Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

This project in Blue Bell involved a thorough renovation, including plumbing upgrades in multiple bathrooms and the addition of a tiki bar in the existing garage. We facilitated various plumbing installations, such as running gas pipes and adding an exterior faucet. Within the garage, we transformed spaces into a movie room, a powder room, and a tiki bar, complete with custom features like shelving and a gas fireplace. We also tackled flooring, doors, trim, and windows throughout the property, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. Bathroom renovations included custom glass shower doors and unique design elements like cedar accents. Exterior improvements, such as door replacements and deck construction, were also part of our scope. Throughout the project, we adhered to building codes, completed necessary insulation and fireblocking, and applied paint according to the owner's preferences.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

This translucent sea foam green shimmering 5/8 inch glass tile is a charismatic sea green iridescent colored tile. Exquisite, smooth tile that has just the right amount of flash to catch anybody's attention with it's gleaming iridescent finish. Enjoy the changing iridescent colors as you view it from all directions.

This remodel addressed issues including peeling vinyl flooring, outdated fixtures, and safety hazards due to deferred maintenance. Challenges included: sourcing budget-sensitive materials with a high-end feel; slip-resistant hexagon floor tiles; a new pedestal sink; a water-saving toilet; and a larger medicine cabinet, while correcting code violations. Universal Design created an open floor plan, low-maintenance finishes, zero-threshold entries into the bathroom and shower, in addition to highly-contrasting materials, grab bars with blocking, accessible towel bars for user convenience, and dimmable lighting with anti-glare trim. We combined modern materials for a noir style and universal functionality for our aging-in-place clients and their forever home.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

Beautiful 5 BR 4.5 BA complete gut rehab down to the studs inside and out. New roof, shingles, windows, Hardi siding and drain tile system in basement. New dual zoned HVAC. 4 levels of finished living space w/3 BRS including master suite on one level. Gourmet kitchen w/new Bosch appliances, modern cabinets and quartz counter tops and breakfast bar w/water fall edge. Additional den and office. Modern high end light fixtures and 4 inch recessed lighting thru out. 4 inch oak hardwood flooring. Custom made oak stairs. All baths have modern vanities and Ghroe fixtures. Basement lowered to full height w/family room w/wet bar, bedroom, full bath, laundry room w/new washer and dryer and storage. New cement slab 2.5 car garage, side walks, iron fencing w/locking gate in front and cedar privacy fencing on sides and rear. New large deck off main level and balcony off master suite. Full dig out of basement, to give 8' ceiling, full floor plan redesign, on all three levels, a second floor master suite, a full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates to upgrade to code compliance.

These homeowners came to Castle looking for a solution that would allow them to stay in their 1946 stucco bungalow in the St. Paul neighborhood that they loved. What was once a young couple’s starter home (1 ½ story with two bedrooms on the main floor and a tiny attic space) was no longer big enough after having two kids. The need for more room became the family’s highest priority, so they came to Castle for help creating the space they needed for their growing family. With very little headroom in the attic, the decision was made to tear off the roof and add a completely new 2nd story addition with three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a commons area. The stairway to the new 2nd-floor space needed to be rebuilt to comply with code requirements and was extended slightly into the dining room below. The new 2nd story addition gave the homeowners an opportunity to revise the exterior look of the home with vertical board and batten siding above the 1st-floor stucco. A new front entry portico was added to compliment the addition, and the existing masonry chimney was extended above the new roof line. The homeowners took over the work on the project after drywall was installed and did all the interior trim & millwork, tile, flooring, and painting & staining themselves. They’re loving the results! Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This homeowner’s daughter originally contacted us on behalf of her parents who were reluctant to begin the remodeling process in their home due to the inconvenience and dust. Once we met and they dipped their toes into the process, we were off to the races. The existing bathroom in this beautiful historical 1920’s home, had not been updated since the 70’/80’s as evidenced by the blue carpeting, mirrored walls and dropped ceilings. In addition, there was very little storage, and some health setbacks had made the bathroom difficult to maneuver with its tub shower. Once we demoed, we discovered everything we expected to find in a home that had not been updated for many years. We got to work bringing all the electrical and plumbing up to code, and it was just as dusty and dirty as the homeowner’s anticipated! Once the space was demoed, we got to work building our new plan. We eliminated the existing tub and created a large walk-in curb-less shower. An existing closet was eliminated and in its place, we planned a custom built in with spots for linens, jewelry and general storage. Because of the small space, we had to be very creative with the shower footprint, so we clipped one of the walls for more clearance behind the sink. The bathroom features a beautiful custom mosaic floor tile as well as tiled walls throughout the space. This required lots of coordination between the carpenter and tile setter to make sure that the framing and tile design were all properly aligned. We worked around an existing radiator and a unique original leaded window that was architecturally significant to the façade of the home. We had a lot of extra depth behind the original toilet location, so we built the wall out a bit, moved the toilet forward and then created some extra storage space behind the commode. We settled on mirrored mullioned doors to bounce lots of light around the smaller space. We also went back and forth on deciding between a single and double vanity, and in the end decided the single vanity allowed for more counter space, more storage below and for the design to breath a bit in the smaller space. I’m so happy with this decision! To build on the luxurious feel of the space, we added a heated towel bar and heated flooring. One of the concerns the homeowners had was having a comfortable floor to walk on. They realized that carpet was not a very practical solution but liked the comfort it had provided. Heated floors are the perfect solution. The room is decidedly traditional from its intricate mosaic marble floor to the calacutta marble clad walls. Elegant gold chandelier style fixtures, marble countertops and Morris & Co. beaded wallpaper provide an opulent feel to the space. The gray monochromatic pallet keeps it feeling fresh and up-to-date. The beautiful leaded glass window is an important architectural feature at the front of the house. In the summertime, the homeowners love having the window open for fresh air and ventilation. We love it too! The curb-less shower features a small fold down bench that can be used if needed and folded up when not. The shower also features a custom niche for storing shampoo and other hair products. The linear drain is built into the tilework and is barely visible. A frameless glass door that swings both in and out completes the luxurious feel. 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

