This project involved upgrading an existing sliding door along with completing the surrounding interior wall. The original setup included an unfinished opening and an older installation that required proper preparation before replacement. A new sliding door was installed with attention to alignment, sealing, and structural integration. The interior was then finished to create a clean and functional transition between the indoor space and the exterior deck. Projects like this require careful installation to ensure long term performance, especially in areas affected by seasonal changes. Homeowners considering similar upgrades can learn more from Octagon Construction & Energy about proper installation and structural considerations.

This side of the home's Zone 0 has always been a smooth and clear service entrance. The trash bin nook built into the retaining wall may be a home-saving intervention. While added in the original 2009 renovation, it is cutting edge! A CAL FIRE+IBHS analysis of home ignitions during the 2025 LA Fires found garbage bins were one of the top 2 sources for home ignition. Each bin is the equivalent of 3.5 gallons of gasoline in fuel. They should be kept more than 5 feet from homes and ideally in an ember resistant space.

Complete siding replacement project featuring Double 4.5" Encore Dutch Lap siding in Natural Clay, selected for its classic profile and long-lasting performance. The Dutch lap design adds subtle shadow lines, giving the home a more dimensional and upscale appearance. Our team handled full removal of the existing siding, proper surface preparation, and precision installation to ensure durability and weather resistance. Attention to detail was key throughout the project, especially around trim, corners, and transitions. All existing shutters and exterior moldings were carefully reinstalled, maintaining the home’s original architectural style while enhancing its overall look with the new siding color and finish. The finished result is a clean, modernized exterior with improved curb appeal and long-term protection.

With such a lovely backyard, a place to overlook it was a must. This waterfall edge custom coffee bar was just the right solution. With a TV on the wall to the right, the homeowners can catch the morning news over coffee or the evening news as they prepare dinner.

This full interior re-paint transformed a farmhouse in Grant Park, Illinois into a clean, modern, and elevated living space. Our team at Decorators Touch delivered a high-end finish using premium materials and precise application techniques to ensure smooth, consistent coverage throughout. Soft neutral gray tones were selected to complement the natural light and vaulted ceilings, creating a bright, open atmosphere while maintaining a timeless farmhouse aesthetic. All trim was finished in crisp White and doors were finished in Black for contrast, enhancing the architectural details and overall craftsmanship of the home. From detailed prep work to final coat, every surface was carefully handled to achieve a flawless result that reflects both durability and design. Services Included: Interior wall repainting Trim, baseboard, and door finishing Staircase refinishing - transforming the original stained oak to painted two tone Surface preparation and patching Premium paint application for a smooth, even finish Decorators Touch specializes in high-end residential painting in Grant Park, IL and surrounding areas, delivering results that combine durability, precision, and modern design.

Although large and spacious the original kitchen did not meet the client's needs. The appliances were old and inefficient and the cabinets did not reflect the style of the home. The goal was to design the kitchen for more than one cook and include high-end appliances and stylish cabinetry and finishes. The new design allows for food preparation, cooking and storage areas. The professional style refrigerator allows access from both sides of the island. The microwave oven is beside the refrigerator for quick re-heats while the professional oven at the other end cooks food at remarkable speed. The range top becomes the command center. Plenty of space was allocated at the window at the end of the kitchen for a large table and chairs that overlook a beautiful backyard. A wet bar was located at the opposite end just outside the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The kitchen is now completed in a traditional style with simple, but elegant, white painted cabinetry. White marble counter tops and back splashes are highlighted by elegant pendant lights above the island. Finally, this beautiful room is dramatized by a black coffered ceiling accented by lighting above the crown molding.

Reclaimed Wood Paneling from Manomin Resawn Timbers lines the ceiling and built-in bunk bed nook of this rustic lakeside bedroom, showing off warm, natural grain and texture throughout the space. The paneling brings depth overhead and wraps the cozy sleeping nook, all set beneath a wall of windows framing sweeping lake views. Every piece of our reclaimed wood paneling is salvaged from 19th century barns, factories, and warehouses, carrying the marks and character of its original life into a new space. Through our detailed process of denailing, kiln drying, and precision milling, we preserve the natural grain, knots, and texture that give reclaimed wood its distinctive look while preparing it for a prominent place in a home like this one. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, or a homeowner shopping for paneling with real depth and character, Manomin Resawn Timbers has stunning reclaimed wood to suit your needs. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message to discover the antique charm of reclaimed wood.

