Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

The way our Cataline White tile complements the white sink, and retro lights is the perfect way to tone down this classy, retro design.
Inspiration for a mediterranean l-shaped multicolored floor kitchen remodel in New York with white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, paneled appliances, an island and beige countertops

Bedroom with fireplace, installed TV and balcony with folding doors.
Example of a large tuscan medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood ceiling bedroom design in Los Angeles with white walls, a ribbon fireplace and a tile fireplace

Warm wood tones of the hardwood floor continue throughout the cabinetry. The two contrasting granite colors of wall cabinets and island are tied together through multi-colored glass back splash and porcelain subway tile. Design Connection, Inc. | Kansas City Interior Design Provided - space planning, furniture, window treatments and consultations.

1960s formal and open concept living room photo in San Francisco with gray walls

Beach style brown tile and mosaic tile bathroom photo in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and brown countertops

Large master shower, glass mosaic accent tile, glass shelves, light-weight concrete shower bench, porcelain 12 x 24 tile, soft relaxing colors.
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Portland

Southern Beach Getaway in WaterColor Private Residence / WaterColor, Florida Architect: Geoff Chick & Associates Builder: Chris Clark Construction The E. F. San Juan team collaborated closely with architect Geoff Chick, builder Chris Clark, interior designer Allyson Runnels, and the homeowners to bring their design vision to reality. This included custom interior and exterior millwork, pecky cypress ceilings in various rooms of the home, different types of wall and ceiling paneling in each upstairs bedroom, custom pecky cypress barn doors and beams in the master suite, Euro-Wall doors in the living area, Weather Shield windows and doors throughout, Georgia pine porch ceilings, and Ipe porch flooring. Challenges: Allyson and the homeowners wanted each of the children’s upstairs bedrooms to have unique features, and we addressed this from a millwork perspective by producing different types of wall and ceiling paneling for each of these rooms. The homeowners also loved the look of pecky cypress and wanted to see this unique type of wood featured as a highlight throughout the home. Solution: In the main living area and kitchen, the coffered ceiling presents pecky cypress stained gray to accent the tiled wall of the kitchen. In the adjoining hallway, the pecky cypress ceiling is lightly pickled white to make a subtle contrast with the surrounding white paneled walls and trim. The master bedroom has two beautiful large pecky cypress barn doors and several large pecky cypress beams that give it a cozy, rustic yet Southern coastal feel. Off the master bedroom is a sitting/TV room featuring a pecky cypress ceiling in a stunning rectangular, concentric pattern that was expertly installed by Edgar Lara and his skilled team of finish carpenters. We also provided twelve-foot-high floor-to-ceiling Euro-Wall Systems doors in the living area that lend to the bright and airy feel of this space, as do the Weather Shield windows and doors that were used throughout the home. Finally, the porches’ rich, South Georgia pine ceilings and chatoyant Ipe floors create a warm contrast to the bright walls, columns, and railings of these comfortable outdoor spaces. The result is an overall stunning home that exhibits all the best characteristics of the WaterColor community while standing out with countless unique custom features. --- Photography by Jack Gardner

This four-story Victorian revival was amazing to see unfold; from replacing the foundation, building out the 1st floor, hoisting structural steel into place, and upgrading to in-floor radiant heat. This gorgeous “Old Lady” got all the bells and whistles. This quintessential Victorian presented itself with all the complications imaginable when bringing an early 1900’s home back to life. Our favorite task? The Custom woodwork: hand carving and installing over 200 florets to match historical home details. Anyone would be hard-pressed to see the transitions from existing to new, but we invite you to come and try for yourselves!

