This Palo Alto full home remodel blends modern architecture with elegant design. The main level features a striking staircase with glass railing walls leading up to the kitchen, which is separated from the dining area for an open yet defined layout. The kitchen showcases a large white marble island, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting that adds warmth and sophistication. Adjacent to the dining room is a patio that extends the living space outdoors. The bedroom includes custom built-in shelving and access to a private patio that opens into a bright sunroom filled with natural light—perfect for relaxation. Every detail of this Palo Alto remodel highlights modern craftsmanship, functionality, and refined comfort.

This soothing transitional kitchen has an extremely comfortable and welcoming feel due to the color scheme. The perimeter cabinets are Sonoma Maple in Pebble Java while the contrasting island is Shadow Charcoal. The Cambria quartz countertops are Sussex on the perimeter and Darlington for the island. To add height to this room, we took the wall cabinets up to the 9 foot ceiling with a decorative stacked crown. The long wall features two very large pantry cabinets as well as a nice buffet/butlers pantry area with glass doors and appliance garages. Storage is maximized in this kitchen leaving the homeowner with cabinet space to fill! Many conveniences are included such as the waste basket pullout, pots and pans drawers, roll outs in the pantry cabinet, and of course, the appliance garages! This was a great project to work on!

This is pole house traditional construction, like a canoe hale. Hale means house. Large extending dickey roofs over expansive lanai's that capture the view of the West Maui mountains the south and north shores of Maui. We demolished the entire kitchen and segmented breakfast nook-expanded the exterior wall out 7 ft and filled in with new appliances, cabinet layouts, center island etc. For Chef Craig Anderson-long time a GM of Westin hotels, started as an executive chef. We also designed it around the massive stone fireplace in the living area-enjoying the hale giant ceilings spaces as well.

A very cute kitchen update for a Cape Cod brick home in Spring Grove Village. We opened the wall between the kitchen and dining room just enough to have some energy crossover between spaces. Featured is Create Good Sinks' 31" ledge sink with offset drain to the right (5LS31R). It is shown with our stainless steel ledge roll mat. It's a great accessory for drying dishes, filling heavy pots, and rinsing produce. It's clever design lets you roll it up or fold it when you don't need the full width.

This soothing transitional kitchen has an extremely comfortable and welcoming feel due to the color scheme. The perimeter cabinets are Sonoma Maple in Pebble Java while the contrasting island is Shadow Charcoal. The Cambria quartz countertops are Sussex on the perimeter and Darlington for the island. To add height to this room, we took the wall cabinets up to the 9 foot ceiling with a decorative stacked crown. The long wall features two very large pantry cabinets as well as a nice buffet/butlers pantry area with glass doors and appliance garages. Storage is maximized in this kitchen leaving the homeowner with cabinet space to fill! Many conveniences are included such as the waste basket pullout, pots and pans drawers, roll outs in the pantry cabinet, and of course, the appliance garages! This was a great project to work on!

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

Beautiful kitchen, dining room, and living room renovation by Design Matters! Our client's home features Signature Custom Cabinetry Luca Inset Door and full overlay in both Decorator's White and TC Pewter. We selected honed Marble Counters and fireplace wall from DaVinci Marble in San Carlos. We selected Marble Systems back splash from All Natural Stone. Our client's home features Wolf/Sub Zero Appliances and Custom hood with Stainless bands and brass rivets. The Cedar and Moss pendants glow over the island. Our client completed her dining room and family room make over with a custom hutch/ work station/ entertainment center all in one! A wonderful functional use of space!

This soothing transitional kitchen has an extremely comfortable and welcoming feel due to the color scheme. The perimeter cabinets are Sonoma Maple in Pebble Java while the contrasting island is Shadow Charcoal. The Cambria quartz countertops are Sussex on the perimeter and Darlington for the island. To add height to this room, we took the wall cabinets up to the 9 foot ceiling with a decorative stacked crown. The long wall features two very large pantry cabinets as well as a nice buffet/butlers pantry area with glass doors and appliance garages. Storage is maximized in this kitchen leaving the homeowner with cabinet space to fill! Many conveniences are included such as the waste basket pullout, pots and pans drawers, roll outs in the pantry cabinet, and of course, the appliance garages! This was a great project to work on!

The image displays a modern living room setup centered around a large, black flat-screen television mounted on a white wall. Flanking the television are two tall, narrow shelving units with a dark metal frame and light wood shelves. The shelving units contain various decorative items, including potted plants, books, vases, and geometric ornaments. Below the television, a dark brown entertainment console with multiple open compartments, some of which are filled with woven baskets, books, and a vintage-style camera. The overall color palette is neutral and earthy, with prominent whites, browns, and blacks. The light wood of the shelves and the wooden floor provide warmth to the scene, contrasting with the darker elements of the console and television. The composition is balanced, with the television as the focal point and the shelving units and console creating a sense of symmetrical stylish living area.

This Palo Alto full home remodel blends modern architecture with elegant design. The main level features a striking staircase with glass railing walls leading up to the kitchen, which is separated from the dining area for an open yet defined layout. The kitchen showcases a large white marble island, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting that adds warmth and sophistication. Adjacent to the dining room is a patio that extends the living space outdoors. The bedroom includes custom built-in shelving and access to a private patio that opens into a bright sunroom filled with natural light—perfect for relaxation. Every detail of this Palo Alto remodel highlights modern craftsmanship, functionality, and refined comfort.