Before picture
Inspiration for an exterior home remodel in New York

A Sussex family hired us as the design build remodel company to makeover this kitchen. This remodeling project had three main goals: improve storage, update the layout/style and enhance the functionality. IMPROVE STORAGE The original home builder put in very narrow cabinets. The small, narrow cabinets made it difficult for the homeowners to store items. They also said it was important to have a kitchen that works for their children. The new design incorporates an appliance cabinet and wide drawers for storing items. The kids have easy access to snack drawers and lower dish storage for plastic cups and plates. Also, we added two built-in cabinets in the dining room for more storage. UPDATE THE LAYOUT & STYLE While the area was large, it didn’t maximize the space or fit their contemporary style. They wanted plenty of counter prep space and enough room for friends and family to gather. We added a large wood island with seating – perfect for hosting parties and family dinners. The space is bright with white shaker cabinetry and subway tile backsplash. Warm touches include satin bronze light fixtures and hardware. ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONALITY This Sussex kitchen features a Galley Sink Workstation. Having a sink workstation facing the center of the room allows the homeowners to stay part of the conversation while preparing a meal or cleaning up. Sink workstations are one of the hottest kitchen trends. HOMEOWNER REVIEW “We recently completed our kitchen remodel with Kowalske and we can’t say enough good things about our experience. Not only was every member of the team amazing, the work that was done in our kitchen was very high quality. We have recommended Kowalske to all of our friends and plan to use them for our master bath remodel in the future!” – Nicole, homeowner (Houzz Review)

"Groovy" is an all glass and steel wall sculpture that is made out of 73 pieces of individually hand cut art glass. The steel is prepared and welded with each joint forming the foundation for the precise placement of the glass above it, creating a dynamic yet harmonious composition.

These back to back bathrooms share a wall (that we added!) to turn one large bathroom into two. A mini ensuite for the owners bedroom, and a family bathroom for the rest of the house to share. Both of these spaces maximize function and family friendly style to suite the original details of this heritage home. We worked with the client to create a complete design package in preparation for their renovation.

In this kitchen, we wanted to tie in the classic black and white palette to the homes character. To do so, the home's original molding details were recreated throughout crown molding and doorways. We incorporated brushed brass and matte black hardware, as well as sand-in-place oak flooring. Our client wanted to continue her tradition of giving her grandchildren weekly gourmet cooking and baking lessons. A paneled refrigerator was designed into the back nook of the kitchen, opening up treasured countertop space for cooking, prepping, and gourmet baked-good preparation. The lowered countertop area create an ideal baking station. To make use of the countertop space, we installed a large 3' galley workstation with dry dock. An elegant gloss black and brass range ties into the classic charm of this 1910's bungalow. The adjacent dining nook is the perfect place for morning coffee and a fresh baked croissant.

"Inferno" is an all glass and steel wall sculpture that is made out of 69 pieces of individually hand cut art glass. The steel is prepared and welded with each joint forming the foundation for the precise placement of the glass above it, creating a dynamic yet harmonious composition.

To spotlight the owners’ worldly decor, this remodel quietly complements the furniture and art textures, colors, and patterns abundant in this beautiful home. The original master bath had a 1980s style in dire need of change. By stealing an adjacent bedroom for the new master closet, the bath transformed into an artistic and spacious space. The jet-black herringbone-patterned floor adds visual interest to highlight the freestanding soaking tub. Schoolhouse-style shell white sconces flank the matching his and her vanities. The new generous master shower features polished nickel dual shower heads and hand shower and is wrapped in Bedrosian Porcelain Manifica Series in Luxe White with satin finish. The kitchen started as dated and isolated. To add flow and more natural light, the wall between the bar and the kitchen was removed, along with exterior windows, which allowed for a complete redesign. The result is a streamlined, open, and light-filled kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room and bar areas – perfect for quiet family nights or entertaining with friends. Crystal Cabinets in white matte sheen with satin brass pulls, and the white matte ceramic backsplash provides a sleek and neutral palette. The newly-designed island features Calacutta Royal Leather Finish quartz and Kohler sink and fixtures. The island cabinets are finished in black sheen to anchor this seating and prep area, featuring round brass pendant fixtures. One end of the island provides the perfect prep and cut area with maple finish butcher block to match the stove hood accents. French White Oak flooring warms the entire area. The Miele 48” Dual Fuel Range with Griddle offers the perfect features for simple or gourmet meal preparation. A new dining nook makes for picture-perfect seating for night or day dining. Welcome to artful living in Worldly Heritage style. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

