THE SETUP Our journey began with a familiar face — Alicia had previously transformed the client’s mother’s home, establishing a trusted relationship that naturally led to this personal project. The client desired a kitchen that truly reflected her own style while facilitating seamless entertaining. Design Vision: The original kitchen, segregated from the dining area by a wall, hindered the flow of interaction and space. Our client envisioned a unified area where she could engage with guests in both the kitchen and dining room simultaneously. Moreover, the space lacked a central island, relying instead on a floorplan anchored by cabinetry in a u-shaped layout. Design Objectives: Open up the space for an airy design conducive to entertaining large gatherings Modernize the kitchen to be both stylish and functional Integrate the design with the home’s new black-framed windows and doors Relocate the cooktop to a central position to enhance usability and interaction Design Challenges: Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room would necessitate the rerouting of existing HVAC ductwork that services the upper floor Limited pantry space in the existing kitchen The existing u-shaped layout of the kitchen restricted functionality and storage options Insufficient space for wine storage The client desired a raised-furniture look for the island, but without showing a new downdraft vent THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: We added a second HVAC unit to the upper floor and rerouted the existing ductwork in that wall Created tall pantry pullouts on either side of the fridge to maximize dry goods storage Designed a long island to facilitate cooking stations and dining moments Created a stylish open display cabinet for wine Engineered a dual-design island with a footed floating aesthetic on one side, and a full floor reach on the other to conceal the new downdraft ventilation. Paired with the newly opened adjacent dining room featuring a wet bar, the kitchen has become a stylish and highly functional space for cooking and entertaining. Following a large baby shower hosted by the client (which seamlessly accommodated an 80-person gathering!), it is clear that the new design not only meets but exceeds the needs for hosting and everyday living. This project was a harmonious blend of the client’s vision and Alicia’s innovative design solutions, resulting in a kitchen that truly embodies personalized elegance and functionality.

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

Design work for this eclectic 1900’s home in Maplewood started with making infrastructure improvements throughout the house. The new owners wanted systems that would be energy efficient and ecologically friendly. We installed a very high efficiency HVAC system, replaced the piping and plumbing throughout, and specified new super high efficiency windows. Other exterior improvements included new leaders and gutters, insulation, and new siding in some locations. These upgrades were balanced with maintaining as many as the original details of the house as possible. When you walk into the house, you still sense the original character and charm of the house, but are surrounded by modern amenities and environmentally sensitive finishes. Specific renovations include updated and reconfigured bathrooms throughout, a new kitchen, finishing of the basement, and repurposing of several rooms so the house would have better flow. In 2011 the family moved back to New York City, and new owners purchased this Maplewood home. We had the pleaser of working with them to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.

When this multi-generational family embarked on rebuilding their Palo Alto home, they had to rethink the entire design due to FEMA regulations. Located in a flood zone, the finished floor had to be raised 4 feet, necessitating a full demolition. This challenge became an opportunity to create a residence that better suited the family’s needs — with three bedrooms on the second floor and a ground floor in-law suite. Drawing references from the previous Eichler-inspired house, the new iteration features glass walls and expressed structure that recalls a midcentury design that is entirely modern. The great room opens onto the garden, where a raised terrace provides outdoor living space. Wraparound planters and tiered stairs ease the transition between levels, allowing the home to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood.

Designed this backyard sauna for a client who was knowledgeable about sauna and had an idea of what he wanted. The goal was an energy efficient sauna that maintained privacy from neighbors but still had some views of nature/good lighting. 7.5' x 7.5'. Went with 8 foot ceilings - which made the overall structure a bit tall aesthetically - but this allowed a higher bench system. The harvia cilindro 8kw stove may be a bit undersized but the tall bench height seems to compensate for the stove (heat up times are a bit long). Drain in the floor which allows you to dump lots of water on the stove. With 200lbs of stones, the loyly is quite impressive and intense! The force from the steam necessitated some additional magnets to keep the door closed.

We had the pleasure of working with the new homeowners to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.

