A design build sunroom addition looking over Lake Linganore in New Market Maryland would be a great way to enjoy the beautiful views and natural light. Talon Construction is the right contractor who can design and build the perfect sunroom for your needs. Here are some things to consider when designing your sunroom: The size of the sunroom. You'll need to decide how much space you need and what you want to use the sunroom for. The materials you want to use. Sunrooms can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. The style of the sunroom. You can choose a traditional or modern style, or something in between like transitional. The features you want. Sunrooms can have a variety of features, such as skylights, ceiling fans, and a fireplace Here are some of the benefits of having a design build sunroom addition looking over Lake Linganore in New Market Maryland: Increased living space. A sunroom can add valuable living space to your home. Enjoyable views. A sunroom is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views of Lake Linganore. Natural light. A sunroom will bring in natural light, which can help to improve the mood and energy levels of the people who use it. Increased home value. A sunroom can increase the value of your home. If you're interested in having a design build sunroom addition looking over Lake Linganore in New Market Maryland, give Talon Construction a call and they can help you through the design and construction process.

The porch area integrates Phantom motorized screens perfectly into its tapered columns, protecting the outdoor seating area from pests. What's best is the screens disappear out of sight into the porch at the touch of a button! Photo Credit: Ashley Avila Photography

Inspiration for an eclectic kitchen remodel in Toronto

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client wanted a complete update of their kitchen and came to us with several objectives. They wanted a larger island and easier access to the dining room. They also wanted to eliminate the existing cooktop location from the island and make the island larger. Because the existing space was not able to accommodate all those requests, we decided to eliminate the breakfast area and incorporate that space into the kitchen. By eliminating an existing bay window and making the kitchen sink window larger, we were able to make the new layout work without sacrificing any natural light. A French door to the newly added and adjoining sunroom and casual outdoor dining spot still allows for multiple dining options. And by enlarging the opening to the dining room, it allows for easier access to this space on a daily basis versus for special occasions only. The client already had a large desk in the kitchen and spends a lot of time at this area. We were able to make the new desk even larger by moving the refrigerator to another area. The refrigerator is covered in decorative panels so that it blends nicely into the furniture look of the room. The larger island can now seat several people comfortably. The room’s traditional feel was achieved by providing different finishes on the perimeter, island and desk cabinetry. Handmade gray backsplash tile, a combination of soapstone and Carrera marble give the space a classic appeal. Details provide interest – custom glass mullions, decorative wood hood and bronze hardware give the space character and charm. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Interior Design by: Rachel Alcorn Architect: Rick Rearick Contractor: KJN Renovations Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Recently, this Victorian style home welcomed its new owners with open arms – the only glitch in the budding relationship, the kitchen. The U shaped kitchen huddled in just half of the nice large room available to it – a long peninsula bisecting the space creating an awkward divide between the work area and the cramped breakfast nook/serving area. The new owners enjoy cooking and they needed space for both of them to work in the kitchen at the same time. The old U shape did not accommodate this. The sink was too close to the range, the peninsula hemmed them in without providing a focused workstation, and the refrigerator sat at the end competing with people entering the space. And finally, the kitchen just lacked style – it did not fit with the Victorian style architecture and décor of the home. San Luis Kitchen to the rescue! After attending a few of our monthly design seminars, the homeowners decided to take the remodeling plunge. They brought us a sketch of the space, explained their need for a more functional 2-cook space, and expressed interest in replacing the peninsula with an island. After visiting the home, we identified some other areas of design opportunity/constraint – an exterior door that was seldom used, an existing wood floor that extended throughout the house, a beautiful view from the breakfast nook windows, and a large existing pantry. Our first thought for the new kitchen was to provide a visual focal point. The homeowners were excited by the idea of a “mantle” type wood hood which we situated facing out toward the formal dining room as the opening statement for the kitchen. We also added an island set at 90 degrees to the prior location of the peninsula – decorative open shelves face out from the island creating more visual interest. The new island not only reinforces the focal point of the hood, but also, working with the new built-in hutch, embraces the breakfast nook and integrates it with the rest of the kitchen. (Changing the peninsula to an island did create a need to patch the hardwood floor – thankfully the homeowner was able to find a source for replacement flooring that was almost a seamless blend) Working with both the homeowners and their interior designer, we decided to combine a creamy white finish for the main cabinets with a cordovan maple stain for the island and hutch. The goal of this color scheme was a bright happy kitchen (the white) with a formal furniture feel to the cabinetry (the dark red maple pieces). Often, in Victorian or other classic style spaces, we see different pieces brought together (over time or as a planned design) to form a cohesive but diverse whole. As functional considerations for the design, the main sink was moved to the island and a prep sink was added in the corner between the new cook-top and a designated bake center/prep station located where the old range had been. This gives space for both homeowners to work in the kitchen simultaneously using multiple workstations. We added a built-in refrigerator with decorative door panels (to blend comfortably with the cabinets), a wall oven/microwave combo – both of which are now in the space that used to have the redundant exterior door – expanding the kitchen all the way to the far wall. And lastly, keeping the basic structure of the existing pantry, we refaced it with matching doors and added rollout shelves for convenience. The new kitchen gracefully meets all of the homeowners needs both as a showpiece and as a backdrop to their daily lives. Now they are comfortably ensconced in their entire home, including the kitchen!

