Design Statement: My design challenge was to create and build a new ultra modern kitchen with a futuristic flare. This state of the art kitchen was to be equipped with an ample amount of usable storage and a better view of the outside while balancing design and function. Some of the project goals were to include the following; a multi-level island with seating for four people, dramatic use of lighting, state of the art appliances, a generous view of the outside and last but not least, to create a kitchen space that looks like no other...”The WOW Factor”. This challenging project was a completely new design and full renovation. The existing kitchen was outdated and in desperate need help. My new design required me to remove existing walls, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electric…a complete demolition. My job functions were to be the interior designer, GC, electrician and a laborer. Construction and Design The existing kitchen had one small window in it like many kitchens. The main difficulty was…how to create more windows while gaining more cabinet storage. As a designer, our clients require us to think out of the box and give them something that they may have never dreamed of. I did just that. I created two 8’ glass backsplashes (with no visible supports) on the corner of the house. This was not easy task, engineering of massive blind headers and lam beams were used to support the load of the new floating walls. A generous amount of 48” high wall cabinets flank the new walls and appear floating in air seamlessly above the glass backsplash. Technology and Design The dramatic use of the latest in LED lighting was used. From color changing accent lights, high powered multi-directional spot lights, decorative soffit lights, under cabinet and above cabinet LED tape lights…all to be controlled from wall panels or mobile devises. A built-in ipad also controls not only the lighting, but a climate controlled thermostat, house wide music streaming with individually controlled zones, alarm system, video surveillance system and door bell. Materials and design Large amounts of glass and gloss; glass backsplash, iridescent glass tiles, raised glass island counter top, Quartz counter top with iridescent glass chips infused in it. 24” x 24” high polished porcelain tile flooring to give the appearance of water or glass. The custom cabinets are high gloss lacquer with a metallic fleck. All doors and drawers are Blum soft-close. The result is an ultra sleek and highly sophisticated design. Appliances and design All appliances were chosen for the ultimate in sleekness. These appliances include: a 48” built-in custom paneled subzero refrigerator/freezer, a built-in Miele dishwasher that is so quiet that it shoots a red led light on the floor to let you know that its on., a 36” Miele induction cook top and a built-in 200 bottle wine cooler. Some other cool features are the led kitchen faucet that changes color based on the water temperature. A stainless and glass wall hood with led lights. All duct work was built into the stainless steel toe kicks and grooves were cut into it to release airflow. Photography by Mark Oser

This Gainesville kitchen remodel incorporates classic wood cabinetry, a custom wood hood, and a Café Countertops wood countertop section on the island that gives this Gainesville kitchen design a one-of-a-kind look. The Eclipse Cabinetry Lancaster door is a classic shaker style with a beige painted finish, all accented by Top Knobs pewter finish knobs. A custom wood hood matches the cabinet finish, and a furniture style hutch with glass front cabinet doors. A Silestone Lusso quartz countertop is a perfect fit in this beautiful kitchen design, paired with Akua 3x6 pastel snow white glossy tile backsplash. The island countertop is finished with a stunning section of wood countertop from Cafe Countertops, which makes a perfect dining space with barstools. The island also includes a Miseno sink and Riobel faucet, as well as a handy pop-up power pod. The bright space incorporates ample lighting including undercabinet lights and recessed can lights LED 3000k.

Small kitchens can be challenging when it comes to storage, but there's a surprisingly easy way to add a small extra shelf in your upper cabinets. This project just takes minutes to do, is easy to customize to fit any kitchen cabinet and I didn't use any power tools, screws or nails. It makes such a huge difference in how much you can store in your cabinets, you'll wish you had done this project a long time ago!

This transitional style kitchen design in Gainesville has an eye catching color scheme in cool shades of gray with vibrant accents of blue throughout the space. The gray perimeter kitchen cabinets coordinate perfectly with a matching custom hood, and glass front upper cabinets are ideal for displaying decorative items. The island cabinetry is a lighter shade of gray and includes open shelves at both ends. The design is complemented by an engineered quartz countertop and light gray tile backsplash. Throughout the space, vibrant pops of blue accent the kitchen design, from small accessories to the blue chevron patterned glass tile featured above the range. The island barstools and a banquette seating area also feature the signature blue tones, as well as the stunning blue sliding barn door. The design is finished with glass pendant lights, a Sub Zero refrigerator and Wolf oven and range, and a wood look tile floor.

