Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio remodel in Hawaii with a roof extension

The DURING of What began as a simple request to turn unused outdoor space into a children’s playground evolved into a multi-stage transformation designed for all ages. This growing project started with play structures and safety-focused landscaping for the kids—but as the client’s vision expanded, so did the design. Over time, we added a hot tub, fire pit, and elevated areas for lounging, creating a dynamic outdoor living space that offers both fun and relaxation for every generation. From playful beginnings to a fully realized retreat, this project is a great example of how your space and your vision can grow with you.

The BEFORE of What began as a simple request to turn unused outdoor space into a children’s playground evolved into a multi-stage transformation designed for all ages. This growing project started with play structures and safety-focused landscaping for the kids—but as the client’s vision expanded, so did the design. Over time, we added a hot tub, fire pit, and elevated areas for lounging, creating a dynamic outdoor living space that offers both fun and relaxation for every generation. From playful beginnings to a fully realized retreat, this project is a great example of how your space and your vision can grow with you.

This nursery began in an empty white-box room with incredible natural light, the challenge being to give it warmth and add multi-functionality. Through floral motifs and hints of gold, we created a boho glam room perfect for a little girl. We played with texture to give depth to the soft color palette. The upholstered crib is convertible to a toddler bed, and the daybed can serve as a twin bed, offering a nursery that can grow with baby. The changing table doubles as a dresser, while the hanging canopy play area serves as a perfect play and reading nook.

This beautiful kitchen remodel already had beautiful bones when we began the remodel. The client really only need an update for this kitchen remodel. New cabinets, appliances, lighting, granite, and tile was all that was needed to bring a more updated look into this already beautiful kitchen. It was an amazing transformation once the color change and staggered cabinets were brought in to this home. The space appeared much larger, and the feel of the room went from dark to light just in the color change alone. Connie McCoy

Example of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Manchester with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

When this historic Petoskey home began its life in 1895, its residents couldn't possibly have imagined its future transformation. Only 50 feet from the old train tracks, it started as an apartment building for railroad employees. Throughout the past century, it retained its roots as a multi-family dwelling, but had fallen into despair. In 2013, it was purchased for its great location, charming exterior and its spectacular view of the lake, and recruited J.Cesario Builders to remodel the structure into a single family home. The vision would take almost two years to complete, as the original scope of the project evolved from a partial remodel into a total home transformation.

We began by dividing the terrace into two distinct areas. The first area was resurfaced with smooth cement and now serves as a seating and dining space. It also leads to wrought-iron and glass front door. The second area, off the living room, was made into a second seating area which features a fire pit and a built-in bench. We opted for turf which also provides a clear distinction between the main entry door and the newly installed living room multi-slide doors. A built-in planter along the wall shared with the neighbors’ towering home, was intentionally planted with rapidly growing plant materials. Eventually, a tall barrier will provide a good deal of seclusion and privacy. A root barrier was installed.

This project was all about drama. It began with dark paint colors accented with rich textures including leather, velvet, cowhide etc. Personalized artwork and unique accessories make this space the best place for a guy to call home. It's warm, cozy, and inviting while also multi-purpose. The office doubles as a guest room with a very comfortable custom sleeper sofa and the living room has an expandable dining table that can stay out of the way for two, or expand to fit 6 comfortably. Design MACS Hoboken, NJ 07030

This Transitional Farmhouse Kitchen was completely remodeled and the home is nestled on the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena. Our goal was to keep the original charm of our client’s home while updating the kitchen in a way that was fresh and current. Our design inspiration began with a deep green soapstone counter top paired with creamy white cabinetry. Carrera marble subway tile for the backsplash is a luxurious splurge and adds classic elegance to the space. The stainless steel appliances and sink create a more transitional feel, while the shaker style cabinetry doors and schoolhouse light fixture are in keeping with the original style of the home. Tile flooring resembling concrete is clean and simple and seeded glass in the upper cabinet doors help make the space feel open and light. This kitchen has a hidden microwave and custom range hood design, as well as a new pantry area, for added storage. The pantry area features an appliance garage and deep-set counter top for multi-purpose use. These features add value to this small space. The finishing touches are polished nickel cabinet hardware, which add a vintage look and the cafe curtains are the handiwork of the homeowner. We truly enjoyed the collaborative effort in this kitchen. Photography by Erika Beirman