Are you looking for an investment property? Have you been considering buying a bungalow in Brampton? If so, then this post is for you. This article will discuss the benefits of purchasing a bungalow in Brampton and how it can be an excellent real estate investment. The Appeal of Bungalows Bungalows are an incredibly popular style of house for many reasons. For one thing, they tend to have large lots, making them ideal for people who want plenty of outdoor living space. They are also cozy and comfortable, with one level that makes them very easy to maintain and navigate. Bungalows often come with charming features such as fireplaces and bay windows that give them character and charm. In short, they make great starter homes or retirement residences—and excellent investments! Buying Property in Brampton Brampton is an attractive city for investors because it has consistently seen real estate values rise year after year. The city is home to more than 600,000 residents, making it the ninth-largest city in Canada by population. It's also a major economic centre with many large companies based there, which means plenty of job opportunities and potential buyers or renters if you do decide to invest in a property here. In addition to being attractive to investors, Brampton is also attractive to prospective homeowners because it offers great amenities such as parks, shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues. All these things make Brampton an attractive place to live—which makes buying a bungalow here even more appealing! Furthermore, there are many different types of bungalows available in Brampton—from traditional models with stunning architecture to modern designs with open floor plans—so no matter what kind of house you're looking for, you'll likely find something that fits your needs here. Furthermore, there are plenty of agents who specialize in selling bungalows in Brampton who can help guide you through the process. Conclusion: Investing in a bungalow in Brampton is an excellent choice for real estate investors looking for both financial gain and personal satisfaction from their purchase. Its robust economy and high quality of life coupled with its wide variety of housing options available at affordable prices make investing here especially appealing. Whether you plan on renting out your property or living there yourself, investing in a bungalow will certainly be worth your while!

