This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. Homeowners preferred an open U-shape kitchen rather than an island to keep kids out of the cooking area during meal-prep, while offering easy access to the refrigerator and pantry. Green glass tile, granite countertops, shaker cabinets, and rustic reclaimed wood accents highlight the unique character of the home and family. The mix of farmhouse, contemporary and industrial styles make this house their ideal home. Outside, new lap siding with white trim, and an accent of shake shingles under the gable. The new red door provides a much needed pop of color. Landscaping was updated with a new brick paver and stone front stoop, walk, and landscaping wall.

When homeowners Garry and Sherry bought their 1799 farmhouse in Lancaster, they prepared themselves for many years of renovation: 28 years, to be exact. They gradually tackled inside projects like the master bath, basement, a recent kitchen remodel and even an office-turned-Irish pub. During one painfully hot summer, they installed a pool that became their go-to for summer entertainment and parties. Now, Garry and Sherry’s four children have grown and the couple has found free time in not devoting their days to hockey, volleyball and softball games. So several years ago, they decided to take on the outdoor space. The couple contacted Bobby Kenyon and Adrian Kapp of C.E. Pontz (www.cepontzsons.com) to create a design that would blend with the rustic look of their farmhouse. They hoped to increase the amount of entertaining space by enlarging the patio area and adding a pavilion and outdoor kitchen. Another must-have was a covered area that could ensure the party would not end even if the weather would not cooperate. After brainstorming with Bobby and Adrian, they decided to include a gas fireplace, an outdoor television in the pavilion, and a Kegerator in the kitchen. For the outdoor overhaul, C.E. Pontz began by adding two separate patios of flagstone and natural stone that combine to a total area of 1,100 square feet. They laid large stone slabs to create a walkway connecting the kitchen and living area. For sunny days, C.E. Pontz installed an outdoor kitchen complete with granite countertops, sink, gas burner, grill and storage area. A pergola above the grill offers shade to whomever is tending the tongs that night. Sherry said that having an outdoor kitchen has made entertaining a time for sharing and enjoying food rather than preparing and serving it. When their indoor kitchen was being remodeled last summer, the family prepared nearly all of their meals outdoors, from eggs at breakfast to pasta at dinner. And they still love the summer staple of anything with grill marks. Because the perfect addition to charred meats and veggies is usually a cold draft, C.E. Pontz completed the kitchen with a Kegerator, placed conveniently in arm’s reach of the guest seating. Across the walkway and above the adjoining stone patio, C.E. Pontz built a 16- by 20-foot pavilion, or, essentially, a living room under the trees. A fan hanging from the vaulted ceiling keeps guests cool while they lounge in plush wicker chairs, watching television. Sherry and Garry furnished the space with dark wicker seating from Wicker Imports in Lancaster (www.wickerimportsonline.com). They added pillows and cushions in earth-toned patterns for extra comfort and color. To keep the space alive after the sun sets, they decorated with lots of candles as well as copper lighting that Garry, having an electrical background, installed himself. Plus, C.E. Pontz constructed a gas-fed stone fireplace just outside the pavilion that illuminates the living area and provides a cozy warmth in colder months. Garry, who has a green thumb according to his wife, sets out 18 to 20 large planters around the pool and patio in the summer. These complement the roses, nandina and various grasses that C.E. Pontz used to landscape around the patios. In spring, the couple works to beautify the beds so that in summer, they simply need to water the plants and enjoy the flora. “It is truly an outdoor oasis that we utilize during the warm months and are sorry to see closed during the winter months,” Sherry says. After nearly thirty years of transformation, their 217-year-old home is the entertaining hot spot for friends, family and grandkids. Fun Facts: A Kegerator? Simpler than it sounds, a Kegerator is a dispensing device connected to a keg (typically of beer) that is kept in a refrigerated container. It maintains the quality of the beer for longer periods of time, even for several months. Approximately 60 tons of stone base material were used for this project. Two patios were added that combined a total area of 1,100 square feet of natural flagstone. This landscape features about 18,000 pounds of flagstone. This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Susquehanna Style Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Susquehanna Style » http://www.susquehannastyle.com/April-2016/Historic-Hot-Spot/

