Since 1984, Jonathan McGrath Construction, a design build custom builder and remodeling company has provided solutions for their client's building needs in the Central Florida area. Jack McGrath, State Certified Building Contractor, applies his extensive custom building and remodeling expertise, creative design concepts and passion for transformation to every project and has earned a reputation for being a true remodeling specialist and custom home builder. Recognized for excellence in the building industry, Jonathan McGrath Construction, has been the recipient of multiple Parade of Homes, MAME and Chrysalis awards. They also received the prestigious ‘Big 50′ Award from Remodeling Magazine for their outstanding business expertise, exemplary customer services and their ability to stand as a dynamic company role model for the building and remodeling industry. In addition, the company has won numerous other local and national awards. The company supports their local, state and national building association. Marion McGrath served as the 2011 President of the Home Builder's Association of Orlando (HBA) now known as the Orlando Builder's Association (GOBA). She was the second woman and remodeler to serve as President in the association's 60 year history.

This kitchen was tailor-designed with numerous custom features including: - custom wood hood - X style mullions with glass & lighted interiors - built- in appliances - hidden pantry - pocket door cabinet storage

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

The large kitchen features handle-less European cabinetry, numerous mechanisms, gadgets, and organizers. The materials chosen are medium wood veneer, white glossy lacquer, topped with quartz countertop.

Not on the market in almost 30 years yet stylishly remodeled in 2010, the 3+BD/2.5BA home embodies contemporary living. Integrating the best of outdoor living and spacious open floor plan set in a peaceful, sunny cul-de-sac adjacent to open space. The home encompasses two levels of carefully planned living space on an oversize 12,600+ lot with expansion potential. With a mix of traditional and contemporary, the gated courtyard and entry foyer welcomes you. When the family is at home, the property invites indoor-outdoor living from the gourmet kitchen, living, dining and family rooms. Meticulous attention to details, remodeled and upgraded with beautiful oak floors, cathedral beamed ceilings, LR fireplace, family room, custom office, “2nd” guest kitchen and oversized attached 2 car garage. The “Deco” style eat-in Euro kitchen opens to the outdoors features Quartz countertops. Stainless appliances featuring a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking double oven with convection, Viking 36" gas cooktop, Bosch dishwasher, Kitchen Aid built-in microwave. The level yard features a sport court, a private hot tub platform plumbed and ready for installation, fruit trees and an abundance of boxed gardening beds and is adjacent to open space. Expansive storage and oversized 2 car garage with additional “2nd” kitchen convenient for guests and gardeners. Conveniently located near the Scott Valley Swim and Tennis Club, Edna Maguire Elementary School, Whole Foods, shopping and Mill Valley bike path. Easy commute to SF. • 3 Bedrooms Plus “4th Bedroom/Custom home office. • Expansive master suite, family room and sport court • Sunny and bright on oversize 12,600+Sq.Ft lot adjacent to open space • Cul-de-sac living with expansive decks, yard, sport court and gardens. • Built-in exterior BBQ and exterior bench seating • Indoor-Outdoor living in an open floor plans with multiple doors opening to exterior. • Premier Scott Valley location. Edna Maguire Elementary and Scott Valley Swim Club blocks away. • Stylishly remodeled eat-in kitchen with Quartz countertops and Euro Maple Cabinetry • Oak floors in main living areas • Cathedral beamed ceilings in living and dining room. • Wood burning fireplace in Living Room with “Signed” stone mural • Custom home office features built in cabinetry, bookshelves and numerous work stations. • Two car attached garage and additional second “kitchen” off of garage for guests • Custom laundry area • Powder room in main living area • Expansive family room with pool table included in sale • Kitchen opens to rear expansive deck, gardens and open space • Family room opens to lower yard and sport court with miles of open space hiking • Master suite bath has exterior door leading to hot tub area. • Easy access to hiking, biking, Mill Valley bike path, Edna Maguire Elementary School and Scott Valley Swim and Tennis Club

This kitchen was tailor-designed with numerous custom features including: - custom wood hood - X style mullions with glass & lighted interiors - built- in appliances - hidden pantry - pocket door cabinet storage

An unexpected mix of stone surfaces gives the large, tradition Master Bathroom an air of permanence and elegance. This showcase bathrooms created with an experimental blend of numerous stones- all in the marble and limestone families, by mixing the warmth and the cool tones naturally. The creamy Limestone countertops fill the design and brings warmth and cheer to it. A serpentine mosaic on the adjacent wall runs above the edge of the oval tub. Although the mix of white, gray and gold might seem unusual, the finish effect is one of the turn-of-the-century European elegance.