Another beautiful Bungalow kitchen remodel in the Northrop neighborhood of South Minneapolis. These homeowners contacted Castle planning for a whole kitchen renovation, which included opening the existing kitchen into the dining room so the family could enjoy a more multi-purpose space. The original (1927) built-in buffet cabinet between the kitchen and dining was re-homed to a vintage salvage room in Minneapolis for a new future life. The homeowners did not want a boring kitchen. We also focused on matching the original style/feel of the home but rejuvenated. A fresh traditional kitchen design was planned to provide better function for the family’s needs and also a beautiful style to the heart of their home. New hardwood floors carry into the kitchen to match the existing hardwoods. New custom-built flush-inset cabinetry was designed with a wonderful two-tone color scheme. The new cabinetry includes custom storage, glass uppers and accessories; silverware tray divides, trash pull-out, outlet docking drawer for phones to charge, custom shelf roll-outs and lazy susan corners. Castle selected historic paint colors by Benjamin Moore to keep within the period of the home. The base cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore, Tarrytown green and the uppers in a soft white (BM, Ballet white). By doing two cabinetry colors, Castle was able to create some unique interest and anchor the base cabinet to the floor while still having light walls with the white cabinetry. New marble patterned Cambria Quartz countertops were selected in the luxurious and classic Torquay design. To complete the walls, traditional white subway tile was installed. Along with the beautiful finishes, we also improved light quality in the space. New windows were installed increasing from 2 windows to 3 windows with an additional window to the backyard. We also installed 2 Solatubes for additional natural lighting. The Solatubes also include a solar-powered night light and additional light kit for night time use. Overall, the new traditional kitchen is much like a spring day – light, airy and inviting! Come see the space on Castle’s Educational Home Tour, Fall 2018!

total gut and rebuild to expand a kitchen footprint into the dining room and create a huge cooking and entertaining space. We removed the load bearing wall that separated the dining and kitchen area and installed an engineered beam in the ceiling to carry the load and open up the space. Relocating the sink, oven range and electrical enabled us to restructure and give our clients the kitchen of their dreams. This eclectic design features: ✨ Cambria Harlech quartz countertops which have sophisticated, rich coppers and golds dancing behind a dramatic dark brown copper vein paired with a stainless steel subway tile backsplash for a modern industrial style edge ✨ Floor to ceiling elevated Shaker style cabinetry with beadboard accent, a decorative venthood and butcher block island with ornate legs giving this space lots of personality ✨ All the bells & whistles for the home chef - microwave drawer in the butcher block prep island with trash can drawer, 6 burner professional range with pot filler and high powered range hood above and a huge single basin apron front sink. This collaboration of modern features, traditional elements and industrial-inspired accents was blended just right to create a sophisticated kitchen that's also warm and inviting.

This Escondido area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking to build a living space for an aging relative. ADUs, also often known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites” are perfect for aging-in-place, short or long-term rentals, or for extra space on your property to increase the value of your home. The Challenge: Design an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and living space for an elderly relative on a fixed budget. The space is needed to provide as much complete independence and privacy for the relative as possible. The ADU also needed to fit a specific area in the backyard that did not impede on the existing outdoor entertainment area or pool. Since the area of the build is located in a warmer area of San Diego’s North County, summertime power consumption and indoor temperature were a concern. The Solution: For budget purposes, the shape of the unit was kept as a basic rectangle, since odd shapes and angles present challenges and additional costs to engineer and build. Since there was the possibility of guests or perhaps more than one person at a time using the ADU, the bathroom was given an independent entry. A closet was placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to help provide a sound buffer. Floors were designed as polished concrete to help maintain a cooler ambient temperature during the summer months. Light colors on the cabinets, walls, and ceilings along with dual paned vinyl windows provide ample light, temperature control, and ventilation.

Photo taken during installation of rainwater tanks on over-engineered retaining wall blocks for which were donated kindly by Oldcastle. 12,000 gallons of rainwater collection, full after 5.26 inches of rain -- which happens 10-12 times per year in Houston. Purpose: feed and heal the poor, senior residents with healthier local fruit grown onsite.

This transitional kitchen design in Lake Forest is packed with professional quality features interwoven with personal touches that bring out the personality of the homeowner. Earthy tones feature throughout this kitchen design from the ceiling beam to the raised panel kitchen cabinets to the multi-toned glass mosaic tile backsplash. This gives the open plan kitchen a warm appeal that will make it the center of life in this home. A luxury vinyl tile floor pulls together the space with an easy to maintain material with the look of hardwood flooring. Upper glass front kitchen cabinets add light and depth to the room and offer space to display glassware and dishes. The cabinetry is offset by an engineered quartz countertop and cabinet hardware that includes unique fish-shaped drawer pulls. This adds an eclectic edge to the kitchen design and brings out the personality of the homeowner, who is a fisherman. The kitchen remodel also brought in professional quality appliances, creating an ideal space for an avid home chef to create culinary masterpieces. The Thor professional oven and range combined with a Vent-a-Hood range hood and a pot filler faucet offer the perfect space for day-to-day cooking or creating special meals for family and friends. A large Kohler Stages stainless steel Chef’s undermount sink in the island pairs with a Grohe pull down sprayer faucet, offering ample room for everything from preparing food to cleaning large pots. The island also features angled power strips that fit neatly under the edge of the countertop. A Samsung refrigerator, LG built-in microwave, and Bosch dishwasher complete the food storage and cooking area of this kitchen design. Ample lighting brightens up the space, including recessed lights and pendants over the island. Undercabinet lighting highlights the stunning backsplash and offers additional task lighting in the cooking area. This is a kitchen design that will be the center of life for years to come!

