AV Architects + Builders Location: Tysons, VA, USA The Home for Life project was customized around our client’s lifestyle so that he could enjoy the home for many years to come. Designed with empty nesters and baby boomers in mind, our custom design used a different approach to the disparity of square footage on each floor. The main level measures out at 2,300 square feet while the lower and upper levels of the home measure out at 1000 square feet each, respectively. The open floor plan of the main level features a master suite and master bath, personal office, kitchen and dining areas, and a two-car garage that opens to a mudroom and laundry room. The upper level features two generously sized en-suite bedrooms while the lower level features an extra guest room with a full bath and an exercise/rec room. The backyard offers 800 square feet of travertine patio with an elegant outdoor kitchen, while the front entry has a covered 300 square foot porch with custom landscape lighting. The biggest challenge of the project was dealing with the size of the lot, measuring only a ¼ acre. Because the majority of square footage was dedicated to the main floor, we had to make sure that the main rooms had plenty of natural lighting. Our solution was to place the public spaces (Great room and outdoor patio) facing south, and the more private spaces (Bedrooms) facing north. The common misconception with small homes is that they cannot factor in everything the homeowner wants. With our custom design, we created an open concept space that features all the amenities of a luxury lifestyle in a home measuring a total of 4300 square feet. Jim Tetro Architectural Photography

a 1916 Craftsman in Oakland, CA gets new life. A complete overhaul of the original space while preserving all of the original detail in the casework and flooring. Overhead lighting (LED!) enhances the homeowners beautiful art collection, custom sized furniture provides increased seating and loads of texture and warmth, reducing any clutter. While remodeling the fireplace and adding period appropriate mantle detail, original windows were revealed, bringing more natural light into this illuminated living/family room. Scott Hargis Photo

One unique and beloved feature of this home, was the existing floating staircase. We quickly noticed the structural concerns with the staircase: no guard rail on the open side of the staircase and significantly inconsistent heights between each stair tread. Our Master Carpenter, Dennis, used shims to modify the stair tread heights to be within the code-acceptable difference, and strengthened the stair tread structure in order to support this beautiful metal cable rail system so that the original stairs can continue to remain in the home forever.

This was a complete remodel of an irregularly shaped bathroom with low ceilings in a Fort Lauderdale condo by Meredith Marlow Interiors. We moved plumbing and vents to raise the ceilings. We disguised and "straightened" the angular walls with millwork. The real concern was that since it was a condo, we had to keep the drains in the exact location while increasing the shower size and fitting in a free-standing tub.

Our client contacted us regarding their outdated bathroom. They could not handle taking a shower in their “TOMB” shower anymore. They wanted to update their bathroom giving it a streamlined look with a traditional touch. Our client’s desires were: • Wanted a large open shower • Wanted a larger master closet • Wanted a better way of excising the wall cabinet by the vanity • They wanted to remove their Jacuzzi tub After coming up with a design that satisfied the customer’s needs, we started the demo process and ran into the first obstacle. Because of the construction of the original closed shower, there was no moisture barrier used which caused the existing framing and exterior sheathing to decay. We were also startled by what look like an expanding black cloud of carpenter ants, when we opened up the wall. After making the necessary repairs, we continued with the remodel which consisted of a dramatic large shower, the large subway design, granite shelving along with the bronze accent tile that enhances the over all look of the show er. It also gave it a larger appearance with the custom glass enclose. Another concern we had after relocating the shower to its new location, was that it was under an existing skylight. We felt that there maybe a moisture concern especially during the winter months. To over come this obstacle we installed an exhaust fan near the ceiling in the w all above the shower. We painted the exhaust fan grill the same color of the walls, so the fan would not stand out. To make sure that there would not be any problem with condensation around the skylight , we trimmed the skylight with azek material. We installed custom cabinets that reflected the look the client was trying to achieve. During this process we over came our last obstacle by installing bi-fold style doors on the wall cabinet next to the vanity, which would swing completely out of the way so the customer could have full access to the slide drawers. The handles were placed on the doors to make it look like a regular two door wall cabinet. The bi-fold action also allowanced it to clear a wall sconce.

