A Sussex family hired us as the design build remodel company to makeover this kitchen. This remodeling project had three main goals: improve storage, update the layout/style and enhance the functionality. IMPROVE STORAGE The original home builder put in very narrow cabinets. The small, narrow cabinets made it difficult for the homeowners to store items. They also said it was important to have a kitchen that works for their children. The new design incorporates an appliance cabinet and wide drawers for storing items. The kids have easy access to snack drawers and lower dish storage for plastic cups and plates. Also, we added two built-in cabinets in the dining room for more storage. UPDATE THE LAYOUT & STYLE While the area was large, it didn’t maximize the space or fit their contemporary style. They wanted plenty of counter prep space and enough room for friends and family to gather. We added a large wood island with seating – perfect for hosting parties and family dinners. The space is bright with white shaker cabinetry and subway tile backsplash. Warm touches include satin bronze light fixtures and hardware. ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONALITY This Sussex kitchen features a Galley Sink Workstation. Having a sink workstation facing the center of the room allows the homeowners to stay part of the conversation while preparing a meal or cleaning up. Sink workstations are one of the hottest kitchen trends. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “We recently completed our kitchen remodel with Kowalske and we can’t say enough good things about our experience. Not only was every member of the team amazing, the work that was done in our kitchen was very high quality. We have recommended Kowalske to all of our friends and plan to use them for our master bath remodel in the future!” – Nicole, homeowner (Houzz Review)

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

This modern waterfront home was built for today’s contemporary lifestyle with the comfort of a family cottage. Walloon Lake Residence is a stunning three-story waterfront home with beautiful proportions and extreme attention to detail to give both timelessness and character. Horizontal wood siding wraps the perimeter and is broken up by floor-to-ceiling windows and moments of natural stone veneer. The exterior features graceful stone pillars and a glass door entrance that lead into a large living room, dining room, home bar, and kitchen perfect for entertaining. With walls of large windows throughout, the design makes the most of the lakefront views. A large screened porch and expansive platform patio provide space for lounging and grilling. Inside, the wooden slat decorative ceiling in the living room draws your eye upwards. The linear fireplace surround and hearth are the focal point on the main level. The home bar serves as a gathering place between the living room and kitchen. A large island with seating for five anchors the open concept kitchen and dining room. The strikingly modern range hood and custom slab kitchen cabinets elevate the design. The floating staircase in the foyer acts as an accent element. A spacious master suite is situated on the upper level. Featuring large windows, a tray ceiling, double vanity, and a walk-in closet. The large walkout basement hosts another wet bar for entertaining with modern island pendant lighting. Walloon Lake is located within the Little Traverse Bay Watershed and empties into Lake Michigan. It is considered an outstanding ecological, aesthetic, and recreational resource. The lake itself is unique in its shape, with three “arms” and two “shores” as well as a “foot” where the downtown village exists. Walloon Lake is a thriving northern Michigan small town with tons of character and energy, from snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter to morel hunting and hiking in the spring, boating and golfing in the summer, and wine tasting and color touring in the fall.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

This young family was ready for a new, fresh and updated look to their house. They wanted a totally different color scheme and vibe and needed it finished within 6 weeks to be ready for a party of 100+ people they were hosting. I was happy to help! Even though many items that were selected were on back order and needed to be replaced, they kept their spirits high after countless returns and exchanges. Although art was being framed a day before the party and decor was being installed at the last minute, we pulled it together and accomplished our goal of finishing on time! The easiest (and most cost effective!) way to change the feeling of a space is with color, so that’s what I did. I swapped out the tired burgundy/browns for a clean palette of blues and greys. In the family room, a new custom sectional in a neutral grey took place of the brown leatherette sofa. A blue accent chair was placed in the room to brighten that corner. Patterned drapes were hung for privacy and added texture. Colorful artwork and a Moroccan print area rug livened up the space. Many of the accessories and decor throughout the home were sourced at Home Goods, Target and Ikea. The only piece of furniture that was kept in the entire home was the dining table, chairs and bar stools. The head chairs were swapped out for swanky upholstered navy ones with a nail head trim. A custom cornice to match the chairs was installed in the kitchen to hide the existing roller shades. The bar stools were reupholstered in the same fabric and some throw pillows for the sofa were made in the navy velvet as well. A Z Gallerie chandelier and blue pendants were installed for a little added drama. The fireplace got a makeover with a fresh coat of white paint and tile mosaic. Their daughter wanted a beach theme bedroom, so that’s what she got! New blue walls, drapes and accessories brought the ocean to this room. Their son has taken a liking to super heroes and Legos. A red, blue and yellow color palette with bold stripes helped to create a fun, playful space for him to enjoy his Legos and super heroes. The master bedroom got a new look with updated furnishings and colorful, yet soothing, bedding. New drapes, an area rug and accessories help pull together this peaceful sanctuary. The bathroom got a makeover with a new vanity, tile mosaic back splash, new lighting and tile on the floor and shower.