When this Harbor Island home was originally purchased, the new owner knew that a lot work was needed to transform the whole home to fit his more contemporary style. The Big Sky Design team added new finishes, fireplaces, window treatments and completed a full kitchen and master bath renovation. In the kitchen they added a new island, new custom stained wood detailed bulkhead, Cambria Quartz countertop and backsplash as well as custom finished cabinetry. The master bath has a sleek new tiled wall, all new plumbing and fixtures, lighting and custom concrete sinks. With numerous windows around the perimeter of the home, the space feels open, light and airy. The home is surrounded by palm trees on the exterior all at the perfect heigh to provide privacy and a touch of classic Wrightsville Beach feel. The final look is sleek and handsome and the perfect space for the client to call home! || Photography: Mark Steelman (marksteelmanphoto.com)

The master bathroom was the first area to address. Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. was chosen among many candidates for her expertise in remodeling. Design plans, elevations for cabinets and tile were as well as all materials. A contractor was chosen by the clients to do the demo and replace the tile and install all the materials chosen by Arlene. The clients loved the idea of a stand-alone tub that became of the focal point of the room. New cabinets were designed with soft close doors and drawers in a washed oak finish. The mirrors were a chrome frame, custom made for the area, while the sconces add an extra design element. The shower was customized for steam with high Euro glass panels and chrome fixtures. The tile accents, the quartz bench and niches an add height and interest to the overall style and design of this custom shower. The clients love their new master bathroom. With newly added lights and natural daylight the room sparkles. It was exactly what they had in mind when they purchased the home. Design Connection, Inc. provided: space plans and elevations, tile, countertops, plumbing, lighting fixtures and project management.

When this Harbor Island home was originally purchased, the new owner knew that a lot work was needed to transform the whole home to fit his more contemporary style. The Big Sky Design team added new finishes, fireplaces, window treatments and completed a full kitchen and master bath renovation. In the kitchen they added a new island, new custom stained wood detailed bulkhead, Cambria Quartz countertop and backsplash as well as custom finished cabinetry. The master bath has a sleek new tiled wall, all new plumbing and fixtures, lighting and custom concrete sinks. With numerous windows around the perimeter of the home, the space feels open, light and airy. The home is surrounded by palm trees on the exterior all at the perfect heigh to provide privacy and a touch of classic Wrightsville Beach feel. The final look is sleek and handsome and the perfect space for the client to call home! || Photography: Mark Steelman (marksteelmanphoto.com)

A young couple with three small children purchased this full floor loft in Tribeca in need of a gut renovation. The existing apartment was plagued with awkward spaces, limited natural light and an outdated décor. It was also lacking the required third child’s bedroom desperately needed for their newly expanded family. StudioLAB aimed for a fluid open-plan layout in the larger public spaces while creating smaller, tighter quarters in the rear private spaces to satisfy the family’s programmatic wishes. 3 small children’s bedrooms were carved out of the rear lower level connected by a communal playroom and a shared kid’s bathroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom and master bathroom float above the kid’s rooms on a mezzanine accessed by a newly built staircase. Ample new storage was built underneath the staircase as an extension of the open kitchen and dining areas. A custom pull out drawer containing the food and water bowls was installed for the family’s two dogs to be hidden away out of site when not in use. All wall surfaces, existing and new, were limited to a bright but warm white finish to create a seamless integration in the ceiling and wall structures allowing the spatial progression of the space and sculptural quality of the midcentury modern furniture pieces and colorful original artwork, painted by the wife’s brother, to enhance the space. The existing tin ceiling was left in the living room to maximize ceiling heights and remain a reminder of the historical details of the original construction. A new central AC system was added with an exposed cylindrical duct running along the long living room wall. A small office nook was built next to the elevator tucked away to be out of site.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER The homeowners purchased this 6,000 square foot Mount Vernon home as they were about to retire. While spacious, it was in desperate need of renovating. High on their list of goals for the project was having a large, contemporary master bathroom. To get extra space for the new bathroom, the designer borrowed some space from an existing closet. Eliminating the tub—the owners preferred a larger shower—also provided some “added” space. The new bathroom consists of a very large walk-in shower with double entry, built-in benches, multiple shower heads and a dramatic curved glass block partition wall. His and her vanities have been created for each client’s individual needs. Marble and tile used on the floors and walls features very specific handpicked glass tile inserts & designs. The use of colorful marble counter tops and open vanity cabinetry is part of contemporary look of this project. A mixture of hand selected commode and faucets, rain showers, beveled mirrors, and custom lighting are all part of the detailed craftsmanship that went into this project.

