For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

A distinct sofa. Normal, extraordinary, timeless ... Absolutely the best because it is enhanced with what we call movable “smart” cushions, pliable to preference with slight movements to satisfy any possible desire for comfort. A large smart cushion that you can move to any socket of the backrest and armrest. A cushion that you can raise, lower, tilt separately to the left or right with a light and pleasant movement. A padded sofa with high style, designed to withstand time and trends. Seats have different shapes, sizes and depths to satisfyevery desire of comfort. From the most classic to the most generous sizes, to offer maximum comfort, individually or for many people. Absolute and relaxed elegance in each version, from the small sofa to the large compositions. The various elements that can be combined with each other and are also available with different depths, allow to achieve linear, angular or curvy compositions, for every need and use. The absolute elegance and sobriety of Absolu stand out in the classical angular / orthogonal compositions. The large smart and moldable cushions and the seat padded with Gellyfoam let you enjoy unsurpassed comfort. The smart cushion is easy to move, use and shape in different positions. With a simple movement, you can go from a classic sofa to the position of chaise longue, always obtaining the maximum comfort. The version Absolu Large has broader dimensions both in width and in depth. The deeper seat offers the possibility of extreme and casual comfort, both for classic sitting and for a freer use of the couch. Seen from the front or back, Absolu is always elegant thanks to the sobriety of its formal structure and ease of the smart cushions.

This home addition was intended to expand the home to provide the space needed for the growing new family. The existing kitchen was gutted, expanded and opened up to a family room and nook area. Custom inset cabinets were our preference; however cost was a significant concern. The owner researched multiple companies and standard product lines to save on her budget. After careful analysis, we discovered that it was just as cost effective to use the local custom cabinet maker we preferred. This allowed for more precise detailing and unique features. The goal of a classical farm house kitchen character updated with modern features was able to be obtained much to the home owner's delight. A family room was added to this home, opening up to a screen porch that takes advantage of a previously unused side yard. The much needed new rear entry provides the family a space for their laundry room and is now the primary entry point from the detached garage. Great care was taken to ensure that the home’s new detailing could have been built this way originally. The space however needed to have a modern function for a modern family. The homes existing exterior had aluminum siding and trim which concealed original millwork and shingles. When the nondescript materials were removed, it was discovered that the original was in poor condition. Careful attention was taken to replace and/or repair original materials wherever possible around the entire home, in order to create a seamless exterior character.

It is a contemporary ‘farm style compound’ with the main house accommodated in a ‘barn’ structure, the garages & workshops (steel- & woodworking workshops for the tinkering owner) in adjoining ‘sheds’ and the entrance & staircase housed in a semi-klinker ‘silo’ structure. A lap pool to the North of the barn act as a passive cooling device in summer, by cooling the warm summer winds from the North-East down through the evaporation of the pool water, and drawing the hot air from the ‘barn’ through large apertures facing the pool to the North & the pasture to the South. Triangular windows in the gables can be opened to draw out further hot air rising to the ceiling level inside the house. Proper insulation materials & methods for the roof, walls & floors, together with double glazing results in a cosy & warm interior. The lap pool is also an analogy of a drinking trough for the cows which used to roam the land and found on the farm before it was developed, hankering to its past, but off course also is just a swimming pool, in which the kids can play or train in for swimming galas. This house is designed to self-sufficient and ‘off-the-grid’ in the end, through the incorporation of many ideas & systems. Sustainable elements include items like a rain water harvesting system with galvanized tanks on the outside in feeling with the farm style vernacular, grey water recycling for garden irrigation, solar water heating- & photo voltaic (electricity generation) on the roof, the use of recycled materials obtained from demolished buildings & bridges at the time, and low-water-low maintenance gardens, indigenous to the area.

