This renovation project focused on transforming a retired couple’s home into a space that reflects their current stage of life—comfortable, elegant, and functional. With their children grown and moved out, the couple wanted a home that adapted to their needs while addressing years of wear and outdated design. Having had previous negative experiences with contractors, they were hesitant but committed to renovating instead of moving. By building trust through clear communication and a shared vision, the team was able to bring their dream to life. The renovation started with the kitchen, where a partial wall removal opened up the space, creating a seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas. Custom cabinetry with integrated storage solutions, durable contemporary flooring, and refreshed ceilings replaced outdated finishes, while new lighting fixtures and a strategically placed skylight brightened the entire main floor. A built-in entry closet and refinished staircase with sleek metal railings added modern touches without expanding the home’s footprint. In the master ensuite, luxury and function took center stage. The space was expanded to include a full-sized soaking tub, a double vanity with ample storage, and marble tiles for a spa-like retreat. The addition of a home office in the master suite provided a private, comfortable space for hobbies and personal tasks, while an updated closet system brought improved organization. The fully renovated basement, featuring a walk-in shower and custom laundry room furniture, ensured the home could comfortably accommodate visiting family and friends. The project was not without challenges, including integrating a seamless transition between existing structures and a new addition, as well as ensuring the design respected the couple’s cultural tastes. Through teamwork, regular progress updates, and attention to detail, these hurdles were overcome with success. A new patio door now connects the home’s interior to the outdoor space, transforming the backyard into a natural extension of the living area. The result is a stunning transformation—an elegant, modern, and functional home that supports the couple’s evolving lifestyle. This renovation serves as a testament to how thoughtful design and collaboration can create a space that is both beautiful and practical, allowing homeowners to enjoy a new chapter of life with comfort and ease.

Amber’s homes are meant to be lived in. While the look may be reminiscent of an older time, the feel is relaxed, cozy and convenient. We believe elegance can coexist with comfort and can adapt the neoclassical look to meet modern-day demands. All mechanicals are modern and state-of-the-art but are incorporated into the esthetic without overcoming it. As with our exteriors, we try to use as much vintage material as possible and call upon our extensive network of vendors to unearth distinctive pieces: plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, fireplaces, old beams dredged from bogs, housing hardware. When actual period pieces are not available, we contract with peerless craftsmen who can fashion superb facsimiles. Our work is distinguished by attention to detail.

This client sought to update their recently purchased home in Alexandria. A gourmet kitchen that complemented the size of the home and property was a top priority. They wanted more light-filled and connected living spaces for their growing family. Updating the finishes throughout the home was also a necessity. Design challenges included an existing utility space that occupied a large portion of the kitchen footprint, making the kitchen cramped and narrow. In addition, the foyer was dark, confined and uninviting as a result of its organization and enclosed nature of the main stair. To overcome the challenges, we relocated the utilities, creating a more usable footprint for the kitchen. The aging furnace was replaced with a high efficiency furnace located in a newly insulated and conditioned crawl space. A new hot water heater was placed in the finished attic, and the electrical panel was also relocated. Then, we designed a portion of the kitchen to mask the need for dropped structural headers: the refrigerator, freezer and pantry were placed under the area that necessitated a drop bulkhead, creating a sleek built-in area for the appliances. Once the utilities were moved, the kitchen could be opened up to a large family room and designed with a much-improved layout. Two new four-panel exterior doors replaced small doors at the family room to connect the main living space with the beautiful yard. In addition, white bead board was added to the family room ceiling, creating more visual continuity with the adjacent white kitchen. To transform the foyer into a grand and welcoming entry, a small amount of space was taken from a large second floor bedroom, and the entire second floor structure was supported with a series of flush beams to allow the stair to be opened and expose the rail. New glass doors to the den, relocated at an angle from the main stair provide the foyer with more natural light and a wider, more inviting path to the kitchen. In the master suite, the bedroom and bathroom entry doors were relocated to improve the room’s layout and offer more bathroom privacy and space for a walk-in closet. A room forgotten by the previous owner was turned into a family mudroom with built-ins and wainscoting to keep the family organized in style. Photography by Greg Hadley

