This lovely couple was initially thinking of just refacing their cabinets and replacing their countertops and backsplash. After assessing all that was going on with those cabinets, rotted out sink base, false drawer fronts, lots of filler boards between cabinets, blind corner cabinet they could not reach back into, cabinet and drawer under the peninsula overhang, a small island, and an odd cubby hole in the wall, we suggested going all new to add so much more functionality with just a little bit more added to their budget. Seeing all the added benefits with only a slight change to the footprint of their existing cabinetry and all the added benefits and features, it was not a difficult decision for them. Then they decided to add matching cabinet doors to their existing shelving which was painted to match with an accent color! One of the unique features we were able to add to this space was taking the odd cubby hole in the wall which could not be extended any higher due to the bonus room floor just above that space was the make it into a pet feeding station and extra storage for their small appliances! By adding matching tile and countertop material it can handle even the messiest of doggie drinkers. Aside from the fresh paint in the whole space, a gorgeous accent color added to the living room shelves and doors, and soft white upper cabinets allowed for the wood base cabinets to create a warm and open feeling while the under and above cabinet task lighting brightens and lifts the space to looking like it even has taller ceilings. Selecting just the right light fixtures give is just the right light in just the right places for a much more updated look that now matches the rest of their house!

This lovely couple was initially thinking of just refacing their cabinets and replacing their countertops and backsplash. After assessing all that was going on with those cabinets, rotted out sink base, false drawer fronts, lots of filler boards between cabinets, blind corner cabinet they could not reach back into, cabinet and drawer under the peninsula overhang, a small island, and an odd cubby hole in the wall, we suggested going all new to add so much more functionality with just a little bit more added to their budget. Seeing all the added benefits with only a slight change to the footprint of their existing cabinetry and all the added benefits and features, it was not a difficult decision for them. Then they decided to add matching cabinet doors to their existing shelving which was painted to match with an accent color! One of the unique features we were able to add to this space was taking the odd cubby hole in the wall which could not be extended any higher due to the bonus room floor just above that space was the make it into a pet feeding station and extra storage for their small appliances! By adding matching tile and countertop material it can handle even the messiest of doggie drinkers. Aside from the fresh paint in the whole space, a gorgeous accent color added to the living room shelves and doors, and soft white upper cabinets allowed for the wood base cabinets to create a warm and open feeling while the under and above cabinet task lighting brightens and lifts the space to looking like it even has taller ceilings. Selecting just the right light fixtures give is just the right light in just the right places for a much more updated look that now matches the rest of their house!

This project captures our name perfectly: Studio + Shed = Studio Shed! A 10x12 Studio Shed with LIfestyle Interior serves as a home office, while our 4x8 Pinyon Storage Shed (a DIY flat packed small kit) compliments the space by offering room to stow garden tools and more. Budget? Visit our Shed configurator page where you can create your own: select your size, window options, siding/trim, etc. and view your price! http://www.studio-shed.com/configure

This family residing on North Euclid in Upland, requested a living room they could actually live in. A space that was not too formal but nodded toward formality in a subtle way. They wanted a space where many people could gather, converse, watch TV and simply relax. The look I created I call “California French Country”. I achieved this by designing the room in layers. First I started with new dark wood floors to match their staircase. Then I had Board and Batten installed to accentuate ceiling height and give the room more structure. Next, the walls were painted above the Board and Batten Mood Indigo by Behr and the ceiling beams white for a clean, classic, crisp, fresh look. I designed custom inverted pleat drapes with a navy blue band to be installed. A new chandelier in loft area was installed to go with the existing entry chandelier from Restoration Hardware. Then it was time to furnish the space according to my new space plan. I used a mix of new and existing pieces, which most were repurposed and refinished. New furnishings included a goose down sofa, wool rug, tufted navy ottoman. Existing pieces I reused were the armoire which I had finished in a cranberry to match loft chaise. A wing back chair , ottoman, cane back chair and client’s entry bench that was made by her father were all reupholstered. I had a custom marble table top fabricated to sit atop 2 antique Chinese meal box holders that the client has been holding on to, which created the perfect entry table. I accessorized the room with red, blue and white accents to give the room that “lived in” feeling. The loft houses a large antique mirror that I found in a local shop, a velvet chaise to lounge and their daughter’s artwork was hung in the loft area to make the space feel like their own little getaway.

This lovely couple was initially thinking of just refacing their cabinets and replacing their countertops and backsplash. After assessing all that was going on with those cabinets, rotted out sink base, false drawer fronts, lots of filler boards between cabinets, blind corner cabinet they could not reach back into, cabinet and drawer under the peninsula overhang, a small island, and an odd cubby hole in the wall, we suggested going all new to add so much more functionality with just a little bit more added to their budget. Seeing all the added benefits with only a slight change to the footprint of their existing cabinetry and all the added benefits and features, it was not a difficult decision for them. Then they decided to add matching cabinet doors to their existing shelving which was painted to match with an accent color! One of the unique features we were able to add to this space was taking the odd cubby hole in the wall which could not be extended any higher due to the bonus room floor just above that space was the make it into a pet feeding station and extra storage for their small appliances! By adding matching tile and countertop material it can handle even the messiest of doggie drinkers. Aside from the fresh paint in the whole space, a gorgeous accent color added to the living room shelves and doors, and soft white upper cabinets allowed for the wood base cabinets to create a warm and open feeling while the under and above cabinet task lighting brightens and lifts the space to looking like it even has taller ceilings. Selecting just the right light fixtures give is just the right light in just the right places for a much more updated look that now matches the rest of their house!

