From Dark and Dated to Dreamy Den: A Basement Transformation This project wasn't just a renovation; it was a complete rebirth. Our construction crew transformed a neglected basement into a stunning and functional living space. Imagine a dark, dated area. Now, picture a bright, inviting space brimming with possibility. That's the magic we delivered. We began by taking the basement down to the studs. This "gut job" ensured a clean slate for the transformation to come. Once the demolition was complete, we addressed any underlying structural concerns and ensured the space was ready for its new life. Next came the foundation for all the beauty: a brand new subfloor. This ensured a level and stable platform for the showstopping element – the flooring. We worked closely with the homeowner to select the perfect flooring for their needs. Walls are more than just barriers; they define a space. We constructed new walls throughout the basement, creating a clean and finished look. This could have involved dividing the area into distinct rooms, including a dedicated laundry room, bathroom and a large open living and play area for a more airy and expansive feel. A basement shouldn't feel like a dungeon. To add volume and a touch of sophistication, we installed a new drop ceiling. This not only provides a finished look but can also incorporate recessed lighting, adding another layer of ambiance. Of course, no renovation is complete without the perfect finishing touch: paint. We transformed the raw walls with a fresh coat of paint, bringing the homeowner's chosen color palette to life. The end result? A basement that's no longer an afterthought but a cherished part of the home. Whether it's a cozy family room, a dedicated home theater, a guest suite, or a combination of these, the possibilities are endless. This project is a testament to our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and our ability to turn a homeowner's vision into a reality.

Greg Hadley The biggest change to the first floor is the new kitchen. The existing kitchen, pantry, and dining room were three cramped rooms. We combined these three rooms to create one large beautiful kitchen and a mudroom that is central to the family’s everyday life. The home did not have a great connection to the rear yard. We installed a door from the kitchen, as well as a sliding door in the new dining room to the right. This section of the kitchen was the location of the original dining room.

Total gut of a home that had been neglected for thirty years. Thanks to my contractor J and R and his team Photos by fixed exposure photography
Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Toronto

Located in the Village neighborhood in downtown Jersey City, the original building dates from the mid 1800's. In the 1970's the ground floor commercial space was converted into an apartment, the original storefront was bricked over and most of the building's historic features were lost. Suffering from years of neglect and in a state of severe disrepair, the new owner sought to renovate the building to modern standards and restore the facade back to its original appearance. The apartment count was maintained but redistributed throughout the building to maximize efficiency. The oversized ground floor unit was divided into two one-bedroom units and the second and third floors each house a single two-bedroom apartment. The building was completely gutted and extensive structural work was required to stabilize the building. The original staircase, the only surviving historical element, was also rebuilt and preserved. The facade was reconstructed with clapboard siding and decorative moldings to match the original profiles, new windows, a refurbished fire escape, and a new ground floor storefront to match the original configuration. This project was completed for Sionas Architecture, PC

I wanted to design a modern and sophisticated space where my client and her family can retreat to and relax together. We transformed their outdated, cold, and neglected Sunroom into a bright and inviting space with a rustic flair, by defining a tonal color palette of slate grays with a pop of mustard yellow. By introducing rich dark woods in the hand-planed coffee and end table, we were able to bring some warmth back into the room while still keeping a contemporary feel.

VICTORIAN LAKEFRONT BEFORE & AFTER This neglected Victorian on the waterfront in Hudson was a perfect example of a diamond in the rough. But its new owners recognized its potential and (lucky for us) we were hired to redesign the main floor. Everything was replaced, from the uneven and mismatched floor boards, to the dilapidated, rickety old staircase. Not to mention, new windows, sexy new hot water heaters imported from England., a new kitchen and main floor bathroom. The entire house was painted Moonshine by Benjamin Moore - a watery blue-grey colour which works perfectly with all the wood and white trim. The kitchen was gutted and reconfigured to optimize the fantastic water views allowing the owners to relax at their new island (with soapstone counters). The beautiful blue backsplash tiles make this traditional white kitchen anything but boring. And we painted the adjacent dining room ceiling the same deep blue colour to add impact. Our clients had travelled all over the world for work before returning to Montreal, and their art collection, geological artifacts, wool rugs and assortment of wood furniture (collected in Chile, Mexico and Arizona to name a few places) give this updated Victorian a lived-in, eclectic look. We added some unexpected lighting with a nod to the Victorian age throughout and the back room, once the exterior porch, is now a the perfect retreat to relax, hold book club meetings or just enjoy the views from the elegant new furniture or the newly reupholstered family heirloom bench.

