Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this home’s river view. The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle. Photo Credit: Read McKendree Cathedral ceilings and seamless cabinetry complement this kitchen’s river view The low ceilings in this ’70s contemporary were a nagging issue for the 6-foot-8 homeowner. Plus, drab interiors failed to do justice to the home’s Connecticut River view. By raising ceilings and removing non-load-bearing partitions, architect Christopher Arelt was able to create a cathedral-within-a-cathedral structure in the kitchen, dining and living area. Decorative mahogany rafters open the space’s height, introduce a warmer palette and create a welcoming framework for light. The homeowner, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wanted to emulate the famed architect’s use of reddish-brown concrete floors, and the result further warmed the interior. “Concrete has a connotation of cold and industrial but can be just the opposite,” explains Arelt. Clunky European hardware was replaced by hidden pivot hinges, and outside cabinet corners were mitered so there is no evidence of a drawer or door from any angle.

In the quiet embrace of their first home, a young professional couple embarked on a transformative journey—one that would transcend mere renovation. Their vision, crystalline and unwavering, sought to infuse every corner with a sense of purpose and elegance. The canvas: an open-concept kitchen and a master bath. Our skilled team orchestrated a symphony of change. Walls yielded to possibility as we dismantled a load-bearing barrier, seamlessly connecting the kitchen to an earlier addition—the family room. Within the kitchen’s modest footprint, we wielded design magic: opening up spaces, introducing a double-sided island, and inviting the family room into the culinary dance. A half wall, elegantly serving as a buffet-style counter, bridged the dining area, amplifying the sense of openness. The master bathroom, nestled within the original house, posed its own challenges. Our design, however, was resolute: a private toilet enclave, a grand walk-in shower, and a dual-person vanity adorned with linen storage.

Prime Design Cabinetry LLC uses hardwoods for all cabinetry. This particular closet section has adjustable shelving for boots, shoes, and handbags. We include soft-close quiet ball-bearing drawer slides, adjustable shelving, and optional lighting and hidden toe-kicks to make luxury a step away. Don't forget space for cedar-lined drawers and hidden areas for valuables. For more information, contact PrimeDesignDFW.com

Over the years, this Gladwyne home suffered numerous piecemeal renovations and modifications, and was in dire need of a cohesive vision. Seeing past this, the new owners purchased the property because of the home’s unique siting on the land. Abutting the eastern property line, they noticed the potential of a proper renovation which would unify the home and create expansive views across the 2 acre site to the west. Our office was commissioned to create a cohesive design which emphasized these ideas. This completed master bedroom and bathroom suite, marks the end of the first renovation phase. The master suite was expanded and focused around a new 16’ window overlooking the property. The bed is flanked at both sides with a sitting area and custom casework. The perpendicular floor boards define the space and pull the eye into the closet/bath. A composition of reflections distort boundaries, pulling outside inward and provide an evolving seasonal experience. For the lower floor renovation, the client requested the removal of all dividing walls to make the space as visually open as possible. To do this, the entire 2nd floor was temporarily propped up while the 1st floor structure was removed and a strategically designed new structural steel frame system was installed. The remaining central bearing wall also stabilizes the custom stair treads while the guardrails suspend the opposite end from the ceiling. The floor to ceiling glazing opens the views of the sprawling grounds and provides a casual sitting area. A sliding bright red wall divides the office / family room area and the rough sawn wood cabinetry maintain a handmade warm character to the contemporary design.

In the quiet embrace of their first home, a young professional couple embarked on a transformative journey—one that would transcend mere renovation. Their vision, crystalline and unwavering, sought to infuse every corner with a sense of purpose and elegance. The canvas: an open-concept kitchen and a master bath. Our skilled team orchestrated a symphony of change. Walls yielded to possibility as we dismantled a load-bearing barrier, seamlessly connecting the kitchen to an earlier addition—the family room. Within the kitchen’s modest footprint, we wielded design magic: opening up spaces, introducing a double-sided island, and inviting the family room into the culinary dance. A half wall, elegantly serving as a buffet-style counter, bridged the dining area, amplifying the sense of openness. The master bathroom, nestled within the original house, posed its own challenges. Our design, however, was resolute: a private toilet enclave, a grand walk-in shower, and a dual-person vanity adorned with linen storage.

White cabinets wall oven wall removed, that section is now the sink with knee wall. Hardwood was installed at 45 degree to existing flooring to give a unique look and avoid trying to match existing flooring. Trusses bearing on exterior walls allow for no interior bearing once wall is removed. This project took right at 6 weeks. We then moved into remodeling the master bath.

Here is a white shaker closet we did recently with a more modern remodel. The flooring was wood plank porcelain tile in herringbone pattern. We chose white to keep the the space feeling open and big as they actually downsized the closets to make more room for the master shower. These finishes are some of the most popular right now with the white subway tile with gray grout. The shaker drawers blended will with a stainless steel bar pull handle. All the drawers are full extension ball bearing glides. The drawer itself is a birch plywood finish. Installation took 1 day and lead times order to install are 2-3 weeks.

The main level powder room features a custom vanity with wood top and hickory accents, coordinating mirror, hammered metal sink and cute bear accents. Photo by Junction Image Co.

Over the years, this Gladwyne home suffered numerous piecemeal renovations and modifications, and was in dire need of a cohesive vision. Seeing past this, the new owners purchased the property because of the home’s unique siting on the land. Abutting the eastern property line, they noticed the potential of a proper renovation which would unify the home and create expansive views across the 2 acre site to the west. Our office was commissioned to create a cohesive design which emphasized these ideas. This completed master bedroom and bathroom suite, marks the end of the first renovation phase. The master suite was expanded and focused around a new 16’ window overlooking the property. The bed is flanked at both sides with a sitting area and custom casework. The perpendicular floor boards define the space and pull the eye into the closet/bath. A composition of reflections distort boundaries, pulling outside inward and provide an evolving seasonal experience. For the lower floor renovation, the client requested the removal of all dividing walls to make the space as visually open as possible. To do this, the entire 2nd floor was temporarily propped up while the 1st floor structure was removed and a strategically designed new structural steel frame system was installed. The remaining central bearing wall also stabilizes the custom stair treads while the guardrails suspend the opposite end from the ceiling. The floor to ceiling glazing opens the views of the sprawling grounds and provides a casual sitting area. A sliding bright red wall divides the office / family room area and the rough sawn wood cabinetry maintain a handmade warm character to the contemporary design.

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.

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.

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

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.

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.

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.

White cabinets wall oven wall removed, that section is now the sink with knee wall. Hardwood was installed at 45 degree to existing flooring to give a unique look and avoid trying to match existing flooring. Trusses bearing on exterior walls allow for no interior bearing once wall is removed. This project took right at 6 weeks. We then moved into remodeling the master bath.

Don't let the size fool you – this small master bedroom in MG Design Build Inc.'s Etobicoke renovation is packed with thoughtful features. The enlarged window is a game-changer, bringing the outside in. The addition of a walk-in closet provides essential storage, making this a comfortable and stylish master suite within the fully gutted and redesigned home.

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.

Kitchen bearing wall removed, island installation , electric power update, plumbing update, all cabinets and island installation, old walls updated, door installation, beam installation were bearing wall existed, baseboard the whole house as well as new vinyl floor to whole house, electric update, new lights installation, many more.