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

This mountain vacation residence places the living and sleeping space for a family of three on the main level with guest bedrooms, recreation rooms, and garage below. The sloped site allows approach and entry on the main level, achieving the appearance of a one-story house. The scheme is an L-shaped, open-plan building containing primary living space covered with a shed roof. This configuration forms a “courtyard” facing southeast, which contains the main entry. Intersected with the shed roof component the mudroom, bedroom, and master closet and bath are contained in “cabins” of stone with arced roofs. The roof support at the northwest corner has been eliminated to allow a sliding glass system which, when open, voids the corner of the family room. This allows the living space to extend onto an elevated concrete terrace overlooking the view. The result is a living environment that distinguishes public from private uses with form and space, provides outdoor areas of contrasting characteristics in a place of sharp seasonal contrast, and creates an image that blends with the landscape.

The Challenge When we first met with our clients, they had a number of dislikes about the master bathroom in their seasonal Bonita Springs home. While the space was palatial, it just didn’t function well for them. Furthermore, it didn’t reflect their sense of style. They wanted to update fixtures and finishes with a splash of color and redesign the large, cave-like shower to include additional drainage and ventilation. Our Solution Our design team concluded that a complete reconfiguration of the entire master bathroom was the best way to give our clients the functionality and open feel they envisioned. We removed the cumbersome center island and the built-in Jacuzzi in favor of a new focal point – a freestanding soaker tub – and created a new footprint for the shower. The new curbless double-headed shower design with floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides was guaranteed to provide the openness our clients were looking for. We raised the shower floor to match the main level and ran a large linear drain to move water quickly out of the shower. For the final touch, we installed floating quartz shower seats and his-and-hers niches for extra storage. In the toilet room, we installed a large double storage cabinet for linens and extra storage. We also installed separate his-and-hers vanities with floating dark wood cabinetry and quartz countertops, accented with stacked stone mosaic tile. We also added floating medicine cabinet mirrors and painted the bathroom walls in the striking blue color our clients selected to compliment the lively hues throughout their home. The Result Ultimately, the new layout brought our clients’ vision to life. With vibrant, updated finishes, the updated space was much more suited to their style. Since our clients only reside in Bonita Springs part of the year, we were also able to complete the project while they were away from home. Upon their return, our clients were so thrilled with the results that they sent us this review: “Their integrity, quality, friendliness, and excellent communication added up to completely satisfied clients …we would definitely – and without question – use Progressive Builders again!”

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

Outdoor living room that opens to the master bedroom and overlooks the pool. This Florida Modern Home in Lake Mary is designed and built by Orlando Custom Home Builder Jorge Ulibarri, a top custom builder in Orange, Seminole, Lake County, Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Lake Mary, Lake Nona, Sanford, Mt. Dora, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, and Windermere. Jorge Ulibarri custom homes is proficient in designing all styles of homes including modern, classical, traditional, Tuscan, and Spanish Mediterranean. For more go to https://cornerstonecustomconstruction.com

Randy Zeeb
Inspiration for a contemporary master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile alcove shower remodel with green walls

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

A Cool and Moody Kitchen AS SEEN ON: SEASON 3, EPISODE 7 OF MASTERS OF FLIP The perfect place for a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day, the custom kitchen in this modern-meets-industrial home is dark, stormy, and full of character. Polished slate countertops team up with the dark Wren stain on our Gallatin cabinets to create a moody take on modern style. The upper cabinets feature unique up-open hinged doors that add an unexpected element while floating shelves let the penny tile on the backsplash shine. Greenery, copper trinkets, and small clay pots add eye-catching detail throughout the space, creating a curated yet comfortable atmosphere. To maintain the sleek design that this space works so hard for, all of those crucial – yet perhaps not so stylish – amenities are tucked away in the base cabinets, including an under counter microwave unit and a lazy susan in the corner cabinets.