Summary of Scope: gut renovation/reconfiguration of kitchen, coffee bar, mudroom, powder room, 2 kids baths, guest bath, master bath and dressing room, kids study and playroom, study/office, laundry room, restoration of windows, adding wallpapers and window treatments Background/description: The house was built in 1908, my clients are only the 3rd owners of the house. The prior owner lived there from 1940s until she died at age of 98! The old home had loads of character and charm but was in pretty bad condition and desperately needed updates. The clients purchased the home a few years ago and did some work before they moved in (roof, HVAC, electrical) but decided to live in the house for a 6 months or so before embarking on the next renovation phase. I had worked with the clients previously on the wife's office space and a few projects in a previous home including the nursery design for their first child so they reached out when they were ready to start thinking about the interior renovations. The goal was to respect and enhance the historic architecture of the home but make the spaces more functional for this couple with two small kids. Clients were open to color and some more bold/unexpected design choices. The design style is updated traditional with some eclectic elements. An early design decision was to incorporate a dark colored french range which would be the focal point of the kitchen and to do dark high gloss lacquered cabinets in the adjacent coffee bar, and we ultimately went with dark green.

Relocating to Portland, Oregon from California, this young family immediately hired Amy to redesign their newly purchased home to better fit their needs. The project included updating the kitchen, hall bath, and adding an en suite to their master bedroom. Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining allowed for additional counter space and storage along with improved traffic flow and increased natural light to the heart of the home. This galley style kitchen is focused on efficiency and functionality through custom cabinets with a pantry boasting drawer storage topped with quartz slab for durability, pull-out storage accessories throughout, deep drawers, and a quartz topped coffee bar/ buffet facing the dining area. The master bath and hall bath were born out of a single bath and a closet. While modest in size, the bathrooms are filled with functionality and colorful design elements. Durable hex shaped porcelain tiles compliment the blue vanities topped with white quartz countertops. The shower and tub are both tiled in handmade ceramic tiles, bringing much needed texture and movement of light to the space. The hall bath is outfitted with a toe-kick pull-out step for the family’s youngest member!

This bathroom is what dreams are made of – astonishing views, marble floors, and a floor plan big enough to do cartwheels in (which I would totally do if this were my bathroom). Built in 1942 on the top of View Ridge, our client purchased this home in 2012 and decided to remodel it in 2017. We gave this beautiful home a well-deserved "facelift," if you will, and designed a second story consisting of a primary suite and rooftop deck, a walk-in closet, ensuite laundry, 180-degree views, and french doors opening up to the deck. But the real show stopper is the luxurious primary bathroom! Quartz counter tops, custom cabinets, light blue painted walls, a heavenly soaking tub, a large walk-in shower, and a basketweave Carrara marble tile rug make this the master of all bathrooms. We added an upholstered bench and long runner to soften the finishes and create a sophisticated, feminine oasis. Take a look below to see for yourself!

