This unique space in lower-Manhattan offers sweeping views to the east, west and south. The loft had been gut-renovated in the 1980s, but was in need of updating. Modern finishes, luxurious furnishings and technology upgrades were made throughout the apartment. Included in the re-fresh was a luxurious new master bathroom with a two-person walk-in shower, a soaking tub with a dramatic city view, heated marble floors and an integrated television in the vanity mirror. In the kitchen, the custom cabinetry remained in place, but new countertops, backsplash, lighting and appliances were added. Electric shades, integrated lighting and audio/video systems completed the renovation. Photography by Peter Kubilus

A TV tucked into the corner of the master bathroom. The source components are hidden neatly away in an equipment closet.
Inspiration for a large contemporary master light wood floor doorless shower remodel in Los Angeles with an integrated sink, furniture-like cabinets, light wood cabinets and white walls

WATCH the time lapse video of this kitchen remodel: https://youtu.be/caemXXlauLU   Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This Glen Ellyn homeowner came to us, frustrated with the layout and size of their current kitchen, looking for help generating ideas for how to maximize functionality within the constraints of the space. After visiting with them and seeing the home’s layout, I realized that looking at the bigger picture of how they used the entire first floor might bring us some dramatic solutions. We ended up flipping the kitchen and family room and taking down the wall separating the two creating one big open floor plan for the family to enjoy. There is still a visual separation between the rooms because of their different lengths and the overall space now relates nicely to the dining room which was also opened up to both rooms. The new kitchen is an L-shaped space that is no longer cramped and small and is truly a cook’s dream. The fridge is on one end, a large cooktop and sink are located along the main perimeter and double ovens located at the end of the “L” complete the layout. Ample work surface along the perimeter and on the large island makes entertaining a breeze. An existing door to the patio remains, floods the room with light and provides easy access to the existing outdoor deck for entertaining and grilling. White cabinetry with quartz countertops, Carrera marble backsplash tile and a contrasting gray island give the space a clean and modern feel. The gray pendant lights and stainless appliances bring a slight industrial feel to the space letting you know that some serious cooking will take place here. Once we had their Dream Kitchen design completed, the homeowners decided to tackle another project at the same time. We made plans to create a master suite upstairs by combining two existing bedrooms into a larger bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. The existing spaces were not overly large so getting everything on the wish list into the design was a challenge. In the end, we came up with a design that works. The two bedrooms were adjoined, one wall moved back slightly to make for a slightly larger bedroom, and the remaining space was allotted to the new bathroom and a walk in closet. The bathroom consists of a double vanity and a large shower with a barn door shower door. A skylight brings light into the space and helps make it feel larger and more open. The new walk-in closet is accessible through the bathroom, and we even managed to fit in a small entry vestibule that houses some additional storage and makes a nice transition from the hallway. A white vanity, Carrera tops and gray floor tile make for a serene space that feels just right for this home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Designed and built in conjunction with Freemont #2, this home pays homage to surrounding architecture, including that of St. James Lutheran Church. The home is comprised of stately, well-proportioned rooms; significant architectural detailing; appropriate spaces for today's active family; and sophisticated wiring to service any HD video, audio, lighting, HVAC and / or security needs. The focal point of the first floor is the sweeping curved staircase, ascending through all three floors of the home and topped with skylights. Surrounding this staircase on the main floor are the formal living and dining rooms, as well as the beautifully-detailed Butler's Pantry. A gourmet kitchen and great room, designed to receive considerable eastern light, is at the rear of the house, connected to the lower level family room by a rear staircase. Four bedrooms (two en-suite) make up the second floor, with a fifth bedroom on the third floor and a sixth bedroom in the lower level. A third floor recreation room is at the top of the staircase, adjacent to the 400SF roof deck. A connected, heated garage is accessible from the rear staircase of the home, as well as the rear yard and garage roof deck. This home went under contract after being on the MLS for one day. Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

This unique space in lower-Manhattan offers sweeping views to the east, west and south. The loft had been gut-renovated in the 1980s, but was in need of updating. Modern finishes, luxurious furnishings and technology upgrades were made throughout the apartment. Included in the re-fresh was a luxurious new master bathroom with a two-person walk-in shower, a soaking tub with a dramatic city view, heated marble floors and an integrated television in the vanity mirror. In the kitchen, the custom cabinetry remained in place, but new countertops, backsplash, lighting and appliances were added. Electric shades, integrated lighting and audio/video systems completed the renovation. Photography by Peter Kubilus

Example of a mid-sized classic master beige tile and stone tile limestone floor drop-in bathtub design in Providence with an undermount sink, beige walls, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets and limestone countertops

Reineke Matrix Photo & Video
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master porcelain tile alcove shower remodel in Detroit with an undermount sink and green walls

This is one example of how custom installation makes a TV fit where it might not have otherwise. We had this TV frame custom built by Leon Speakers/Media Decor to house a Sony 55 Inch 4K TV and Sonos PLAYBAR (behind a custom speaker grill). The equipment is hidden away in a rack with all control via Control4.

Reineke Matrix Photo & Video
Mid-sized transitional master porcelain tile alcove shower photo in Detroit with an undermount sink and green walls

Reineke Matrix Photo & Video
Large transitional master porcelain tile alcove shower photo in Detroit with an undermount sink and green walls

See the video for this project here - https://youtu.be/zebtzElF4eY
Example of a trendy patio design in Miami

This compact but spacious apartment is located in Capitol Hill, Washington DC. It features a comprehensive systems integration with two link music distribution system. Stereo in the Master bedroom, and Dolby Pro & DTS 5.1 Surround sound in the Living room, using a Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 4 “1080p Broadcast grade Plasma display”, BeoSystem 1 as main decoder, BeoCenter 2 as an Audio & Video Source, BeoSound 5 Media Player as Audio & Pictures Source, Kaleidescape Media Player as Video & Audio Source, Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 4000, BeoLab 3, and BeoLab 2 Subwoofer, using Acoustic Lent Technology® through most loudspeakers for good sound image reproduction. AXIS Communications Network Video Cameras for Surveillance, and Ruckus Wireless for the best high performance Wi-Fi available to man kind. V. Gonzalo Martinez

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

A video tour of this beautiful home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbfy9PYTsBQ Master ensuite Paul Grdina

A video tour of this beautiful home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbfy9PYTsBQ Paul Grdina

A video tour of this beautiful home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbfy9PYTsBQ Deck off master bathroom Paul Grdina