Family room - country family room idea in Boise

Duck Crossing is a mini compound built over time for our family in Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, SC. We began with the small one story guest cottage, added the carriage house for our daughters and then, as we determined we needed one gathering space for friends and family, the main house. The challenge was to build a light and bright home that would take full advantage of the lake and preserve views and have enough room for everyone to congregate. We decided to build an upside down/reverse floorplan home, where the main living areas are on the 2nd floor. We built one great room, encompassing kitchen, dining, living, deck and design studio - added tons of windows and an open staircase, vaulted the ceilings, painted everything white and did whatever else we could to make the small space feel open and welcoming - we think we accomplished this, and then some. The kitchen appliances are behind doors, the island is great for serving and gathering, the tv is hidden - all attention is to the view. When everyone needs their separate space, there are 2 bedrooms below and then additional sleeping, bathing and eating spaces in the cottage and carriage house - it is all just perfect!

Inspiration for a coastal home design remodel in Wilmington

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

Showplace Wood Cabinets, Painted Maple Cabinets, White Cabinets, Furniture Style Vanity, Cararra Marble Countertops, Undermount Sink, Stainless Steel Fixture, Mirrored Medicine Cabinet, Sconce Lighting, Nautical Design, Crown Molding, Navy Blue Paint, Porcelain Tile Flooring, ADA Shower, Barrier Free Shower, Best Bath Shower, L-Shaped Shower Curtain, Tile Wainscott, Kohler Toilet, Lighthouses

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Upstairs guest room, Neutral and gray tones keep this room big. Double closets in upstairs guest room.
Bedroom - small rustic guest painted wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea with gray walls

Arts and Crafts kitchen remodel in turn-of-the-century Portland Four Square, featuring a custom built-in eating nook, five-color inlay marmoleum flooring, maximized storage, and a one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic tile backsplash. Photography by Kuda Photography

The ideal empty-nester or vacation home, this two bedroom design showcases rustic Craftsman style and easy living. The great room, kitchen, and dining room flow into one another, with a relaxing sun room positioned to take in views all around. The full master suite includes a tray ceiling, walk-in closets, and a roomy bath with barrel vaulted ceiling. An oversized bonus room with full bathroom can serve as a private guest suite. Special details include a bedroom/study with window seat, e-space in the kitchen, spacious utility room, and garage storage.

This second view of the media room is part of a whole home renovation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, showcasing a built-in wet bar with navy blue cabinetry, open wood shelving, and a wood countertop tucked beneath the sloped ceiling. Across the room, a mounted TV with soundbar sits above a vintage wood chest, framed by navy trim and a matching navy door leading to the ensuite bath. Wide-plank wood flooring and soft neutral wall color continue throughout the space, balancing the room's cozy, functional layout. This angle highlights the media room's entertaining features, ideal for homeowners in Cambridge, MA and the greater Boston area researching whole home renovation, media room remodel, or built-in wet bar contractors.

Wonderful modern farmhouse style home. All one level living with a bonus room above the garage. 10 ft ceilings throughout. Incredible open floor plan with fireplace. Spacious kitchen with large pantry. Laundry room fit for a queen with cabinets galore. Tray ceiling in the master suite with lighting and a custom barn door made with reclaimed Barnwood. A spa-like master bath with a free-standing tub and large tiled shower and a closet large enough for the entire family.

Northern Michigan is the ultimate getaway destination with serene views and abundance of outdoor recreation. This remote Up North house offers nothing short of that. With the nearest major town almost 45 minutes away, it was essential this vacation home offered all the amenities for entertainment and relaxation. Spire worked with the client to create the perfect lake house retreat with comfort and convenience during any season or weather. The living room with an attached game room is a versatile space that offers endless entertainment. A 65” TV was installed over the fireplace in the custom stone wall. The adjustable mount allows the TV to lower for comfortable viewing from either the couch or pool table. A pair of Meridian Audio DSP7200 custom color matched speakers equipped with a Meridian Audio 218 digital controller were strategically installed on each side of the fireplace. The floor-standing speakers compliment the natural stone while providing astonishingly life-like sound, perfect for streaming live concerts. The powerful audio extends to the upper level of the home. Spire installed B&W 700 series bookshelf speakers in the executive office and a Triad custom speaker bar in the master bedroom. These speakers are ideal for smaller rooms, while elevating the TV experience. The large living room windows offer beautiful lake views and ample lighting. Lutron Palladiom shades were installed to easily control the natural light in the living room, master bedroom and bathroom. They are custom designed and fully automated to let in the morning sun or achieve partial shading or complete privacy. Whether set on a schedule or controlled from an iPad, the shades operate quietly and seamlessly. The technology was designed to be enjoyed just as much indoors as outdoors. With the whole home audio system, high-quality sound can flow throughout the indoor rooms as well as the outdoor patio. While the location may be remote, Spire ensured the WiFi and network connection is strong both throughout the yard and inside the home. A Lutron HomeWorks QS system integrates the control of all the interior and exterior lighting including motion sensing for the exterior pathway. Since this is not a permanent residence, a control and security system was very important. A personalized Savant system was integrated for full home control of lighting, climate, entertainment and security from anywhere with a smart device . This includes the ability to control the multiple landscape light zones with timed scenes. The Doorbird cameras and chimes with the integration of camera feeds into the Savant Control provides remote communication with visitors at any of the exterior doors. Remote access also allows rebooting of all essential systems from any location.

Mid-sized tuscan galley porcelain tile seated home bar photo in Orlando with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and stone slab backsplash