Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Photography by: Michael J. Lee
Example of a large trendy enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor family room design in Boston with white walls, a two-sided fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

master bedroom
Bedroom - mid-sized traditional master medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Houston with blue walls and no fireplace

Situated between the iconic peaks of Deer Valley and the Jordanelle Reservoir, this unique four-bedroom estate home combines steel, wood, stone, and glass to offer synergistic ebullience and captivating panoramic vista views. Gemini Place provides functional flow and seamless indoor/outdoor living for all four seasons, replete with the luxury inclusions of a mountain modern dream home. Gemini Place comprises 4,848 square feet of internal accommodation with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2 half baths, and one home office, on a 14,022 square-foot lot. Externally, the house blends harmoniously with its surroundings, but behind the discreet facade lies a playful home elevated with tailored embellishments throughout. Welcomed into the home through a steel-clad portal, the oversized steel and glass pivot door baptizes entrants with breathtaking views. The main level showcases an open floor plan with an expansive kitchen, a dining room, and a living room with panoramic glass sliding doors that open onto over 1,500 square feet of exterior living space. The master suite on the main level surprises with elevated finishes. The informal lower level features a bar, bunk room, two additional en suite bedrooms, and a charming outdoor veranda. Luxury is woven into Gemini Place throughout, including exposed steel beams, a Miele appliance package, and bespoke natural stone finishes. Just three minutes from Deer Valley's Jordanelle gondola and five minutes from the Jordanelle Reservoir, this home offers four-season resort-style living at its finest. Architecture: Van Sickle Design Interiors: TCH Design Interiors

Dramatic Nautical Kitchen AS SEEN ON: SEASON 3, EPISODE 1 OF MASTERS OF FLIP Navy blue and white mix playfully with pops of neon pink and metallic accents in this dramatic home fit for royalty. The bold navy blue walls from the adjoined living room are carried on in the kitchen, with our Hanover doors decked out in a Deep Sea enamel finish for the lower cabinets. Upper cabinets, done in Sugar White, blend seamlessly into the white tile backsplash and create plenty of storage without adding bulk to the space. High shine fixtures and plush bar chairs add interesting texture and elegance. Also tucked away, but this time under those dark blue base cabinets, is an under counter microwave unit and a pull-out garbage unit – because with custom cabinetry from Covered Bridge Cabinetry, you don’t have to sacrifice style for modern comforts.

Our clients were relocating from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula and wanted to design a retirement home on their Lake Michigan property. The topography of their lot allowed for a walk out basement which is practically unheard of with how close they are to the water. Their view is fantastic, and the goal was of course to take advantage of the view from all three levels. The positioning of the windows on the main and upper levels is such that you feel as if you are on a boat, water as far as the eye can see. They were striving for a Hamptons / Coastal, casual, architectural style. The finished product is just over 6,200 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 2 guest bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sunroom, home bar, home gym, dedicated seasonal gear / equipment storage, table tennis game room, sauna, and bonus room above the attached garage. All the exterior finishes are low maintenance, vinyl, and composite materials to withstand the blowing sands from the Lake Michigan shoreline.

This fireplace was chosen because it has a simple, contemporary design with minimal trim and large viewing area. It could be enjoyed from the bedroom, bathroom and work area on the opposite side.

This modern, custom built oasis located on Lake Rosseau by Tamarack North is destined to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a weekend spent here. Throughout both the exterior and interior of this home are a great use of textures and warm, earthy tones that make this cottage an experience of its own. The use of glass, stone and wood connect one with nature in a luxurious way. The great room of this contemporary build is surrounded by glass walls setting a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and enjoy time with friends and family. Featured in the bedrooms are sliding doors onto the outdoor patio so guests can begin their Muskoka experience the minute they wakeup. As every cottage should, this build features a Muskoka room with both the flooring and the walls made out of stone, as well as sliding doors onto the patio making for a true Muskoka room. Off the master ensuite is a beautiful private garden featuring an outdoor shower creating the perfect space to unwind and connect with nature. Tamarack North prides their company of professional engineers and builders passionate about serving Muskoka, Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay with fine seasonal homes.