During one of our site visits to this project, we came across an abandoned work bench tht had been neglected and was headed for the landfill. In the process of choosing a vanity, we came up with the idea to re-use this work bench. It is now the center piece of the studio Treve Johnson Photography HDR Remodeling Inc. specializes in classic East Bay homes. Whole-house remodels, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, garage and basement conversions are our specialties. Our start-to-finish process -- from design concept to permit-ready plans to production -- will guide you along the way to make sure your project is completed on time and on budget and take the uncertainty and stress out of remodeling your home. Our philosophy -- and passion -- is to help our clients make their remodeling dreams come true.

Is all this space upstairs just for storing Christmas decorations? The owners had three teenagers who were constantly Is all this space upstairs just for storing Christmas decorations? this space up here is just for storing Christmas decorations over the only TV downstairs, and they needed a solution that didn’t involve expanding their already cramped property. When we went up to see the attic, we immediately saw the potential: good ceiling height, ample floor space, and those beautiful angled roof lines just waiting to be celebrated. What we created is a stunning additional room that became the family’s favorite gathering place. The transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can turn a neglected space into something extraordinary. Those dramatic skylights weren’t originally there; we cut into the roof structure and installed them to flood the space with natural light, transforming what could have felt like a cramped attic into a spacious and luminous retreat. The angled roof lines, which could have been a challenge, became architectural features that give the room character and visual interest. The focal point is that modern linear fireplace surrounded by elegant gray tiles and custom-built shelving. We designed the media wall to accommodate a large-screen TV while also providing storage for the family’s massive collection of books and vinyl records. Side cabinets keep clutter hidden, while open shelving showcases items worth displaying. This conversion required significant structural work. We reinforced the floor joists to support varying loads, remember, attics are typically built only to support insulation and the occasional storage box, not furniture or people. We added proper air conditioning ducts extending from the main system, upgraded the electrical system with multiple circuits for media equipment, and installed that stylish white railing system that meets regulations and maintains the feeling of spaciousness. The construction photos tell the real story: what began as an unfinished space with exposed subfloor and construction debris has become this elegant sanctuary. Those casement windows on either side create cross-ventilation, essential for an upper-floor space on the California coast.

Don't neglect your walls! Texture and pattern are making a comeback, and this example photo features a porcelain tile with a wood pattern that adds some earthy warmth to this modern space.

A neglected side yard.
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel garden path in Sacramento for spring.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

The window appears to be on an exterior wall but is actually just a means to let in natural light from the garage (which does have exterior windows). The semi-transparent glass lets in light without the view of the garage interior. Under cabinet lighting also brightens the space and prevents shadows from the cabinets above. Pretty accessories are a pleasant change from the usually neglected laundry space in most homes. This panoramic photo makes the counter appear arched and segmented but it is not actually that way! Photo by Joe Rhodes

This Dutch Renaissance Revival style Brownstone located in a historic district of the Crown heights neighborhood of Brooklyn was built in 1899. The brownstone was converted to a boarding house in the 1950’s and experienced many years of neglect which made much of the interior detailing unsalvageable with the exception of the stairwell. Therefore the new owners decided to gut renovate the majority of the home, converting it into a four family home. The bottom two units are owner occupied, the design of each includes common elements yet also reflects the style of each owner. Both units have modern kitchens with new high end appliances and stone countertops. They both have had the original wood paneling restored or repaired and both feature large open bathrooms with freestanding tubs, marble slab walls and radiant heated concrete floors. The garden apartment features an open living/dining area that flows through the kitchen to get to the outdoor space. In the kitchen and living room feature large steel French doors which serve to bring the outdoors in. The garden was fully renovated and features a deck with a pergola. Other unique features of this apartment include a modern custom crown molding, a bright geometric tiled fireplace and the labyrinth wallpaper in the powder room. The upper two floors were designed as rental units and feature open kitchens/living areas, exposed brick walls and white subway tiled bathrooms.