When this Harbor Island home was originally purchased, the new owner knew that a lot work was needed to transform the whole home to fit his more contemporary style. The Big Sky Design team added new finishes, fireplaces, window treatments and completed a full kitchen and master bath renovation. In the kitchen they added a new island, new custom stained wood detailed bulkhead, Cambria Quartz countertop and backsplash as well as custom finished cabinetry. The master bath has a sleek new tiled wall, all new plumbing and fixtures, lighting and custom concrete sinks. With numerous windows around the perimeter of the home, the space feels open, light and airy. The home is surrounded by palm trees on the exterior all at the perfect heigh to provide privacy and a touch of classic Wrightsville Beach feel. The final look is sleek and handsome and the perfect space for the client to call home! || Photography: Mark Steelman (marksteelmanphoto.com)

When this Harbor Island home was originally purchased, the new owner knew that a lot work was needed to transform the whole home to fit his more contemporary style. The Big Sky Design team added new finishes, fireplaces, window treatments and completed a full kitchen and master bath renovation. In the kitchen they added a new island, new custom stained wood detailed bulkhead, Cambria Quartz countertop and backsplash as well as custom finished cabinetry. The master bath has a sleek new tiled wall, all new plumbing and fixtures, lighting and custom concrete sinks. With numerous windows around the perimeter of the home, the space feels open, light and airy. The home is surrounded by palm trees on the exterior all at the perfect heigh to provide privacy and a touch of classic Wrightsville Beach feel. The final look is sleek and handsome and the perfect space for the client to call home! || Photography: Mark Steelman (marksteelmanphoto.com)

Levi’s 4 Floors opened for business in 1986, and ever since we have been creating a pleasant and comfortable shopping environment for each and every customer. We have the top sales consultants and designers in Central Ohio, with an average of 25 years experience in providing our customers with premier service. In addition, Levi’s 4 Floors is the only authorized STAINMASTER FLOORING CENTER in Columbus, and one of the largest independently owned specialty flooring stores in the United States. We only carry the latest fashions; no seconds or discontinued styles. Being a STAINMASTER FLOORING CENTER is more than just a name. It means that our sales staff has extensive product knowledge so that you can focus on choosing the correct style and color for your home, as well as your individual lifestyle. Along with our wide selection of products, we offer exclusive warranties, a customer satisfaction plan, and a low price guarantee. Levi’s 4 Floors will help you find the exact floor for you, whether you are looking for residential, commercial or even custom-builder flooring. Our commitment to your satisfaction doesn’t end with just our flooring choices. We have been given top ratings by the Better Business Bureau and numerous other consumer organizations because our salespeople personally guide you through the purchasing process. Our expert advice and no-pressure sales style guarantees that you will get the best product at the best price. Levi’s 4 Floors continues our service to you by offering the finest installation available, and our installation warranties and cleaning services assure that your floor will continue looking great long after your purchase. Value means getting the products you want at the lowest prices, and at Levi’s we consider it our number one priority to deliver the highest value to every customer. We don’t sell every brand of flooring, only the proven best quality and highest value products. The perfect floor, low prices and easy, professional installation… that’s why we say, “because your home deserves the very best!”