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours The second-largest and most developed of Georgia's barrier islands, St. Simons is approximately twelve miles long and nearly three miles wide at its widest stretch (roughly the size of Manhattan Island in New York). The island is located in Glynn County on Georgia's coast and lies east of Brunswick (the seat of Glynn County), south of Little St. Simons Island and the Hampton River, and north of Jekyll Island. The resort community of Sea Island is separated from St. Simons on the east by the Black Banks River. Known for its oak tree canopies and historic landmarks, St. Simons is both a tourist destination and, according to the 2010 U.S. census, home to 12,743 residents. Early History The earliest St. Simons Island Village record of human habitation on the island dates to the Late Archaic Period, about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago. Remnants of shell rings left behind by Native Americans from this era survive on many of the barrier islands, including St. Simons. Centuries later, during the period known by historians as the chiefdom era, the Guale Indians established a chiefdom centered on St. Catherines Island and used St. Simons as their hunting and fishing grounds. By 1500 the Guale had established a permanent village of about 200 people on St. Simons, which they called Guadalquini. Beginning in 1568, the Spanish attempted to create missions along the Georgia coast. Catholic missions were the primary means by which Georgia's indigenous Native American chiefdoms were assimilated into the Spanish colonial system along the northern frontier of greater Spanish Florida. In the 1600s St. Simons became home to two Spanish missions: San Buenaventura de Guadalquini, on the southern tip of the island, and Santo Domingo de Asao (or Asajo), on the northern tip. Located on the inland side of the island were the pagan refugee villages of San Simón, the island's namesake, and Ocotonico. In 1684 pirate raids left the missions and villages largely abandoned. Colonial History As Fort Frederica early as 1670, with Great Britain's establishment of the colony of Carolina and its expansion into Georgia territory, Spanish rule was threatened by the English. The Georgia coast was considered "debatable land" by England and Spain, even though Spain had fully retreated from St. Simons by 1702. Thirty-one years later General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the English settlement of Savannah. In 1736 he established Fort Frederica, named after the heir to the British throne, Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, on the west side of St. Simons Island to protect Savannah and the Carolinas from the Spanish threat. Between 1736 and 1749 Fort Frederica was the hub of British military operations along the Georgia frontier. A town of the same name grew up around the fort and was of great importance to the new colony. By 1740 Frederica's population was 1,000. In 1736 the congregation of what would become Christ Church was organized within Fort Frederica as a mission of the Church of England. Charles Wesley led the first services. In 1742 Britain's decisive victory over Spain in the Battle of Bloody Marsh, during the War of Jenkins' Ear, ended the Spanish threat to the Georgia coast. When the British regimen disbanded in 1749, most of the townspeople relocated to the mainland. Fort Frederica went into decline and, except for a short time of prosperity during the 1760s and 1770s under the leadership of merchant James Spalding, never fully recovered. Today the historic citadel's tabby ruins are maintained by the National Park Service. Plantation Era By the start of the American Revolution (1775-83), Fort Frederica was obsolete, and St. Simons was left largely uninhabited as most of its residents joined the patriot army. Besides hosting a small Georgia naval victory on the Fort Frederica River, providing guns from its famous fort for use at Fort Morris in Sunbury, and serving as an arena for pillaging by privateers and British soldiers, the island played almost no role in the war. Following the war, many of the townspeople, their businesses destroyed, turned to agriculture. The island was transformed into fourteen cotton plantations after acres of live oak trees were cleared for farm land and used for building American warships, including the famous USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides." Although rice was the predominant crop along the neighboring Altamaha River, St. Simons was known for its production of long-staple cotton, which soon came to be known as Sea Island cotton. Between Ebos Landing the 1780s and the outbreak of the Civil War (1861-65), St. Simons's plantation culture flourished. The saline atmosphere and the availability of cheap slave labor proved an ideal combination for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton. In 1803 a group of Ebo slaves who survived the Middle Passage and arrived on the west side of St. Simons staged a rebellion and drowned themselves. The sacred site is known today as Ebos Landing. One of the largest owners of land and slaves on St. Simons was Pierce Butler, master of Hampton Point Plantation, located on the northern end of the island. By 1793 Butler owned more than 500 slaves, who cultivated 800 acres of cotton on St. Simons and 300 acres of rice on Butler's Island in the Altamaha River delta. Butler's grandson, Pierce Mease Butler, who at the age of sixteen inherited a share of his grandfather's estate in 1826, was responsible for the largest sale of human