A closer look at the handmade hammered copper countertop above the carved mahogany panels. Notice the individually handmade copper clavos (nail heads) along the countertop edges. Photography by Greg Hoppe.

AquaSun Retractable Pool Enclosures provides a 24/7/365 pool experience. AquaSun can open or close in a moment's notice when inclement weather conditions occur. Extend your pool season and lower the cost of cleaning and heating your pool. Cost effective, Increased ROI, and Easy to Own, the AquaSun pool enclosure has several benefits.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

Grey Shaker kitchen cabinets third in the top three requested colors for kitchen cabinetry. Grey Shaker cabinets provide a neutral backdrop for any style of kitchen. Grey cabinets balance comfort and warmth with a modern trend. The gray Shaker RTA cabinets have a five-piece door and drawer fronts for solid, durable construction. With clean lines and a modern look, the gray cabinets can be paired with modern, contemporary, or traditional appliances and countertops. With soft-close door hinges and drawer glides, even the busiest kitchens will have quiet cabinets. Cabinet Style Specs Solid Wood DoveTail Drawers- ensure square drawers and increased strength. UV Coated Natural Wood Interior- for advanced wood protection, durability and beautiful finish. Exterior finished to match the interior. 1/2″ All Plywood Box Construction- adds strength and durability to the cabinet (no particle board used in construction of our cabinets) Customization Available- Choose from different door fronts, colored finishes, hardware, size and styles perfect for your home. Under Mount Full Extension Soft Close Drawer- full-access to your drawers and a quiet kitchen with each use. Concealed European Style Hinges with Soft-Close Feature- full-access to the inside of your cabinet with no unsightly hinge edges and almost silent closure. Grey RTA cabinets delivered in 4-6 business days from ordering. Free shipping on qualifying RTA cabinet orders. Fully assembled grey cabinets delivered within 10 days from ordering due to assembly. All cabinets have a limited 5 year warranty (All Specifications are Subject to Change Without Notice)

Main Streets and Back Roads... The homeowners fell in love with this spectacular Lynnfield, MA Colonial farmhouse, complete with iconic New England style timber frame barn, grand outdoor fireplaced living space and in-ground pool. They bought the prestigious location with the desire to bring the home’s character back to life and at the same time, reconfigure the layout, expand the living space and increase the number of rooms to accommodate their needs as a family. Notice the reclaimed wood floors, hand hewn beams and hand crafted/hand planed cabinetry, all country living at its finest only 17 miles North of Boston. Photo by Eric Roth

This immaculate home has increased square footage and value due to the new carriage house and additions. In order to keep in step with everything this prestigious home currently has to offer we have incorporated the carriage house. The carriage house has additional space in back through the double doors and we have matched the exterior of the main house perfectly with cedar shakes and exterior corresponding brick. Be sure to notice the custom carpentry on the ceiling, columns and crown molding as you view the picture of the beautiful breezeway. No detail will be left unnoticed as friends and family walk along the custom concrete creation from the carriage house to the main house. The classic new entryway is so welcoming as you enter the main house though the wooden framed glass doors continuing up the stairs to the main floor.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

Edith’s guest bathroom was showing its age and the lack of storage. She started to notice that the shower walls and tub were not allowing her to utilize the bathroom the way she wanted to. The dated fixtures, shower head and sink faucet were not functioning the way they once were. The tub was not allowing for easy entry and wasn’t really being used. Her desires were to create a current, modern, and brighter bathroom with a pop of color. We used a 12x24 shower wall tile called Cemento Rasato Bianco and laid it in a horizontal 3rd offset pattern. We also took the tile to the ceiling to allow the transition around the window to look more natural. The shower pan is a light grey. We increased the storage space in a large niche. That pop of color mosaic is called Coastal Keytones in a sea blue color mix. The niche tile and wall color coordinate with each other to bounce lighting around the room. We updated the vanity to a drawer unit to help Edith organize the products she uses on a regular basis. By having drawers, she will never have the endless cavity where unused product gets lost or forgotten. The plumbing fixtures are in the brushed nickel family. The faucet is the Delta Sandover and the shower head is the Delta In2uition. This shower head features 9 different shower sprays, from a mist to a jet stream to meet the needs of her showering experience. The large mirror and dated lighting fixture were replaced by a stylish large round mirror and LED compatible light fixture.