Our clients knew they wanted to live in Wicker Park, within walking distance of everything the neighborhood has to offer. They found an 1890s cottage-style home on a great street and fell in love with its charm. Unfortunately, the house had fallen into a state of serious neglect and needed significant work. Excited, but also a bit overwhelmed, our clients came to us for help with a gut renovation. We were able to guide them through the entire process from the start of demo through placement of the final decorative object. The process was fun and rewarding and, upon completion, our clients were left with a tailored and sophisticated home that is just as stylish as they are.

To anchor a modern house, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, Campion Walker brought in a mature oak grove that at first frames the home and then invites the visitor to explore the grounds including an intimate culinary garden and stone fruit orchard. The neglected hillside on the back of the property once overgrown with ivy was transformed into a California native oak woodland, with under-planting of ceanothus and manzanitas. We used recycled water to create a dramatic water feature cut directly into the limestone entranceway framed by a cacti and succulent garden.

These brave customers had recently moved into a home that had been neglected for many years. In order to give them the 4,500 sq. ft. lawn they wanted, we first had to install a 2500 gallon water storage tank, an automatic irrigation system, a 200' retaining wall, and then we planted 2100 sq. ft. of meadow grass sod & 2400 sq. ft. of traditional turf grass.

It’s been said that when you dream about a house, the basement represents your subconscious level. Perhaps that was true in the past, when basements were often neglected. But in most of today’s new builds and remodels, lower levels are becoming valuable living spaces. If you’re looking at building or renovating, opening up that lower level with sufficient light can add square footage and value to your home. In addition, having access to bright indoor areas can help combat cabin fever, which peaks in late winter. Looking at the photos here, you’d never know what you’re seeing is a lower level. That’s because a smart builder knew that bringing natural light into the space was key. Our job, in furnishing the space, was to make the most of that light. The off-white walls and light grey carpet provide a good base. A grey sectional sofa with clean, modern lines easily fits into the spacious room. It’s an ideal piece to encourage people to spend time together. The strong, forgiving linen resists staining, and like a blank canvas this true neutral allows for accessorizing with various throws and pillows depending on the season. The cream-colored throw echoes the light colors in the space, while the nubby pillow adds a textured contrast.

Our client approached us while he was in the process of purchasing his ½ lot detached unit in Hermosa Beach. He was drawn to a design / build approach because although he has great design taste, as a busy professional he didn’t have the time or energy to manage every detail involved in a home remodel. The property had been used as a rental unit and was in need of TLC. By bringing us onto the project during the purchase we were able to help assess the true condition of the home. Built in 1976, the 894 sq. ft. home had extensive termite and dry rot damage from years of neglect. The project required us to reframe the home from the inside out. To design a space that your client will love you really need to spend time getting to know them. Our client enjoys entertaining small groups. He has a custom turntable and considers himself a mixologist. We opened up the space, space-planning for his custom turntable, to make it ideal for entertaining. The wood floor is reclaimed wood from manufacturing facilities. The reframing work also allowed us to make the roof a deck with an ocean view. The home is now a blend of the latest design trends and vintage elements and our client couldn’t be happier! View the 'before' and 'after' images of this project at: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4189186/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-1 http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4203075/m=23/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-2 http://www.houzz.com/discussions/4216693/m=23/bachelors-whole-house-remodel-in-hermosa-beach-ca-part-3 Features: subway tile, reclaimed wood floors, quartz countertops, bamboo wood cabinetry, Ebony finish cabinets in kitchen

Located in Church Hill, Richmond’s oldest neighborhood, this very early 1900s Victorian had tons of historical details, but the house itself had been neglected (badly!). The home had two major renovation periods – one in 1950’s, and then again in the 1980s’s, which covered over or disrupted the original aesthetics of the house (think open ductwork, framing and drywall obscuring the beautiful mantels and moldings, and the hot water heater taking up valuable kitchen space). Our Piperbear team had to “undo” much before we could tackle the restoration of the historical features, while at the same time modernizing the layout.