When there is a lot of house you need a lot of light. Quality of light overcomes quantity of light. Some Great lighting design shows this house off well. I just love the raised turnaround planter with the Green Acer Viridis Maple. What a gorgeous specimen and lights up well. You actually need two types of lighting strategies to illuminate the Specimen. Since the Japanese Maple defoliates from November through April the under well lighting works well on the magnificent bark and branching of the tree. From May- til october the foliage is such a gorgeous umbrella of fringe like denseness that illuminating best would be with accents on the outside shining onto the foliage cross lighting 360 degrees as it can be viewed from the ability to drive around the planter. The secret to success hear is understanding the Plant materials and how they present themselves all 8 seasons four seasons both day and night, Another Note is our company Preferred Properties Lsc. planted that Tree about 25 years ago so we have been fortunate enough to watch it grow.

This intimate townhouse garden features a combination of rich, contrasting materials - Jerusalem limestone, New Yangtze limestone from China, cedar, and copper - layered to create a vibrant contemporary garden. Improvements include a lap pool and fountain, terraces, custom security fence and railings, copper wall and lush plantings. Various site constraints were overcome through extensive collaboration with the architect, builder, and contractors. This work included excavation and construction of a swimming pool on the land-locked property and the installation of a specimen Magnolia, requiring the tree to be craned over the residence, a span over 100 feet. Landscape Architecture: Oehme, van Sweden and Associates (ovsla.com) Builder: Pagenstecher Group (pagenstechergroup.com) Photography: John Knowlton/Till Gardens Project completed while working at Oehme, van Sweden

Challenge: Our client needed their downtown Toronto condo to serve as a peaceful retreat from the demanding pace of urban professional life. The space suffered from the sterile, impersonal aesthetic typical of many Toronto condos, lacking the warmth and tranquility needed to truly unwind after busy workdays in the city's core. Solution: We approached this project in thoughtful stages, transforming the condo into a serene sanctuary that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. By incorporating a palette of light, calming colors and introducing rich textural elements throughout the space, we elevated the sterile interior into a sophisticated retreat. Each design decision was made with the goal of creating visual and tactile interest that would engage the senses and promote a sense of calm. Highlights: • Staged design approach that allowed for thoughtful evolution of the space • Light color palette that enhances natural light and creates an airy, peaceful atmosphere • Rich variety of textures that add warmth and visual interest to combat sterile condo interiors • Strategic material selection that transforms typical condo finishes into sophisticated design elements Results: The transformed Downtown Zen condo now serves as the perfect urban escape—a space that immediately shifts the client's mindset from work mode to relaxation. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can overcome the limitations of typical Toronto condo interiors, creating a personalized sanctuary that enhances daily life and well-being.

This remodel transformed two condos into one, overcoming access challenges. We designed the space for a seamless transition, adding function with a laundry room, powder room, bar, and entertaining space. In the laundry room, we created a dog bath area with a shower, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics. Adorned with framed photos, this thoughtfully designed corner reflects the cherished presence of the family dogs.

