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.

A 1950's mid-century bungalow required an update from it's original, with a colorful, modern interpretation wanted by the owners. The terrazzo is original and since difficult to match color, the tile wall curves to meet the floor.

This old 1920's home is thought to be an original George Washington Smith home, has now been updated and extended by Architect Bob Easton of Santa Barbara. Arched walls over stairs, plaster fireplaces, and very simple, comfortable design make for a very livable home for this family with multiple pets. Leather sofas for an easy feel, over antique hand knotted rugs and old world furniture show off this old Spanish home in the Ojai Valley. The Designers used periwinkle colored windows and doors to play off the black iron windows, and real Malibu tile with white marble tile surrounds around a blue granite kitchen island. The living room ceiling is completely original, and is the inspiration for the new exposed beam master suite ceilings. All the lighting is custom wrought iron fixtures, made especially for this home. A powder room features deep blue tiles and Malibu tile wainscot, the paintings are all of simple early California scenes which all make for an earthy, simple old time style, Project Location: Ojai, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

Mark LaRosa
Trendy wooden straight open staircase photo in New York

Michael J. Lee
Inspiration for a farmhouse entryway remodel in Boston

Suzanna Scott
Beach style dining room photo in San Francisco

After years of renting out the house, the owners of this 1916 Craftsman were ready to make it their forever home. Both enthusiastic cooks, an updated kitchen was at the top of the list. Updating the fireplace, as well as two bathrooms in the house were also important. The homeowners passion for honoring the age of home, while also updating it, was at the forefront of our design. The end result beautifully blends the older elements with the new.

Designer: Allen Construction General Contractor: Allen Construction Photographer: Jim Bartsch Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s open concept concrete floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with a music area, brown walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The elegant living room featuring Schonbek chandeliers, a fireplace designed with reclaimed wood from the original Victorian era fireplace, custom cabinetry, and plaster crown molding designed to replicate the original molding. Architect: Paul Molina Photographer: Joseph Schell

Living room - mid-sized contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in DC Metro with red walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional guest dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Austin with blue walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a 1950s bedroom remodel in Sacramento

The master bedroom is original to the oldest part of the house, from the mid 1700s. The original wood mantel of the fireplace and trim is painted gray, while the walls are painted a robin-egg's blue. Wide plank pine flooring was refinished, continuing with the farmhouse style. Eric Roth

© Ascendant Imaging
Example of a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor mudroom design in Charlotte with pink walls

Elena Almagro
Staircase - contemporary staircase idea in Madrid

Cranmer’s charming master bath proves that intimate spaces don’t have to compromise on design and character. #intimatebathroom #smallspaces #traditionalbathroom #masterbath

East facing sunroom features new windows set into original openings. Furnishings are reupholstered vintage. Rugs are vintage. Original long leaf pine floor is stained with a custom blend of ebony and coffee colors. Photo by Whit Preston.

Historic landmark estate restoration with original American Encaustic tile detailing blended seamlessly with custom made ceramic tiles, on walls and floors, barrel ceiling, featuring a new pedestal sink and soaking tub that match the original period of the residence. Photo by: Jim Bartsch

Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).