Brantley Photography Design by Gary McBournie Featured in Traditional Home Magazine
Home design - tropical home design idea in Miami

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

This super compact master bath features maple cabinetry with lots of custom storage details. There is a tilt-out at the sink and a 4" high pull out tray under the sink. The specially designed medicine cabinet has multiple individual interior compartments all at different sizes and depths to work around the myriad plumbing and framing impediments within the wall. At installation, the medicine cabinet slid into the wall around all of these obstacles. The cabinet protrudes slightly from the wall, giving the owners additional coveted storage space and as well as space to install under cabinet lighting. An additional valet cabinet with an open shelf over the commode provides additional storage and the interior was also custom designed and built to accommodate impediments within the wall. Minimalist decorative hardware tabs completes the look. Photo by: Jason Jasienowski

Located on a steep hill above downtown Ventura, this modern Spanish house features panoramic views of town with the ocean and Channel Islands beyond. While the views are amazing from a large front deck, the steep slope presented some constraints on the landscape design. Although the property is about a third-of-an-acre, the only useable and open garden space is a small (about 500 square feet) area to the West of the house. The house sits at the back of the property, and another steep hill on the neighboring property behind is held back by a tall retaining wall, leaving just enough room for a narrow, hardscaped patio in the back yard. Bright plantings along the back of the property delineate the home from the neighboring property, and we chose plantings to help stabilize the soil and further develop the Spanish garden look while creating a lush, inviting feel. Additionally, we added 52 pieces of pottery to soften and add interest to the back garden and patio areas. Succulents, herbs, and California natives fill the pottery along with bright, sweet-smelling, tropical-looking, and climate-appropriate plants. Slope stabilization was paramount for the front hill. Beyond that, finding plants that would thrive on the steep slope was the next obstacle. Finally, the aesthetics could be addressed, and we worked to find plants that meshed with the architecture—blending plants with white and orange to play off the red-tiled roofs and white-plastered walls that are emblematic of the Spanish style of this house as well as the predominate style of the neighborhood. The flattish area to the West was designed with the idea of creating a contemporary take on the parterre garden. Reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens, this vegetable and herb garden substitutes formal hedges with formal Corten steel planters to honor the modern Spanish architecture of the house. The citrus, herbs, and vegetables serve the foodie clients well.

Relocating from San Francisco, this young family immediately zeroed in on the wonderful historic homes around downtown Chicago. Most of the properties they saw checked a lot of wish list boxes, but none of them checked every box. The house they landed on had beautiful curb appeal, a dramatic entry with a welcoming porch and front hall, and a really nice yard. Unfortunately, it did not have a kitchen that was well set-up for cooking and entertaining. Reworking the kitchen area was the top priority. The family had met with a few other designers and even had an architect take a crack at the space, but they were not able to come up with a viable solution. Here’s how Senior Designer Diana Burton approached the project… Design Objectives: Respect the home’s vintage feel while bringing the kitchen up to date Open up the kitchen area to create an open space for gathering and entertaining Upgrade appliances to top-of-the-line models Include a large island with seating Include seating for casual family meals in a space that won’t be a replacement for the adjacent formal dining room THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Remove a load-bearing wall and combine smaller rooms to create one big kitchen A powder room in the back corner of the existing kitchen was a huge obstacle to updating the layout Maintain large windows with views of the yard while still providing ample storage Design Solutions: Relocating the powder room to another part of the first floor (a large closet under the stairs) opened up the space dramatically Create space for a larger island by recessing the fridge/freezer and shifting the pantry to a space adjacent to the kitchen A banquette saves space and offers a perfect solution for casual dining The walnut banquette table beautifully complements the fridge/freezer armoire Utilize a gap created by the new fridge location to create a tall shallow cabinet for liquor storage w/ a wine cubby Closing off one doorway into the dining room and using the “between the studs” space for a tall storage cabinet Dish organizing drawers offer handy storage for plates, bowls, and serving dishes right by main sink and dishwasher Cabinetry backing up to the dining room offers ample storage for glassware and functions both as a coffee station and cocktail bar Open shelves flanking the hood add storage without blocking views and daylight A beam was required where the wall was removed. Additional beams added architectural interest and helped integrate the beams into the space Statement lighting adds drama and personality to the space THE RENEWED SPACE This project exemplifies the transformative power of good design. Simply put, good design allows you to live life artfully. The newly remodeled kitchen effortlessly combines functionality and aesthetic appeal, providing a delightful space for cooking and spending quality time together. It’s comfy for regular meals but ultimately outfitted for those special gatherings. Infused with classic finishes and a timeless charm, the kitchen emanates an enduring atmosphere that will never go out of style. This is the special feature utilized a gap created by the new fridge location to create a tall shallow cabinet for liquor storage w/ a wine cubby