CONTACT These home owners initially contacted their Designer to identify the reason that the floor in their upstairs bedroom suffered from a noticeable slant. The floor problem actually impacted a small bathroom and adjoining study also. Early on, the decision was made to re-design the footprint for the 3 rooms in conjunction with repairing the uneven floor. The approach was to gut all three spaces of walls and floors and start from scratch. The new spaces were designed with the clients needs for accessibility in mind. DESIGN The design effort included identifying the products to be used throughout the spaces. This included everything from the flooring to the wall paint. Kohler plumbing fixtures and Adelphi cabinetry were decided on first. A radiant heat grid was included for the bathroom floor. Lighting, paint and tile soon followed. Wood flooring was installed throughout the adjoining spaces. The master bedroom was redesigned to allow for entry from the study or the master bath via pocket doors. The study was given an access to the master bath also. The hardwood flooring ties the bedroom and study together and gives each room a very spacious feel. The original master bedroom was changed to incorporate a large walk-in closet that features custom storage throughout. The study that also doubles as the IT center for the home was updated with custom book cases and cabinetry from Adelphi Cabinets. When discussing the reapportioning of the entire space for the individual rooms the bathroom was given priority. The previous small bathroom did not include a window for natural light. The new design corrected that in a big way by incorporating an existing bedroom window into the new space. The decision was made early on to allow for the inclusion of a large shower with full granite walls and custom plate glass surround. The shower system includes both fixed and hand held shower heads. A thermostatic control system was included to eliminate scalding. A large bench seat of matching granite allows for relaxing while getting squeaky clean. A separate air massage tub from Kohler centered under the new windows allows for a relaxed moment while being caressed by all those tiny bubbles. His and her side by side vanity sinks allows for efficient use of the space. The Caxton sinks and coordinated toilet were selected to match the color of the tub and do so beautifully! CONSTRUCTION We started the project not knowing what we were going to find. The slanting floor upstairs was not evident in the ceiling of the first floor Once the demolition had been completed it was evident that the floor joists were at the heart of the problem. The home had been framed with floor joists that had been strung together to increase their length. Over time and with the house settling, the strung together joists started to droop from their connection point. This was concealed on the first floor by a large HVAC duct running through the garage. This was corrected by the addition of two laminated beams in the ceiling of the first floor (luckily in the garage) that re-supported the offending joists. THE END The project was a huge success in terms of problem solving and designing with budget and time frame in mind. The overall impact of the new space is impressive both visually and from a practicality point of view. The new master suite with upscale bathroom and study adds significant value to the home and the home owners quality of life!

Main Streets and Back Roads... The homeowners fell in love with this spectacular Lynnfield, MA Colonial farmhouse, complete with iconic New England style timber frame barn, grand outdoor fireplaced living space and in-ground pool. They bought the prestigious location with the desire to bring the home’s character back to life and at the same time, reconfigure the layout, expand the living space and increase the number of rooms to accommodate their needs as a family. Notice the reclaimed wood floors, hand hewn beams and hand crafted/hand planed cabinetry, all country living at its finest only 17 miles North of Boston. Photo by Eric Roth

The Castle Brick Series offers five colors with beautiful variety. A coordinating corner piece provides increased flexibility for design applications. Because this material is a porcelain product, minimal maintenance is required. There can be noticeable variances between pieces, so it is important and recommended that a range of this product be viewed before finalizing a purchase.

On this ultra-custom pool hall design, we had the pleasure of working with Lonnie Unger, currently with Stones Throw Interiors. Our team worked closely with Lonnie to come up with the custom design for the wall paneling, custom cabinetry, as well as the wine cellar door. This project allowed us to showcase our many different design skills and expertise. Our collaborative design work created this beautiful speak-easy style pool room and lounge. From sleek and classic shaker style paneling, to dramatic 3-step crown molding, this project makes a theatrical statement that is sure to impress all guests. Custom Design Application A modern design element that we utilized, was carrying over the wall paneling design to the cabinetry. This design element creates a continuous appearance that ties together the entire room, making the pool table and accessories stand out. The same paint for the walls and cabinets was also used for the custom wine cellar door. One special feature that is important to notice, is the wood threshold at the bottom of the wine cellar door. This piece is crucial for maintaining a temperature-controlled wine cellar. Without this piece, there would be a dramatic increase in temperature within the wine cellar. Wine cellars are recommended to be kept at a strict 55 degrees to ensure wine preservation. The threshold stops the air from escaping. Collaboration with Designers With a showroom in River North, Chicago, we pride ourselves on being in the middle of the River North Design District. We are lucky to have the opportunity to collaborate with top Designers and Professional Individuals in Downtown Chicago. We cherish our connections and are always pleased to combine efforts to create a beautiful outcome. Working together on projects in high rises, or in single family homes, we can provide a solution for any request.