This was a closet we did in Wilmington, NC in a new construction home with 10 ft ceilings off Greenville Loop Rd. It's done in solid and veneer cherry with design elements specified by the owner. Included are his and hers drawers (guess which are his), hanging storage to the ceiling (necessitating the use of pull down rods), and storage for luggage on the upper shelves of some pieces. The layout of the space consisted of 8 walls in a sort of reverse Z configuration. Some elements are visible in other pictures. A last minute addition to this closet was a small linen and medicine cabinet. The owner discovered just before completion of his 9,000 sq ft. that neither the architect nor builder thought to provide space to store sheets, towels, blankets, and toiletries in proximity to the master bedroom and bath.

Built in 1997, this home’s original kitchen had great bones, but an impractical appliance and cabinetry layout obstructed the room’s natural flow, necessitating a makeover to improve form and function. A new appliance arrangement, custom cabinetry, and updated finishes resulted in a wow-worthy space that is as functional as it is stylish.

The Wallpaper’s slight silver shimmer highlights the Bath’s hardware in this second story bathroom. A stylish space for use during the workday for owner and clients. The Pocket Door necessitates using other walls for Towel fixture and Art placement. The Roof’s angle gave the perfect space for the lighting fixture.

In this Manhattan pied-à-terre renovation, Gallery tackled the entire apartment. A true full renovation, we updated the kitchen, master bathroom, and powder room, installed new flooring throughout the entire space, and built the entertainment center in the living room. DESIGN DETAILS The clients wanted their pied-à-terre to have some modern touches, but not too sleek or contemporary. Since it combines a number of styles and elements, transitional turned out to be their ideal aesthetic. Whites, grays, and earthy tones carried this color theme throughout the apartment. One of the clients is an artist and wanted wall space to display their original work, visible in the dining area and powder room in the photos below. The entertainment center is another highlight, with its white mosaic brick tile accent wall and glass open shelves to display family photos on both sides. Instead of tiles, the new powder room walls received a textured concrete application, resulting in an almost industrial vibe. In the master bathroom renovation, glass mosaic tile accent walls bring a touch of personality to both the shower and a storage nook opposite the vanity. UNIQUELY-SHAPED ROOMS We specialize in adapting to every potential challenge, including uniquely-shaped rooms like the nearly-triangular kitchen in this Manhattan pied-à-terre renovation. It’s important to design an uncommonly-shaped space as practically as possible, including specs seemingly as small as sink positioning. Every little detail counts tenfold in a room that’s not rectangular! Other design details in the kitchen renovation include the classic combination of Shaker-style cabinets and quartz countertops, with a glass mosaic backsplash that matches the one used in the bathroom. VISIBILITY = TRUST Communication is always a core value at Gallery, but it’s even more vital when working with bi-coastal clients who were in another state throughout almost the entire process. We met with them once; everything else was done virtually thanks to JobTracker, our project management system. The client had complete visibility into the renovation, including all design renderings, scheduled installations, and daily progress videos and photos. Even though they were 3000 miles away, they had a direct line to everyone on the team at all times. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Entertainment center designed and built to serve as focal point, with white brick mosaic accent wall and open shelves made of glass - Track lighting for ease of displaying art and to preserve ceiling height instead of the dropped ceiling that recessed lighting would necessitate - Deliberate consideration of space in the unusually-shaped, nearly triangular kitchen - Glass mosaic tile accent walls in the master bathroom with matching tile for the backsplash in the kitchen Thinking about renovating your bathroom? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City bathrooms. As a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach, we handle every single aspect of your home renovation from start to finish.