This project was exciting to design as we were faced with many challenges from the beginning. Our client requested an open layout feel; yet the existing layout blocked the sight views to the living room and dining room. The original flooring also needed to be utilized in the design along with the unique soffit ceiling angles. Finally, two large columns that housed plumbing and electrical and could not be removed proved to be an obstacle that required creative planning. For these reasons, we designed a large island that encompassed the columns, matched the angles of the ceiling and covered any missing flooring. This gave our client her dream, open kitchen with a large island to gather around for cooking and socializing. The new cabinets were done in a seamless shaker door from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. The island was done in a Languid Blue color while the rest of the kitchen cabinets were done in white. We finished by installing a new Cambria Quartz Montgomery countertop. Now this homeowner has her dream kitchen.

We achieved much better function for cooking and storage as well as bringing more natural light and updated lighting to the kitchen. The old layout was a struggle with fragmented storage spread out around the kitchen. It was difficult for two people to be in the kitchen at the same time and it didn’t flow well when cooking as the island was positioned as an obstacle on one end near the stove. The ceilings are high, and original wall cabinets were low with a soffit above them and this made the kitchen look dated. The new wall cabinets include transom cabinets and take full advantage of the high ceiling. By reconfiguring a soffit over the windows, we were able to include a transom window that brings more light into the kitchen. The client was careful about making decisions and took a long time to go through our process because any other project they hired someone to do in the past felt too rushed and they always had regrets and buyer's remorse after. We took our time and it was well worth it.The cabinets are Plato cabinets, full inset. The island top and wall inset behind the stove are special features-the stone is Blue Fusion Quartzite while the perimeter is Silestone Tebas Black. The new space is more beautiful, bright and has high function for the client's lifestyle in the kitchen.

We were pleased to be brought in on this penthouse renovation in the heart of Bucktown, Chicago. The goal of this project was to revamp the space and add an additional touch of modern design through the use of warm Walnut Eco-Veneer doors. With warm tones, we were able to play on the traditional feel of the space, yet bring in modern touches with the magnetic latch hardware, concealed hinges, and flush designs. The seamlessly matching frames give an added touch of style, making these door units appear intentional and luxe. Noticed by every individual who walks through space, our Modern Interior doors are made to be an additional form of design that should complement and elevate your space. Whenever we encounter a renovation project, we often anticipate certain obstacles. Existing design elements (flooring, wall thickness, building codes, etc.) and limited budgets can usually be tough to overcome. However, with our Modern Interior door package, we can provide flexible pricing and flexible styles and finishes that are guaranteed to complement any residence. Each door line has several different complementary designs to choose from, which can add variation throughout your home, while still providing a cohesive style that creates a meaningful flow. Our Modern Interior door line comes equipped with everything you need for a no-fuss and effortless door buying process. One set price includes the door slab with desired solid wood veneer in finish of your choice, a matching adjustable frame, concealed hinges, and a magnetic lever set. Each door style provides a top of the line product and can exceed any and all expectations you might have. Our Modern Interior doors can provide an updated feel to your home, whether it is modern, contemporary or traditional. All elements of our Modern Interior Doors are geared towards updating your space and adding a luxury feel at an affordable price point. Glenview Haus has a mission to provide all design-savvy individuals with design elements that are highly coveted and unique to your home. Why blend in when you can stand out?