beings in the history of the United States: in 1859, to restore his squandered fortune, he sold 429 slaves in Savannah for more than $300,000. The British actress and writer Fanny Kemble, whose tumultuous marriage to Pierce ended in divorce in 1849, published an eyewitness account of the evils of slavery on St. Simons in her book Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838-1839 (1863). Another Retreat Plantation large owner of land and slaves on St. Simons was Major William Page, a friend and employee of Pierce Butler Sr. Before purchasing Retreat Plantation on the southwestern tip of the island in 1804, Page managed the Hampton plantation and Butler's Island. Upon Page's death in 1827, Thomas Butler King inherited the land together with his wife, Page's daughter, Anna Matilda Page King. King expanded his father-in-law's planting empire on St. Simons as well as on the mainland, and by 1835 Retreat Plantation alone was home to as many as 355 slaves. The center of life during the island's plantation era was Christ Church, Frederica. Organized in 1807 by a group of island planters, the Episcopal church is the second oldest in the Diocese of Georgia. Embargoes imposed by the War of 1812 (1812-15) prevented the parishioners from building a church structure, so they worshiped in the home of John Beck, which stood on the site of Oglethorpe's only St. Simons residence, Orange Hall. The first Christ Church building, finished on the present site in 1820, was ruined by occupying Union troops during the Civil War. In 1884 the Reverend Anson Dodge Jr. rebuilt the church as a memorial to his first wife, Ellen. The cruciform building with a trussed gothic roof and stained-glass windows remains active today as Christ Church. Civil War and Beyond The St. Simons Island Lighthouse outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 put a sudden end to St. Simons's lucrative plantation era. In January of that year, Confederate troops were stationed at the south end of the island to guard the entrance to Brunswick Harbor. Slaves from Retreat Plantation, owned by Thomas Butler King, built earthworks and batteries. Plantation residents were scattered—the men joined the Confederate army and their families moved to the mainland. Cannon fire was heard on the island in December 1861, and Confederate troops retreated in February 1862, after dynamiting the lighthouse to keep its beacon from aiding Union troops. Soon thereafter, Union troops occupied the island, which was used as a camp for freed slaves. By August 1862 more than 500 former slaves lived on St. Simons, including Susie King Taylor, who organized a school for freed slave children. But in November the ex-slaves were taken to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Fernandina, Florida, leaving the island abandoned. After the Civil War the island never returned to its status as an agricultural community. The plantations lay dormant because there were no slaves to work the fields. After Union general William T. Sherman's January 1865 Special Field Order No. 15 —a demand that former plantations be divided and distributed to former slaves—was overturned by U.S. president Andrew Johnson less than a year later, freedmen and women were forced to work as sharecroppers on the small farms that dotted the land previously occupied by the sprawling plantations. By St. Simons Lumber Mills 1870 real economic recovery began with the reestablishment of the timber industry. Norman Dodge and Titus G. Meigs of New York set up lumber mill operations at Gascoigne Bluff, formerly Hamilton Plantation. The lumber mills provided welcome employment for both blacks and whites and also provided mail and passenger boats to the mainland. Such water traffic, together with the construction of a new lighthouse in 1872, designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey, marked the beginning of St. Simons's tourism industry. The keeper of the lighthouse created a small amusement park, which drew many visitors, as did the seemingly miraculous light that traveled from the top of the lighthouse tower to the bottom. The island became a summer retreat for families from the mainland, particularly from Baxley, Brunswick, and Waycross. The island's resort industry was thriving by the 1880s. Beachfront structures, such as a new pier and grand hotel, were built on the southeastern end of the island and could be accessed by ferry. Around this time wealthy northerners began vacationing on the island. Twentieth Century The St. Simons Island Pier and Village opening in 1924 of the Brunswick–St. Simons Highway, today known as the Torras Causeway, was a milestone in the development of resorts in the area. St. Simons's beaches were now easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. More than 5,000 automobiles took the short drive from Brunswick to St. Simons via the causeway on its opening day, paving the way for convenient residential and resort development. In 1926 automotive pioneer Howard Coffin of Detroit, Michigan, bought large tracts of land on St. Simons, including the former Retreat Plantation, and constructed a golf course, yacht club, paved roads, and a residential subdivision. Although the causeway had brought large numbers of summer people to the island, St. Simons remained a small community with only a few hundred permanent residents until the 1940s. The St. Simons Island outbreak of World War II (1941-45) brought more visitors and residents to St. Simons. Troops stationed at Jacksonville, Florida; Savannah; and nearby Camp Stewart took weekend vacations on the island, and a new naval air base and radar school became home to even more officers and soldiers. The increased wartime population brought the island its first public school. With a major shipyard for the production of Liberty ships in nearby Brunswick, the waters of St. Simons became active with German U-boats. In April 1942, just off the coast, the Texas Company oil tanker S. S. Oklahoma and the S. S. Esso