All furniture and accessories were bought at Serenity Design. If you are interested in purchasing anything you see in our photographs please contact us at the store 609-494-5162. Many of the items can be shipped throughout the country. Photographs by Sam Obperter

Coconut Grove is Southwest of Miami beach near coral gables and south of downtown. It’s a very lush and charming neighborhood. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods and is protected historically. It hugs the shoreline of Biscayne Bay. The 10,000sft project was originally built 17 years ago and was purchased as a vacation home. Prior to the renovation the owners could not get past all the brown. He sails and they have a big extended family with 6 kids in between them. The clients wanted a comfortable and causal vibe where nothing is too precious. They wanted to be able to sit on anything in a bathing suit. KitchenLab interiors used lots of linen and indoor/outdoor fabrics to ensure durability. Much of the house is outside with a covered logia. The design doctor ordered the 1st prescription for the house- retooling but not gutting. The clients wanted to be living and functioning in the home by November 1st with permits the construction began in August. The KitchenLab Interiors (KLI) team began design in May so it was a tight timeline! KLI phased the project and did a partial renovation on all guest baths. They waited to do the master bath until May. The home includes 7 bathrooms + the master. All existing plumbing fixtures were Waterworks so KLI kept those along with some tile but brought in Tabarka tile. The designers wanted to bring in vintage hacienda Spanish with a small European influence- the opposite of Miami modern. One of the ways they were able to accomplish this was with terracotta flooring that has patina. KLI set out to create a boutique hotel where each bath is similar but different. Every detail was designed with the guest in mind- they even designed a place for suitcases.

The master bathroom was the first area to address. Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. was chosen among many candidates for her expertise in remodeling. Design plans, elevations for cabinets and tile were as well as all materials. A contractor was chosen by the clients to do the demo and replace the tile and install all the materials chosen by Arlene. The clients loved the idea of a stand-alone tub that became of the focal point of the room. New cabinets were designed with soft close doors and drawers in a washed oak finish. The mirrors were a chrome frame, custom made for the area, while the sconces add an extra design element. The shower was customized for steam with high Euro glass panels and chrome fixtures. The tile accents, the quartz bench and niches an add height and interest to the overall style and design of this custom shower. The clients love their new master bathroom. With newly added lights and natural daylight the room sparkles. It was exactly what they had in mind when they purchased the home. Design Connection, Inc. provided: space plans and elevations, tile, countertops, plumbing, lighting fixtures and project management.

The project’s starting point was to understand the building’s original post and beam structure and to use that internal logic to formulate a sympathetic remodel. With an emphasis on the upper back unit, the owner’s private residence within this recently purchased Edward Killingsworth triplex, the first order of business was to strip the excess out and to return the complex to something that resembled the original. With a limited budget, the tact was to restore where possible, and to insert where needed, but always with a sympathetic eye. The kitchen quickly became the primary focus and it was soon realized that by removing the division between the existing galley and family room that the essence of the structural system could be revealed. Once opened the datum of the layered beams was adhered to with the kitchen reinforcing this overhead water line. The primary internal wall was then highlighted with a new wood veneer with the refrigerator recessed (borrowing a bit of space from the master closet) and the existing heater chromed.

2013 NKBA MEDIUM BATH When this young couple purchased their nearly 25-year-old colonial, the master bathroom was the first thing they wanted to change. Drab looking with worn out cabinets and a shower that was too small, it didn’t fit their modern vision for the space. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, they came up with a plan to enlarge the bathroom, stealing space from the master bedroom. The new design includes a much larger shower, the addition of a walk-in shower and more. And the results are nothing less than stunning. A new, frameless glass shower stall is equipped with a steam unit, body sprays, rain shower head, and thermostatic valve and control. A double-sided fireplace overlooks a large whirlpool tub (also visible from the master bedroom). Modern wall hanger espresso finish vanities are topped with a marble top and his and her tumbled marble vessel sinks. Two tall linen cabinets bookend the vanity for additional storage. A recessed mirror with back lighting effect was also installed. Large 20” × 20” white marble floor and walls with dark metallic tile were placed on featured walls for added effects. The floors in both the bathroom and closet are heated. An enlarged doorway from bathroom to walk-in closet offers double French glass doors which are pocketed for better traffic flow. Built-in closet systems are his and hers with matching cherry espresso finish cabinetry covered by obscure glass doors and a touch pad lighting system. The middle island features shoe racks and tie and socks storage. Clean, streamlined and functional, the homeowners love this award-winning space.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