Located on a steep hill above downtown Ventura, this modern Spanish house features panoramic views of town with the ocean and Channel Islands beyond. While the views are amazing from a large front deck, the steep slope presented some constraints on the landscape design. Although the property is about a third-of-an-acre, the only useable and open garden space is a small (about 500 square feet) area to the West of the house. The house sits at the back of the property, and another steep hill on the neighboring property behind is held back by a tall retaining wall, leaving just enough room for a narrow, hardscaped patio in the back yard. Bright plantings along the back of the property delineate the home from the neighboring property, and we chose plantings to help stabilize the soil and further develop the Spanish garden look while creating a lush, inviting feel. Additionally, we added 52 pieces of pottery to soften and add interest to the back garden and patio areas. Succulents, herbs, and California natives fill the pottery along with bright, sweet-smelling, tropical-looking, and climate-appropriate plants. Slope stabilization was paramount for the front hill. Beyond that, finding plants that would thrive on the steep slope was the next obstacle. Finally, the aesthetics could be addressed, and we worked to find plants that meshed with the architecture—blending plants with white and orange to play off the red-tiled roofs and white-plastered walls that are emblematic of the Spanish style of this house as well as the predominate style of the neighborhood. The flattish area to the West was designed with the idea of creating a contemporary take on the parterre garden. Reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens, this vegetable and herb garden substitutes formal hedges with formal Corten steel planters to honor the modern Spanish architecture of the house. The citrus, herbs, and vegetables serve the foodie clients well.

Support posts needed to remain, so clad in material to match the cabinetry, they become a feature, rather than an obstacle.
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped vinyl floor eat-in kitchen photo in Edmonton with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and laminate countertops

The owners of this Laytonsville, Maryland home wanted easy access to their backyard as well as a large outdoor entertaining area to host their friends and family. To create a more natural and authentic look, we installed flagstone steps to match the patio's architecture. An entranceway was added with landings on basement levels so that it is easy for the owners to access without any obstacles in sight! Finally: An ornamental gravel patio and trees were installed as well as an ornamental gravel walkway leading to the fence gate. As far as challenges go we had to be mindful of the client's budget and design around various elevations. All in all, the client was delighted when we delivered their backyard makeover. They can now let the dogs out from the back door and have a great space for entertaining guests!

Elevation was the obstacle and motivation behind this grand pool setting. The multiple bodies of water at different elevations blend with the natural lake setting and appear to have always been present. Our design goal was to make it appear that the house was built around the pool. This was accomplished with massive engineering including over 60 piers, many beams, and a pump station all beneath the pool structure. The upper pool is a 9’ diving pool spilling over a 38’ long and 8’ tall water fall into the more shallow volleyball pool. More than 200 tons of stone were used on the pool alone. The pool and landscape design imitates the very best of nature’s environment, and is naturally inviting.

Bilotta Senior Designer, Tom Vecchio and Lauren Stanley of Alive + Kicking Design were faced with a closed-in U-shaped kitchen that less inventive minds would have assumed offered few options, since the wall facing the “U” contained two below-counter-height windows that couldn’t be altered. They were undeterred by that obstacle. They removed the peninsula and instead placed an “island” against the wall between the windows, totally ignoring the fact that both sides of the countertop would slightly overlap the windows. The island is home to the sink and dishwasher, and even includes additional storage under the seating overhang. In this new configuration, the kitchen now offers direct access to the apartment’s entrance. Without the circuitous route around the peninsula, the improved flow immediately makes the space feel larger. Choosing Bilotta’s private label cabinetry in a sleek modern style in a whisper-soft shade of gray (Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist) also added to the voluminous feeling of the space. Both the backsplash and countertops are Silestone’s Eternal Calacatta Classic. Photography is by Kelsey Ann Rose.