Completed in 2015, this project incorporates a Scandinavian vibe to enhance the modern architecture and farmhouse details. The vision was to create a balanced and consistent design to reflect clean lines and subtle rustic details, which creates a calm sanctuary. The whole home is not based on a design aesthetic, but rather how someone wants to feel in a space, specifically the feeling of being cozy, calm, and clean. This home is an interpretation of modern design without focusing on one specific genre; it boasts a midcentury master bedroom, stark and minimal bathrooms, an office that doubles as a music den, and modern open concept on the first floor. It’s the winner of the 2017 design award from the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been on the Tribeza Home Tour; in addition to being published in numerous magazines such as on the cover of Austin Home as well as Dwell Magazine, the cover of Seasonal Living Magazine, Tribeza, Rue Daily, HGTV, Hunker Home, and other international publications. ---- Featured on Dwell! https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-is-the-centerpiece-of-this-new-austin-development-071e1a55

Adding an 2nd story to an existing ranch bungalow from the 50's can certainly dish out some challenges and surprises. With this project we were working with a boring rectangle design, so we added two bump outs at the front and one at the back to create some definition/curb appeal, giving the main floor a better flow, extending the existing two bedrooms, two baths, spacious kitchen, large pantry and a mudroom. The 2nd story was added to create a Master bedroom retreat featuring a spa-like bath, massive walk-in closet, loft area with bar and guest suite with a Murphy bed. Then there was the decisions with what to do with the space above the garage - the clients did not want cold floors, or any living space above non heated areas, so we designed this incredible covered porch with Tongue & Groove Cedar, a waterproof floor, and an exterior Fireplace clad in matching stone. Its become a true 3 season room for the family to enjoy outdoor movie nights by the fire, entertaining guests (after the kids go to sleep) and giving that option of outdoor living even in the event of rain. The clients built the home in a very unique neighbourhood. They wanted to design something unique, so the super modern exterior cladding, the 3rd dimension features, and the 2 covered porches gives the home a modern look in what they feel will be a timeless design for many decades to come.

The exterior of this villa style family house pops against its sprawling natural backdrop. The home’s elegant simplicity shown outwards is pleasing to the eye, as its welcoming entry summons you to the vast space inside. Richly textured white walls, offset by custom iron rails, bannisters, and chandelier/sconce ‘candle’ lighting provide a magical feel to the interior. The grand stairway commands attention; with a bridge dividing the upper-level, providing the master suite its own wing of private retreat. Filling this vertical space, a simple fireplace is elevated by floor-to-ceiling white brick and adorned with an enormous mirror that repeats the home’s charming features. The elegant high contrast styling is carried throughout, with bursts of colour brought inside by window placements that capture the property’s natural surroundings to create dynamic seasonal art. Indoor-outdoor flow is emphasized in several points of access to covered patios from the unobstructed greatroom, making this home ideal for entertaining and family enjoyment.

This ASID Award-winning sunroom inspires a sense of freshness and vitality. Artful furniture selections, whose curvilinear lines gracefully juxtapose the strong geometric lines of trusses and beams, reflect a measured study of shapes and materials that intermingle impeccably amidst a neutral color palette brushed with celebrations of coral and master millwork. Radiant-heated flooring and reclaimed wood lend warmth and comfort. Combining English, Spanish and fresh modern elements, this sunroom offers captivating views and easy access to the outside dining area, serving both form and function with inspiring gusto. A double-height ceiling with recessed LED lighting concealed in the beams seems at times to be the only thing tethering this airy expression of beauty and design excellence from floating directly into the sky.

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

The exterior of this villa style family house pops against its sprawling natural backdrop. The home’s elegant simplicity shown outwards is pleasing to the eye, as its welcoming entry summons you to the vast space inside. Richly textured white walls, offset by custom iron rails, bannisters, and chandelier/sconce ‘candle’ lighting provide a magical feel to the interior. The grand stairway commands attention; with a bridge dividing the upper-level, providing the master suite its own wing of private retreat. Filling this vertical space, a simple fireplace is elevated by floor-to-ceiling white brick and adorned with an enormous mirror that repeats the home’s charming features. The elegant high contrast styling is carried throughout, with bursts of colour brought inside by window placements that capture the property’s natural surroundings to create dynamic seasonal art. Indoor-outdoor flow is emphasized in several points of access to covered patios from the unobstructed greatroom, making this home ideal for entertaining and family enjoyment.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com