When this Harbor Island home was originally purchased, the new owner knew that a lot work was needed to transform the whole home to fit his more contemporary style. The Big Sky Design team added new finishes, fireplaces, window treatments and completed a full kitchen and master bath renovation. In the kitchen they added a new island, new custom stained wood detailed bulkhead, Cambria Quartz countertop and backsplash as well as custom finished cabinetry. The master bath has a sleek new tiled wall, all new plumbing and fixtures, lighting and custom concrete sinks. With numerous windows around the perimeter of the home, the space feels open, light and airy. The home is surrounded by palm trees on the exterior all at the perfect heigh to provide privacy and a touch of classic Wrightsville Beach feel. The final look is sleek and handsome and the perfect space for the client to call home! || Photography: Mark Steelman (marksteelmanphoto.com)

When this Harbor Island home was originally purchased, the new owner knew that a lot work was needed to transform the whole home to fit his more contemporary style. The Big Sky Design team added new finishes, fireplaces, window treatments and completed a full kitchen and master bath renovation. In the kitchen they added a new island, new custom stained wood detailed bulkhead, Cambria Quartz countertop and backsplash as well as custom finished cabinetry. The master bath has a sleek new tiled wall, all new plumbing and fixtures, lighting and custom concrete sinks. With numerous windows around the perimeter of the home, the space feels open, light and airy. The home is surrounded by palm trees on the exterior all at the perfect heigh to provide privacy and a touch of classic Wrightsville Beach feel. The final look is sleek and handsome and the perfect space for the client to call home! || Photography: Mark Steelman (marksteelmanphoto.com)

2013 NKBA MEDIUM BATH When this young couple purchased their nearly 25-year-old colonial, the master bathroom was the first thing they wanted to change. Drab looking with worn out cabinets and a shower that was too small, it didn’t fit their modern vision for the space. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, they came up with a plan to enlarge the bathroom, stealing space from the master bedroom. The new design includes a much larger shower, the addition of a walk-in shower and more. And the results are nothing less than stunning. A new, frameless glass shower stall is equipped with a steam unit, body sprays, rain shower head, and thermostatic valve and control. A double-sided fireplace overlooks a large whirlpool tub (also visible from the master bedroom). Modern wall hanger espresso finish vanities are topped with a marble top and his and her tumbled marble vessel sinks. Two tall linen cabinets bookend the vanity for additional storage. A recessed mirror with back lighting effect was also installed. Large 20” × 20” white marble floor and walls with dark metallic tile were placed on featured walls for added effects. The floors in both the bathroom and closet are heated. An enlarged doorway from bathroom to walk-in closet offers double French glass doors which are pocketed for better traffic flow. Built-in closet systems are his and hers with matching cherry espresso finish cabinetry covered by obscure glass doors and a touch pad lighting system. The middle island features shoe racks and tie and socks storage. Clean, streamlined and functional, the homeowners love this award-winning space.

We were contracted by a local couple who owns an accounting practice locally that wanted to build their retirement home in a desired neighborhood close to their offices. They had already bought their lot, and purchased their home plans online. The owners of this beautiful home had many of their selections, colors, and other desires already picked prior to beginning the project. One unique feature that was requested was to incorporate a toe ledge into the master shower so that the lady of the house would have an easier time when shaving her legs. Now that is a true customized item that not many ladies would think about when building the home of her dreams. Connie McCoy

Aventura Magazine said: In the master bedroom, the subtle use of color keeps the mood serene. The modern king-sized bed is from B@B Italia. The Willy Dilly Lamp is by Ingo Maurer and the white Oregani linens were purchased at Luminaire. In order to achieve the luxury of the natural environment, she extensively renovated the front of the house and the back door area leading to the pool. In the front sections, Corredor wanted to look out-doors and see green from wherever she was seated. Throughout the house, she created several architectural siting areas using a variety of architectural and creative devices. One of the sting areas was greatly expanded by adding two marble slabs to extend the room, which leads directly outdoors. From one door next to unique vertical shelf filled with stacked books. Corredor and her husband can pass through paradise to a bedroom/office area.