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

Originally built in 1972, these eight interlocked residential units and the accompanying House Master’s Residence won an AIA award for their unique spatial complexity, balancing standard units of construction with volumetric interplay, all while bringing natural light into living spaces. However, nearly 40 years later These 1970’s era, interlocked faculty housing units won an AIA award when first completed. They were unique in spatial complexity, By early 2,000’s they were showing signs of age, and had become outdated on many levels. Working with project management for the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, we prepared one prototype design to bring the buildings into the 21st century. New insulated skylights, standing seam metal siding, cedar decks and trellises, exchanging black roofs for well insulated white roofs, were all part of a larger planning program to renovate all nine units. The prototype was implemented in 2012, to great approval and result. In 2013 a few more units were done. In 2014 the “House Masters” unit was done, with the remaining four units planned for future budgets. Sustainable features include re-use of most materials on site, (former siding was able to become sheathing below metal panels), implementing the Stretch Energy Code for insulation, and putting new white roof membranes in place. Using FSC certified wood for decks and trellises, and using Rheinzink siding, a “200 year material” according to the manufacturer. After nearly 40 years, Ronald Gourley’s AIA award winning Faculty Housing (1972) was beginning to show its age – plywood siding was delaminating, wooden decks splintering, and custom windows failing. Therefore, the opportunity to reinvent a piece of Mid-Century Modernism presented itself when two of the building’s eight alternating rooftop designs were to be rebuilt as prototypes for the remainder of the structure. The strength of the original design was its rectilinear and symmetrical arrangement of internal and external spaces, but the difference between the two had become blurred over the decades. New zinc siding, mahogany decking, and stainless steel railings accentuate the defining elements and more clearly articulate the living spaces, breathing new life into the building and reinvigorating the surrounding campus. Furthermore, the renovation also provided a chance to bring the structure up to modern energy standards and help meet Harvard’s lofty environmental goals. Insulation within the ceilings was more than tripled, white TPO roofing reduces the heat island effect, construction waste was minimized by recasting the siding as sheathing, and materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity and ability to be recycled as well. Harvard’s energy standards brought an uncharacteristic level of environmental care to this building. Roof structures are triple insulated, allowing separating interior from exterior in the most thermally efficient manner. North facing triple insulated skylights and white TPO roofing reduces the heat gain, but allows natural light to pour in. Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but for their longevity. Zinc, for example, is made of 100% recycled material, and has duration of 200 years. Uncharacteristic levels of environmental care were common on this project.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

In this project we remodeled 2 bathrooms completely. We found the bathroom after demolition and poor plumbing and electrical work that was done by another company that left the customer in the middle after they took from her most of the money. We corrected the plumbing and the electrical per code and we did all the work needed to complete the job. We also replaced partial of the roof.

The owners of this beautiful 1908 NE Portland home wanted to breathe new life into their unfinished basement and dysfunctional main-floor bathroom and mudroom. Our goal was to create comfortable and practical spaces, while staying true to the preferences of the homeowners and age of the home. The existing half bathroom and mudroom were situated in what was originally an enclosed back porch. The homeowners wanted to create a full bathroom on the main floor, along with a functional mudroom off the back entrance. Our team completely gutted the space, reframed the walls, leveled the flooring, and installed upgraded amenities, including a solid surface shower, custom cabinetry, blue tile and marmoleum flooring, and Marvin wood windows. In the basement, we created a laundry room, designated workshop and utility space, and a comfortable family area to shoot pool. The renovated spaces are now up-to-code with insulated and finished walls, heating & cooling, epoxy flooring, and refurbished windows. The newly remodeled spaces achieve the homeowner's desire for function, comfort, and to preserve the unique quality & character of their 1908 residence.

View of the unique multi-level dual vanity.
Bathroom - mid-sized transitional master brown tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and brown floor bathroom idea in Other with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and a hinged shower door

Custom cabinet work made from semi custom cabinets. Art carpentry made among a quartz countertop white with grey thick veins and a 4 inch backsplash from same material. two under-mount sinks and 2 tall faucets. Full paint, ceramic floor 12 x 24 tiles, electrical upgrade up to code with GFCI outlets and plumbing upgrade to copper pipes and finishing with three mirrors for a better symmetrical looks on this super nice vanity area