Baton Rouge were torpedoed by the Germans, bringing the war very close to home for island residents. Due in large part to the military's improvement of the island's infrastructure during the war, development on the island boomed in the 1950s and 1960s. More permanent homes and subdivisions were built, and the island was no longer just a summer resort but also a thriving community. In 1950 the Methodist conference and retreat center Epworth by the Sea opened on Gascoigne Bluff. In 1961 novelist Eugenia Price visited St. Simons and began work on her first works of fiction, known as the St. Simons Trilogy. Inspired by real events on the island, Price's trilogy renewed interest in the history of Georgia's coast, and the novelist herself relocated to the island in 1965 and lived there for thirty-one years. St. Simons is also home to contemporary Georgia writer Tina McElroy Ansa. Since Epworth by the Sea 1980 St. Simons's population has doubled. The island's continued status as a vacation destination and its ongoing development boom have put historic landmarks and natural areas at risk. While such landmarks as the Fort Frederica ruins and the Battle of Bloody Marsh site are preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, and while the historic lighthouse is maintained by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, historic Ebos Landing has been taken over by a sewage treatment plant. Several coastal organizations have formed in recent years to save natural areas on the island. The St. Simons Land Trust, for example, has received donations of large tracts of land and plans to protect property in the island's three traditional African American neighborhoods. Despite its rapid growth and development, St. Simons remains one of the most beautiful and important islands on the Georgia coast.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

Taking good care of this home and taking time to customize it to their family, the owners have completed four remodel projects with Castle. The 2nd floor addition was completed in 2006, which expanded the home in back, where there was previously only a 1st floor porch. Now, after this remodel, the sunroom is open to the rest of the home and can be used in all four seasons. On the 2nd floor, the home’s footprint greatly expanded from a tight attic space into 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen remodel, which took place in 2013, reworked the floorplan in small, but dramatic ways. The doorway between the kitchen and front entry was widened and moved to allow for better flow, more countertop space, and a continuous wall for appliances to be more accessible. A more functional kitchen now offers ample workspace and cabinet storage, along with a built-in breakfast nook countertop. All new stainless steel LG and Bosch appliances were ordered from Warners’ Stellian. Another remodel in 2016 converted a closet into a wet bar allows for better hosting in the dining room. In 2018, after this family had already added a 2nd story addition, remodeled their kitchen, and converted the dining room closet into a wet bar, they decided it was time to remodel their basement. Finishing a portion of the basement to make a living room and giving the home an additional bathroom allows for the family and guests to have more personal space. With every project, solid oak woodwork has been installed, classic countertops and traditional tile selected, and glass knobs used. Where the finished basement area meets the utility room, Castle designed a barn door, so the cat will never be locked out of its litter box. The 3/4 bathroom is spacious and bright. The new shower floor features a unique pebble mosaic tile from Ceramic Tileworks. Bathroom sconces from Creative Lighting add a contemporary touch. Overall, this home is suited not only to the home’s original character; it is also suited to house the owners’ family for a lifetime. This home will be featured on the 2019 Castle Home Tour, September 28 – 29th. Showcased projects include their kitchen, wet bar, and basement. Not on tour is a second-floor addition including a master suite.

A Sussex family hired us as the design build remodel company to makeover this kitchen. This remodeling project had three main goals: improve storage, update the layout/style and enhance the functionality. IMPROVE STORAGE The original home builder put in very narrow cabinets. The small, narrow cabinets made it difficult for the homeowners to store items. They also said it was important to have a kitchen that works for their children. The new design incorporates an appliance cabinet and wide drawers for storing items. The kids have easy access to snack drawers and lower dish storage for plastic cups and plates. Also, we added two built-in cabinets in the dining room for more storage. UPDATE THE LAYOUT & STYLE While the area was large, it didn’t maximize the space or fit their contemporary style. They wanted plenty of counter prep space and enough room for friends and family to gather. We added a large wood island with seating – perfect for hosting parties and family dinners. The space is bright with white shaker cabinetry and subway tile backsplash. Warm touches include satin bronze light fixtures and hardware. ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONALITY This Sussex kitchen features a Galley Sink Workstation. Having a sink workstation facing the center of the room allows the homeowners to stay part of the conversation while preparing a meal or cleaning up. Sink workstations are one of the hottest kitchen trends. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “We recently completed our kitchen remodel with Kowalske and we can’t say enough good things about our experience. Not only was every member of the team amazing, the work that was done in our kitchen was very high quality. We have recommended Kowalske to all of our friends and plan to use them for our master bath remodel in the future!” – Nicole, homeowner (Houzz Review)