads into the spacious new kitchen, which in turn steps down to the new sunroom bordering the back patio. On both floors, views now extend through the house north to south. Relocated to the second floor of the stucco-clad addition, the new master bedroom contains an ensuite bath and opens onto a south-facing deck. The basement contains a renovated family room and expanded laundry. Throughout, storage is seamlessly integrated. Attention to detail extends to the smallest rooms in the house, like the new powder room, where a mirrored corner ‘flows into’ angles generated by the installation of hexagonal tiles.

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake.

This space was created as a dance studio for this client and was part of a larger master suite addition. The Bellmont Cabinetry selected for this space serves as an anchor for the entire space. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

Our empty nester clients purchased a lovely Burr Ridge cottage with the plan to create their dream home. Their main objective when they first met with LaMantia architectural designer Jackie Prazak was to create a kitchen large enough to accommodate their extended (and now grown) family. After several design revisions the clients agreed to give up a Bedroom and a Powder Room to gain the enlarged Kitchen, Walk-in Master Closet and a separate double-entry Laundry Room they so desired. By moving the kitchen wall 3’ we were able to accommodate the large Kitchen and Island the clients so desired. The main entry to the Kitchen was both moved and enlarged to enhance the arrival and the view into the enlarged space. We were also able to reclaim attic space and create the volume ceiling with added beams to continue the theme of the Living and Dining Room ceilings. At this point LaMantia kitchen designer Katie Suva, CKD, CBD joined the team to begin the detailing of the cabinet layout. The Family Room, with its new large stone flooring was recreated with specialties galore; including a walk-up wet Bar. We were also able to re-purpose the existing Study into a Guest Bedroom with built-in closets and cabinetry. What was once a laundry space now became a new large Laundry Room accessed from both the Master Walk-in Closet and the hallway. In the Master Bedroom the exterior entry door was replaced with large open glass window panels. The Master Bath ceiling was reworked to accommodate a soaring Master Shower. And then there was the enlarged Master Closet that speaks for itself! The existing Solarium took on a different personality with a re-aligned entry door and built-in cabinetry. This room now houses all the home office and craft activities. The scope of this project included every room in the residence, with the utmost attention paid to every detail, and the outcome is definitely worthy of the Professional Remodeling 2014 Gold Award it just won! Follow the link below to read about the designer of this project Jackie Prazak http://lamantia.com/designers/jackie-prazak/

This space was created as a dance studio for this client and was part of a larger master suite addition, which overlooks beautifully landscaped gardens. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

Show off your impeccable style with the super trendy color of this Exposed Socket Pendant. The marvelous mellow yellow of the cloth cord with a matching socket elevates this basic design to a whole new world, and will be the center of attention in your space. You'll love all the compliments you get from hanging this in your home. Perfect for any room you desire, simply add your favorite vintage or designer bulb to complete the look.

Beach style living room photo in Houston

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 bathroom was transformed into a standout feature of the cottage. A custom curved floating mirror with backlighting was designed and created, showcasing unique wallpaper. Shower tile design catered to the client's love for ceramics and featured flowing patterns leading towards brass fixtures. A central focal point was the custom vanity, meticulously crafted with hand-laid wood and an attention-grabbing design. From removing windows, adding french and dutch doors, to adding a new closet with a sliding custom door. The wallpaper was the inspiration of the space with texture grass cloth and custom painting. The furniture and textures, as well as styling in the space was a great touch to finish off the design.

Transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience with a luxury bathroom remodel tailored to your unique style. Our recent projects showcase a stunning blend of modern boho-chic and contemporary elegance, featuring hand-carved wood double vanities and serene freestanding soaking tubs. We specialize in high-end finishes, from matte black fixtures and sleek glass shower partitions to exquisite marble-patterned wall tiles and natural river stone shower floors. Whether you dream of a bold accent wall with geometric glass tiles or a custom walk-in shower with built-in stone seating, our expert craftsmanship ensures a flawless finish. As a dedicated home remodeling contractor, we take pride in using premium materials to create beautiful, functional spaces that increase your home's value. Let us bring our artistic vision and attention to detail to your next master suite renovation.

Step into your custom designed living room from this beachfront balcony. The kitchen with matching bar wraps the dark wood beauty around the corner into the hallway. The large white wood double enrty doors take you to the master suite or down the hall the glass double door entry take you to your home office. The sconce lighting on the hallway wall brings attention to a tasteful designed area that is only limited by your imagination.