One unique and beloved feature of this home, was the existing floating staircase. We quickly noticed the structural concerns with the staircase: no guard rail on the open side of the staircase and significantly inconsistent heights between each stair tread. Our Master Carpenter, Dennis, used shims to modify the stair tread heights to be within the code-acceptable difference, and strengthened the stair tread structure in order to support this beautiful metal cable rail system so that the original stairs can continue to remain in the home forever.

This design / build project in Los Angeles, CA. focused on a couple’s master bathroom. There were multiple reasons that the homeowners decided to start this project. The existing skylight had begun leaking and there were function and style concerns to be addressed. Previously this dated-spacious master bathroom had a large Jacuzzi tub, sauna, bidet (in a water closet) and a shower. Although the space was large and offered many amenities they were not what the homeowners valued and the space was very compartmentalized. The project also included closing off a door which previously allowed guests access to the master bathroom. The homeowners wanted to create a space that was not accessible to guests. Painted tiles featuring lilies and gold finishes were not the style the homeowners were looking for. Desiring something more elegant, a place where they could pamper themselves, we were tasked with recreating the space. Chief among the homeowners requests were a wet room with free standing tub, floor-mounted waterfall tub filler, and stacked stone. Specifically they wanted the stacked stone to create a central visual feature between the shower and tub. The stacked stone is Limestone in Honed Birch. The open shower contrasts the neighboring stacked stone with sleek smooth large format tiles. A double walnut vanity featuring crystal knobs and waterfall faucets set below a clearstory window allowed for adding a new makeup vanity with chandelier which the homeowners love. The walnut vanity was selected to contrast the light, white tile. The bathroom features Brizo and DXV.

Bigger is not always better, but something of highest quality is. This amazing, size-appropriate Lake Michigan cottage is just that. Nestled in an existing historic stretch of Lake Michigan cottages, this new construction was built to fit in the neighborhood, but outperform any other home in the area concerning energy consumption, LEED certification and functionality. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room, a separate mudroom entrance and a separate laundry. This small (but smart) cottage is perfect for any family simply seeking a retreat without the stress of a big lake home. The interior details include quartz and granite countertops, stainless appliances, quarter-sawn white oak floors, Pella windows, and beautiful finishing fixtures. The dining area was custom designed, custom built, and features both new and reclaimed elements. The exterior displays Smart-Side siding and trim details and has a large EZE-Breeze screen porch for additional dining and lounging. This home owns all the best products and features of a beach house, with no wasted space. Cottage Home is the premiere builder on the shore of Lake Michigan, between the Indiana border and Holland.

This design / build project in Los Angeles, CA. focused on a couple’s master bathroom. There were multiple reasons that the homeowners decided to start this project. The existing skylight had begun leaking and there were function and style concerns to be addressed. Previously this dated-spacious master bathroom had a large Jacuzzi tub, sauna, bidet (in a water closet) and a shower. Although the space was large and offered many amenities they were not what the homeowners valued and the space was very compartmentalized. The project also included closing off a door which previously allowed guests access to the master bathroom. The homeowners wanted to create a space that was not accessible to guests. Painted tiles featuring lilies and gold finishes were not the style the homeowners were looking for. Desiring something more elegant, a place where they could pamper themselves, we were tasked with recreating the space. Chief among the homeowners requests were a wet room with free standing tub, floor-mounted waterfall tub filler, and stacked stone. Specifically they wanted the stacked stone to create a central visual feature between the shower and tub. The stacked stone is Limestone in Honed Birch. The open shower contrasts the neighboring stacked stone with sleek smooth large format tiles. A double walnut vanity featuring crystal knobs and waterfall faucets set below a clearstory window allowed for adding a new makeup vanity with chandelier which the homeowners love. The walnut vanity was selected to contrast the light, white tile. The bathroom features Brizo and DXV.