Photo: Marni Epstein-Mervis © 2018 Houzz
Eclectic bedroom photo in Los Angeles

This project is proof that the challenges posed by limited space and accessibility can always be overcome in order to deliver stunning results. The space itself was rather small and also very close to the neighboring residence. Not only was the neighboring wall imposing, it was also of a completely different design style. The goal here was to create a layering effect with numerous features of varying heights. Not only would this add depth and dimension to the overall design, but it would cause the viewer to shift their focus from the encroaching wall to the beauty of the pool space. Instead of trying to maximize the water area by squaring off the pool, I decided to instead maximize the visual interest by gracefully rounding off the back wall of the pool. This was accomplished by implementing a raised stucco wall, and also a shorter, matching curved wall, featuring a "Sheer Descent" waterfall. Inside the taller, deep-plum stucco wall, I created three vertical windows which are all highlighted by LED uplighting. To give depth, dimension and some natural beauty, I implemented a simple bed of Horse Tail Reeds behind the short wall, and chose to place Banana Trees behind the taller wall. The main seating area is just outside the home's master suite, and is separated by a "Leuder" limestone fire pit. Aside from being a striking design feature, the floating stepper pads accomplish a number of things; they serve triple-duty as a walkway, a seating area adjacent to the fire pit, and also as a poolside rest for beverages. After discovering that the narrow courtyard acted as a sort of wind tunnel between the two houses, we opted to install tempered glass in order to better control the behavior of the flames. This solved the problem while remaining visually pleasing to the client as well. You'll notice in some of the leading photos for this project that I had originally intended to implement stepper pads on both sides of the pool closest to the house. And despite a thorough understanding of what would be necessary on an engineering and structural-design basis, we were eventually forced to turn this into a solid deck due to unrelenting city-required setbacks. However the client remained very understanding due to encountering a number of similar issues in their home-build process. In the end, they were delivered an outstanding pool design that had come to fruition only after coming up with numerous solutions to a number of challenges that only a unique space like this could provide.

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized mid-century modern u-shaped vinyl floor and green floor open concept kitchen idea in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash, colored appliances, an island and brown countertops

This project is proof that the challenges posed by limited space and accessibility can always be overcome in order to deliver stunning results. The space itself was rather small and also very close to the neighboring residence. Not only was the neighboring wall imposing, it was also of a completely different design style. The goal here was to create a layering effect with numerous features of varying heights. Not only would this add depth and dimension to the overall design, but it would cause the viewer to shift their focus from the encroaching wall to the beauty of the pool space. Instead of trying to maximize the water area by squaring off the pool, I decided to instead maximize the visual interest by gracefully rounding off the back wall of the pool. This was accomplished by implementing a raised stucco wall, and also a shorter, matching curved wall, featuring a "Sheer Descent" waterfall. Inside the taller, deep-plum stucco wall, I created three vertical windows which are all highlighted by LED uplighting. To give depth, dimension and some natural beauty, I implemented a simple bed of Horse Tail Reeds behind the short wall, and chose to place Banana Trees behind the taller wall. The main seating area is just outside the home's master suite, and is separated by a "Leuder" limestone fire pit. Aside from being a striking design feature, the floating stepper pads accomplish a number of things; they serve triple-duty as a walkway, a seating area adjacent to the fire pit, and also as a poolside rest for beverages. After discovering that the narrow courtyard acted as a sort of wind tunnel between the two houses, we opted to install tempered glass in order to better control the behavior of the flames. This solved the problem while remaining visually pleasing to the client as well. You'll notice in some of the leading photos for this project that I had originally intended to implement stepper pads on both sides of the pool closest to the house. And despite a thorough understanding of what would be necessary on an engineering and structural-design basis, we were eventually forced to turn this into a solid deck due to unrelenting city-required setbacks. However the client remained very understanding due to encountering a number of similar issues in their home-build process. In the end, they were delivered an outstanding pool design that had come to fruition only after coming up with numerous solutions to a number of challenges that only a unique space like this could provide.

The clients believed the peninsula footprint was required due to the unique entry points from the hallway leading to the dining room and the foyer. The new island increases storage, counters and a more pleasant flow of traffic from all directions. The biggest challenge was trying to make the structural beam that ran perpendicular to the space work in a new design; it was off center and difficult to balance the cabinetry and functional spaces to work with it. In the end it was decided to increase the budget and invest in moving the header in the ceiling to achieve the best design, esthetically and funcationlly. Specific storage designed to meet the clients requests include: - pocket doors at counter tops for everyday appliances - deep drawers for pots, pans and Tupperware - island includes designated zone for baking supplies - tall and shallow pantry/food storage for easy access near island - pull out spice near cooking - tray dividers for assorted baking pans/sheets, cutting boards and numerous other serving trays - cutlery and knife inserts and built in trash/recycle bins to keep things organized and convenient to use, out of sight - custom design hutch to hold various, yet special dishes and silverware Elements of design chosen to meet the clients wishes include: - painted cabinetry to lighten up the room that lacks windows and give relief/contrast to the expansive wood floors - monochromatic colors throughout give peaceful yet elegant atmosphere o stained island provides interest and warmth with wood, but still unique in having a different stain than the wood floors – this is repeated in the tile mosaic backsplash behind the rangetop - punch of fun color used on hutch for a unique, furniture feel - carefully chosen detailed embellishments like the tile mosaic, valance toe boards, furniture base board around island, and island pendants are traditional details to not only the architecture of the home, but also the client’s furniture and décor. - Paneled refrigerator minimizes the large appliance, help keeping an elegant feel Superior cooking equipment includes a combi-steam oven, convection wall ovens paired with a built-in refrigerator with interior air filtration to better preserve fresh foods. Photography by Gregg Willett