Located in the highly sought-after Allwood neighborhood of Darien, this spec house is the fourth collaboration with a client who first began with a renovation of her own home. While architecturally it is a traditional home from the exterior, the interiors are more transitional in style. In order to compete in the speculative market, our client’s directive was clear – ‘differentiation the kitchen design from every other spec house’. So we incorporated painted cabinetry but highlighted with rift-cut white oak base cabinets. This contrast between these finishes influenced our decision to select a subtle white quartzite countertop to deliberately highlight the striking porcelain backsplash. The steel and glass partition frames the space – drawing the eye to the focal point of the kitchen, the custom stainless steel hood. Gold hardware adds a pop of flair to the space and warms the room. Walnut drawer inserts, stainless steel appliance garage, pull out trash drawers with compost bins and a stylish desk make this the Gold Standard of spec houses.

This project was all about drama. It began with dark paint colors accented with rich textures including leather, velvet, cowhide etc. Personalized artwork and unique accessories make this space the best place for a guy to call home. It's warm, cozy, and inviting while also multi-purpose. The office doubles as a guest room with a very comfortable custom sleeper sofa and the living room has an expandable dining table that can stay out of the way for two, or expand to fit 6 comfortably. Design MACS Hoboken, NJ 07030

When this historic Petoskey home began its life in 1895, its residents couldn't possibly have imagined its future transformation. Only 50 feet from the old train tracks, it started as an apartment building for railroad employees. Throughout the past century, it retained its roots as a multi-family dwelling, but had fallen into despair. In 2013, it was purchased for its great location, charming exterior and its spectacular view of the lake, and recruited J.Cesario Builders to remodel the structure into a single family home. The vision would take almost two years to complete, as the original scope of the project evolved from a partial remodel into a total home transformation.

Photo: Nanette Wong © 2014 Houzz
Great room - eclectic medium tone wood floor great room idea in San Francisco with beige walls

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

This nursery began in an empty white-box room with incredible natural light, the challenge being to give it warmth and add multi-functionality. Through floral motifs and hints of gold, we created a boho glam room perfect for a little girl. We played with texture to give depth to the soft color palette. The upholstered crib is convertible to a toddler bed, and the daybed can serve as a twin bed, offering a nursery that can grow with baby. The changing table doubles as a dresser, while the hanging canopy play area serves as a perfect play and reading nook.

Our team successfully removed the previous metal structure for the homeowner. Following the debris clearance, we commenced the foundation footings. Once the foundation was completed, we proceeded with the construction of the wall framing and floor, allowing for the installation of the roof trusses. After boarding the framing and roof, we wrapped the structure in Tyvek weatherproofing and began the indoor work, including electrical, insulation, and drywall. The project was completed with the installation of new siding, eavestroughs, shingles, and a door, providing our clients with the multi-functional space they desired.

This beautiful kitchen remodel already had beautiful bones when we began the remodel. The client really only need an update for this kitchen remodel. New cabinets, appliances, lighting, granite, and tile was all that was needed to bring a more updated look into this already beautiful kitchen. It was an amazing transformation once the color change and staggered cabinets were brought in to this home. The space appeared much larger, and the feel of the room went from dark to light just in the color change alone. Connie McCoy

This beautiful kitchen remodel already had beautiful bones when we began the remodel. The client really only need an update for this kitchen remodel. New cabinets, appliances, lighting, granite, and tile was all that was needed to bring a more updated look into this already beautiful kitchen. It was an amazing transformation once the color change and staggered cabinets were brought in to this home. The space appeared much larger, and the feel of the room went from dark to light just in the color change alone. Connie McCoy