Search results for "Pianists" in Home Design Ideas
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
Find the right local pro for your project
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
NILESThis private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow.
The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere.
The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment.
Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
Lynne Lawson's Decorating Den InteriorsThe subtle warm colors contrast with the architectural elements of this sunroom to create an elegant space to play the piano, or to simply lounge and enjoy the view.
Tomecek Studio ArchitecturePianoforte is a musical term referring to the variations in volume or loudness. Inspired by our clients’ love of all things with keys, the residence interprets the masculine form as ‘loud’ and the play of light as ‘soft’. The site required a strong response to the very active 1st Avenue to the south while transparency and perforations soften the form along Oneida Street. The L-shaped plan addresses the active corner while providing protection to the rear outdoor landscape. The entry becomes a gateway into this secret garden. Light breathes life into the living space in the morning and pours into the kitchen from the southern clerestory above. Our client, who currently plays the organ at weekly services, has working organ pipes that surround the fireplace enclosure. The pattern of the organ pipes is reflected in the perforated panels that screen the entry and filter light into the residence. Featured in Modern In Denver. (Photos by Chris Reilmann)
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
Tomecek Studio ArchitecturePianoforte is a musical term referring to the variations in volume or loudness. Inspired by our clients’ love of all things with keys, the residence interprets the masculine form as ‘loud’ and the play of light as ‘soft’. The site required a strong response to the very active 1st Avenue to the south while transparency and perforations soften the form along Oneida Street. The L-shaped plan addresses the active corner while providing protection to the rear outdoor landscape. The entry becomes a gateway into this secret garden. Light breathes life into the living space in the morning and pours into the kitchen from the southern clerestory above. Our client, who currently plays the organ at weekly services, has working organ pipes that surround the fireplace enclosure. The pattern of the organ pipes is reflected in the perforated panels that screen the entry and filter light into the residence. Featured in Modern In Denver. (Photos by Chris Reilmann)
NILESThis private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow.
The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere.
The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment.
Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.
Transitions DesignsWith the renovation, we created a brand new conversation area for gathering & enjoying beautiful music compliments of the homeowner who is an avid pianist!
NILESThis private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow.
The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere.
The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment.
Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.
NILESThis private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow.
The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere.
The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment.
Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.
Nystrom DesignDavid Duncan Livingston
Living room - transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in San Francisco with a music area and blue walls
Living room - transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea in San Francisco with a music area and blue walls
Haus Interior DesignThis gorgeous home was featured in Northern Virginia Magazine. Even though it was horribly dated when we started, we saw tremendous potential! We started with Craftsman-like molding, and envisioned warm white walls and rich dark wood floors. Lots of texture through wallcoverings, window treatments and rich wool rugs transformed this grand home into a stunning project.
Kowalske Kitchen & BathKowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano.
Project Goals
+ Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather
+ Cooking functionality for their family farm
+ Add a workstation sink for easy food prep
+ Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection
+ Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
Challenges & Issues
+ Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist
+ Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop
+ Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home
+ The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions
Country Kitchen Features:
Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining.
Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals.
Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty.
Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens.
Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together.
New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests.
Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks.
Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently.
Country House Living Room:
New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC.
Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling.
Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room.
New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.
NILESThis private studio, built in collaboration with producer, engineer, and pianist Ian Miller, is a fully custom creative space designed around his workflow and artistic process. The project blended NILES’ technical execution with Ian’s hands-on finishing work, resulting in a studio where every corner has intention and every system supports a seamless, plug-and-play workflow.
The structure began as a barn-style two-car garage with a second floor. After exploring several layouts and engineering options, we landed on a design that leveraged the high ceilings and existing footprint to create a dynamic and spacious acoustic environment. Generous daylight from surrounding windows connects the interior to the outdoors, while layered textures, warm tones, and custom finishes create a grounded yet inspiring atmosphere.
The Control Room is fully isolated from the rest of the building with sound-reducing wall systems, a full soft-ceiling bass trap, tuned corner traps, treatment throughout, and full-lite doors for controlled transmission and visibility. Though modest in size, it delivers accurate monitoring and integrates smoothly with the larger live environment.
Roasted Bean Studio was built to support any direction Ian pursues—from producing to mixing to live performance. The space provides the sonic palette and creative flexibility needed for a wide range of projects, offering a visually inspiring and acoustically reliable environment that empowers his work every day.
Byggmeister IncPhoto by Jim Raycroft
Our client for this project, an amateur pianist, wanted to create a music room for a nice new piano he was planning to purchase. The project scope would also include a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space, but the new piano was the priority.
LIFTING THE CEILING
The client was moving into a row house, and hoped to accommodate occasional gatherings of musician friends for informal recitals. Because acoustics were important we asked sound engineers from Acentech to visit the site. They noted that the ideal space would have higher ceilings and would be more like a cube than the “half a cube” we were dealing with. “How can we raise the ceiling and make the space a cube?” our client asked.
Designer Josy Raycroft started to explore the possibility of combining the second and third floor units by removing the front half of second floor ceiling, thereby opening up a 2-story music space in the shape of a nearly perfect cube. Thus, the project turned from a straightforward floor plan modification into a complete reimagining of the whole row house, with the client’s new Steinway D as the focal point. Josy and the client started with the piano and created the space around it.
ADDRESSING EVERYDAY NEEDS
For the client’s more mundane needs, Josy switched the location of the bathroom and kitchen—moving the bathroom towards the middle of the second floor where it would be convenient to the rest of the spaces, and placing the kitchen towards the back. The remainder of the third floor was transformed into bedroom and office space open to the music room below.
Products and finishes coordinator Karin Mahdavi worked with the client to select understated finishes for the living spaces so that they would support the piano room without competing with it. As a result the living spaces flow seamlessly into the piano space, creating a coherent whole out of the different parts, kind of like a Schubert piano sonata.
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