Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Believe it or not, this award-winning home began as a speculative project. Typically speculative projects involve a rather generic design that would appeal to many in a style that might be loved by the masses. But the project’s developer loved modern architecture and his personal residence was the first project designed by architect C.P. Drewett when Drewett Works launched in 2001. Together, the architect and developer envisioned a fictitious art collector who would one day purchase this stunning piece of desert modern architecture to showcase their magnificent collection. The primary views from the site were southwest. Therefore, protecting the interior spaces from the southwest sun while making the primary views available was the greatest challenge. The views were very calculated and carefully managed. Every room needed to not only capture the vistas of the surrounding desert, but also provide viewing spaces for the potential collection to be housed within its walls. The core of the material palette is utilitarian including exposed masonry and locally quarried cantera stone. An organic nature was added to the project through millwork selections including walnut and red gum veneers. The eventual owners saw immediately that this could indeed become a home for them as well as their magnificent collection, of which pieces are loaned out to museums around the world. Their decision to purchase the home was based on the dimensions of one particular wall in the dining room which was EXACTLY large enough for one particular painting not yet displayed due to its size. The owners and this home were, as the saying goes, a perfect match! Project Details | Desert Modern for the Magnificent Collection, Estancia, Scottsdale, AZ Architecture: C.P. Drewett, Jr., AIA, NCARB | Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Shannon Construction | Phoenix, AZ Interior Selections: Janet Bilotti, NCIDQ, ASID | Naples, FL Custom Millwork: Linear Fine Woodworking | Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn | Scottsdale, AZ Awards: 2014 Gold Nugget Award of Merit Feature Article: Luxe. Interiors and Design. Winter 2015, “Lofty Exposure”

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

This fairly new home was built on Daniel Island right on beautiful Smythe Park. The homeowners purchased the five-year-old home because of its location and potential, but they had great plans to make it more modern and unique to their styles by incorporating transitional and modern design. They decided to go very white, creating a sleek, clean look while contrasting it against stained, dark hardwood floors. The project included adding new hardware, applying a fresh coat of paint to the entire interior (walls and ceilings), adding new light fixtures, refinishing the floors throughout the home and remodeling the master bathroom, morning kitchen, main kitchen and butler’s pantry cabinetry with newly refinished cabinetry, countertops and fixtures. What a remarkable transformation! The family able to create a fresh new look while keeping the architectural bones of the home in tact. Photography by: Brennan Wesley

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

The clients for this project saw potential to reinvent a small, one-story, 1940’s El Cerrito Bungalow, to support their unique and balanced, work-from-home lifestyle. They craved a modern, fresh approach to their day-to-day life with side-by-side, private work spaces, with the ability to open or close the connection between the two large offices. The home renovation and addition accommodates their spiritual interests as well with a room solely dedicated to meditation, yoga and tai chi. The creation of a small library near the entrance of the home provides a warm environment for research and leisure reading for this dynamic and creative couple. In order to achieve all of their requests, we kept portions of two sides of the original house and wedged a new, modern, 2-story addition in the middle while also extending the home to the rear. This allowed for a spacious master bedroom suite on the first floor complete with a wet room and Japanese soaking tub. Integral color cement plaster, natural wood and clear anodized aluminum create an authentic, rich, textural experience. The home offers lots of natural light, high wood ceilings, and a fun indoor/outdoor living experience that maximizes the use of the existing yard. The clients love their new home and hope that the design will raise the aesthetic bar for the neighborhood.

This project included removal of the structural wall between the kitchen and the dining room, master bathroom remodeling, installation of new hardwood floor throughout, completely changing the living room and fireplace wall and the main staircase. Creating a beautiful, clean, transitional home with open space this two storey gem was transformed from a retro 80's look to a modern euphoria. After some guidance from our clients, our team was able to transform this home to the beauty it is now. This renovation in Niagara Falls could not have been done without the team from Cromade Cabinetry and the design of Susan Greco. Photo Credits - Stephen King Photography

This exciting ‘whole house’ project began when a couple contacted us while house shopping. They found a 1980s contemporary colonial in Delafield with a great wooded lot on Nagawicka Lake. The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential. We toured the home, learned about their design style and dream for the new space. The goal of this project was to create a contemporary space that was interesting and unique. Above all, they wanted a home where they could entertain and make a future. At first, the couple thought they wanted to remodel only the kitchen and master suite. But after seeing Kowalske Kitchen & Bath’s design for transforming the entire house, they wanted to remodel it all. The couple purchased the home and hired us as the design-build-remodel contractor. First Floor Remodel The biggest transformation of this home is the first floor. The original entry was dark and closed off. By removing the dining room walls, we opened up the space for a grand entry into the kitchen and dining room. The open-concept kitchen features a large navy island, blue subway tile backsplash, bamboo wood shelves and fun lighting. On the first floor, we also turned a bathroom/sauna into a full bathroom and powder room. We were excited to give them a ‘wow’ powder room with a yellow penny tile wall, floating bamboo vanity and chic geometric cement tile floor. Second Floor Remodel The second floor remodel included a fireplace landing area, master suite, and turning an open loft area into a bedroom and bathroom. In the master suite, we removed a large whirlpool tub and reconfigured the bathroom/closet space. For a clean and classic look, the couple chose a black and white color pallet. We used subway tile on the walls in the large walk-in shower, a glass door with matte black finish, hexagon tile on the floor, a black vanity and quartz counters. Flooring, trim and doors were updated throughout the home for a cohesive look.

