It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

LIVING ROOM This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver. We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional! The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space. The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look. The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room. DINING ROOM There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling! The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

Our client’s intension was to make this bathroom suite a very specialized spa retreat. She envisioned exquisite, highly crafted components and loved the colors gold and purple. We were challenged to mix contemporary, traditional and rustic features. Also on the wish-list were a sizeable wardrobe room and a meditative loft-like retreat. Hydronic heated flooring was installed throughout. The numerous features in this project required replacement of the home’s plumbing and electrical systems. The cedar ceiling and other places in the room replicate what is found in the rest of the home. The project encompassed 400 sq. feet. Features found at one end of the suite are new stained glass windows – designed to match to existing, a Giallo Rio slab granite platform and a Carlton clawfoot tub. The platform is banded at the floor by a mosaic of 1″ x 1″ glass tile. Near the tub platform area is a large walnut stained vanity with Contemporary slab door fronts and shaker drawers. This is the larger of two separate vanities. Each are enhanced with hand blown artisan pendant lighting. A custom fireplace is centrally placed as a dominant design feature. The hammered copper that surrounds the fireplace and vent pipe were crafted by a talented local tradesman. It is topped with a Café Imperial marble. A lavishly appointed shower is the centerpiece of the bathroom suite. The many slabs of granite used on this project were chosen for the beautiful veins of quartz, purple and gold that our client adores. Two distinct spaces flank a small vanity; the wardrobe and the loft-like Magic Room. Both precisely fulfill their intended practical and meditative purposes. A floor to ceiling wardrobe and oversized built-in dresser keep clothing, shoes and accessories organized. The dresser is topped with the same marble used atop the fireplace and inset into the wardrobe flooring. The Magic Room is a space for resting, reading or just gazing out on the serene setting. The reading lights are Oil Rubbed Bronze. A drawer within the step up to the loft keeps reading and writing materials neatly tucked away. Within the highly customized space, marble, granite, copper and art glass come together in a harmonious design that is organized for maximum rejuvenation that pleases our client to not end! Photo, Matt Hesselgrave

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

LIVING ROOM This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver. We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional! The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space. The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look. The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room. DINING ROOM There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling! The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER Project Scope-- The owners of this 1990’s colonial home were seeking to convert the existing space-constricted builder-grade kitchen into a generously-apportioned Tuscan-style country kitchen with lots of natural light, high-end appointments and a warmly textured interior design concept. Among other features they sought a mid-room island that would house critical appliances, complete the work triangle and provide dining counter space for three. They also wanted to include a professional-grade gas range. Challenges-- Situated between dining room and family room, the existing kitchen was small and poorly planned. The sink faced a blank wall and the appliances were inadequate for the owner’s gourmet cooking ambitions. To create the desired footprint, the contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, created a plan that called for consolidating square footage in several rooms adjacent to the kitchen. This entailed removing two load bearing walls– one between the kitchen and dining room, a second separating the kitchen and family room– and shifting loads to newly installed structural supports carefully concealed within the resultant “open” floor plan. To accommodate new appliances (and work efficiencies) called for by this radically altered space plan, the design located the new professional gas range and other key features in the footprint formerly occupied by the breakfast room, a change that takes advantage of opportunities for a higher cathedral ceiling, better natural lighting and greater space. Solutions-- With this space plan resolved, the design team could now eliminate a picture window on the west elevation, designing a new elevation to accommodate a stucco cooktop flanked by a pair of custom Palladium windows. A side elevation slider was replaced with a French door. Infrastructure considerations included introducing gas lines needed for the 48” Viking cooktop range and re-routing plumbing. The 5’ x 9’ granite-surfaced custom designed island includes the primary kitchen sink, a dishwasher, microwave and dining overhang that provided seating for up to four. On another wall, the design called for installing ceiling flush “beaded” display pantries with open bookcases, and routed-in plumbing for a water fountain, a faucet and an ice-making machine. Glazed maple and cherry cabinetry increased available storage by over 50%. A recessed space was also created for a built-in vertical wine rack. Style-appropriate terra cotta tiling with mosaic bordering detailing extends into the home’s foyer. Other finishing work elements include crown molding with rounded turn posts and corbels.