This project centered on helping a wonderful client and her equally fantastic dog transform her condo into a space that truly reflected her style and simplified her life. Eager to create a home that was both beautiful and functional, she envisioned a haven in the heart of the city. Before: Feeling Disconnected Before the renovation, our client felt disconnected from her condo. The builder-grade kitchen was a constant source of frustration, with an awkward peninsula that hindered the flow of the space. The condo overall felt outdated and no longer captured her vibrant personality. The foyer and laundry areas were cramped and lacked organization, while the mismatched hardwood flooring only added to the disjointed atmosphere. As for the bathrooms, they felt frozen in time, desperately needing an update. Worries and Concerns Like many homeowners, our client had heard her fair share of renovation horror stories—tales of projects gone awry and the frustrations of managing multiple contractors. She was understandably cautious and needed a trustworthy, experienced team she could rely on to handle the project with care and expertise. The Solution: A Personalized Transformation We took the time to listen carefully to our client’s needs and concerns and developed a tailored plan to address each of her pain points. For the kitchen, we preserved the existing layout but reimagined the space entirely. The awkward peninsula was redesigned to improve traffic flow and provide much-needed storage and counter space. Clever storage solutions, such as pull-outs, shelving, concealed drawers in the toe kicks, and an appliance garage, were incorporated. The kitchen now boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with light wood-tone lower cabinetry, off-white upper cabinets, and brushed nickel hardware that ties it all together. The laundry room, once cramped and chaotic, was transformed into an organized, efficient space. We added custom cabinetry with pull-outs for hanging clothes, open storage above, a laundry sink, and a spacious counter for folding—no more piles of laundry! Both the en-suite and shared bathrooms underwent complete renovations. Custom cabinetry was installed, including a floor-to-ceiling linen closet, and light grey and brown-toned tiles were selected, with contrasting hexagonal tiles for the shower floor. A heated flooring system was added for luxury and comfort year-round. The mismatched flooring throughout the condo was replaced with cohesive vinyl and porcelain tiles, creating a seamless, modern aesthetic throughout the space. Overcoming Challenges As with any renovation, there were challenges to navigate. One of the key obstacles was managing the condo board’s renovation rules and policies while coordinating the delivery schedules for finishes and fixtures, especially during the busy holiday season. With careful planning, we ensured the project stayed on track. Additionally, we encountered a height variation between the tile and vinyl flooring. To resolve this, we used self-leveling material under the vinyl, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between the two flooring types. The Grand Reveal: A Dream Come True The final result is simply stunning. The kitchen is now a chef’s dream, with custom-built cabinets, smooth quartz countertops, and a matching stone backsplash. Brushed nickel and stainless steel plumbing fixtures, elegant cabinet hardware, and LED lighting under the upper cabinets add the perfect finishing touches. Custom organizers in the foyer and laundry closets provide ample storage and keep everything neatly in place. The bathrooms have been transformed into spa-like retreats, with beautiful porcelain tiles and custom cabinetry. The new vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas and bedroom unifies the space, creating a cohesive and modern atmosphere. Life Transformed Our client’s life has been completely transformed. As a passionate cook, she now relishes spending time in her beautiful and functional kitchen. The single-bowl sink makes cleanup a breeze, and the thoughtfully designed storage solutions have brought a sense of calm and order to her home. The refreshed flooring and neutral paint palette have created a relaxing, comfortable environment she truly loves. A Memorable Journey This project was more than just a renovation—it was a collaboration. Our client valued our guidance throughout the design process, particularly when faced with the overwhelming number of decisions. We built a strong relationship with her, and we are immensely grateful for the trust she placed in our team.

Inspiration for a modern dining room remodel in Los Angeles

Valerius delivers a splendid project for client’s luxurious property in Khandala. This design and build project comprising of swimming pool, hydrotherapy and lotus pond was completed in record time for timely hand over for New Year. This heated pool overcomes high altitude temperatures and high wind speeds to always provide client with consistent 30 deg C water. The customised RGB lighting transforms the ambiance of the swimming pool by adding beauty and bit of drama. Sanitization includes, new generation media filtration, ozone + uV to maintain water at highest hygiene levels. Get Connected With Us: ? Email.: info@valerius.in ? Website.: www.valerius.in

My clients always wanted a fireplace in the family room but could not build the necessary chimney due to building restrictions. To overcome this obstacle we installed an Eco Smart bio fuel fireplace. which became the focal point of the room. Next we added custom cabinetry for storage which coordinated with the kitchen (which is an open room adjacent to this space). Custom furnishings from American Leather and Hickory Chair were selected for my tall client. High performance fabrics were selected to provide worry free enjoyment of the furniture. Finishing accent pieces from Charleston Forge add a warm and contemporary vibe to the pace. The dark stain is a beautiful contrast to the lighter colorway. As you can see there are 2 skylights and 2 very large windows so light is not a problem but sun and heat are. With the height of the ceilings, we needed a large but good looking ceiling fan to control the temperature. An oversize custom ceiling fan was chosen. The walls are a coordinated blue grey to compliment the Venetian plaster finished fireplace column. The rear wall is painted a contrasting color to highlight the fireplace and the built in cherry cabinetry. a Vintage Patchwork rug defines the furniture area and helps soften the sound in the room Custom artwork by the clients mother add the final touches. Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography

This remodel transformed two condos into one, overcoming access challenges. We designed the space for a seamless transition, adding function with a laundry room, powder room, bar, and entertaining space. In this modern entertaining space, sophistication meets leisure. A pool table, elegant furniture, and a contemporary fireplace create a refined ambience. The center table and TV contribute to a tastefully designed area.

