We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily. The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design. My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Contractor: Greg D'Angelo Construction Inc. Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

With the influx of construction in west Pasco during the late 60’s and 70’s, we saw a plethora of 2 and 3 bedroom homes being constructed with little or no attention paid to the existing bathrooms and kitchens in the homes. Homes on the water were no exception. Typically they were built to just be a functional space, but rarely did they ever accomplish this. We had the opportunity to renovate a gentleman’s master bathroom in the Westport area of Port Richey. It was a story that started off with the client having a tale of an unscrupulous contractor that he hired to perform his renovation project and things took a turn and lets just say they didn’t pan out. The client approached us to see what we could do. We never had the opportunity to see the bathroom in its original state as the tear out had already been taken care of, somewhat, by the previous contractor. We listened to what the client wanted to do with the space and devised a plan. We enlarged the shower area, adding specialty items like a wall niche, heated mirror, rain head shower, and of course a custom glass enclosure. To the main portion of the bathroom we were able to add a larger vanity with waterfall faucet, large framed mirror, and new lighting. New floor tile, wall tile, and accessories rounded out this build.

This was a typical 50's era, dark, outdated house with low ceilings and prehistoric finishes. And, to top it all off, there was ONE pink bathroom on the main floor. ​ What did we change here? Let’s see… just about everything. We opened up the kitchen, added a large window above the sink. We installed new custom kitchen cabinets and an island. We created a multilevel ceiling for zone definition, and added various light fixtures to provide ambient, decorative and sufficient task lighting. We completely changed the fireplace and added a custom built cabinet to add storage space. ​ New windows, new floors, new pantry, new closets and new bathrooms. Yes, bathroomS, there is an “s” in there. We managed to give the homeowner a master ensuite bathroom in the space where no one thought it could be possible. We literally stretched the walls. Yep, we can do that :)

This was a typical 50's era, dark, outdated house with low ceilings and prehistoric finishes. And, to top it all off, there was ONE pink bathroom on the main floor. ​ What did we change here? Let’s see… just about everything. We opened up the kitchen, added a large window above the sink. We installed new custom kitchen cabinets and an island. We created a multilevel ceiling for zone definition, and added various light fixtures to provide ambient, decorative and sufficient task lighting. We completely changed the fireplace and added a custom built cabinet to add storage space. ​ New windows, new floors, new pantry, new closets and new bathrooms. Yes, bathroomS, there is an “s” in there. We managed to give the homeowner a master ensuite bathroom in the space where no one thought it could be possible. We literally stretched the walls. Yep, we can do that :)

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

Ensuite baths are the holy grail of bathrooms. Connected to the guest bedroom or master suite, ensuite baths are where you go all-out in designing your bathroom. It’s for you, the guest of the home, after all. Common guest bathroom features include double vanities, stand-alone bathtubs and showers, and occasionally even toilet areas separated by a door. These options are great if you need the additional space for two people getting ready in the morning. Speaking of space, guest baths are typically large and spacious, adding to the luxurious feel. The primary bathroom is distinguished by its proximity to and sole use by the primary bedroom. Some primary bedrooms will feature two complete bathrooms, one for each of the two primary bedroom residents.

New flooring into master bedroom Now this was a fun project! We had the privilege of stopping out to perform a consultation for this client’s bathroom, and what a project it was! The existing bathroom provided plenty of room for a renovation, but the home owner was a little unsure of exactly what they wanted. They presented us with a wish list, and asked for our advice on how to fit everything into their dream master bathroom. The key factor for the hole project centered around the shower. Number one priority was a spacious, luxurious shower of their dreams. We worked hand in hand with them to provide the perfect layout, which included moving the toilet across the bathroom to make room. The old layout included a shower room that housed the toilet. To provide the biggest possible space, we converted the WHOLE room into one large shower. While the shower size was adequate for the typical home owner, it simply was not what our client wanted. We replace the window with glass block and moved the toilet out of the room. Then we proceeded to install 2 separate shower faucets with diverter valves and slide bar mounted hand-held shower wands The tile our client selected paired perfectly, and provided an eye-popping tiled shower enclosure. The closet was originally sectioned off into 2 rooms with an entrance from not only the bedroom, but also the bathroom. We eliminated this separating to allow a better flow and more storage options. The tub was completed deleted to make room for a longer, more elegant vanity to take its place. Our client liked the idea of continuing water proof vinyl plank flooring from the bathroom through their master bedroom as well. We enjoy all of the projects that we are blessed to participate in. However, there are some that just stand apart from the field. We thoroughly enjoyed bringing this client’s dream to reality, and look forward to them enjoying their dream master bathroom for years to come. Give A+ Home Improvements a call to get your project started today!