The goal of this project was to replace a small single-story seasonal family cottage with a year-round home that takes advantage of the views and topography of this lakefront site while providing privacy for the occupants. The program called for a large open living area, a master suite, study, a small home gym and five additional bedrooms. The style was to be distinctly contemporary. The house is shielded from the street by the placement of the garage and by limiting the amount of window area facing the road. The main entry is recessed and glazed with frosted glass for privacy. Due to the narrowness of the site and the proximity of the neighboring houses, the windows on the sides of the house were also limited and mostly high up on the walls. The limited fenestration on the front and sides is made up for by the full wall of glass on the lake side, facing north. The house is anchored by an exposed masonry foundation. This masonry also cuts through the center of the house on the fireplace chimney to separate the public and private spaces on the first floor, becoming a primary material on the interior. The house is clad with three different siding material: horizontal longboard siding, vertical ribbed steel siding and cement board panels installed as a rain screen. The standing seam metal-clad roof rises from a low point at the street elevation to a height of 24 feet at the lakefront to capture the views and the north light. The house is organized into two levels and is entered on the upper level. This level contains the main living spaces, the master suite and the study. The angled stair railing guides visitors into the main living area. The kitchen, dining area and living area are each distinct areas within one large space. This space is visually connected to the outside by the soaring ceilings and large fireplace mass that penetrate the exterior wall. The lower level contains the children’s and guest bedrooms, a secondary living space and the home gym.

Photographer- Katrina Wittkamp/ Architect- Visbeen Architects/ Builder- Homes By True North/ Interior Designer- L Rose Interior Design
Inspiration for a large cottage u-shaped limestone floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Contemporary Flower motif Blue Area Rug
Large transitional master laminate floor and gray floor bedroom photo in Vancouver with gray walls

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

Dimension: 46"L X 25"D X 83"H Let the enchanting presence of our Bremerton Solid Mahogany Wood Blue Corner Hutch with Glass Doors be the inspiration for your home. This blue corner hutch is a remarkable work of craftsmanship with an absolutely charming charisma that will brighten the mood of any room in which it is stationed. There is a nice balance of closed and open storage in addition to a glass-front display for showing off your heirloom china or other collections. At the base of the hutch is a double door cabinet that reveals interior shelving for stashing anything from off-season decor to extra dishes for easy in-a-pinch entertaining. The open middle shelf is perfect for setting out a tea caddy or a peaceful scene with plants and a fruit bowl. The upper portion of the hutch is fitted with two paneled glass front cabinet doors with interior shelving in which to arrange an organized presentation of your most favored pieces. The top is trimmed in beautiful molding, with a flat top that can further be utilized to stash a tidy stack of heirloom cookbooks, decorative boxes, or other cherished curios. This mahogany wood dining corner hutch is artistically handcrafted in the Old World style and technique of woodworking to bring your household an heirloom prestige. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted, Dining Room Corner Hutch • Made of solid mahogany wood • Base cabinet with interior shelving • Open middle shelf • Glass-front cabinet with interior shelving • Beautiful trimwork detail • Heirloom quality Note: Our furniture is made of solid wood (not wood veneer over plywood). It is handcrafted by Master Artisans. Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

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 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.

This project designed by Mike Farley, has a tailored and natural look with lots of boulders and Travertine decks and coping. There was an existing pool that was very formal that we removed before going organic with a cabana, fireplace and an outdoor kitchen. The house needed an addition with an entertainment media room, cigar room and pool bath. Privacy was achieved by adding a cabana on the north side with a full stone wall. The spa needed to be close to the master bedroom and have visibility of the flat screen television in the cabana. The spa is flush with the upper patio so not to block view of the pool. A natural boulder stream connects the pool and spa. To soften the house planting is between the cabana and house. Access to the cabana was located between the spa and the pool on the floating pad. Remote controlled fire features accent both ends of the boulders. Retaining walls were built behind the waterfall to bring the grade up so plantings looked more natural and waterfalls appeared to come out of the hillside. The cabana features were to create three zones. It doesn't matter the season or time of day this space provides the family's perfect outside setting to enjoy each other.

This project designed by Mike Farley, has a tailored and natural look with lots of boulders and Travertine decks and coping. There was an existing pool that was very formal that we removed before going organic with a cabana, fireplace and an outdoor kitchen. The house needed an addition with an entertainment media room, cigar room and pool bath. Privacy was achieved by adding a cabana on the north side with a full stone wall. The spa needed to be close to the master bedroom and have visibility of the flat screen television in the cabana. The spa is flush with the upper patio so not to block view of the pool. A natural boulder stream connects the pool and spa. To soften the house planting is between the cabana and house. Access to the cabana was located between the spa and the pool on the floating pad. Remote controlled fire features accent both ends of the boulders. Retaining walls were built behind the waterfall to bring the grade up so plantings looked more natural and waterfalls appeared to come out of the hillside. The cabana features were to create three zones. It doesn't matter the season or time of day this space provides the family's perfect outside setting to enjoy each other.

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

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.