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Scott and Deneen Knisely built their handcrafted log home in Lock Haven Pennsylvania with hope to preserve a piece of their community’s history. In 2002, the Kniselys lived near a 20-acre property that included the Rocky Point Lodge, a locally known log house dating back more than 70 years. The building was serving as a restaurant at the time, but had taken on many roles over the years—first, and most notably, as a Boy Scout camp. When Scott heard a rumor that the property might be going on the market, he had a word with the owner, expressing his interest in buying it. Six weeks later, the acreage was his. “We loved the property and the building,” says Deneen, “but it was too damaged to be saved.” So they got to work researching companies to build the new home that would replace the old one. Since so many local people have fond childhood memories of time spent at the lodge, the Kniselys decided that the new structure should resemble the old one as closely as possible, so they looked for a design that would use the same footprint as the original. After a quick trip to Virginia to look at an existing house, they chose a modified version of the “Robinson,” a 3,750-square-foot plan by Hearthstone Inc. “When the house was being built, I researched things such as period molding depth, wainscoting height and the look of the floors,” says Deneen. Hearthstone even had the logs sandblasted to give them a weathered look. “We just love the rustic, warm feeling of a log home,” Deneen adds. “No other home compares.” The home is made from large-diameter eastern white pine in a profile from the Bob Timberlake series. “The log is sawn on two sides, then hand-hewn to a 6-inch thickness with varying heights,” says Ernie. To top off the home’s vintage look, Pat Woody of Lynchburg, Virginia, got to work on the chinking. Pat specializes in period reproductions and historical homes. The variations in the chinking are the perfect finishing touch to bring home the 19th-century flavor the Kniselys desired.

In the early days of the global pandemic of 2021, my client decided to leave a more densely populated city environment in favor of a more suburban atmosphere with fewer people, where things are less crowded. They found a Tudor-style home built in the 1980s and set about updating it to make it their own. When my client contacted me, one of her top priorities in the home was a complete kitchen renovation for which she already had some very clear ideas. She came to the project with colors and overall feel so it was a delight to collaborate with her to bring her vision to life. The original kitchen was wedged between a large two-story entry hall at the front, and a spacious beamed family room at the rear. Dated dark red oak and heavy 1980s cabinetry weighed down the room, and my client desperately wanted light and lightness. Working with Lewis Construction, we took down the walls that closed the kitchen off from the family room and the resulting space allowed for a generous island. We worked together to refine a cabinet color and a wood stain for the custom cabinetry by Schmitz Woodworks, and a tone of countertop material that would be a perfect compliment to our cabinetry choices. And I found lighting that speaks to the Tudor style of the house while bringing a sense of airiness—the seeded glass island pendants are perfect partners to the round wrought-iron fixture with candles in the adjoining dining room. Wood, brass, and abaca kitchen stools at the island bring a sense of history and California cool. In the adjoining bland family room, my client removed an ugly river stone fireplace and replaced it with a linear gas insert. I designed built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace to give the entire wall more presence. My client fell in love with a piece of dark soapstone and I used it to design a chunky, uniquely beveled surround to ground the fire box. The entry also got a makeover. We worked with a painter to disguise the ugly 80s red oak on the stairs, and I furnished the area with contemporary pieces that speak to a Tudor sensibility: a “quilted” chest with nail heads; an occasional chair with a quatrefoil back; a wall mirror that looks as if the Wicked Queen in Snow White used it; a rug that has the appearance of a faded heirloom; and a swarm of silver goblets creating a wall art installation that echoes the nail heads on the chest. Photo: Rick Pharaoh

In the early days of the global pandemic of 2021, my client decided to leave a more densely populated city environment in favor of a more suburban atmosphere with fewer people, where things are less crowded. They found a Tudor-style home built in the 1980s and set about updating it to make it their own. When my client contacted me, one of her top priorities in the home was a complete kitchen renovation for which she already had some very clear ideas. She came to the project with colors and overall feel so it was a delight to collaborate with her to bring her vision to life. The original kitchen was wedged between a large two-story entry hall at the front, and a spacious beamed family room at the rear. Dated dark red oak and heavy 1980s cabinetry weighed down the room, and my client desperately wanted light and lightness. Working with Lewis Construction, we took down the walls that closed the kitchen off from the family room and the resulting space allowed for a generous island. We worked together to refine a cabinet color and a wood stain for the custom cabinetry by Schmitz Woodworks, and a tone of countertop material that would be a perfect compliment to our cabinetry choices. And I found lighting that speaks to the Tudor style of the house while bringing a sense of airiness—the seeded glass island pendants are perfect partners to the round wrought-iron fixture with candles in the adjoining dining room. Wood, brass, and abaca kitchen stools at the island bring a sense of history and California cool. In the adjoining bland family room, my client removed an ugly river stone fireplace and replaced it with a linear gas insert. I designed built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace to give the entire wall more presence. My client fell in love with a piece of dark soapstone and I used it to design a chunky, uniquely beveled surround to ground the fire box. The entry also got a makeover. We worked with a painter to disguise the ugly 80s red oak on the stairs, and I furnished the area with contemporary pieces that speak to a Tudor sensibility: a “quilted” chest with nail heads; an occasional chair with a quatrefoil back; a wall mirror that looks as if the Wicked Queen in Snow White used it; a rug that has the appearance of a faded heirloom; and a swarm of silver goblets creating a wall art installation that echoes the nail heads on the chest. Photo: Rick Pharaoh