Coming up with new ideas is always challenging, but the challenge seems even more difficult to overcome when the starting point is quite limiting. In the case of this residential project, the starting point was an existing foundation, that needed to be used for the future building. Therefore, the footprint of the house needed to remain the same, however, the functions needed adjustments since the requirements and priorities of the owners changed in the previous years. Another aspect that involved limitations but in a totally different sense was the setting - a beautiful place near a lake, surrounded by wild vegetation - and our challenge was to integrate the house while emphasizing the view. We managed to do so by using large glass areas towards the lake, by laying the house properly on the sloped ground and by the use of materials. Because we didn't want to interfere with the all-natural vibe of the surroundings, we preferred using all-natural materials: wood as a structural material as well as an interior and exterior wall finishing, natural stone on both façades and pavements, ceramic roofing. The result now peacefully lays near the lake, a discrete presence, while hosting the life of a family and all the peace of mind one can get.

Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in New York

Burell Built Exteriors & Roofing Company LLC, 7328 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919, United States, (865) 238-2628; We have built our business on maintaining sustainable relationships with our clients in Knoxville TN. We achieve that by providing excellent communication, expertise in our industry and a quality product. The most rewarding part of our business has been helping our clients overcome challenging roof issues in which we have been able to provide solutions for. Our roofing solutions are custom tailored to our individual clients needs in Knoxville TN area as there is no one size fits all in this industry.

In this 1905 Tudor home, the intent of this design was to take advantage of the classic architecture of the home and incorporate modern conveniences. Located in the Joseph Berry Subdivision in Detroit, this stellar home presented several design challenges. The most difficult challenge to overcome was the 11” slope from one end of the kitchen to the other, caused by 110 years of settling. All new floor joists were installed and the floor by the side door was then recessed down one step. This created a cozy nook when you first enter the kitchen. A tiered ceiling with strategically planned cabinetry heights and crown molding concealed the slope of the walls at the ceiling level. The second challenge in this historic home was the awkward foot print of the kitchen. It’s likely that this kitchen had a butler’s pantry originally. However it was remodeled sometime in the 70’s and all original character was erased. Clever pantry storage was added to an awkward corner creating a space that mimicked the essence of a butler’s pantry, while providing storage desired in kitchens today. Keeping the large footprint of the kitchen presented obstacles with the working triangle; the distance from the sink to the cooktop is several feet. The solution was installation of a pot filler over the cooktop that added convenience and elegance (not sure about this word). Not everything in this project was a challenge; the discovery of a brick chimney hiding behind plaster was a welcome surprise and brought character back honoring the historic charm of this beautiful home. Kitchen Designer: Rebekah Tull of Whiski Kitchen Design Studio Remodeling Contractor: Renaissance Restorations, Inc. Counter Top Fabricator: Lakeside Solid Surfaces - Cambria Cabinetry: Legacy Crafted Cabinets Photographer: Shermin Photography Tile: TileBar.com Cabinet Accessories: Rev-A-Shelf

This wide-angle view captures the complete synergy of the Carrollton master plan. By transforming a narrow side lot into a lush, multi-functional corridor, Alterra’s design+build team maximized the property’s footprint. The rhythmic placement of custom metal screens, up-lit privacy trees, and a manicured turf path leads the eye directly to the custom timber pergola. This project is a premier example of how professional landscape architecture can overcome site constraints to create a sophisticated, high-value outdoor living retreat.

This remodel transformed two condos into one, overcoming access challenges. We designed the space for a seamless transition, adding function with a laundry room, powder room, bar, and entertaining space. This elegant laundry room features ample storage, a folding table, and sophisticated gray and white tones, ensuring a functional yet stylish design with a focus on practicality.

16' Wide x 11'8" Max. Fabric Projection Nuimage 8700 Series Awning by Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises Inc. in Malvern, Pa. Custom measured, to the inch, to fit under an existing pergola. Mounting: Wall - Anchored into Fieldstone Wall. Unique Challenges Overcome: The backside of the Hood had to scribed to allow room for existing downspout to fit through the awning (left side). This ensured that the transition from building to awning above bar table would be Gapless for light rain protection. Frame Color: Black/Brown Powder Coated to match outdoor lighting fixtures. Fabric = Sunbrella 100% Woven Acrylic - Silica Stone #4861