Instead of viewing a support beam that couldn’t be moved as an obstacle, Tennille Wood used it as an opportunity to create a functional design element that might not have been incorporated in the design otherwise — a built-in buffet area between the kitchen nook and dining areas. Now the family has additional storage and countertop space for entertaining. The cabinetry (from the kitchen) and stonework (from the living room) creates a smooth transition between the two areas.

Old farmhouse updated to fit the original style of the house. Original wainscoting through out kitchen - painted cabinets offset the amount of original wood! Lots of doorways and obstacles made it necessary to use all four walls and include a new island. The backsplash is copper panels! - MRD Lumber

Kitchen: A grand condo luxury kitchen with ample space for entertaining, further equipped with the abundant storage and conveniences of the new pantry, double-wall Kitchen-Aid convection ovens, and double Subzero Fridge Freezer combination. Custom Ron Scott cabinetry was crafted to work-around a staircase wall obstacle. The designer white 5-piece cabinet doors maintain a contemporary feel with clean lines, accented by the bold contrast of the dark-toned soap stone island counter.

Property maintenance includes mowing the 16-acre property with precise lines, line trimming around all walkways and obstacles (fences, trees, utility boxes, etc.), weeding beds, picking up sticks and blowing debris off all hard surfaces. In 2022, the property received a Silver Award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals for excellence in Residential Landscape Management.

Ben Benschneider
Trendy staircase photo in Seattle

Our clients came to us wanting to update and open up their kitchen, breakfast nook, wet bar, and den. They wanted a cleaner look without clutter but didn’t want to go with an all-white kitchen, fearing it’s too trendy. Their kitchen was not utilized well and was not aesthetically appealing; it was very ornate and dark. The cooktop was too far back in the kitchen towards the butler’s pantry, making it awkward when cooking, so they knew they wanted that moved. The rest was left up to our designer to overcome these obstacles and give them their dream kitchen. We gutted the kitchen cabinets, including the built-in china cabinet and all finishes. The pony wall that once separated the kitchen from the den (and also housed the sink, dishwasher, and ice maker) was removed, and those appliances were relocated to the new large island, which had a ton of storage and a 15” overhang for bar seating. Beautiful aged brass Quebec 6-light pendants were hung above the island. All cabinets were replaced and drawers were designed to maximize storage. The Eclipse “Greensboro” cabinetry was painted gray with satin brass Emtek Mod Hex “Urban Modern” pulls. A large banquet seating area was added where the stand-alone kitchen table once sat. The main wall was covered with 20x20 white Golwoo tile. The backsplash in the kitchen and the banquette accent tile was a contemporary coordinating Tempesta Neve polished Wheaton mosaic marble. In the wet bar, they wanted to completely gut and replace everything! The overhang was useless and it was closed off with a large bar that they wanted to be opened up, so we leveled out the ceilings and filled in the original doorway into the bar in order for the flow into the kitchen and living room more natural. We gutted all cabinets, plumbing, appliances, light fixtures, and the pass-through pony wall. A beautiful backsplash was installed using Nova Hex Graphite ceramic mosaic 5x5 tile. A 15” overhang was added at the counter for bar seating. In the den, they hated the brick fireplace and wanted a less rustic look. The original mantel was very bulky and dark, whereas they preferred a more rectangular firebox opening, if possible. We removed the fireplace and surrounding hearth, brick, and trim, as well as the built-in cabinets. The new fireplace was flush with the wall and surrounded with Tempesta Neve Polished Marble 8x20 installed in a Herringbone pattern. The TV was hung above the fireplace and floating shelves were added to the surrounding walls for photographs and artwork. They wanted to completely gut and replace everything in the powder bath, so we started by adding blocking in the wall for the new floating cabinet and a white vessel sink. Black Boardwalk Charcoal Hex Porcelain mosaic 2x2 tile was used on the bathroom floor; coordinating with a contemporary “Cleopatra Silver Amalfi” black glass 2x4 mosaic wall tile. Two Schoolhouse Electric “Isaac” short arm brass sconces were added above the aged brass metal framed hexagon mirror. The countertops used in here, as well as the kitchen and bar, were Elements quartz “White Lightning.” We refinished all existing wood floors downstairs with hand scraped with the grain. Our clients absolutely love their new space with its ease of organization and functionality.

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

This family wanted their kitchen to accommodate their family of six with space to cook together. The original island created an obstacle in the kitchen work triangle and forced a bottleneck in foot traffic. This redesign fulfilled the clients’ request for multiple work areas, and incorporated their love of intricate wood carvings.

Beautiful limestone pavers elegantly wrapped around your pool, perfectly matched to the coping—because, let's be real, that's the only way it's done right. We’ve also got thick 87oz turf inlaid and pinned down with surgical precision, while expertly dodging those shallow pool pipes. Big shoutout to the pool builder for the obstacle course!