Scott and Deneen Knisely built their handcrafted log home in Lock Haven Pennsylvania with hope to preserve a piece of their community’s history. In 2002, the Kniselys lived near a 20-acre property that included the Rocky Point Lodge, a locally known log house dating back more than 70 years. The building was serving as a restaurant at the time, but had taken on many roles over the years—first, and most notably, as a Boy Scout camp. When Scott heard a rumor that the property might be going on the market, he had a word with the owner, expressing his interest in buying it. Six weeks later, the acreage was his. “We loved the property and the building,” says Deneen, “but it was too damaged to be saved.” So they got to work researching companies to build the new home that would replace the old one. Since so many local people have fond childhood memories of time spent at the lodge, the Kniselys decided that the new structure should resemble the old one as closely as possible, so they looked for a design that would use the same footprint as the original. After a quick trip to Virginia to look at an existing house, they chose a modified version of the “Robinson,” a 3,750-square-foot plan by Hearthstone Inc. “When the house was being built, I researched things such as period molding depth, wainscoting height and the look of the floors,” says Deneen. Hearthstone even had the logs sandblasted to give them a weathered look. “We just love the rustic, warm feeling of a log home,” Deneen adds. “No other home compares.” The home is made from large-diameter eastern white pine in a profile from the Bob Timberlake series. “The log is sawn on two sides, then hand-hewn to a 6-inch thickness with varying heights,” says Ernie. To top off the home’s vintage look, Pat Woody of Lynchburg, Virginia, got to work on the chinking. Pat specializes in period reproductions and historical homes. The variations in the chinking are the perfect finishing touch to bring home the 19th-century flavor the Kniselys desired.

Inquire About Our Design Services When we first started talking in the spring of 2015, I was impressed. She was witty, realistic, and understood that as much as she loves my shows on HGTV, design does not does not happen in 43 minutes! She told me about her space, and how she felt that her bedroom seemed “blah” to her. She had no retreat. Molly desperately longed for a place that she could spend time in, read in, play in and above all, relax in. What we did: Many people are terrified of hiring a designer. Rightfully so, they are investing a pretty penny in their homes. They want to make sure that everything, down to the last floral arrangement, is to their liking, because they will have to live it (and pay for it). Unfortunately, a client can unintentionally stifle a designer’s creativity through micro-management. This can produce lackluster results and ultimately cause more time (and money) to be spent on a project than is really necessary. With Molly, that was never an issue. Before she even showed me the room in question, she said that I could have full creative license to do what I needed to do to her bedroom. SAY WHAAH!? With Molly giving me complete creative freedom, I planned everything out and got down to business. The result: Bite-your-bottom-lip sexy. I don’t get jealous of too many of my clients’ spaces, but this one still takes my breath away every time I look at the pics! The craziest part was that by adding more furniture, it actually made the space feel larger. Molly and her husband Patrick loved the finished space, and promised me I will be back to finish the rest of the house! Here’s the highlights of the rest of the project: I came up with a space plan with three options. Next, we reviewed mood boards and fabric schemes that would work for both Molly and her hubby Patrick. We started with the bed. My goal was to add edge to its otherwise traditional style. We decided to spice things up by painting the trim work in the room black. We built in layers of lighting with dimmers. In a bedroom everything should be on dimmers, right? Right. We designed and customized bedding, chairs and window treatments. Together with Molly, we selected the most perfect wallpaper. This geometric “grasscloth” adds so much depth and dimension that was just missing before. What I love: That light fixture. I mean it is really, really amazing in person. The porcupine mirror. This thing came packaged like it was the hope diamond, and everyone was terrified to handle it. But it really became a highlight of the room.

