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

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.

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.

Updated Spec Home: The Bathrooms The last stop on the main level of this Updated Spec Home are the Bathrooms. Every surface of the Guest Bath and Master Bath was touched- even some renovations in the Master bedroom. All I can say is thank goodness these two love wallpaper – we selected classic patterns for each bath that will stand the test of time! Guest Bathroom The Guest Bath also doubles as my mom’s bath. The footprint remained the same but we updated everything. A new vanity was chosen to give her that furniture look while still providing some storage – although there is a linen closet located just outside the bath. We topped it off with a beautiful mirror with great detail and an equally great light fixture. Also, we mixed the finishes in the bath between nickel and champagne, i.e., gold/silver mix. Mixing metals is perfectly acceptable and quite frankly way more interesting the everything matching. Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors We found this amazing wallpaper with its subtle colors and pattern and selected a large square tile to coordinate for the floor. Yes, you can do a large tile in a small bath because it actually makes the space feel larger. For finishing touches, we had this gorgeous shower curtain made. Above the new toilet, we added interesting abstract artwork framed in a large mat so it would not clash with the wallpaper. Master Bathroom Originally, the Master Bath had a large garden tub as the focal point and a tiny stand up shower in the corner. We removed the garden tub, moved the shower to this area as the focal point and turned the tiny shower into a much needed linen closet. At this point, I know you are thinking, what about resale with no tub? There is a tub in the Guest Bath so the house will still be appealing to young families or bath lovers alike. © 2016 RealTourCast | Tim Furlong Jr. Tile selections came first – my sister fell in love with this gorgeous dark greige glass tile. We used it in the upper half of the shower while keeping the lower half light with this plank tile in a striated pattern. We carried the plank tile onto the floor for a seamless look. Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors We replaced the two vanities with stock cabinetry that looks custom in a rich wood stain. Also, we found a gorgeous granite remnant for the countertop and finished off the vanity area with oversized mirrors, sleek lighting, and striking hardware.Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors The wallpaper is absolutely perfect for this space – it adds an interesting backdrop without overpowering the room. Her fantastic artwork was able to fit in the niche next to the new toilet. This is one gorgeous bath! Updated Spec Home Bathrooms - Robin's Nest Interiors Coming Soon Spoiler Alert – my mom and sister have decided to update their Basement Family Room and add a small Powder Bath so look for Season 2 of the Updated Spec Home series! See the rest of this house through these links! Foyer & Great Room, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, Bedrooms, Guest Bedroom. Photo by Tim Furlong Jr.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Orlando for summer.

Photography by Caryn B. Davis Located in the Cornfield Point area of Old Saybrook along Long Island Sound, this project brought a classic, yet forgotten beach house back to life. Through a little detective work and some creative ingenuity, we restored and enhanced the exterior to it’s former glory and transformed the interior to a highly efficient and functional home all the while uplifting its quaint cottage charm. On the exterior, we recreated a wonderful, airy front porch with cozy bench seats that look out to the water. The white cedar shingle siding is pre-bleached with a subtle flair at the bottom and a delicate break at mid-elevation. The asphalt shingles are not only beautifully matched with the siding, but offer superior reflective qualities to dissipate the heat of the summer sun. On the interior, we joined the front seasonal porch with the family room to form a larger, open living and dining space with paneled walls and ceilings anchored by the original round stone fireplace. In the rear, we carefully crafted a galley kitchen and laundry space with an adjacent first floor master suite. The diminutive house and property posed multiple practical and regulatory challenges which were overcome by a strong team effort, due diligence, and a commitment to the process. John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

A Carolee McCall Smith design, this new home took its inspiration from the old-world charm of traditional farmhouse style. Details of texture rather than color create an inviting feeling while keeping the decor fresh and updated. Painted brick, natural wood accents, shiplap, and rustic no-maintenance floors act as the canvas for the owner’s personal touches. The layout offers defined spaces while maintaining natural connections between rooms. A wine bar between the kitchen and living is a favorite part of this home! Spend evening hours with family and friends on the private 3-season screened porch. For those who want a master suite sanctuary, this home is for you! A private south wing gives you the luxury you deserve with all the desired amenities: a soaker tub, a modern shower, a water closet, and a massive walk-in closet. An adjacent laundry room makes one-level living totally doable in this house! Kids claim their domain upstairs where 3 bedrooms and a split bath surround a casual family room. The surprise of this home is the studio loft above the 3-car garage. Use it for a returning adult child, an aging parent, or an income opportunity. Included energy-efficient features are: A/C, Andersen Windows, Rheem 95% efficient furnace, Energy Star Whirlpool Appliances, tankless hot water, and underground programmable sprinklers for lanscaping.

