Patrick & Topaze McCaffery - Taproot Garden Design "April 2017: Plants include Salvia sonomensis 'Bee's Bliss', Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy), Eriogonum umbellatum polyanthum (Shasta Sulfur Buckwheat), and Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman'. This garden has no irrigation installed and has survived many years with only hand-watering during the hottest months."

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

This bright & beautiful traditional kitchen is a wonderful addition to a historic home located in midtown Tulsa. The owners (who are avid cooks that love to entertain), wanted a kitchen that would both make sense in their home, while giving it a fresh feel as soon as you enter through the front door. It features a sizable island with honed marble counter top, UltraCraft Crystal Lake Red Birch cabinets with a Porcini stained finish, seating for five, a six foot Galley Ideal Workstation and 15" Wolf two burner induction cooktop for easy meal preparation. The kitchens perimeter features a Thermador gas range top with Thermador vent hood, farmhouse cleanup sink surrounded by a brushed granite counter top, a 42" Sub-Zero built in refrigerator, Wolf steam oven and Gaggenau oven with UltraCraft Crystal Lake Maple cabinets with a Melted Brie painted finish throughout. This entire kitchen truly looks beautiful in concert with the homes original wood floors.

In this total gut and reconfiguration of the kitchen and adjacent spaces, a seamless marriage of farmhouse aesthetic with materials that are already in the home create a space that integrates with the feeling of the original home. Significant changes to the layout and removal of walls has created an open concept living, larger kitchen area, and an organized and functional kitchen space. New French doors connect to the outdoors and introduce more light into the space, as well as increased recessed and accent lighting assist in generating a light-filled home. The new layout provides an open, inviting entertaining space where children can play in the den while meals are prepared on the oversized island.

Located on the flat of Beacon Hill, this iconic building is rich in history and in detail. Constructed in 1828 as one of the first buildings in a series of row houses, it was in need of a major renovation to improve functionality and to restore as well as re-introduce charm.Originally designed by noted architect Asher Benjamin, the renovation was respectful of his early work. “What would Asher have done?” was a common refrain during design decision making, given today’s technology and tools. Photographer: Bruce Buck

whole house renovation in Baltimore's historic Canton neighborhood
Example of a large cottage light wood floor bedroom design in Baltimore with gray walls and no fireplace

KITCHEN GREATROOM ADDITION, Vermont: This 336 sq. ft. addition was the answer to our clients' dream of having a great cooking space and dining area that allowed them to take advantage of the gorgeous meadow/mountain views unique to this site. Originally built as a "starter home" the dwelling was lacking in natural light, and access to the available vista. Being an avid gardener and natural foods cook, our client needed a kitchen upgrade, food preparation space and lots of storage. In the renovation the old kitchen space became a mudroom/laundry room and pantry, providing functionality that was previously unavailable in the small home. The simple shaker cabinets and farmhouse style windows work perfectly with the country setting. The , Viking cooktop, and pop-up vent, corner banquette, and many cabinetry storage units were just a few of the carefully planned features that allowed us to make the best use of the modest space while keeping views free and clear.

The kitchen in this contemporary style home seemed to be an afterthought. While the rest of the house is open and expansive, the kitchen was small and detached, especially for a couple who loves to entertain. The very large and adjacent dining room seemed a more likely location for a kitchen, but they resisted the thought of swapping the two spaces. So their designer created a layout that allowed for a second – and larger – opening to the dining room and the expansive, light-filled living space beyond. A peninsula attaches to the wall that remained between the two openings. There the sink is located so that during food preparation or cleanup there is a view through the windows and the opportunity to socialize with people gathered at the countertop. The seating area is curved to encourage people to gather and chat. The granite countertop choice was a case of love at first sight for this homeowner since it brought his favorite shade of blue into the kitchen. The cooking center is spread out along the wall at the back of the house. There the eye-catching stainless steel hood creates a focal point above the sleek, low-profile cooktop. Glass tile pulls color from the countertops onto the wall where it glimmers in the light. One oven combined with a microwave/convection oven meet their cooking needs and the stainless steel adds brightness to the room. The stainless steel refrigerator is just a few steps away from the work center and the seating area and is easily accessible from other parts of the house. The original kitchen featured only one small window in addition to the sliding glass doors. Since it was almost new and the house had been resided, a second window was joined to the first, and cabinetry beneath them anchors them in the space. A tall pantry cabinet completes the kitchen, providing high quality storage and visual balance in this redesign. Sleek cherry cabinets give this kitchen a decidedly contemporary style. They were stained just enough to add warmth and color and are enhanced with oversized stainless steel pulls. From this redesigned space you can see into the main house and see out through the many windows there. When combined with a new layout that provides better traffic flow, there’s a new feeling of spaciousness to the kitchen. It’s no longer an afterthought. It’s an integral part of this home’s living space, enhancing the home and the lifestyle of its owners. Photography By Scott Sherman