LIVING ROOM This week’s post features our Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room for the homeowners who relocated from California. The first thing we did was remove a large built-in along the longest wall and re-orient the television to a shorter wall. This allowed us to place the sofa which is the largest piece of furniture along the long wall and made the traffic flow from the Foyer to the Kitchen much easier. Now the beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point and the seating arrangement is cozy. We painted the walls Sherwin Williams’ Tony Taupe (SW7039). The mantle was originally white so we warmed it up with Sherwin Williams’ Gauntlet Gray (SW7019). We kept the upholstery neutral with warm gray tones and added pops of turquoise and silver. We tackled the large angled wall with an oversized print in vivid blues and greens. The extra tall contemporary lamps balance out the artwork. I love the end tables with the mixture of metal and wood, but my favorite piece is the leather ottoman with slide tray – it’s gorgeous and functional! The homeowner’s curio cabinet was the perfect scale for this wall and her art glass collection bring more color into the space. The large octagonal mirror was perfect for above the mantle. The homeowner wanted something unique to accessorize the mantle, and these “oil cans” fit the bill. A geometric fireplace screen completes the look. The hand hooked rug with its subtle pattern and touches of gray and turquoise ground the seating area and brings lots of warmth to the room. DINING ROOM There are only 2 walls in this Dining Room so we wanted to add a strong color with Sherwin Williams’ Cadet (SW9143). Utilizing the homeowners’ existing furniture, we added artwork that pops off the wall, a modern rug which adds interest and softness, and this stunning chandelier which adds a focal point and lots of bling! The Lake Forest Freshen Up: Living Room + Dining Room really reflects the homeowners’ transitional style, and the color palette is sophisticated and inviting. Enjoy!

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

Luxury Vinyl Planks are a great option for water areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. The technology is advancing so that the product looks and feels like natural products like wood and stone.

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

This kitchen took a tired, 90's builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful Centennial family. The existing space was in good condition, but carried a visual weight and functionality that was overall displeasing for our clients. Our clients desired a central gathering island where their family of 5 can sit and dine together or events can be hosted outside of the formal dining room. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and orange. We removed a half wall that used to be a desk area inside of the kitchen to create a sprawling island easily capable of hosting 6 guests. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in Silk around the perimeter of the kitchen: stacking cabinets to create a tall, dramatic look around the space. On the south wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features seeded glass panels in the upper and lower cabinet doors. These allow china and colorful dishes to be displayed for a pop of fun color in an otherwise quietly neutral space. The island cabinets are a dramatic contrast in Ultracraft's Truffle paint with oversized island legs for a more furniture-like feel. The island countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in Frosty Carrina, and the perimeter is MSI Quartz in Lagos Azul. The handsome, structured cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous oil rubbed bronze. The island chandelier is a gorgeous 7 light open frame bronze fixture from Hinkley Lighting. One of the most striking features in the space is the countertop-to-ceiling glass mosaic tile. This mosaic is a delicate hand-blown stained glass look. It captures a wide range of light and color tones, and looks different from every angle in the room. Our clients commented that, at night when the other lights are off, the backsplash feels like a distant city glittering beyond. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a warm and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