This Project was loads of fun and challenging... the clients allow me to use creative concepts to cosmetically hide obstacles such as heat trunks, jogged foundation walls and steel columns. The large solid maple serving wet bar was hand crafted and lounge fireplace wall where off set with one another. We wanted them to look and feel to be adjoining space yet still define the game table and media space to be its own. Although it was all one large open space, we tied the entire space together by the ceiling work and boxed a steel post to mimic the finishes of the wet bar. Simple concept but meticulously planned and executed!

This backyard is what Kids and Parents dream about! The yard was large, over grown, and lacked a clear definition of what the space was for. With two young, energetic girls, who love to explore, the owner wanted to keep it as natural as possible, but add several new elements. A fireplace was added to the patio area which created indoor-outdoor living. A small outdoor kitchen was added for entertaining. A large pool with Baja shelf , a Jacuzzi, and seats through out create an oasis as the focal point. The bike paths were defined by gravel. We removed two enormous trees and used them to mulch the entire yard. The trunks were used as a fun obstacle course. A shady area was kept for the tire swing and picnic area. And the finishing touch; handprints in the new sidewalk!

Our original client at this property (we now care for it on behalf of its second owner) desired a garden that would produce significant amounts of essential oils that he could process in his own copper still. As significant amounts of herbs must be processed in order to produce essential oil, this site’s primary obstacle was its lack of space. We designed a dense and stacked landscape in order to produce as much as possible. With sidewalk beds narrower than 3 feet and significant slope, it was critical that we build retaining walls and import large amounts of compost to the site. This site was completed in 14 working days.

This townhome located on Lake Anna of Reston, VA own into a confined gall kitchen with a very limited cabinet space, short wall cabinets, big closet taking over big portion of kitchen, duct chase creating a big barrier, plumbing chases causing bulkhead and a bearing wall header to name a few of obstacles Their dream was to walk in from front door and have a clear view of wall to wall scenic view of the lake. Modernize the kitchen, eliminate bearing walls, lots of storage, upgraded appliances and so much more. They have been chasing this dream for years and have been turned down by multiple firms due to level of difficulty of the project, budget constraint and as she put it “cleeking with a design firm that can feel her needs” Our staff spent countless number of hours to hear her and bring her dream to reality. The main constraint was the bearing wall on corner of foyer and living room, which was a closet, main duct chase and return ducts, obscene amount of plumbing and not to mention structural load. By the way of re-routing mechanical chases, and reformulating all second-floor plumbing stack to back walls, and then inserting few structural beams that transfer the second-floor joists to front and back wall, we have accomplished the biggest goals of all and created the view open floor plan Now home to a big island with cooktop and beverage center. The home has front to back clear view of the scenic lake. ¬¬¬With expanding the kitchen into front breakfast area, we have doubled up on storage and cabinet space. Long line of gorgeous counter top and full backsplash under new Led lighting has glorified this kitchen project. The linear porcelain floor tile has complimented the counter top and her trophy accessories.

A modern update to this condo built in 1966 with a gorgeous view of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. Concrete structural columns and walls were an obstacle to incorporate into the design. White conversion varnish finish on maple raised panel doors. Counter top is Brass Blue granite..

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to help an older couple in our local community. They approached us with a project that they thought would be impossible. Turn a 6x6 first floor pantry into a fully functioning bathroom. Normally this space limitation would not be a problem but the plumbing presented a difficulty that already scared away 2 other contractors. We were able to overcome this obstacle with the help of our experienced staff who keep up to date on the newest devices and products in the remodeling industry. We had a very enjoyable experience designing and remodeling this room. Even with the small space limitations we believe we came up with a very unique and rustic feel for their 1890's farm house. I must end on all the custom wood work that our employees made for this project. From the custom, two-sided, door to the little, wooden, wall shelf we made all of the wooden pieces you see in this project and most of them were unique creations specifically for this job.