Old farmhouses offer charm and character but usually need some careful changes to efficiently serve the needs of today’s families. This blended family of four desperately desired a master bath and walk-in closet in keeping with the exceptional features of the home. At the top of the list were a large shower, double vanity, and a private toilet area. They also requested additional storage for bathroom items. Windows, doorways could not be relocated, but certain nonloadbearing walls could be removed. Gorgeous antique flooring had to be patched where walls were removed without being noticeable. Original interior doors and woodwork were restored. Deep window sills give hints to the thick stone exterior walls. A local reproduction furniture maker with national accolades was the perfect choice for the cabinetry which was hand planed and hand finished the way furniture was built long ago. Even the wood tops on the beautiful dresser and bench were rich with dimension from these techniques. The legs on the double vanity were hand turned by Amish woodworkers to add to the farmhouse flair. Marble tops and tile as well as antique style fixtures were chosen to complement the classic look of everything else in the room. It was important to choose contractors and installers experienced in historic remodeling as the old systems had to be carefully updated. Every item on the wish list was achieved in this project from functional storage and a private water closet to every aesthetic detail desired. If only the farmers who originally inhabited this home could see it now! Matt Villano Photography

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Master Bath shower is Calcutta gold marble from Italy and book-matched for continuous custom look, complemented by an elegant slipper tub. Photography: Jean Laughton

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER This couple lived in their colonial home in Burke, Virginia, for more than 20 years. Now that their children were grown and gone, it was time for them to pay more attention to their home. First on their list was to renovate their master bathroom. Tight and dysfunctional is how they described the existing space. The homeowners always dreamed of having a whirlpool, a large steam shower and a private toilet area. Importantly, they wanted to use the latest products and materials to bring the bathroom into the 21st Century. Starting with exotic granite and porcelain tile from floor to ceiling, the new design does just that. Then, a highly sophisticated steam shower using granite benches, a heavy glass enclosure, chrome faucets and a rain shower head was installed. Modern body spray heads are embedded in the wall tiles. The shower is complemented by a bubble, jetted whirlpool tub with granite surrounds. A modern double vanity with vessel sinks, a granite countertop, high end cabinets and stylish faucets rest along one wall. Custom-built, recessed mirrored medicine cabinets provide storage for necessities. In the end, the homeowners are thrilled with the outcome and never imagined that their old and dark looking small bath could ever be transformed into such beautiful bathroom.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER; 2012 QUALIFIED REMODELER MASTER DESIGN AWARD This 1950 brick colonial featured a floor plan typical of homes of that era--small boxy rooms, each separated by four walls. The young couple who owned the home loved its potential, but needed more space. The main goal of this project was to create a seamless and open floor plan on the first floor, adding a family room and enlarging the kitchen. A master bedroom and bathroom suite were planned to make better use of the second level. To accomplish these goals, a 20’ x 20’ two-story addition was designed by Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes. The new expanded kitchen and family room features limestone floors, a new gas fireplace surrounded with built-ins and glass stone hearth to complement the kitchen countertops and backsplash. Use of espresso colored cabinetry topped by a light granite countertop with brown veins running through it is one of the decorative touches that make this project stunning. The large middle island which consists of a second sink, wine chiller and seating space is another bonus point of this kitchen. Commercial quality appliances assure gourmet cooking at its finest. Large first floor windows face the home’s new flagstone patio, which can be accessed via a French door. The second floor consists of the master bedroom with a sitting area , French doors leading into a French balcony facing back yard, double-sided stoned gas fireplace (between the bedroom and master bath) and a cathedral ceiling. The master bathroom features a large steam shower, body sprays and rain shower, a large double person Jacuzzi, tumbled marble floor and wall tiles with accents. The use of wide plank exotic tiger wood has beautified this master suite. Keeping the homeowners’ contemporary style in mind and achieving their wishes has transformed this old 1950 colonial into a fully functional 21st Century dream home.

Dark stone, custom cherry cabinetry, misty forest wallpaper, and a luxurious soaker tub mix together to create this spectacular primary bathroom. These returning clients came to us with a vision to transform their builder-grade bathroom into a showpiece, inspired in part by the Japanese garden and forest surrounding their home. Our designer, Anna, incorporated several accessibility-friendly features into the bathroom design; a zero-clearance shower entrance, a tiled shower bench, stylish grab bars, and a wide ledge for transitioning into the soaking tub. Our master cabinet maker and finish carpenters collaborated to create the handmade tapered legs of the cherry cabinets, a custom mirror frame, and new wood trim.

The centerpiece is a large, furniture-like dark wood double vanity with a dedicated makeup station. Polished nickel widespread faucets and towel ring are from House Of Rohl. Four Visual Comfort & Co sconces in polished nickel flank the whole vanity. The rich wood complements the polished nickel knobs and white marble countertop. Three large, wood-framed mirrors are mounted above the vanity, reflecting the bright natural light. Elegant grey and white patterned tile in a Moroccan-inspired scale motif catches eyes.