A Carolee McCall Smith design, this new home took its inspiration from the old-world charm of traditional farmhouse style. Details of texture rather than color create an inviting feeling while keeping the decor fresh and updated. Painted brick, natural wood accents, shiplap, and rustic no-maintenance floors act as the canvas for the owner’s personal touches. The layout offers defined spaces while maintaining natural connections between rooms. A wine bar between the kitchen and living is a favorite part of this home! Spend evening hours with family and friends on the private 3-season screened porch. For those who want a master suite sanctuary, this home is for you! A private south wing gives you the luxury you deserve with all the desired amenities: a soaker tub, a modern shower, a water closet, and a massive walk-in closet. An adjacent laundry room makes one-level living totally doable in this house! Kids claim their domain upstairs where 3 bedrooms and a split bath surround a casual family room. The surprise of this home is the studio loft above the 3-car garage. Use it for a returning adult child, an aging parent, or an income opportunity. Included energy-efficient features are: A/C, Andersen Windows, Rheem 95% efficient furnace, Energy Star Whirlpool Appliances, tankless hot water, and underground programmable sprinklers for lanscaping.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Immaculate, professional design and modern luxury are uniquely embodied in this five bedroom, 5.5 bath custom built home. A short distance to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Regency Wildwood takes advantage of a wide lot with a matching floor plan. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted. Enjoy gatherings in the generously-sized living/dining areas, graced by fireplaces and great views. A four-season room with expansive windows overlooking the terraced backyard provides a retreat for socializing after a business meeting in the richly decorated family office. A dry bar with wine cooler is centrally located for entertaining convenience. Warmer months allow for time on the patio with a built in fire pit, appreciating the great outdoors, no matter what mother nature has in mind. The first floor master suite has a large spa retreat bathroom and generous closet space. Three bedrooms and three full baths on the second floor provide ample space for family in addition to a bonus space ideal for a kid’s TV/playroom or living quarters for an aging parent adjacent to the elevator. Second floor laundry is convenient for Mom. The lower lever houses space for billiards, a game of poker, or movie night, ideal for entertaining. An additional bedroom and full bath give privacy from the main living area to a short-term or long-term visitor or family member.

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.

We were hired to design a Northern Michigan home for our clients to retire. They wanted an inviting “Mountain Rustic” style that would offer a casual, warm and inviting feeling while also taking advantage of the view of nearby Deer Lake. Most people downsize in retirement, but for our clients more space was a virtue. The main level provides a large kitchen that flows into open concept dining and living. With all their family and visitors, ample entertaining and gathering space was necessary. A cozy three-season room which also opens onto a large deck provide even more space. The bonus room above the attached four car garage was a perfect spot for a bunk room. A finished lower level provided even more space for the grandkids to claim as their own, while the main level master suite allows grandma and grandpa to have their own retreat. Rustic details like a reclaimed lumber wall that includes six different varieties of wood, large fireplace, exposed beams and antler chandelier lend to the rustic feel our client’s desired. Ultimately, we were able to capture and take advantage of as many views as possible while also maintaining the cozy and warm atmosphere on the interior. This gorgeous home with abundant space makes it easy for our clients to enjoy the company of their five children and seven grandchildren who come from near and far to enjoy the home. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Transform your bedroom into a refined retreat with bespoke wallpaper installation from Prospect’s premier wallcovering experts. We specialize in creating elegant, high-end designs that complement Louisville’s most distinguished homes. Premium Bedroom Wallpaper Services ✔ Custom Designer Walls – handcrafted focal points for luxury homes ✔ Humidity-Controlled Materials – perfect for Kentucky seasons ✔ Silk & Grasscloth Textures – opulent finishes for master suites ✔ Historic Home Expertise – sensitive to traditional architecture ✔ Peel-and-Stick Luxury – premium temporary options Why Prospect Homeowners Trust Us ✅ Derby-City Approved Craftsmanship ✅ White-Glove Installation – no-mess guarantee ✅ Kentucky Proud Business – local since 2005 ✅ 24-Hour Turnarounds – for time-sensitive projects ✅ Free Designer Consultations – with sample books Signature Prospect Styles • Equestrian and derby-inspired motifs • Classic bluegrass botanical prints • River Valley landscape murals • Traditional Southern damasks Serving All of Prospect – From Harrods Creek to River Road

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

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.

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.

Custom stone and stucco pool house by Preferred Properties. Outdoor kitchen covered for all season enjoyment both day and night. The difference in outdoor living and living outdoors begins with a fabulous design and ends with meticulous workmanship. Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES designed and built this tremendous outdoor living fabulously space and masterful outdoor kitchen that was nationally featured on DIY Network Kool Tools. Outdoor Kitchen Designer Michael Gotowala has 14 Outdoor kitchens featured in national publications such as Hearth & Home magazine, Signature Kitchen & Baths, and hard cover book CREATIVE HOMEOWNER'S BEST SIGNATURE OUTDOOR KITCHENS. The Preferred Properties team under Michael Gotowala is the only Connecticut outdoor kitchen designer featured. Not feeling fabulous about your outdoor living space? Reconsider your outdoor living space. To feel about your outdoor living space you must feel fabulous about your design. Contact us at OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com

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.

Example of a large transitional master gray tile and glass tile concrete floor drop-in bathtub design in Denver with white walls