This homeowner wanted to give their house a roof update by selecting DaVinci Bellaforte multi-width shake roof style. We love how this update gives this house the lovely look of cedar shake without having maintenance concerns. With professional designers on staff, we offer one-on-one sessions to help you create the home of your dreams. If you’d like more information on our services or would like to get started, go to: http://unitedservicesohi.com/ Photo by Cynthia J. Kohll Photography

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

This kitchen was completely updated from top to bottom starting by removing the soffit at the ceiling and eliminating ornate details. The layout was improved for two avid cooks and a punch of color was added. The original large oversized black hood was replaced with dramatic custom metal to create a lovely focal point. A soft, weathered blue paint finish was selected for the island and the fridge armoire to add some color and life to the space. Reclaimed wood beams added character while a gorgeous wood top on the island offers plenty of room for guests and buffets. The small furniture style prep island gives the cook a separate work area and the dramatic lighting adds a pinch of personality.

The goal was to update this 1990's colonial's dated kitchen to improve traffic flow, increase natural light, and create a more functional and integrated connection to the outdoor pool and deck, where the family regularly entertains. The original kitchen had narrow work corridors and poor cabinet storage. Along the back of the kitchen, on the poolside, a 22’ wide by 4’ deep bump out replaced a small existing bump out. A coffered ceiling with crown molding was created, adding elegance and giving the sensation of higher ceilings. The new bump out, which has 9’ ceilings and a wall of large windows, floods the kitchen with light and backyard views. The new bump out features large, passthrough sliding windows, overlooking the pool deck, offering easy access to a floating counter for serving. Screens roll up inside mullion pockets, so the windows do not need to be kept open while serving. The bump out created space for a massive kitchen island with leathered granite counter, anchoring the room. It’s large enough for the kids to do their homework, while Mom and Dad prepare meals. The result is a bright, stylish, more functional kitchen that is better connected to the outdoors and to the rest of the home.

Today’s basements are much more than dark, dingy spaces or rec rooms of years ago. Because homeowners are spending more time in them, basements have evolved into lower-levels with distinctive spaces, complete with stone and marble fireplaces, sitting areas, coffee and wine bars, home theaters, over sized guest suites and bathrooms that rival some of the most luxurious resort accommodations. Gracing the lakeshore of Lake Beulah, this homes lower-level presents a beautiful opening to the deck and offers dynamic lake views. To take advantage of the home’s placement, the homeowner wanted to enhance the lower-level and provide a more rustic feel to match the home’s main level, while making the space more functional for boating equipment and easy access to the pier and lakefront. Jeff Auberger designed a seating area to transform into a theater room with a touch of a button. A hidden screen descends from the ceiling, offering a perfect place to relax after a day on the lake. Our team worked with a local company that supplies reclaimed barn board to add to the decor and finish off the new space. Using salvaged wood from a corn crib located in nearby Delavan, Jeff designed a charming area near the patio door that features two closets behind sliding barn doors and a bench nestled between the closets, providing an ideal spot to hang wet towels and store flip flops after a day of boating. The reclaimed barn board was also incorporated into built-in shelving alongside the fireplace and an accent wall in the updated kitchenette. Lastly the children in this home are fans of the Harry Potter book series, so naturally, there was a Harry Potter themed cupboard under the stairs created. This cozy reading nook features Hogwartz banners and wizarding wands that would amaze any fan of the book series.

When the developer found this brownstone on the Upper Westside he immediately researched and found its potential for expansion. We were hired to maximize the existing brownstone and turn it from its current existence as 5 individual apartments into a large luxury single family home. The existing building was extended 16 feet into the rear yard and a new sixth story was added along with an occupied roof. The project was not a complete gut renovation, the character of the parlor floor was maintained, along with the original front facade, windows, shutters, and fireplaces throughout. A new solid oak stair was built from the garden floor to the roof in conjunction with a small supplemental passenger elevator directly adjacent to the staircase. The new brick rear facade features oversized windows; one special aspect of which is the folding window wall at the ground level that can be completely opened to the garden. The goal to keep the original character of the brownstone yet to update it with modern touches can be seen throughout the house. The large kitchen has Italian lacquer cabinetry with walnut and glass accents, white quartz counters and backsplash and a Calcutta gold arabesque mosaic accent wall. On the parlor floor a custom wetbar, large closet and powder room are housed in a new floor to ceiling wood paneled core. The master bathroom contains a large freestanding tub, a glass enclosed white marbled steam shower, and grey wood vanities accented by a white marble floral mosaic. The new forth floor front room is highlighted by a unique sloped skylight that offers wide skyline views. The house is topped off with a glass stair enclosure that contains an integrated window seat offering views of the roof and an intimate space to relax in the sun.