This kitchen took a tired, 90's builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful Centennial family. The existing space was in good condition, but carried a visual weight and functionality that was overall displeasing for our clients. Our clients desired a central gathering island where their family of 5 can sit and dine together or events can be hosted outside of the formal dining room. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and orange. We removed a half wall that used to be a desk area inside of the kitchen to create a sprawling island easily capable of hosting 6 guests. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in Silk around the perimeter of the kitchen: stacking cabinets to create a tall, dramatic look around the space. On the south wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features seeded glass panels in the upper and lower cabinet doors. These allow china and colorful dishes to be displayed for a pop of fun color in an otherwise quietly neutral space. The island cabinets are a dramatic contrast in Ultracraft's Truffle paint with oversized island legs for a more furniture-like feel. The island countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in Frosty Carrina, and the perimeter is MSI Quartz in Lagos Azul. The handsome, structured cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous oil rubbed bronze. The island chandelier is a gorgeous 7 light open frame bronze fixture from Hinkley Lighting. One of the most striking features in the space is the countertop-to-ceiling glass mosaic tile. This mosaic is a delicate hand-blown stained glass look. It captures a wide range of light and color tones, and looks different from every angle in the room. Our clients commented that, at night when the other lights are off, the backsplash feels like a distant city glittering beyond. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a warm and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

This family and had been living in their 1917 Tangletown neighborhood, Minneapolis home for over two years and it wasn’t meeting their needs. The lack of AC in the bathroom was an issue, the bathtub leaked frequently, and their lack of a shower made it difficult for them to use the space well. After researching Design/Build firms, they came to Castle on the recommendations from others. Wanting a clean “canvas” to work with, Castle removed all the flooring, plaster walls, tiles, plumbing and electrical fixtures. We replaced the existing window with a beautiful Marvin Integrity window with privacy glass to match the rest of the home. A bath fan was added as well as a much smaller radiator. Castle installed a new cast iron bathtub, tub filler, hand shower, new custom vanity from the Woodshop of Avon with Cambria Weybourne countertop and a recessed medicine cabinet. Wall sconces from Creative lighting add personality to the space. The entire space feels charming with all new traditional black and white hexagon floor tile, tiled shower niche, white subway tile bath tub surround, tile wainscoting and custom shelves above the toilet. Just outside the bathroom, Castle also installed an attic access ladder in their hallway, that is not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing. Come see this project on the 2018 Castle Educational Home Tour, September 29 – 30, 2018.

My real estate client, Anne, wanted to sell her floating home on Seattle's Portage Bay. After years of being a rental it needed a facelift. The quaint living room was overpowered by a big, black woodstove. The stove took up a quarter of the space, the stovepipe put a hole in the vaulted ceiling, and it was an eyesore as well. It had to go! The flooring broke up the space by having five different materials, so we unified the space with Bella by Shaw Flooring everywhere except the bath where we installed Sky Blue Marmoleum. The kitchen counters were stained, chipped marble tiles, mounted on top of a top-mounted sink to make it look like an under-mount! The counters were replaced with a quartz sheet and a true under-mount sink. The oil rubbed bronze wall-mounted faucet and recycled glass tiles from Bedrock Industries complete the new design. The bathroom was updated in the 1980's and was due for an update. The oak vanity, mirror and light fixture were painted and the vanity got a new counter to match the kitchen quartz and a new deep under-mounted porcelain sink. New faucet, door pulls and knobs, light bulbs and paint completed the lift. The back of the house was once used as a darkroom and sticky tape was left around the windows and door to mount black-out material. There were shelves and flooring that didn't fit the feeling we were after. All the sticky tape was removed, sanded, and painted, shelves removed and the floor replaced. With all that gone, the existing windows shine and let the light in to the now functional flex space. The washer/dryer and water heater were just "hanging out" in the laundry area and are now housed in their own enclosures. The bedroom got a new light fixture, and the whole house got new paint, minor repairs and the new flooring. Outside, the deck was cleaned, and trim and doors were painted. Designer and artist, Shannon Buckner of Bent Productions, selected the color palate, flooring, and staging, bringing an early 1900's house up to date for a modern lifestyle.