This soothing transitional kitchen has an extremely comfortable and welcoming feel due to the color scheme. The perimeter cabinets are Sonoma Maple in Pebble Java while the contrasting island is Shadow Charcoal. The Cambria quartz countertops are Sussex on the perimeter and Darlington for the island. To add height to this room, we took the wall cabinets up to the 9 foot ceiling with a decorative stacked crown. The long wall features two very large pantry cabinets as well as a nice buffet/butlers pantry area with glass doors and appliance garages. Storage is maximized in this kitchen leaving the homeowner with cabinet space to fill! Many conveniences are included such as the waste basket pullout, pots and pans drawers, roll outs in the pantry cabinet, and of course, the appliance garages! This was a great project to work on!

photographed by Neil Landino
Inspiration for a transitional dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls

We really opened up and reorganized this kitchen to give the clients a more modern update and increased functionality and storage. The backsplash is a main focal point and the color palette is very sleek while being warm and inviting. Cabinetry: Ultracraft Destiny, Avon door in Arctic White on the perimeter and Mineral Grey on the island and bar shelving Hardware: Hamilton-Bowes Ventoux Pull in satin brass Counters: Aurea Stone Divine, 3cm quartz Sinks: Blanco Silgranit in white, Precis super single bowl with Performa single in bar Faucets: California Faucets Poetto series in satin brass, pull down and pull-down prep faucet in bar, matching cold water dispenser, air switch, and air gap Pot filler: Newport Brass East Linear in satin brass Backsplash tile: Marble Systems Mod-Glam collection Blocks mosaic in glacier honed - snow white polished - brass accents behind range and hood, using 3x6 snow white as field tile in a brick lay Appliances: Wolf dual fuel 48" range w/ griddle, 30" microwave drawer, 24" coffee system w/ trim; Best Cologne series 48" hood; GE Monogram wine chiller; Hoshizaki stainless ice maker; Bosch benchmark series dishwasher

A Travis Heights courtyard built to grow into itself. The vine over the pergola has filled in thick enough to throw real shade now, and the brick underfoot has that warm, lived-in feel that only gets better with time. Potted plants find their spots, a long table sits in the dappled light, and string lights run overhead for the evenings. One corner is made for ending the day: a simple fire bowl, a stack of firewood within arm's reach, low chairs on gravel, and a warm plaster wall to sit against. Along the back, a stock tank garden and easy planting keep the whole space green and cool through the Austin summer. Nothing overworked, nothing precious. Just a courtyard that feels like somewhere people actually live. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Austin, Texas.

A kitchen designed for both quiet mornings and serious cooking. The custom plaster-finished hood anchors the space, framed by book-matched marble slab that runs the full height of the backsplash and up onto a display ledge for oils and everyday essentials. Antique brass sconces cast a warm glow across the room, echoing the brass knobs and cup pulls on the surrounding shaker-style cabinetry, while a polished nickel pot filler adds both function and old-world charm above the sleek induction cooktop. Underfoot, wide-plank oak flooring with a custom inlay border grounds the space in timeless warmth, balancing the airy, light-filled palette with a sense of craftsmanship throughout.

This soothing transitional kitchen has an extremely comfortable and welcoming feel due to the color scheme. The perimeter cabinets are Sonoma Maple in Pebble Java while the contrasting island is Shadow Charcoal. The Cambria quartz countertops are Sussex on the perimeter and Darlington for the island. To add height to this room, we took the wall cabinets up to the 9 foot ceiling with a decorative stacked crown. The long wall features two very large pantry cabinets as well as a nice buffet/butlers pantry area with glass doors and appliance garages. Storage is maximized in this kitchen leaving the homeowner with cabinet space to fill! Many conveniences are included such as the waste basket pullout, pots and pans drawers, roll outs in the pantry cabinet, and of course, the appliance garages! This was a great project to work on!

A Travis Heights courtyard built to grow into itself. The vine over the pergola has filled in thick enough to throw real shade now, and the brick underfoot has that warm, lived-in feel that only gets better with time. Potted plants find their spots, a long table sits in the dappled light, and string lights run overhead for the evenings. One corner is made for ending the day: a simple fire bowl, a stack of firewood within arm's reach, low chairs on gravel, and a warm plaster wall to sit against. Along the back, a stock tank garden and easy planting keep the whole space green and cool through the Austin summer. Nothing overworked, nothing precious. Just a courtyard that feels like somewhere people actually live. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Austin, Texas.

A Travis Heights courtyard built to grow into itself. The vine over the pergola has filled in thick enough to throw real shade now, and the brick underfoot has that warm, lived-in feel that only gets better with time. Potted plants find their spots, a long table sits in the dappled light, and string lights run overhead for the evenings. One corner is made for ending the day: a simple fire bowl, a stack of firewood within arm's reach, low chairs on gravel, and a warm plaster wall to sit against. Along the back, a stock tank garden and easy planting keep the whole space green and cool through the Austin summer. Nothing overworked, nothing precious. Just a courtyard that feels like somewhere people actually live. Designed and built by Studio Rostrata in Austin, Texas.

This custom kitchen renovation pairs classic Bay Area architecture with refined, functional design. Shaker-style cabinetry in soft warm white is finished with unlacquered brass hardware, while a Calacatta-veined marble backsplash and countertops rise behind a pot filler and integrated cooktop beneath a hand-shaped plaster hood. A dual Miele wall oven wing anchors one side of the room, and a farmhouse apron sink sits beneath a wall of black-framed windows that fill the space with natural light. Herringbone-inlaid white oak flooring grounds the room, striking a balance between everyday livability and quiet, elevated craftsmanship.