The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

Kim Jeffery Photographer www.kimjeffery.com
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

The client wanted to update this 1950's home into something more modern; with high efficiency windows, air conditioner, and functionality, as she was planning to sell. The floor plan changed slightly & made a huge impact. The most notable was the kitchen opening up into the living room. This allowed light to enter the kitchen & make a more cohesive floor plan where all family members could enjoy the space. The other big change was the Front door entered directly into the stove. We closed that in and created a much needed pantry. Another area is the living/dining room entry into the great room. It went from a small single doorway into a large entry way. This enabled the fireplace to be enjoyed from most of the home. There was a strange window cut-out / pass through in the middle of the wall between the dining room and family room, this was closed off. In the end the client was overjoyed and received her full asking price after less than one month on the market.

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Energy Efficiency: Every effort has been utilized to reduce and minimize energy use through an effective strategy of both passive heating and cooling, as well as state-of-the-art active solar thermal and photovoltaic on site off-grid energy production. Optimal solar orientation with an attached thermal mass food production greenhouse on the Lower Floor enables hot air to be introduced into the house during the winter, and rise via. a thermal chimney “stack effect” and distributed throughout the house. In the summer the same thermal chimney is used to channel hot air to rise up to the Upper Loft vegetated Roof Terrace, where it is exhausted. This condition provides a positive air pressure in the Winter, and a negative pressure in the summer, drawing in cooler outside air from every open window. In addition carefully proportioned roof eave overhangs provide deep passive solar gain and additional day lighting in the winter, and cooling shade in the summer. Active mechanical systems include solar thermal which produces domestic hot water and is integrated into hydronic radiant heated floors. This is supplemented with a multi-split heatpump, on demand backup hot water, and an ERV, which collectively provide active heating, cooling, dehumidification, and healthful indoor air quality. The entire house and detached Barn are off-grid with a 14.4 kW solar array, whole-house batteries, and backup generator. Further, the home is super insulated and extremely tight with high energy performing windows and doors and LED lighting throughout, and even a high efficiency woodstove. Integrated Design: From the beginning and throughout construction, this home demonstrates a close collaboration between the Architect, Contractor, and Owners. Healthful materials and finishes standards, autonomy and energy efficiency, and environmental impact and sustainability were primary goals and stressed throughout. Careful attention was paid to finishes which will require minimal long term maintenance such as the galvalume metal roof (which also provides for rainwater harvesting) and fiber cement siding for longevity. Resource Efficiency / Conservation: Resource conservation began with Schematic Design which utilizes a 2 ft. grid of modular components, thereby optimizing construction efficiency and minimizing on site waste. The site was cleared with the trees stockpiled for future lumber harvesting and firewood. The foundation walls are “Ideal Walls” which use less than half the concrete of a conventional poured wall or block, and do not require extensive concrete footings, exterior insulation, or waterproofing. These panels are prefabricated off site and set in only a few days, which further reduces on site impact and construction lead time. Resiliency: Respect for climate change and mitigating its impact were primary considerations in the design and selection of materials and systems. The home is sited high on a south facing slope as protection from high water or flood and to optimize both passive and active solar opportunity. With remarkably tight construction and super insulation the interior is buffered from both outdoor heat and cold extremes. The metal roof and fiber cement siding are fireproof and resistant to the impact of high winds. And these materials are specified for minimal maintenance and longevity. Further, the attached Greenhouse and Upper Roof Terrace is landscaped and suitable for a vegetable garden with abundant sunshine, easy to water, and with no need for fencing to keep deer at bay. All this being a notable case study for Regenerative Design. Innovation: This home exemplifies Biophilic Design principles to facilitate symbiotic living in harmony with Nature. This incorporates careful attention to natural day lighting, indoor air quality, rainwater catchment and wastewater reclamation, garden food production with vegetated roofs, the home hearth and fire, and connected interaction with the weather and the surrounding natural ecosystems. Community Impact: This EcoHome project has already been presented at several Sustainable Building lectures as a model case study for “Green Building”, including USGBC at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Plans are underway for an Open House tour for area Architects and students.

Ombre is a blending of colors to create a fading effect. When talking interior paints, it’s basically blending 2 or more colors on a wall. The ombre look starts with the lightest color at the top, which blends into the medium value color, which blends into the darkest hue at the bottom of the wall. It’s like horizontal stripes, but without the hard lines. Ombre is best applied on a single accent wall. Colors that have less contrast blend more easily and create the best results.

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

It doesn’t always require a major reconfiguration to accomplish a major transformation. That was certainly the case with this gorgeous kitchen remodel! Although these homeowners were eager for some significant improvements, there were a few things that were still working for them. Collaborating with their designer, they elected to stick with the original footprint of the kitchen, keep their red oak flooring, and integrate the original quaint brick backsplash. So how did we create such a dramatically different space while preserving such foundational elements? There were a few key revisions that made all the difference… Most notably, we brought the light! What a major impact this made…from floor to ceiling! To start, refinishing the dark hardwood floors restored their brilliance and lightened them considerably. The warm white custom cabinetry and light-toned quartz countertops gave this kitchen an updated look that is transformational. Raising the dropped ceiling, we replaced the florescent lighting with recessed lights and added modern pendant lights over the peninsula. We painted the wood trim and window casings and exchanged the aging wood windows for white vinyl windows. Collectively, these design choices give the impression of a more spacious kitchen, but it remains within the existing footprint. As always, careful consideration was given to the cabinet design to maximize the space and functionality of this kitchen. Raising the ceiling allowed for taller upper cabinets. The full-height pantry now provides generous storage for food and small appliances, and even houses their microwave oven. The island’s built-in bookcase is the ideal spot to keep cookbooks accessible for quick referencing. Although their former cabinetry did have a fixed wine rack, the new design makes this corner a lovely focal feature—a proper wine bar in our opinion. The matte black cabinet hardware is simple and current, contrasting beautifully with the white cabinetry, giving it that updated farmhouse appeal.

Royal Palms and Queen Emmas Landscape designed and installed by Construction Landscape, Jennifer Bevins 772-492-8382
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard formal garden in Orlando.

The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call "tweeners"; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area. This was done by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing portion of the patio, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished, limestone-colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into it's surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool with their bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge, Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls (which were overwhelming in the space) and also opened up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive Pecan tree at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited for proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks added, and once again expertly married into the existing decks, opening the area to house a large dining table and a newly built-in BBQ area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property. Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscape as possible. But, the surrounding decks, walls and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the subtle-yet-transformative changes that came together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, as well as to improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of this massive hardscape.