This kitchen took a tired, 90's builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful Centennial family. The existing space was in good condition, but carried a visual weight and functionality that was overall displeasing for our clients. Our clients desired a central gathering island where their family of 5 can sit and dine together or events can be hosted outside of the formal dining room. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and orange. We removed a half wall that used to be a desk area inside of the kitchen to create a sprawling island easily capable of hosting 6 guests. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in Silk around the perimeter of the kitchen: stacking cabinets to create a tall, dramatic look around the space. On the south wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features seeded glass panels in the upper and lower cabinet doors. These allow china and colorful dishes to be displayed for a pop of fun color in an otherwise quietly neutral space. The island cabinets are a dramatic contrast in Ultracraft's Truffle paint with oversized island legs for a more furniture-like feel. The island countertop is Caesarstone Quartz in Frosty Carrina, and the perimeter is MSI Quartz in Lagos Azul. The handsome, structured cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous oil rubbed bronze. The island chandelier is a gorgeous 7 light open frame bronze fixture from Hinkley Lighting. One of the most striking features in the space is the countertop-to-ceiling glass mosaic tile. This mosaic is a delicate hand-blown stained glass look. It captures a wide range of light and color tones, and looks different from every angle in the room. Our clients commented that, at night when the other lights are off, the backsplash feels like a distant city glittering beyond. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a warm and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

Patio kitchen plans these days require the ability to incorporate high-tech, modern appliances into rustic, timeless – even ancient-looking – outdoor design styles. You can see this juxtaposition pulled off perfectly in this outdoor kitchen by Outdoor Homescapes of Houston. “A smart patio kitchen plan requires not only a balance of the new and old,” says Outdoor Homescapes owner Wayne Franks, “but a blending of new elements – like an outdoor kitchen – with the existing home and outdoor living features like a pool, hardscaping or landscaping.” In this case, explains Franks, the existing 25-by-15-foot pool had a craggy edge of moss rock boulders, plus a spa and firepit faced with a rough Scabos splitface travertine. “The overall look was rustic and naturalistic,” says Franks, “so we of course wanted the new outdoor kitchen island to match.” Hence the 14-foot-long outdoor kitchen island with a raised bar, also faced in the Scabos splitface travertine and topped with a Normandy granite countertop. The hardscaping around it is Kool Deck® textured concrete. “People used to shy away from busy textures in outside patio kitchen plans, but now they’re embracing them,” notes Franks. “They’re increasingly attracted to the beautiful imperfections and irregularities of nature – there’s more of an authenticity and character to it.” Now, for the high-tech part: A Traeger wood pellet grill. Traeger grills are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to infuse amazing, rich flavor and for their versatility (they can grill, bake, smoke, slow cook, braise and barbecue). This premier model, the Memphis Pro 304, features 562 square inches of cooking space and a three-in-one cooking system (high-temperature grill, low-and-low smoker and true-convection-oven roasting and baking). It also has an intuitive Intelligent Temperature Control (see the display panel to the left of the grill) that can be set for cooking and internal temperature. A programmable food probe tells you when the internal temperature is reached and drops the grill down to a programmed lower temperature to keep the food warm till serving. The dual-fan convection system, with reliable metal blades, circulates heat evenly for tender, juicy results. Double-walled and sealed construction of 304 stainless steel allows for optimum heat retention and consistent temperatures in all weather conditions. A direct-flame “flavorizer” insert delivers the added flavor of a seared finish. Outdoor Homescapes also added a mount sink with a custom oil-rubbed bronze faucet by Moen and the following RCS stainless steel accessories: a pull-out trash door, a countertop trash chute, dual horizontal grill utensil drawers and a swing-out storage door. “At first, you’d think all this technology and the smooth, modern stainless steel would fight with the rustic look of the rough-faced stone in outdoor patio kitchen plans,” says Franks. “But it actually provides some visual rest from all the rugged textures and busyness.” Serving a similar function is the smooth, polished Scabos travertine tile used for the pool coping and firepit ledge. “It’s a perfect environment for the client to entertain business associates,” says Franks. “He’s very happy with the old-meets-new approach, and so are we.” More patio kitchen plans can be found at Outdoor Homescapes of Houston’s website, at www.outdoorhomescapes.com