In the early days of the global pandemic of 2021, my client decided to leave a more densely populated city environment in favor of a more suburban atmosphere with fewer people, where things are less crowded. They found a Tudor-style home built in the 1980s and set about updating it to make it their own. When my client contacted me, one of her top priorities in the home was a complete kitchen renovation for which she already had some very clear ideas. She came to the project with colors and overall feel so it was a delight to collaborate with her to bring her vision to life. The original kitchen was wedged between a large two-story entry hall at the front, and a spacious beamed family room at the rear. Dated dark red oak and heavy 1980s cabinetry weighed down the room, and my client desperately wanted light and lightness. Working with Lewis Construction, we took down the walls that closed the kitchen off from the family room and the resulting space allowed for a generous island. We worked together to refine a cabinet color and a wood stain for the custom cabinetry by Schmitz Woodworks, and a tone of countertop material that would be a perfect compliment to our cabinetry choices. And I found lighting that speaks to the Tudor style of the house while bringing a sense of airiness—the seeded glass island pendants are perfect partners to the round wrought-iron fixture with candles in the adjoining dining room. Wood, brass, and abaca kitchen stools at the island bring a sense of history and California cool. In the adjoining bland family room, my client removed an ugly river stone fireplace and replaced it with a linear gas insert. I designed built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace to give the entire wall more presence. My client fell in love with a piece of dark soapstone and I used it to design a chunky, uniquely beveled surround to ground the fire box. The entry also got a makeover. We worked with a painter to disguise the ugly 80s red oak on the stairs, and I furnished the area with contemporary pieces that speak to a Tudor sensibility: a “quilted” chest with nail heads; an occasional chair with a quatrefoil back; a wall mirror that looks as if the Wicked Queen in Snow White used it; a rug that has the appearance of a faded heirloom; and a swarm of silver goblets creating a wall art installation that echoes the nail heads on the chest. Photo: Rick Pharaoh

Scott and Deneen Knisely built their handcrafted log home in Lock Haven Pennsylvania with hope to preserve a piece of their community’s history. In 2002, the Kniselys lived near a 20-acre property that included the Rocky Point Lodge, a locally known log house dating back more than 70 years. The building was serving as a restaurant at the time, but had taken on many roles over the years—first, and most notably, as a Boy Scout camp. When Scott heard a rumor that the property might be going on the market, he had a word with the owner, expressing his interest in buying it. Six weeks later, the acreage was his. “We loved the property and the building,” says Deneen, “but it was too damaged to be saved.” So they got to work researching companies to build the new home that would replace the old one. Since so many local people have fond childhood memories of time spent at the lodge, the Kniselys decided that the new structure should resemble the old one as closely as possible, so they looked for a design that would use the same footprint as the original. After a quick trip to Virginia to look at an existing house, they chose a modified version of the “Robinson,” a 3,750-square-foot plan by Hearthstone Inc. “When the house was being built, I researched things such as period molding depth, wainscoting height and the look of the floors,” says Deneen. Hearthstone even had the logs sandblasted to give them a weathered look. “We just love the rustic, warm feeling of a log home,” Deneen adds. “No other home compares.” The home is made from large-diameter eastern white pine in a profile from the Bob Timberlake series. “The log is sawn on two sides, then hand-hewn to a 6-inch thickness with varying heights,” says Ernie. To top off the home’s vintage look, Pat Woody of Lynchburg, Virginia, got to work on the chinking. Pat specializes in period reproductions and historical homes. The variations in the chinking are the perfect finishing touch to bring home the 19th-century flavor the Kniselys desired.