This beautiful, 1,600 SF duplex three-bedroom, two-bath apartment in the heart of the West Village was originally a diamond in the rough with great potential. The coop is located on a quiet, tree-lined street and, as a top floor unit, boasts lovely southern and eastern exposures with views of this charming neighborhood overlooking the Hudson. Our clients were making a big move from the West Coast and wanted the new home to be ready in time for the start of the new school year, so Studioteka’s architecture and interior design team rolled up our sleeves and got to work! Construction documents were prepared for the coop board and NYC Department of Buildings approval and our team coordinated the renovation. The entire unit had new hardwood flooring, moldings, and doors installed, the stairs were gently refinished, and we took down a wall separating the living room from a small den on the lower level, making the living space much more open, light-filled, and inviting. The hot water heater was tucked away in an unused space under the stair landing, allowing for the creation of a new kitchen pantry with additional storage. We gut-renovated the upstairs bathroom, creating a built-in shower niche as well as a brand new Duravit tub, Mirabelle high-efficiency toilet, American Standard matte black fixtures, and a white Strasser Woodenworks vanity with black hardware. Classic white subway tile lines the walls and shower enclosure, while black and white basketweave tile is used on the floor. The matte black towel hooks, toilet roll holder, and towel rod contrast with the white wall tile, and a shower curtain with a delicate black and white pattern completes the room. Finally, new mid-century modern furnishings were combined with existing pieces to create an apartment that is both a joy to come home to and a warm, inviting urban oasis for this family of four.

This exterior renovation showcases a complete stucco restoration and repaint for a Spanish-style single-family home in Los Angeles. The project included full surface preparation, stucco repair, crack sealing, and a fresh white finish to enhance durability and curb appeal. Architectural details such as arches, balconies, and exterior walls were carefully preserved to maintain the home’s original Mediterranean character. This transformation delivers a clean, timeless look while improving weather resistance and long-term performance.

Our Process Every siding project we complete follows a structured, detail-focused approach to ensure long-term performance and a clean, high-end finish: 1. Preparation & Protection We begin by protecting all surrounding areas, including landscaping, walkways, and entry points. This ensures a safe and clean job site from start to finish. 2. Removal of Existing Siding The old siding is carefully removed and disposed of. During this stage, we inspect the underlying structure for any signs of damage or moisture issues. 3. Surface Inspection & Repairs We address any compromised sheathing or framing as needed to create a solid, secure base for the new installation. 4. Weather Barrier Installation A proper moisture barrier is installed to improve energy efficiency and protect the home from water intrusion. 5. Siding Installation We install Double 4.5" Encore Dutch Lap siding in Natural Clay with precision, ensuring straight lines, tight seams, and consistent spacing throughout. 6. Trim, Shutters & Moldings All shutters and exterior moldings are carefully reinstalled and aligned, maintaining the home’s original character while enhancing the updated look. 7. Final Detailing & Cleanup We complete all finishing touches, conduct a full quality check, and leave the property clean and ready to enjoy.

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.

The renovation of this home focused on enhancing its Spanish-style architecture, which had outdated elements that gave the house a heavy and dark atmosphere. Our goal was to create a more lively and spacious living area that would be perfect for entertaining. We opted for lighter finishes and incorporated classic features that complemented the home's original design while prioritizing practicality by adding ample storage and top-of-the-line appliances that make meal preparation effortless. To ensure the space felt inviting and unified, we created a cozy breakfast area with comfortable seating for the whole family to gather and enjoy, resulting in a beautiful home that feels warm, functional, and accommodating. --- Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, see here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://bandddesign.com/portfolio/bright-functional-austin-home-remodel/