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

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

Property Marketed by Hudson Place Realty - Style meets substance in this circa 1875 townhouse. Completely renovated & restored in a contemporary, yet warm & welcoming style, 295 Pavonia Avenue is the ultimate home for the 21st century urban family. Set on a 25’ wide lot, this Hamilton Park home offers an ideal open floor plan, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a private outdoor oasis. With 3,600 sq. ft. of living space, the owner’s triplex showcases a unique formal dining rotunda, living room with exposed brick and built in entertainment center, powder room and office nook. The upper bedroom floors feature a master suite separate sitting area, large walk-in closet with custom built-ins, a dream bath with an over-sized soaking tub, double vanity, separate shower and water closet. The top floor is its own private retreat complete with bedroom, full bath & large sitting room. Tailor-made for the cooking enthusiast, the chef’s kitchen features a top notch appliance package with 48” Viking refrigerator, Kuppersbusch induction cooktop, built-in double wall oven and Bosch dishwasher, Dacor espresso maker, Viking wine refrigerator, Italian Zebra marble counters and walk-in pantry. A breakfast nook leads out to the large deck and yard for seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining. Other building features include; a handsome façade with distinctive mansard roof, hardwood floors, Lutron lighting, home automation/sound system, 2 zone CAC, 3 zone radiant heat & tremendous storage, A garden level office and large one bedroom apartment with private entrances, round out this spectacular home.

Walter Elliott Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Charleston with blue walls

photography by Rob Karosis
Bedroom and mid-sized elegant gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' bedroom photo in Portland Maine with blue walls

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

An Architectural and Interior Design Masterpiece! This luxurious waterfront estate resides on 4 acres of a private peninsula, surrounded by 3 sides of an expanse of water with unparalleled, panoramic views. 1500 ft of private white sand beach, private pier and 2 boat slips on Ono Harbor. Spacious, exquisite formal living room, dining room, large study/office with mahogany, built in bookshelves. Family Room with additional breakfast area. Guest Rooms share an additional Family Room. Unsurpassed Master Suite with water views of Bellville Bay and Bay St. John featuring a marble tub, custom tile outdoor shower, and dressing area. Expansive outdoor living areas showcasing a saltwater pool with swim up bar and fire pit. The magnificent kitchen offers access to a butler pantry, balcony and an outdoor kitchen with sitting area. This home features Brazilian Wood Floors and French Limestone Tiles throughout. Custom Copper handrails leads you to the crow's nest that offers 360degree views. PhotosShawn Seals, Fovea 360 LLC

Project Mgt. and Interior Design: www.collaborative-design.com Photography: Edmunds Studios
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master dark wood floor double shower remodel in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, open cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls and granite countertops

Inspiration for a transitional 3/4 white tile bathroom remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, black walls, a vessel sink and white countertops

Master Bathroom - Master Vanity
Inspiration for a large timeless master beige tile, brown tile, multicolored tile, white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom remodel in Birmingham with shaker cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, granite countertops and gray cabinets

Part of the addition's Main Suite, is the homeowner's Main Bathroom. A deep blue, double vanity pairs nicely with a large walk-in shower, offering a spa-like retreat feel in a light, sun filled room.

This dramatic contemporary residence features extraordinary design with magnificent views of Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the ever changing San Francisco Bay. The amazing great room has soaring 36 foot ceilings, a Carnelian granite cascading waterfall flanked by stairways on each side, and an unique patterned sky roof of redwood and cedar. The 57 foyer windows and glass double doors are specifically designed to frame the world class views. Designed by world-renowned architect Angela Danadjieva as her personal residence, this unique architectural masterpiece features intricate woodwork and innovative environmental construction standards offering an ecological sanctuary with the natural granite flooring and planters and a 10 ft. indoor waterfall. The fluctuating light filtering through the sculptured redwood ceilings creates a reflective and varying ambiance. Other features include a reinforced concrete structure, multi-layered slate roof, a natural garden with granite and stone patio leading to a lawn overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Completing the home is a spacious master suite with a granite bath, an office / second bedroom featuring a granite bath, a third guest bedroom suite and a den / 4th bedroom with bath. Other features include an electronic controlled gate with a stone driveway to the two car garage and a dumb waiter from the garage to the granite kitchen.