7 Coolidge Road, Wayland, MA 01776 Located in the desirable Claypit Hill neighborhood, this home offers many updates including a kitchen with granite countertops and newer appliances, walls of windows and a French door leading to the deck and lower yard, a formal library with built-ins and a dining room featuring an oversized bay window. http://7coolidgeroad.com

This Transitional Whole Home Remodel required that the interior of the home be gutted in order to create the open concept kitchen / great room. The floors, walls and roofs were all reinsulated. The exterior was also updated with new stucco, paint and roof. Note the craftsman style front door in black! We also updated the plumbing, electrical and mechanical. The location and size of the new windows were all optimized for lighting. Adding to the homes new look are Louvered Shutters on all of the windows. The homeowners couldn’t be happier with their NEW home! The kitchen features white shaker cabinet doors and Torquay Cambria countertops. White subway tile is warmed by the Dark Oak Wood floor. The home office space was customized for the homeowners. It features white shaker style cabinets and a custom built-in desk to optimize space and functionality. The master bathroom features DeWils cabinetry in walnut with a shadow gray stain. The new vanity cabinet was specially designed to offer more storage. The stylistic niche design in the shower runs the entire width of the shower for a modernized and clean look. The same Cambria countertop is used in the bathrooms as was used in the kitchen. "Natural looking" materials, subtle with various surface textures in shades of white and gray, contrast the vanity color. The shower floor is Stone Cobbles while the bathroom flooring is a white concrete looking tile, both from DalTile. The Wood Looking Shower Tiles are from Arizona Tile. The hall or guest bathroom features the same materials as the master bath but also offers the homeowners a bathtub. The laundry room has white shaker style custom built in tall and upper cabinets. The flooring in the laundry room matches the bathroom flooring.

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

This white and gray kitchen remodel offers much more storage and counter space than the old kitchen, and even without the lights on, its so much brighter. The raised panel door style and crown molding compliment the traditional feel of the home, while the gray walls and glass subway tile, along with the white cabinets give a truly updated feel. Bold movement in the dark granite counters provide a contrast against the white cabinetry, and tie into the grays, and the wood tone of the floor. A simple mosaic tile picture frame over the cooktop offers extra visual interest, without overpowering the glass subway backsplash. Brushed nickel hardware and finishes also update the space. Levels of lighting include recessed fixtures, pendants over the island, undercabinet LED, and LED inside the glass front cabinets for display. The original island was only about 3' long, so it has been extended, and filled with extra storage, a microwave drawer, and open shelving for cookbooks. Bun feet were added to the toe kick space on the island, and carried over to the cooktop and sink bases. An undermount siligranit sink with accessories creates a desirable workspace. With cabinets extending to the ceiling and an edited layout, there was enough storage to forego an old pantry closet, which became a bar area in the short hall to the dining room.

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis’ historic Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood, this 1911 Craftsman-style home recently received a thoughtful kitchen renovation that honors its heritage while embracing modern functionality. The original home boasts intricate woodwork, which inspired the warm wood-stained cabinetry. The new cabinets beautifully coordinate with the home’s historic charm, offering an updated look that still feels rooted in the past. Zellige tile, with its handmade texture and slight imperfections, lines the backsplash, adding depth and character that blend effortlessly with the craftsmanship of the home. Art deco inlay tiles bring in a touch of vintage charm, tying the space together with an elegant nod to early 20th-century design. Functionality meets form in the kitchen’s layout: drawers and pull-outs enhance organization, while a raised oven simplifies cooking and food transfer. A hidden appliance garage and mixer riser keep countertops clean without sacrificing accessibility. The result is a kitchen that doesn’t just serve today’s needs—it tells a story, preserving the soul of the home while bringing it beautifully into the present.