This fairly new home was built on Daniel Island right on beautiful Smythe Park. The homeowners purchased the five-year-old home because of its location and potential, but they had great plans to make it more modern and unique to their styles by incorporating transitional and modern design. They decided to go very white, creating a sleek, clean look while contrasting it against stained, dark hardwood floors. The project included adding new hardware, applying a fresh coat of paint to the entire interior (walls and ceilings), adding new light fixtures, refinishing the floors throughout the home and remodeling the master bathroom, morning kitchen, main kitchen and butler’s pantry cabinetry with newly refinished cabinetry, countertops and fixtures. What a remarkable transformation! The family able to create a fresh new look while keeping the architectural bones of the home in tact. Photography by: Brennan Wesley

The clients for this project saw potential to reinvent a small, one-story, 1940’s El Cerrito Bungalow, to support their unique and balanced, work-from-home lifestyle. They craved a modern, fresh approach to their day-to-day life with side-by-side, private work spaces, with the ability to open or close the connection between the two large offices. The home renovation and addition accommodates their spiritual interests as well with a room solely dedicated to meditation, yoga and tai chi. The creation of a small library near the entrance of the home provides a warm environment for research and leisure reading for this dynamic and creative couple. In order to achieve all of their requests, we kept portions of two sides of the original house and wedged a new, modern, 2-story addition in the middle while also extending the home to the rear. This allowed for a spacious master bedroom suite on the first floor complete with a wet room and Japanese soaking tub. Integral color cement plaster, natural wood and clear anodized aluminum create an authentic, rich, textural experience. The home offers lots of natural light, high wood ceilings, and a fun indoor/outdoor living experience that maximizes the use of the existing yard. The clients love their new home and hope that the design will raise the aesthetic bar for the neighborhood.

The clients for this project saw potential to reinvent a small, one-story, 1940’s El Cerrito Bungalow, to support their unique and balanced, work-from-home lifestyle. They craved a modern, fresh approach to their day-to-day life with side-by-side, private work spaces, with the ability to open or close the connection between the two large offices. The home renovation and addition accommodates their spiritual interests as well with a room solely dedicated to meditation, yoga and tai chi. The creation of a small library near the entrance of the home provides a warm environment for research and leisure reading for this dynamic and creative couple. In order to achieve all of their requests, we kept portions of two sides of the original house and wedged a new, modern, 2-story addition in the middle while also extending the home to the rear. This allowed for a spacious master bedroom suite on the first floor complete with a wet room and Japanese soaking tub. Integral color cement plaster, natural wood and clear anodized aluminum create an authentic, rich, textural experience. The home offers lots of natural light, high wood ceilings, and a fun indoor/outdoor living experience that maximizes the use of the existing yard. The clients love their new home and hope that the design will raise the aesthetic bar for the neighborhood.

Popular Tanner Ridge location in Central Saanich with well maintained 2 level family home on a nicely landscaped & level 1/4 acre lot.(over 11,000 sq/ft). Built in 1970 with lots of updates. 2000 sq/ft, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, updated kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances & eating bar. Separate dining area leads to wrap around deck with access to the rear yard. Large living room with wood burning f/p insert. 3 beds up, Master bdrm has walk-in closet & 2 pce ensuite. Main bath has heated floor. Oak floors on main. Lower level features a large family/rec room, 3 pce bath & 4th bedroom. Laundry room. Potential for additional accommodation. Yard has in-ground sprinklers, large entertaining deck & above ground pool. Storage shed. Single car garage plus large side parking for RV/boat. 200 amp service, 2013 H/W tank. Newer roof, newer windows thru-out. Quiet location, easy access to the Highway, 20 minutes to Victoria, 10 min to Airport, 15 min to ferries. Close to bus route.

Believe it or not, this award-winning home began as a speculative project. Typically speculative projects involve a rather generic design that would appeal to many in a style that might be loved by the masses. But the project’s developer loved modern architecture and his personal residence was the first project designed by architect C.P. Drewett when Drewett Works launched in 2001. Together, the architect and developer envisioned a fictitious art collector who would one day purchase this stunning piece of desert modern architecture to showcase their magnificent collection. The primary views from the site were southwest. Therefore, protecting the interior spaces from the southwest sun while making the primary views available was the greatest challenge. The views were very calculated and carefully managed. Every room needed to not only capture the vistas of the surrounding desert, but also provide viewing spaces for the potential collection to be housed within its walls. The core of the material palette is utilitarian including exposed masonry and locally quarried cantera stone. An organic nature was added to the project through millwork selections including walnut and red gum veneers. The eventual owners saw immediately that this could indeed become a home for them as well as their magnificent collection, of which pieces are loaned out to museums around the world. Their decision to purchase the home was based on the dimensions of one particular wall in the dining room which was EXACTLY large enough for one particular painting not yet displayed due to its size. The owners and this home were, as the saying goes, a perfect match! Project Details | Desert Modern for the Magnificent Collection, Estancia, Scottsdale, AZ Architecture: C.P. Drewett, Jr., AIA, NCARB | Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Shannon Construction | Phoenix, AZ Interior Selections: Janet Bilotti, NCIDQ, ASID | Naples, FL Custom Millwork: Linear Fine Woodworking | Scottsdale, AZ Photography: Dino Tonn | Scottsdale, AZ Awards: 2014 Gold Nugget Award of Merit Feature Article: Luxe. Interiors and Design. Winter 2015, “Lofty Exposure”