The master bedroom features several over sized windows with reclaimed wood detail. The bedroom offers a window looking into the en suite shower.
Huge trendy master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in New York with white walls and no fireplace

Complete bathroom remodel Summer 2013. This bath offers generous space without going overboard in square footage. The homeowner chose to go with a large double vanity, a nice shower with custom features a shower seat. We decided to keep the existing tub and deck it with carrara marble. The vanity area shown in this photo has plenty of storage for bathroom appliances in the tower. Below the mirrored wall cabinets we added a open towel storage space below. The mirrors were cased out with the matching woodwork, crown detail and carrara tile mosaics on each side. The countertop is Carrara slab marble with undermount Marzi sinks. The Kallista faucets are wall mounted, we was chosen in chrome since it was an easier finish to maintain for years to come. The floor tile is a 20 x 20 Silver Strand with a Carrara Marble strip set in straight. The backsplash to the vanity is the companion carrara mosaic random. Vaulted ceilings add to the dramatic feel of this bath. The polished nickel Restoration glass globe chandelier also adds to the dramatic glamor of the bath. The shower has three zones function, with a polished gray porcelain tile, mixed with split face white marble and carrara marble mosaics. This luxury bath sets its residence in Houston Texas.

Classic, neutral cornices with lovely embroidered fabric, and leather-like banding along the bottom. This client aimed to 'let the light in' and offer a more contemporary look! Mission accomplished!

For those lucky enough to live lakeside in New Hampshire, warm evening summer breezes are best enjoyed from a comfortable screened porch. This summer camp underwent a drastic renovation and expansion so the family could enjoy life at the lake and offer year-round living to future generations. The project’s design especially focused around expanding the existing screened porch, where the family spends most of their time. Keeping the porch at the best viewing corner of the home, while expanding into a wrap-around style to best take in the water views, was important. Meticulous planning helped navigate the design around strict allowances for a residence with such close proximity to the water, per the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. To make the camp a family cottage, there was a complete re-facing of the exterior, a mudroom addition and a dormer addition to create an office space open to living areas below. Extensive renovations to the interior resulted in a new kitchen for family to gather, reconfiguration to create a first-floor master suite and improved access to the exterior, especially the wrap-around porch. Now the home, and porch, can be enjoyed to the fullest by the owners, family and friends. Greg West

Interior Designers Firm in Miami Beach Florida, PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL NEWCOMB, PALM BEACH GARDENS. Garden Area A quick look into the outdoor garden area reveals ergonomic furniture and beautiful Buddhist designs, all intended to give you peace and serenity whether you’re going for a morning stroll or passing through after a hard day at work. The garden is surrounded by a glass barrier and is accessible via a ramp, built with a stone walkway that matches the décor and keeps the immersion alive. On the left, upon entering the area, you will see several clean, white vases set against the beautiful garden backdrop and is accompanied by several potted trees, all of which reflect the beautiful atmosphere that Miami Beach has to offer. Further into the garden you have a sitting area with perfectly ergonomic furniture designed to let you relax, and forget about the troubles of the day. Even a quick walk through this garden is going to do a great job of putting you at peace, and it’s a great place to relax after a long, hard day at the office. Finally, the space does a great job of maintaining a natural appearance while integrating nature with just the right amount of pavement, flanked by just the right amount of grass. A barefoot stroll through this small, but relaxing garden is definitely going to be in order. J Design Group, Miami Beach Interior Designers – Miami, FL 225 Malaga Ave. Coral Gables, Fl 33134 305-444-4611 https://www.JDesignGroup.com

Joe Fletcher Atop a ridge in the Santa Lucia mountains of Carmel, California, an oak tree stands elevated above the fog and wrapped at its base in this ranch retreat. The weekend home’s design grew around the 100-year-old Valley Oak to form a horseshoe-shaped house that gathers ridgeline views of Oak, Madrone, and Redwood groves at its exterior and nestles around the tree at its center. The home’s orientation offers both the shade of the oak canopy in the courtyard and the sun flowing into the great room at the house’s rear façades. This modern take on a traditional ranch home offers contemporary materials and landscaping to a classic typology. From the main entry in the courtyard, one enters the home’s great room and immediately experiences the dramatic westward views across the 70 foot pool at the house’s rear. In this expansive public area, programmatic needs flow and connect - from the kitchen, whose windows face the courtyard, to the dining room, whose doors slide seamlessly into walls to create an outdoor dining pavilion. The primary circulation axes flank the internal courtyard, anchoring the house to its site and heightening the sense of scale by extending views outward at each of the corridor’s ends. Guest suites, complete with private kitchen and living room, and the garage are housed in auxiliary wings connected to the main house by covered walkways. Building materials including pre-weathered corrugated steel cladding, buff limestone walls, and large aluminum apertures, and the interior palette of cedar-clad ceilings, oil-rubbed steel, and exposed concrete floors soften the modern aesthetics into a refined but rugged ranch home.

A fresh reinterpretation of historic influences is at the center of our design philosophy; we’ve combined innovative materials and traditional architecture with modern finishes such as generous floor plans, open living concepts, gracious window placements, and superior finishes. With personalized interior detailing and gracious proportions filled with natural light, Fairview Row offers residents an intimate place to call home. It’s a unique community where traditional elegance speaks to the nature of the neighborhood in a way that feels fresh and relevant for today. Smith Hardy Photos