Project Overview Transforming an underutilized attic or second-story layout into a luxurious, functional sanctuary requires a seamless blend of architectural ingenuity and fine craftsmanship. For this home in Melrose, MA, Godfrey Design-Build designed and executed a stunning master suite addition that maximizes square footage, introduces abundant natural light, and preserves the home's character with rich, structural details. Design Features & Highlights Architectural Timber Beams: The vaulted ceilings feature gorgeous, exposed dark wood accent beams that draw the eye upward, adding rustic warmth and a sense of grand scale to the bedroom. Feature Brick Accent Wall: A striking, floor-to-ceiling brick veneer accent wall anchors the room, offering a textured, historic loft feel that perfectly complements the rich hardwood flooring. Custom Built-In Storage & Bench: To maximize the unique rooflines and eave spaces, we integrated seamless, minimalist white cabinetry and wardrobes alongside a cozy window bench—offering ample storage without cluttering the floor plan. Abundant Natural Light: Strategically placed double-hung windows flood the entire master suite with daylight while offering serene views of the Melrose neighborhood. Feature Brick Accent Wall: A striking, floor-to-ceiling brick veneer accent wall anchors the room, offering a textured, historic loft feel that perfectly complements the rich hardwood flooring.

Old farmhouses offer charm and character but usually need some careful changes to efficiently serve the needs of today’s families. This blended family of four desperately desired a master bath and walk-in closet in keeping with the exceptional features of the home. At the top of the list were a large shower, double vanity, and a private toilet area. They also requested additional storage for bathroom items. Windows, doorways could not be relocated, but certain nonloadbearing walls could be removed. Gorgeous antique flooring had to be patched where walls were removed without being noticeable. Original interior doors and woodwork were restored. Deep window sills give hints to the thick stone exterior walls. A local reproduction furniture maker with national accolades was the perfect choice for the cabinetry which was hand planed and hand finished the way furniture was built long ago. Even the wood tops on the beautiful dresser and bench were rich with dimension from these techniques. The legs on the double vanity were hand turned by Amish woodworkers to add to the farmhouse flair. Marble tops and tile as well as antique style fixtures were chosen to complement the classic look of everything else in the room. It was important to choose contractors and installers experienced in historic remodeling as the old systems had to be carefully updated. Every item on the wish list was achieved in this project from functional storage and a private water closet to every aesthetic detail desired. If only the farmers who originally inhabited this home could see it now! Matt Villano Photography

This transitional style bath design offers a serene master bath setting. Whether you prefer a long shower or soak in the tub, this bathroom has what you need, with both a large shower with glass door and a freestanding tub. The beautiful marble floor accents the gray Centra Cabinets vanity cabinet, which is complemented by Top Knobs crystal knobs and pulls and a granite countertop. Susan Hagstrom

This modern, luxurious master bedroom has a teal carpet that complements the textured walls and hardwood floors.
Inspiration for a large transitional master carpeted bedroom remodel in Chicago with gray walls

Naturally, the darker the color, the better the shades can diffuse sunlight and minimize glare. For these sliding glass doors, flanked by two auburn brick walls, the darker shades served as a good addition to the darker wood floors. The versatility of roller shades makes them excellent for complementing all sorts of strong or soft decor choices with harsh or light color schemes. For more details on our custom made roller shades for glass doors or windows, call 1-877-708-5883 to schedule a free in-person consultation with no obligation and talk to the Master Blinds design team yourself!

Naturally, the darker the color, the better the shades can diffuse sunlight and minimize glare. For these sliding glass doors, flanked by two auburn brick walls, the darker shades served as a good addition to the darker wood floors. The versatility of roller shades makes them excellent for complementing all sorts of strong or soft decor choices with harsh or light color schemes. For more details on our custom made roller shades for glass doors or windows, call 1-877-708-5883 to schedule a free in-person consultation with no obligation and talk to the Master Blinds design team yourself!

Naturally, the darker the color, the better the shades can diffuse sunlight and minimize glare. For these sliding glass doors, flanked by two auburn brick walls, the darker shades served as a good addition to the darker wood floors. The versatility of roller shades makes them excellent for complementing all sorts of strong or soft decor choices with harsh or light color schemes. For more details on our custom made roller shades for glass doors or windows, call 1-877-708-5883 to schedule a free in-person consultation with no obligation and talk to the Master Blinds design team yourself!

Naturally, the darker the color, the better the shades can diffuse sunlight and minimize glare. For these sliding glass doors, flanked by two auburn brick walls, the darker shades served as a good addition to the darker wood floors. The versatility of roller shades makes them excellent for complementing all sorts of strong or soft decor choices with harsh or light color schemes. For more details on our custom made roller shades for glass doors or windows, call 1-877-708-5883 to schedule a free in-person consultation with no obligation and talk to the Master Blinds design team yourself!

Jane Beiles
Large transitional master bathroom photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Expansive master suite with recessed lighting for a relaxed ambience. Bistro balcony and luxurious en-suite with frameless shower surround, rainfall and body spray showers, dual sinks and free-standing soaker tub. Calgary Photos

Metropolis Series - Framed Shower Enclosure Metropolis Series, influenced by Tudor window architecture, is fabricated with symmetrical, geometric, grid pattern. This European style from the late 18th Century offers Renaissance embellishments such as luxurious black metal finishes and hard-edge detailing. GlassCrafters’ Metropolis Series is intended to complement a broad range of interior décors including Traditional, Transitional and Art Deco. The Series combines historic styling with fine craftsmanship.

Our Maku series is a collection of porcelain stoneware inspired by the timeless allure of natural stone, stocked in warm, soft shades. Complemented by dark and light graphic decors that come in various patterns, randomly mixed.