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

What our clients needed: • Create a garden folly that doubles as a well-built shed for crafts and storage. • Size the structure large enough for comfortable storage without dominating the garden. • Discreetly locate the shed in the far corner of the rear yard while maintaining existing trees. • Ensure that the structure is protected from the weather and carefully detailed to deter access of wildlife and rodents. FUNCTION • Construct the shed slab close to grade to permit easy access for bicycle storage, while building shed walls above grade to ensure against termites and dryrot. • Install a French door and operable casement windows to admit plenty of daylight and provide views to the garden. • Include rugged built-in work bench, shelves, bike racks and tool storage for a rustic well-organized and efficient space. • Incorporate GFIC electrical service for safe access to power at this distant corner of the yard. • Position energy-efficient interior lighting to ensure space can be used year-round. • Switch control of exterior light from house and from shed for ease of command. AESTHETICS • Design and detail the shed to coordinate with the Arts and Crafts style house. • Include an arbor for future flowering vines, further softening the shed’s garden presence. • Simple and rustic interior surfaces ensure that the space is easy to clean. • Create an aged and softly weathered appearance, and protect the exterior siding by finishing the cedar with a custom-colored semi-transparent stain. INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION • Factory-built components were pre-assembled to allow for a speedy assembly and for a shorter on-site construction schedule. • Each component was easily transported through the yard without disturbing garden features. • Decorative exterior trim frames the door and windows, while a simpler trim is used inside the unadorned shed. OBSTACLE OVERCOME • The structure is located in the corner of the yard to avoid disturbance of a curly willow tree. • The low-profile structure is positioned close to property lines while staying beneath the allowable daylight plane for structures. • To comply with daylight plane close to fence, the roof form combines hip and gable forms, with door located at gable end. • The height of the modest interior is maximized, without exceeding the allowable building height. CRAFTSMANSHIP • The concrete slab was precisely formed and finished for ease of shed assembly before the factory-built components were delivered to site. • Precision planning meant the pre-framed door fit exactly between raised concrete curb.

Alcove shower - modern beige floor, double-sink and vaulted ceiling alcove shower idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a floating vanity

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

The goal of this master suite remodel was to design a luxurious yet simple environment that was not only beautiful but also comfortable, and designer Lori Wiles brought the transformation to life. The remodel was a transformation of the unused storage area in the bottom level of the clients’ home. Wiles' creative problem solving did more than just hide basement remodel problems like low ductwork and poorly located pipes. Instead, these obstacles served as a source of inspiration for some of the most interesting aspects of her design, such as the angular wood-paneled headboard wall with built-in nightstands. Following a stone, fire, water, and wood theme, the materials used in this master suite strongly relate to nature. Water flows to the tub from the stone accent wall in the bathroom, and an opposing stone wall in the bedroom creates a dramatic backdrop for a seating area. Both walls contain candle-filled niches and Cherry wood is employed throughout, creating warmth and continuity. To further achieve the natural look and feel of the bathroom, Wiles incorporated a variety of stones. The shower and immediate area around the freestanding tub feature pebble accent flooring that complement the surrounding large, rectangular tile floors. Eldorado Stone’s Black River Stacked Stone was chosen because it offered different textures and dimensions of the black, rugged, stacked stone, resulting in an organic environment that provides relief from the flat surfaces. By using quality materials such as Eldorado Stone, designer Lori Wiles was able to create a zen-like space that exceeded her client’s expectations. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Black River Stacked Stone installed with a Dry-Stack grout technique Designer: Lori Wiles Design Website: www.loriwilesdesign.com Phone: (319) 310-6214 Contact Lori Wiles Design Houzz: www.houzz.com/pro/loriwiles/lori-wiles-design Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Lori-Wiles-Design Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/loriwilesdesign/ Photography: Lori Wiles Design Mason: Iowa Stone Supply Website: www.iowastonesupply.com Phone: (319) 533-4299 Contact Iowa Stone Supply Eastern Iowa Showroom (Monday-Friday 7:30-4:00 or by appointment) 1530 Stamy Road Hiawatha, IA 52233 Central Iowa Showroom (by appointment) 2913 99th Street Urbandale, IA 50322 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Iowa-Stone-Supply

Master bathroom expansion. The original bathroom was only 30 -40 square feet. My customer asked me to expand into the adjoining closet and vanity area, more than tripling the space. There were load bearing obstacles that had to be modified and windows were added. The shower has a shower head, hand held sprayer and two body jets. The tub is large and holds up to 54 gallon and is 6 feet long.

Maximizing the space in a condo requires smart planning and the right furniture choices. Here's a couple of tips: • Open Layout: Arrange furniture to create an open, easy-to-navigate layout that accommodates mobility aids if necessary. Ensure there’s plenty of space to move around without obstacles. • Multi-functional Furniture: Use furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as ottomans that double as a work desk or an ottoman with storage.

Beautiful limestone pavers elegantly wrapped around your pool, perfectly matched to the coping—because, let's be real, that's the only way it's done right. We’ve also got thick 87oz turf inlaid and pinned down with surgical precision, while expertly dodging those shallow pool pipes. Big shoutout to the pool builder for the obstacle course!