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States The design of this 4500sf, home….the steeply-sloping site; we thought of it as a tree house for grownups. Nestled into the hillside and surrounding by Aspens as well as Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pines, this HERS 38 home combines energy efficiency with a strong mountain palette of stone, stucco, and timber to blend with its surroundings. A strong stone base breaks up the massing of the three-story façade, with an expansive deck establishing a piano noble (elevated main floor) to take full advantage of the property’s amazing views and the owners’ desire for indoor/outdoor living. High ceilings and large windows create a light, spacious entry, which terminates into a custom hickory stair that winds its way to the center of the home. The open floor plan and French doors connect the great room to a gourmet kitchen, dining room, and flagstone patio terraced into the landscaped hillside. Landing dramatically in the great room, a stone fireplace anchors the space, while a wall of glass opens to the soaring covered deck, whose structure was designed to minimize any obstructions to the view.

Michael Hunter photography
Staircase - large contemporary wooden floating open staircase idea in Dallas

One of the best things about my job is getting to meet new people, and I had so much fun with this Glen Ellyn client who, after many years of contemplation, came in to remodel her kitchen and bath. We planned to tear out her old kitchen and master bath and replace them with new, fresh designs that would feel at home with her cottage style home, take into consideration her love for the outdoors, and tackle some aging-in-place challenges. The master bath was a very tight space with an awkward vanity, tub and toilet. For ease of use, the client wanted to eliminate the tub and add a shower, so we transformed the tub into a zero threshold shower with a small flip-down bench and hand shower so that she can shower sitting down if needed and there is no risk of tripping on the shower curb. A small cone shaped vanity provides a unique look and provides storage. A wall hung toilet helps address some clearance issues, and grab bars at shower and toilet address safety concerns. There was even room for a small built in cabinet across from the toilet for towel and toiletry storage. Antique lighting and wallpaper combined with modern plumbing fixtures keep the space looking cottage-y but also up-to-date. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Solution: Japanese style charred wood called Shou-Sugi-Ban. Product: Charwood™ – Ebony

Transitional bathroom photo in Seattle

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.

Custom master bath with a spa vanity from Starmark with a matching linen cabinet. The style is beaded inset with a shaker door style.
Inspiration for a mid-sized victorian master marble floor and green floor alcove shower remodel in Boston with beaded inset cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Treetop master bathroom remodel. Architect: building Lab / Photography: Scott Hargis
Example of a small trendy master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom design in San Francisco with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, a wall-mount toilet and white walls

This design / build project in Los Angeles, CA. focused on a couple’s master bathroom. There were multiple reasons that the homeowners decided to start this project. The existing skylight had begun leaking and there were function and style concerns to be addressed. Previously this dated-spacious master bathroom had a large Jacuzzi tub, sauna, bidet (in a water closet) and a shower. Although the space was large and offered many amenities they were not what the homeowners valued and the space was very compartmentalized. The project also included closing off a door which previously allowed guests access to the master bathroom. The homeowners wanted to create a space that was not accessible to guests. Painted tiles featuring lilies and gold finishes were not the style the homeowners were looking for. Desiring something more elegant, a place where they could pamper themselves, we were tasked with recreating the space. Chief among the homeowners requests were a wet room with free standing tub, floor-mounted waterfall tub filler, and stacked stone. Specifically they wanted the stacked stone to create a central visual feature between the shower and tub. The stacked stone is Limestone in Honed Birch. The open shower contrasts the neighboring stacked stone with sleek smooth large format tiles. A double walnut vanity featuring crystal knobs and waterfall faucets set below a clearstory window allowed for adding a new makeup vanity with chandelier which the homeowners love. The walnut vanity was selected to contrast the light, white tile. The bathroom features Brizo and DXV.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern master gray tile and ceramic tile double-sink bathroom remodel in St Louis with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white countertops and a floating vanity