Inspiration for a modern pool remodel in Orange County

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Scott and Deneen Knisely built their handcrafted log home in Lock Haven Pennsylvania with hope to preserve a piece of their community’s history. In 2002, the Kniselys lived near a 20-acre property that included the Rocky Point Lodge, a locally known log house dating back more than 70 years. The building was serving as a restaurant at the time, but had taken on many roles over the years—first, and most notably, as a Boy Scout camp. When Scott heard a rumor that the property might be going on the market, he had a word with the owner, expressing his interest in buying it. Six weeks later, the acreage was his. “We loved the property and the building,” says Deneen, “but it was too damaged to be saved.” So they got to work researching companies to build the new home that would replace the old one. Since so many local people have fond childhood memories of time spent at the lodge, the Kniselys decided that the new structure should resemble the old one as closely as possible, so they looked for a design that would use the same footprint as the original. After a quick trip to Virginia to look at an existing house, they chose a modified version of the “Robinson,” a 3,750-square-foot plan by Hearthstone Inc. “When the house was being built, I researched things such as period molding depth, wainscoting height and the look of the floors,” says Deneen. Hearthstone even had the logs sandblasted to give them a weathered look. “We just love the rustic, warm feeling of a log home,” Deneen adds. “No other home compares.” The home is made from large-diameter eastern white pine in a profile from the Bob Timberlake series. “The log is sawn on two sides, then hand-hewn to a 6-inch thickness with varying heights,” says Ernie. To top off the home’s vintage look, Pat Woody of Lynchburg, Virginia, got to work on the chinking. Pat specializes in period reproductions and historical homes. The variations in the chinking are the perfect finishing touch to bring home the 19th-century flavor the Kniselys desired.

In the early days of the global pandemic of 2021, my client decided to leave a more densely populated city environment in favor of a more suburban atmosphere with fewer people, where things are less crowded. They found a Tudor-style home built in the 1980s and set about updating it to make it their own. When my client contacted me, one of her top priorities in the home was a complete kitchen renovation for which she already had some very clear ideas. She came to the project with colors and overall feel so it was a delight to collaborate with her to bring her vision to life. The original kitchen was wedged between a large two-story entry hall at the front, and a spacious beamed family room at the rear. Dated dark red oak and heavy 1980s cabinetry weighed down the room, and my client desperately wanted light and lightness. Working with Lewis Construction, we took down the walls that closed the kitchen off from the family room and the resulting space allowed for a generous island. We worked together to refine a cabinet color and a wood stain for the custom cabinetry by Schmitz Woodworks, and a tone of countertop material that would be a perfect compliment to our cabinetry choices. And I found lighting that speaks to the Tudor style of the house while bringing a sense of airiness—the seeded glass island pendants are perfect partners to the round wrought-iron fixture with candles in the adjoining dining room. Wood, brass, and abaca kitchen stools at the island bring a sense of history and California cool. In the adjoining bland family room, my client removed an ugly river stone fireplace and replaced it with a linear gas insert. I designed built-in bookcases flanking the fireplace to give the entire wall more presence. My client fell in love with a piece of dark soapstone and I used it to design a chunky, uniquely beveled surround to ground the fire box. The entry also got a makeover. We worked with a painter to disguise the ugly 80s red oak on the stairs, and I furnished the area with contemporary pieces that speak to a Tudor sensibility: a “quilted” chest with nail heads; an occasional chair with a quatrefoil back; a wall mirror that looks as if the Wicked Queen in Snow White used it; a rug that has the appearance of a faded heirloom; and a swarm of silver goblets creating a wall art installation that echoes the nail heads on the chest. Photo: Rick Pharaoh