New flooring into master bedroom Now this was a fun project! We had the privilege of stopping out to perform a consultation for this client’s bathroom, and what a project it was! The existing bathroom provided plenty of room for a renovation, but the home owner was a little unsure of exactly what they wanted. They presented us with a wish list, and asked for our advice on how to fit everything into their dream master bathroom. The key factor for the hole project centered around the shower. Number one priority was a spacious, luxurious shower of their dreams. We worked hand in hand with them to provide the perfect layout, which included moving the toilet across the bathroom to make room. The old layout included a shower room that housed the toilet. To provide the biggest possible space, we converted the WHOLE room into one large shower. While the shower size was adequate for the typical home owner, it simply was not what our client wanted. We replace the window with glass block and moved the toilet out of the room. Then we proceeded to install 2 separate shower faucets with diverter valves and slide bar mounted hand-held shower wands The tile our client selected paired perfectly, and provided an eye-popping tiled shower enclosure. The closet was originally sectioned off into 2 rooms with an entrance from not only the bedroom, but also the bathroom. We eliminated this separating to allow a better flow and more storage options. The tub was completed deleted to make room for a longer, more elegant vanity to take its place. Our client liked the idea of continuing water proof vinyl plank flooring from the bathroom through their master bedroom as well. We enjoy all of the projects that we are blessed to participate in. However, there are some that just stand apart from the field. We thoroughly enjoyed bringing this client’s dream to reality, and look forward to them enjoying their dream master bathroom for years to come. Give A+ Home Improvements a call to get your project started today!

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Contractor: Greg D'Angelo Construction Inc. Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC.

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

  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 what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Size: 1,920 sf Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom Architect: Blaze Makoid Architecture Photographer: Mark Roskams © Axis Mundi Design LLC

The closet was a huge priority for this client, both in terms of how she wanted it to look and feel. The end result is reminiscent of an experience. Clothing is on display instead of simply stored away for later use. A large custom island provides necessary storage and is designed to resemble an impressive piece of furniture. Paired with the custom concrete top, the piece defines the space while also providing functional storage and an easy spot for ironing the next day’s clothes. Around the perimeter of the room, you’ll find hanging storage that feels more like a high end boutique than your typical closet jam-packed with the season’s attire. Crafted and curated for an elevated aesthetic, the clothing bars and hooks feature a more vintage look that complements the intimate vibe for a space that maximizes function while also feeling like an experience in the comfort of your own home.

New flooring into master bedroom Now this was a fun project! We had the privilege of stopping out to perform a consultation for this client’s bathroom, and what a project it was! The existing bathroom provided plenty of room for a renovation, but the home owner was a little unsure of exactly what they wanted. They presented us with a wish list, and asked for our advice on how to fit everything into their dream master bathroom. The key factor for the hole project centered around the shower. Number one priority was a spacious, luxurious shower of their dreams. We worked hand in hand with them to provide the perfect layout, which included moving the toilet across the bathroom to make room. The old layout included a shower room that housed the toilet. To provide the biggest possible space, we converted the WHOLE room into one large shower. While the shower size was adequate for the typical home owner, it simply was not what our client wanted. We replace the window with glass block and moved the toilet out of the room. Then we proceeded to install 2 separate shower faucets with diverter valves and slide bar mounted hand-held shower wands The tile our client selected paired perfectly, and provided an eye-popping tiled shower enclosure. The closet was originally sectioned off into 2 rooms with an entrance from not only the bedroom, but also the bathroom. We eliminated this separating to allow a better flow and more storage options. The tub was completed deleted to make room for a longer, more elegant vanity to take its place. Our client liked the idea of continuing water proof vinyl plank flooring from the bathroom through their master bedroom as well. We enjoy all of the projects that we are blessed to participate in. However, there are some that just stand apart from the field. We thoroughly enjoyed bringing this client’s dream to reality, and look forward to them enjoying their dream master bathroom for years to come. Give A+ Home Improvements a call to get your project started today!