Remodel by J.S. Brown & Co., Design by Monica Lewis, CMKBD, MCR, UDCP. Photo Credit: Todd Yarrington.
Inspiration for a timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Columbus with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Farmhouse exterior home photo in Atlanta

Adding a penthouse perch to this 1899 row house with a harbor view demanded unusual tactics. To circumvent municipal limitations on floor area, a section of floor was removed from one level and “transferred” to the roof as a new studio space. To comply with local height limitations, an innovative structure of solid wood studs was deployed to reduce floor and ceiling thicknesses to the bare minimum. Aside from creating the desired rooftop refuge, these gymnastics also created a dynamic cascade of interior living spaces for an urban designer and his family. Photos by Bruce Buck.

Brian Smirke
Contemporary white one-story house exterior idea in Los Angeles with a shed roof

Coastal white two-story exterior home idea in Tampa

Transitional exterior home idea in Denver

Outdoor, contemporary gas fire pit has bluestone coping and an Eden stone veneer masonry backdrop. Custom cedar lattice fencing sits atop Eden cut stone retaining walls and has integrated LED under-ledge lighting.

Aesthetic Value: Client required an upscale classical European look with minimalist features. Spiral became dramatic feature in customers home office. Stair Safety: All the local municipal codes were followed and met. Quality of Workmanship: Twelve sided mortised center column with minimalist engineered outside sawtooth stringer which is a very rare type of spiral stair. Technical Challenge: It was the owners lack of vision at beginning of project that challenged us to make numerous aesthetic suggestions and mock ups until owner finally feel in love with the sawtooth spiral with 12-sided column design.

In a walkable neighborhood near the center of town, a historic masonry and timber frame structure has a new future as a residence containing 10 apartments. The property was originally built by the Elks in 1913 and later became a Masonic lodge, which included a bar, kitchen, meeting rooms and office space. The new apartments range from studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units from 500 square feet to 1000 square feet. In conformance with the municipality’s 20% affordable housing requirements, two of the apartment units will be priced as affordable housing. The top floor of the existing building is double-height, allowing for mezzanine space. Apartments are designed as loft style, with modern detailing; a “SoHo aesthetic.” The character of the building is being restored and preserved, and where possible original brick, stucco, and wood are exposed and refinished. The exterior gains a new stair and elevator tower addition, along with new window openings where necessary. A new plaque designed for the building describes its historic roots in Princeton. With the inclusion of a green roof, LEED for Homes certification is being pursued for the project.

The addition of this wrap around deck designed to compliment the mid-century design of this home, creates ample space for outdoor dining and entertaining.

Second Floor Bedroom of the Accessory Dwelling Unit functions as a guest bedroom and home office.
Example of a mid-sized trendy guest light wood floor and vaulted ceiling bedroom design in Philadelphia with gray walls and no fireplace

A patio and seating area surrounds this home office. Unlike traditional sheds which are often tucked away and hidden in the side yard, Studio Sheds, like this home office, become a feature of the backyard landscaping.

Architect: Sheldon Pennoyer Photographer: John Hession
Arts and crafts side porch photo in Boston with a fire pit, decking and a roof extension

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard custom-shaped infinity pool fountain remodel in Vancouver

Inspiration for a large contemporary dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Mumbai

This was a challenging project for very discerning clients. The home was originally owned by the client’s father, and she inherited it when he passed. Care was taken to preserve the history in the home while upgrading it for the current owners. This home exceeds current energy codes, and all mechanical and electrical systems have been completely replaced. The clients remained in the home for the duration of the reno, so it was completed in two phases. Phase 1 involved gutting the basement, removing all asbestos containing materials (flooring, plaster), and replacing all mechanical and electrical systems, new spray foam insulation, and complete new finishing. The clients lived upstairs while we did the basement, and in the basement while we did the main floor. They left on a vacation while we did the asbestos work. Phase 2 involved a rock retaining wall on the rear of the property that required a lengthy approval process including municipal, fisheries, First Nations, and environmental authorities. The home had a new rear covered deck, garage, new roofline, all new interior and exterior finishing, new mechanical and electrical systems, new insulation and drywall. Phase 2 also involved an extensive asbestos abatement to remove Asbestos-containing materials in the flooring, plaster, insulation, and mastics. Photography by Carsten Arnold Photography.

Sunroom - rustic light wood floor and beige floor sunroom idea in Montreal with a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a standard ceiling

Each year, volunteers tend the garden, and water it during the summer drought; they also water the nearby memorial trees if needed. (It is actually a co-operative, low-maintenance municipal garden, supported by community volunteers who take care of the perennials, while the city takes care of the grass and the remainder of the site).