Main Streets and Back Roads... The homeowners fell in love with this spectacular Lynnfield, MA Colonial farmhouse, complete with iconic New England style timber frame barn, grand outdoor fireplaced living space and in-ground pool. They bought the prestigious location with the desire to bring the home’s character back to life and at the same time, reconfigure the layout, expand the living space and increase the number of rooms to accommodate their needs as a family. Notice the reclaimed wood floors, hand hewn beams and hand crafted/hand planed cabinetry, all country living at its finest only 17 miles North of Boston. Photo by Eric Roth

AquaSun Retractable Pool Enclosures provides a 24/7/365 pool experience. AquaSun can open or close in a moment's notice when inclement weather conditions occur. Extend your pool season and lower the cost of cleaning and heating your pool. Cost effective, Increased ROI, and Easy to Own, the AquaSun pool enclosure has several benefits.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

Main Streets and Back Roads... The homeowners fell in love with this spectacular Lynnfield, MA Colonial farmhouse, complete with iconic New England style timber frame barn, grand outdoor fireplaced living space and in-ground pool. They bought the prestigious location with the desire to bring the home’s character back to life and at the same time, reconfigure the layout, expand the living space and increase the number of rooms to accommodate their needs as a family. Notice the reclaimed wood floors, hand hewn beams and hand crafted/hand planed cabinetry, all country living at its finest only 17 miles North of Boston. Photo by Eric Roth

When considering passive solar design, the best sites or lots with any kind of topography, slope to the south. This site slopes to the west. With additional excavation, the south elevation's basment can increase its exposure for daylight walls and passive solar heating. Both levels should have overhangs to properly shade out the summer sun. The roof trusses make up the upper level overhangs while the lower level uses locust timber frame elements. Notice the casted shade a few weeks before the winter solstice. During the summer solstice, the overhangs completely shade the windows to prevent overheating.

AquaSun Retractable Pool Enclosures provides a 24/7/365 pool experience. AquaSun can open or close in a moment's notice when inclement weather conditions occur. Extend your pool season and lower the cost of cleaning and heating your pool. Cost effective, Increased ROI, and Easy to Own, the AquaSun pool enclosure has several benefits.

A small pinhole in the coupling of the hot water supply line from the Hot Water Heater developed and began leaking and spraying hot steamy mist. Because of its location in the seldom used Finished Full Basement, it initially went unnoticed. By the time the homeowners noticed the leaking water, the moisture content in the ceiling sheetrock and well down the walls read 100%. The moist, warm environment proved to be ideal for colonies of mold spores to spread throughout the basement, aided by the HVAC systems return and supply lines circulating the mold spores. It didn’t take long before mold patches eventually covered all of the exposed materials and surfaces, furniture included. The homeowners’ had protection from their insurance policy and were able to have repairs done after this unfortunate disaster. Construction ensued. The ceiling, floors, and all of the interior and exterior walls were stripped down to the wood framing and masonry and disposed of. The 1st and 2nd Floor HVAC Ductwork was removed, and the entire existing Full Bath was gutted. The remodeling included increasing the size of the full bath and removing the shower/tub as well as installing a large and comfortable tile shower. We added a small towel closet, and a separate entry into the adjoining room, which would now be reconfigured into a bedroom. A new EPA Water Sense-rated commode, a vanity cabinet with a natural granite countertop and an under-mount sink, a wall-hung mirror, and new sconce lights rounded out the update. We turned the adjoining room next to the full bath into a bedroom. We added generous closet storage space and new lighting. We finally turned our attention to the old kitchenette / wet bar. We took away some of the footprint to add to the full bath and designed an efficient and handsome wet bar / kitchenette. Porcelain tile, no VOC interior paints, a complete replacement of the basement and 1st Floor HVAC ducting, air handler equipment cleaning, and green-certified carpet and pad combined to create a healthy and light-filled living environment.