Photos by Barbara Wilson. Bedford equine compound. Custom spa carved into existing ledge. A lovely equine compound was created out of a 35 acre woodland in Bedford Corners. The design team helped the owners create the home of their dreams out of a parcel with dense woodlands, a pond and NY State wetlands. Barbara was part of the team that helped coordinate local and state wetland permits for building a mile long driveway to the future house site thru wetlands and around an existing pond. She facilitated the layout of the horse paddocks, by obtaining tree permits to clear almost 5 acres for the future grazing areas and an outdoor riding ring. She then supervised the entire development of the landscape on the property. Fences were added enclosing the paddocks. A swimming pool and pool house were laid out to allow easy access to the house without blocking views to the adjacent woodlands. A custom spa was carved out of a piece of ledge at one end of the pool. An outdoor kitchen was designed for the pool area patio and another smaller stand-alone grill was provided at the main house. Mature plantings were added surrounding the house, driveway and outbuildings to create a luxuriant setting for the quaint farmhouse styled home. Mature apple trees were planted along the driveway between the barn and the main house to provide fruit for the family. A custom designed bridge and wood railing system was added along the entry drive where a detention pond overflow connected to an existing pond.

House parties are a regular event here and inspired many of our design decisions. The front door opens directly into the kitchen - the center of party action. I designed the cabinetry as a geometric composition that plays off the art and the feel of a gallery home. Photos by Brad Dickson

This home addition was intended to expand the home to provide the space needed for the growing new family. The existing kitchen was gutted, expanded and opened up to a family room and nook area. Custom inset cabinets were our preference; however cost was a significant concern. The owner researched multiple companies and standard product lines to save on her budget. After careful analysis, we discovered that it was just as cost effective to use the local custom cabinet maker we preferred. This allowed for more precise detailing and unique features. The goal of a classical farm house kitchen character updated with modern features was able to be obtained much to the home owner's delight. A family room was added to this home, opening up to a screen porch that takes advantage of a previously unused side yard. The much needed new rear entry provides the family a space for their laundry room and is now the primary entry point from the detached garage. Great care was taken to ensure that the home’s new detailing could have been built this way originally. The space however needed to have a modern function for a modern family. The homes existing exterior had aluminum siding and trim which concealed original millwork and shingles. When the nondescript materials were removed, it was discovered that the original was in poor condition. Careful attention was taken to replace and/or repair original materials wherever possible around the entire home, in order to create a seamless exterior character.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

This photograph shows our favorite arrangement for the cleanup zone for a right-handed user: trash pullout to the left, sink in the center, dishwasher (this one with a panel) to the right. Photo by: John Gauvin

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

The family of a local firefighter purchased a raw 15.7 acre ranch in the woody, rolling hills of Thousand Oaks to build their 4ksf, 1-story home with a view of the valley to the NE beyond. The husband and wife team, with an abundance of energy and fortitude, tackled every hurdle with optimistic determination and persistence, including the myriad of agency regulations, construction supervision, and material selections & purchases. They came to ENRarchitects with a developed seed of an idea and a manila file full of handmade sketches. Together we continuously refined the ideas and produced the final design, documents and engineering to obtain timely permits and competitive bids from subcontractors and suppliers. The owner’s diligence in research and negotiation paid off significantly in a completed budget that was less than half the typical general contracting rate. The welcoming home, features 4 bedrooms, 3-1/4 baths, kitchen, laundry & pantry, living, dining & family rooms, office, and a 3-car garage with a stall for the speedboat. With the latest in high-density insulation, foil-backed roof sheathing, energy efficient windows, the energy usage is very low, especially considering a whole house fan keeps the usage of the A/C system to a minimum, and a pellet-burning iron stove supplements the furnace. The result is a beautiful oasis, perched in the hills, with ever-changing views in every direction.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.

For this recently moved in military family, their old rambler home offered plenty of area for potential improvement. An entire new kitchen space was designed to create a greater feeling of family warmth. It all started with gutting the old rundown kitchen. The kitchen space was cramped and disconnected from the rest of the main level. There was a large bearing wall separating the living room from the kitchen and the dining room. A structure recessed beam was inserted into the attic space that enabled opening up of the entire main level. A large L-shaped island took over the wall placement giving a big work and storage space for the kitchen. Installed wood flooring matched up with the remaining living space created a continuous seam-less main level. By eliminating a side door and cutting through brick and block back wall, a large picture window was inserted to allow plenty of natural light into the kitchen. Recessed and pendent lights also improved interior lighting. By using offset cabinetry and a carefully selected granite slab to complement each other, a more soothing space was obtained to inspire cooking and entertaining. The fabulous new kitchen was completed with a new French door leading to the sun room. This family is now very happy with the massive transformation, and are happy to join their new community.