This client sought to update their recently purchased home in Alexandria. A gourmet kitchen that complemented the size of the home and property was a top priority. They wanted more light-filled and connected living spaces for their growing family. Updating the finishes throughout the home was also a necessity. Design challenges included an existing utility space that occupied a large portion of the kitchen footprint, making the kitchen cramped and narrow. In addition, the foyer was dark, confined and uninviting as a result of its organization and enclosed nature of the main stair. To overcome the challenges, we relocated the utilities, creating a more usable footprint for the kitchen. The aging furnace was replaced with a high efficiency furnace located in a newly insulated and conditioned crawl space. A new hot water heater was placed in the finished attic, and the electrical panel was also relocated. Then, we designed a portion of the kitchen to mask the need for dropped structural headers: the refrigerator, freezer and pantry were placed under the area that necessitated a drop bulkhead, creating a sleek built-in area for the appliances. Once the utilities were moved, the kitchen could be opened up to a large family room and designed with a much-improved layout. Two new four-panel exterior doors replaced small doors at the family room to connect the main living space with the beautiful yard. In addition, white bead board was added to the family room ceiling, creating more visual continuity with the adjacent white kitchen. To transform the foyer into a grand and welcoming entry, a small amount of space was taken from a large second floor bedroom, and the entire second floor structure was supported with a series of flush beams to allow the stair to be opened and expose the rail. New glass doors to the den, relocated at an angle from the main stair provide the foyer with more natural light and a wider, more inviting path to the kitchen. In the master suite, the bedroom and bathroom entry doors were relocated to improve the room’s layout and offer more bathroom privacy and space for a walk-in closet. A room forgotten by the previous owner was turned into a family mudroom with built-ins and wainscoting to keep the family organized in style. Photography by Greg Hadley

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

Full gut renovation and facade restoration of an historic 1850s wood-frame townhouse. The current owners found the building as a decaying, vacant SRO (single room occupancy) dwelling with approximately 9 rooming units. The building has been converted to a two-family house with an owner’s triplex over a garden-level rental. Due to the fact that the very little of the existing structure was serviceable and the change of occupancy necessitated major layout changes, nC2 was able to propose an especially creative and unconventional design for the triplex. This design centers around a continuous 2-run stair which connects the main living space on the parlor level to a family room on the second floor and, finally, to a studio space on the third, thus linking all of the public and semi-public spaces with a single architectural element. This scheme is further enhanced through the use of a wood-slat screen wall which functions as a guardrail for the stair as well as a light-filtering element tying all of the floors together, as well its culmination in a 5’ x 25’ skylight.

Nestled in the heart of Kirkland, this condominium underwent a breathtaking transformation. While most rooms had a good layout, with living and dining room windows offering a stunning view of Lake Washington against the backdrop of majestic mountains, I opted to give the kitchen and both bathrooms a complete layout makeover. This intricate project necessitated the expertise of structural and mechanical engineers. Now, let's delve into the kitchen remodel—a true masterpiece. It entailed dramatic changes in layout, plumbing, and equipment placement. We closely collaborated with the client to craft a brand-new design. A primary goal was to create a spacious, functional kitchen space with ample storage, perfect for family gatherings. By removing two interior walls and retaining a structural column, we fashioned an inviting island with a cozy seating area.

When this multi-generational family embarked on rebuilding their Palo Alto home, they had to rethink the entire design due to FEMA regulations. Located in a flood zone, the finished floor had to be raised 4 feet, necessitating a full demolition. This challenge became an opportunity to create a residence that better suited the family’s needs — with three bedrooms on the second floor and a ground floor in-law suite. Drawing references from the previous Eichler-inspired house, the new iteration features glass walls and expressed structure that recalls a midcentury design that is entirely modern. The great room opens onto the garden, where a raised terrace provides outdoor living space. Wraparound planters and tiered stairs ease the transition between levels, allowing the home to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood.

Nestled in the heart of Kirkland, this condominium underwent a breathtaking transformation. While most rooms had a good layout, with living and dining room windows offering a stunning view of Lake Washington against the backdrop of majestic mountains, I opted to give the kitchen and both bathrooms a complete layout makeover. This intricate project necessitated the expertise of structural and mechanical engineers. Now, let's delve into the kitchen remodel—a true masterpiece. It entailed dramatic changes in layout, plumbing, and equipment placement. We closely collaborated with the client to craft a brand-new design. A primary goal was to create a spacious, functional kitchen space with ample storage, perfect for family gatherings. By removing two interior walls and retaining a structural column, we fashioned an inviting island with a cozy seating area.

A small galley kitchen necessitated added storage. An artful solution was devised with backlighting a louvred-door cabinet and small wine rack in the entryway flanked with counter height stools. A mosaic detail in the limestone flooring adds interest.

The slope of the site necessitated an interesting strategy to drive under the garage to reach the parking court. The house has an elevator which allowed us to locate the public spaces on the top floor of the house.