Complete bathroom remodel Summer 2013. This bath offers generous space without going overboard in square footage. The homeowner chose to go with a large double vanity, a nice shower with custom features a shower seat. We decided to keep the existing tub and deck it with carrara marble. The vanity area shown in this photo has plenty of storage for bathroom appliances in the tower. Below the mirrored wall cabinets we added a open towel storage space below. The mirrors were cased out with the matching woodwork, crown detail and carrara tile mosaics on each side. The countertop is Carrara slab marble with undermount Marzi sinks. The Kallista faucets are wall mounted, we was chosen in chrome since it was an easier finish to maintain for years to come. The floor tile is a 20 x 20 Silver Strand with a Carrara Marble strip set in straight. The backsplash to the vanity is the companion carrara mosaic random. Vaulted ceilings add to the dramatic feel of this bath. The polished nickel Restoration glass globe chandelier also adds to the dramatic glamour of the bath. The shower has three zones function, with a polished gray porcelain tile, mixed with split face white marble and carrara marble mosaics. This luxury bath sets its residence in Houston Texas.

Chuck Carver- Photographer Brickhouse- Architect Beth Hanson- Interior Designer
Mountain style laundry room photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

This exciting ‘whole house’ project began when a couple contacted us while house shopping. They found a 1980s contemporary colonial in Delafield with a great wooded lot on Nagawicka Lake. The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential. We toured the home, learned about their design style and dream for the new space. The goal of this project was to create a contemporary space that was interesting and unique. Above all, they wanted a home where they could entertain and make a future. At first, the couple thought they wanted to remodel only the kitchen and master suite. But after seeing Kowalske Kitchen & Bath’s design for transforming the entire house, they wanted to remodel it all. The couple purchased the home and hired us as the design-build-remodel contractor. First Floor Remodel The biggest transformation of this home is the first floor. The original entry was dark and closed off. By removing the dining room walls, we opened up the space for a grand entry into the kitchen and dining room. The open-concept kitchen features a large navy island, blue subway tile backsplash, bamboo wood shelves and fun lighting. On the first floor, we also turned a bathroom/sauna into a full bathroom and powder room. We were excited to give them a ‘wow’ powder room with a yellow penny tile wall, floating bamboo vanity and chic geometric cement tile floor. Second Floor Remodel The second floor remodel included a fireplace landing area, master suite, and turning an open loft area into a bedroom and bathroom. In the master suite, we removed a large whirlpool tub and reconfigured the bathroom/closet space. For a clean and classic look, the couple chose a black and white color pallet. We used subway tile on the walls in the large walk-in shower, a glass door with matte black finish, hexagon tile on the floor, a black vanity and quartz counters. Flooring, trim and doors were updated throughout the home for a cohesive look.

Photography: Werner Straube
Mid-sized transitional formal brown floor and dark wood floor living room photo in Chicago with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

I was asked to update and design a new kitchen for my New Jersey client who has a home in Boca Raton. The project involved expanding the existing ranch and design a contemporary white kitchen. Below are the results of incorporating not only fine Italian cabinetry from a local Boca showroom but also a juxtaposition of textures and colors. Selecting the CeasarStone blue agate made the difference of a spectacular kitchen creating an artistic approach for the 14 ft island. The blue agate is imbedded within the white quarts counter. The wall cabinetry is a plethora of storage and so interesting with it's Post & Lintel dark wood frame design that plays with contrasts/ Shapes and textures abound with each interesting aspect like the irregular shaped back splash indispersed with mother of pearl mosaics. the client wanted a one of a kind chandelier and we designed it for her incorporating good functional and LED ambient lighting.

This updated bathroom space utilizes light colored tile in order to provide the area with a clean, neat feeling. The light colored tile is also useful in making a small space, such as the bathroom above, feel larger than it actually is. Glass shower doors will allow the shower itself to feel open. As a decorative addition, multi-colored match-stick tile is added lining the walls. Adding a detachable shower head to your shower stall will leave the area with a luxurious feeling.

Michael Patrick Porter, AIA
Trendy freestanding desk home office photo in Santa Barbara with white walls

This remodel was located in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, colored appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Grabill Cabinetry: Madison Square Door Style in a Custom Color “Narragansett Green” Paint by Benjamin Moore on Maple. Cambria Countertops: Brittanica Quartz. Backsplash: Metallic Tile Called “Olympia Prism Silver” from Beaver Tile & Stone.

The master bath is designed after the bold, two-tone tile baths of the 1920s and 30s, employing patterns, materials, and a color palette popular in the period. Photography by Sam Frost.