A captivating transformation in the coveted neighborhood of University Park, Dallas The heart of this home lies in the kitchen, where we embarked on a design endeavor that would leave anyone speechless. By opening up the main kitchen wall, we created a magnificent window system that floods the space with natural light and offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surroundings. Suspended from the ceiling, a steel-framed marble vent hood floats a few inches from the window, showcasing a mesmerizing Lilac Marble. The same marble is skillfully applied to the backsplash and island, featuring a bold combination of color and pattern that exudes elegance. Adding to the kitchen's allure is the Italian range, which not only serves as a showstopper but offers robust culinary features for even the savviest of cooks. However, the true masterpiece of the kitchen lies in the honed reeded marble-faced island. Each marble strip was meticulously cut and crafted by artisans to achieve a half-rounded profile, resulting in an island that is nothing short of breathtaking. This intricate process took several months, but the end result speaks for itself. To complement the grandeur of the kitchen, we designed a combination of stain-grade and paint-grade cabinets in a thin raised panel door style. This choice adds an elegant yet simple look to the overall design. Inside each cabinet and drawer, custom interiors were meticulously designed to provide maximum functionality and organization for the day-to-day cooking activities. A vintage Turkish runner dating back to the 1960s, evokes a sense of history and character. The breakfast nook boasts a stunning, vivid, and colorful artwork created by one of Dallas' top artist, Kyle Steed, who is revered for his mastery of his craft. Some of our favorite art pieces from the inspiring Haylee Yale grace the coffee station and media console, adding the perfect moment to pause and loose yourself in the story of her art. The project extends beyond the kitchen into the living room, where the family's changing needs and growing children demanded a new design approach. Accommodating their new lifestyle, we incorporated a large sectional for family bonding moments while watching TV. The living room now boasts bolder colors, striking artwork a coffered accent wall, and cayenne velvet curtains that create an inviting atmosphere. Completing the room is a custom 22' x 15' rug, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A hidden coat closet door integrated into the feature wall adds an element of surprise and functionality. This project is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of design and showcasing the possibilities. By curating an out-of-the-box approach, we bring texture and depth to the space, employing different materials and original applications. The layered design achieved through repeated use of the same material in various forms, shapes, and locations demonstrates that unexpected elements can create breathtaking results. The reason behind this redesign and remodel was the homeowners' desire to have a kitchen that not only provided functionality but also served as a beautiful backdrop to their cherished family moments. The previous kitchen lacked the "wow" factor they desired, prompting them to seek our expertise in creating a space that would be a source of joy and inspiration. Inspired by well-curated European vignettes, sculptural elements, clean lines, and a natural color scheme with pops of color, this design reflects an elegant organic modern style. Mixing metals, contrasting textures, and utilizing clean lines were key elements in achieving the desired aesthetic. The living room introduces bolder moments and a carefully chosen color scheme that adds character and personality. The client's must-haves were clear: they wanted a show stopping centerpiece for their home, enhanced natural light in the kitchen, and a design that reflected their family's dynamic. With the transformation of the range wall into a wall of windows, we fulfilled their desire for abundant natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Our favorite rooms and design elements are numerous, but the kitchen remains a standout feature. The painstaking process of hand-cutting and crafting each reeded panel in the island to match the marble's veining resulted in a labor of love that emanates warmth and hospitality to all who enter. In conclusion, this tastefully lux project in University Park, Dallas is an extraordinary example of a full gut remodel that has surpassed all expectations. The meticulous attention to detail, the masterful use of materials, and the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics create an unforgettable space. It serves as a testament to the power of design and the transformative impact it can have on a home and its inhabitants. Project by Texas' Urbanology Designs. Their North Richland Hills-based interior design studio serves Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Fort Worth, and upscale clients nationwide.