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

This 1950s house had an original kitchen complete with green linoleum countertops and a vintage Chambers Stove. The kitchen area consisted of two separate small spaces. As part of the design/build process the walls were removed and the entire area opened up into one expansive space.. The owners, who entertain large groups of people, and enjoy gourmet cooking have found this to be an extraordinary area that satisfies all of their needs. While eating at the granite breakfast bar the owner's can conveniently watch the flat screen TV on the wall. The wet bar in the background has aluminum framed glass doors with ribbed glass inserts that make a visual statement at the end of the room. The door to the right of the bar leads into an 8ft deep walk in pantry that not only provides extensive storage but incorporates access to the rear of their home automation system. A Wolfe dual fuel 48" range provides all of the cooking capacity needed for food preparation for the large gatherings that are held at this home. Twin dishwashers and extensive storage make entertainment a breeze. Surround sound and LED lights provide a soothing atmosphere for entertainment. A large format porcelain tile floor with a central vacuum outlet beneath the cabinets make clean up a breeze. Photography by: Hawks Photography

Photography by Jim Tetro This house, built in the 1960s, sits southfacing on a terrific wooded lot in Bethesda, Maryland. The owners desire a whole-house renovation which would improve the general building fabric and systems, and extend the sense of living out of doors in all seasons. The original sixties-modern character is preserved and the renovation extends the design forward into a contemporary, modern approach. Connections to and through the site are enhanced through the creation of new larger window and door openings. Screened porches and decks perch above the sloped and wooded site. The new kitchen and bathrooms allow for opportunities to feel out-of -doors while preparing, cooking, dining, and bathing. Smart passive strategies guide the environmental choices for this project, including envelope improvements, updated mechanical systems, and on-site stormwater management.

Patio - modern patio idea

This bright & beautiful traditional kitchen is a wonderful addition to a historic home located in midtown Tulsa. The owners (who are avid cooks that love to entertain), wanted a kitchen that would both make sense in their home, while giving it a fresh feel as soon as you enter through the front door. It features a sizable island with honed marble counter top, UltraCraft Crystal Lake Red Birch cabinets with a Porcini stained finish, seating for five, a six foot Galley Ideal Workstation and 15" Wolf two burner induction cooktop for easy meal preparation. The kitchens perimeter features a Thermador gas range top with Thermador vent hood, farmhouse cleanup sink surrounded by a brushed granite counter top, a 42" Sub-Zero built in refrigerator, Wolf steam oven and Gaggenau oven with UltraCraft Crystal Lake Maple cabinets with a Melted Brie painted finish throughout. This entire kitchen truly looks beautiful in concert with the homes original wood floors.

2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER Built circa 1980, a young couple with three children originally purchased this home for their growing family. After four years of karate, soccer, piano and other activities, however, the home was becoming too small to meet their needs. Problems started upon entering the front foyer. A 25-foot long dark hallway separated the family room and the kitchen, ending in a tiny powder room stuck in the middle of the layout. The kitchen was especially isolated, a cramped L-shaped design with a box bay breakfast bump out that was literally falling apart. The new design started with the core of the problem—the maze and separation created by the long hallways. First, the 25’ load bearing wall separating the foyer from family room was totally taken out and replaced with a long supporting beam. A French door replaced a small door and window leading to a screen porch . This action allowed lots of light to get into family and foyer. Then, the powder room was removed and the partition wall between the kitchen and family room was taken down. This created a large open concept design and greatly increased the size of the kitchen. The box bay was demolished and replaced with new walls and a large window. The plumbing for main sink and dishwasher got relocated into this box bay allowing a total transformation of the space. Now there are cabinets and counters on all sides. The doorway to the dining room was reconfigured to allow a butler area on its left. While the right side was occupied with new 36” gas range top with a decorative wood hood above it. The refrigerator, microwave/oven and pantries—the space’s tall elements—occupy one wall.. A large Island with a prep sink and beverage center for the kids occupies the center of the layout. Capable of seating up to four, family and friends can now keep the cook company. A large built-in desk area lets the kids do their homework so the parents can supervise while they prepare meals. Light cabinetry with a touch of caramel glazing and exotic granite countertops by our designers contributed to this kitchen’s elegant design. The contrasting distressed island’s darker finish matches the dinette set and other furnishings. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the first floor for a seamless look, while recess, pendant and task lighting make the space even brighter. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for parents and kids to hang out together. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home.

This transition went from useless to efficient. The original design, with two separate bowls, was a disaster to use according to our client. Imagine having to turn the water off when switching from bowl to bowl. Thie single bowl workstation sink will allow her to do all of her food preparation with ease.

The new island boasts lots of storage and is a center gathering place. We relocated the cook top to the island and included a hidden downdraft vent. The island also includes a warming drawer and a pop up mixer station. The island can seat 4 people comfortably while meals are being prepared. Photo Credit: Marc Golub