This multi-use basement renovation maximizes every square inch of the lower level, transforming it from a neglected storage area into a high-end entertainment suite. The design centers on versatility, featuring a spacious open-concept layout that seamlessly transitions between a cozy media lounge and a sophisticated home bar area.

•Architects: Aires Mateus •Location: Lisbon, Portugal •Architect: Manuel Aires Mateus •Years: 2006-20011 •Photos by: Ricardo Oliveira Alves •Stone floor: Ancient Surface A succession of everyday spaces occupied the lower floor of this restored 18th century castle on the hillside. The existing estate illustrating a period clouded by historic neglect. The restoration plan for this castle house focused on increasing its spatial value, its open space architecture and re-positioning of its windows. The garden made it possible to enhance the depth of the view over the rooftops and the Baixa river. An existing addition was rebuilt to house to conduct more private and entertainment functions. The unexpected discovery of an old and buried wellhead and cistern in the center of the house was a pleasant surprise to the architect and owners.

Overgrown and Neglected Landscape Turned Low Maintenance and Welcoming
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard concrete paver landscaping in Cincinnati for winter.

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.

Neglected Garden bed and pool area resurfaced, cleaned and painted.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard raised garden bed in Los Angeles for summer.

This beautiful 1870’s historic home had all the elements but no character. We brought the woodwork back to life, had the mosaic repaired and brighten up the walls with color, interesting artwork and a beautiful chandelier. Transitional spaces are often neglected areas in most homes. They are the first impression of a home and a sneak pick of what is hiding behind the doors. Have Fun! Photographer: Inna Spivakova

Before the Remodel – Laundry Room The laundry room was outdated and unattractive. Dark, dated tile made the space feel even smaller and heavier. The old utility sink stood alone, without any cabinetry or storage around it, leaving the room unfinished and impractical. The lighting was also outdated and poor, adding to the overall dark and neglected atmosphere.

KIDSANCTUARY CAMPUS is a charitable organization in Palm Beach County committed to assisting children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. They are continuing to build a five acre residential facility with homes, an enrichment center and play areas. Palm Beach County graciously donated this land for our project. The campus includes 24-hour care and housing for the children who are considered the most vulnerable in the foster care system. KidSanctuary Campus brings in expert, professional foster parents who raise the children living in our homes. They provide comfort, security and consistency. It is often the first time these children are in such a safe, structured environment.

Bluestone Patio which has been neglected. Severe build-up of dirt, moss & mildew. Requires clean & seal to restore.
Mid-sized front yard stone patio photo in Detroit

This house had been severely neglected and not maintained at all by past tenants. The homeowner asked if we could restore her house. this project was a complete refresh!

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER This 1970’s split-level single-family home in an upscale Arlington neighborhood had been neglected for years. With his surrounding neighbors all doing major exterior and interior remodeling, however, the owner decided it was time to renovate his property as well. After several consultation meetings with the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, he settled on an exterior layout to create an Art & Craft design for the home. It all got started by excavating the front and left side of the house and attaching a wrap-around stone porch. Key design attributes include a black metal roof, large tapered columns, blue and grey random style flag stone, beaded stain ceiling paneling and an octagonal seating area on the left side of this porch. The front porch has a wide stairway and another set of stairs leads to the back yard. All exterior walls of the home were modified with new headers to allow much larger custom-made windows, new front doors garage doors, and French side and back doors. A custom-designed mahogany front door with leaded glass provides more light and offers a wider entrance into the home’s living area. Design challenges included removing the entire face of the home and then adding new insulation, Tyvek and Hardiplank siding. The use of high-efficiency low-e windows makes the home air tight. The Arts & Crafts design touches include the front gable over the front porch, the prairie-style grill pattern on the windows and doors, the use of tapered columns sitting over stone columns and the leaded glass front door. Decorative exterior lighting provides the finishing touches to this look. Inside, custom woodwork, crown molding, custom glass cabinets and interior pillars carry the design. Upon entering the space, visitors face a large partition that separates the living area from a gourmet Arts & Crafts kitchen and dining room. The home’s signature space, the kitchen offers contrasting dark and light cherry cabinets. Wide plank hard wood floors, exotic granite counters and stainless steel professional-grade appliances make this a kitchen fit for any chef.

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.

Another design project underway, is a complete renovation of a neglected estate, with so much potential. Located in a beautiful setting of vineyards and views. The exterior and interior will reflect my love of the French Provence style. A little French, a little chateau – with a casual, classic, elegant style.

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.

The new siding, roofing, entry, mudroom, trim etc. are on; just needs to be painted. This neglected farmhouse has found a new family. Together we will undo the exterior muddling of the past, restore the interior spaces and create an amazing home for future generations to enjoy. As part of the process, we are improving the function, durability, energy efficiency and appearance of this home. We are converting a screen porch into a much-needed mudroom, air sealing the walls, increasing the insulation throughout, using resilient materials, and restoring the trim with classic details. Thanks to the amazing clients and excellent building crew, this restoration has been a truly rewarding process; transforming a village eyesore into a beautiful home.

This home was not even visible from the street because of the overgrown and neglected landscape. There was no obvious entrance to the front door, and the garden area was surprisingly spacious once the over grown brush was removed. We added an arbored and walled patio in the rear garden, near the kitchen, for morning coffee and meditation. .

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.

From neglected hoarder house to showplace! This post-war traditional ranch was remodeled into a sophisticated contemporary home by Tim Braseth of ArtCraft Homes, completed in 2013. Located in the Crenshaw Manor neighborhood of central Los Angeles with direct access to neighboring Culver City and downtown L.A. via the new Expo line. Space reconfiguration resulted in 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Features include all-new custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances, glass tile bathrooms, and solid oak floors throughout. The private master retreat features its own glass-tiled en suite bathroom with dual vanities, generously-sized walk-in closet, vaulted ceiling and French doors to the expansive patio with a direct view to the distant Hollywood sign. Remodel by ArtCraft Homes. Staging by Leslie Whitlock. "After" photography by Marc Angeles of Unlimited Style.

A neglected backyard in deep shade needed a redesign. Clean and usable garden was built full of shade tolerant perennials and shrubs. As this garden will mature in years to come it will provide owners with lush vegetation and plenty of room to entertain and play.