The greenhouse includes: • Aquaponics systems to grow plants and fish • A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education classroom under a solar canopy • A rainwater collection and purification system, with both 1,200 and 500-gallon cisterns, that uses a series of ultraviolet light, filters, and pumps to make the water safe for the aquatic living environment • Maintenance-free materials and design • Zero operating cost

total gut and rebuild to expand a kitchen footprint into the dining room and create a huge cooking and entertaining space. We removed the load bearing wall that separated the dining and kitchen area and installed an engineered beam in the ceiling to carry the load and open up the space. Relocating the sink, oven range and electrical enabled us to restructure and give our clients the kitchen of their dreams. This eclectic design features: ✨ Cambria Harlech quartz countertops which have sophisticated, rich coppers and golds dancing behind a dramatic dark brown copper vein paired with a stainless steel subway tile backsplash for a modern industrial style edge ✨ Floor to ceiling elevated Shaker style cabinetry with beadboard accent, a decorative venthood and butcher block island with ornate legs giving this space lots of personality ✨ All the bells & whistles for the home chef - microwave drawer in the butcher block prep island with trash can drawer, 6 burner professional range with pot filler and high powered range hood above and a huge single basin apron front sink. This collaboration of modern features, traditional elements and industrial-inspired accents was blended just right to create a sophisticated kitchen that's also warm and inviting.

Walnut fronts for the custom cabinets were chosen for their rich texture and visual depth, balanced by the light-colored quartz countertops and clean lines of the millwork and fixtures. The backsplash tile from Heath Ceramics provides a splash of color in the otherwise neutral palette. A walnut butcher block bartop floating against a generous work island both divides and connects the kitchen with the living area in the new open plan. In competition for favorite gathering spot will be the hearth, where a custom steel panel chimney wrap and a new gas-powered fireplace insert can create coziness on-demand. Throughout the main level, entry landing, and stair, new engineered hardwood flooring replaced worn carpet and linoleum. New trim, a fresh coat of paint, and an updated lighting package were also specified to unify the previously disconnected spaces and harmonize with the existing details of the home.

This Escondido area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking to build a living space for an aging relative. ADUs, also often known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites” are perfect for aging-in-place, short or long-term rentals, or for extra space on your property to increase the value of your home. The Challenge: Design an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and living space for an elderly relative on a fixed budget. The space is needed to provide as much complete independence and privacy for the relative as possible. The ADU also needed to fit a specific area in the backyard that did not impede on the existing outdoor entertainment area or pool. Since the area of the build is located in a warmer area of San Diego’s North County, summertime power consumption and indoor temperature were a concern. The Solution: For budget purposes, the shape of the unit was kept as a basic rectangle, since odd shapes and angles present challenges and additional costs to engineer and build. Since there was the possibility of guests or perhaps more than one person at a time using the ADU, the bathroom was given an independent entry. A closet was placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to help provide a sound buffer. Floors were designed as polished concrete to help maintain a cooler ambient temperature during the summer months. Light colors on the cabinets, walls, and ceilings along with dual paned vinyl windows provide ample light, temperature control, and ventilation.

This beautiful farmhouse kitchen in Holland, Pennsylvania features white shaker cabinetry with hickory stained accents, Calacatta quartz countertops and ceramic backslash with a handcrafted look. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware and fixtures.

In the heart of this well-appointed kitchen, culinary excellence meets design harmony, with exceptional features that elevate both functionality and aesthetics. The Thermador cooktop, Thermador vent hood, and herringbone porcelain tile backsplash are a testament to a kitchen that seamlessly blends culinary precision with style. The Thermador cooktop is a culinary aficionado's dream come true. Its precision-engineered burners and intuitive controls offer the ultimate cooking experience. Whether you're sautéing, simmering, or searing, this cooktop ensures consistent and precise heat control. It's the perfect canvas for culinary creativity. Above, the Thermador vent hood adds a touch of modern elegance and ensures that your kitchen stays fresh and free of cooking odors. Its sleek design and powerful extraction capabilities create a culinary atmosphere that's as pleasant as practical. Completing the design is the herringbone porcelain tile backsplash, which adds a touch of timeless charm to the kitchen's design. The herringbone pattern is not only visually captivating but also serves as a protective and easy-to-clean barrier for the cooking area. It's a subtle yet striking design choice that enhances the overall aesthetics.

total gut and rebuild to expand a kitchen footprint into the dining room and create a huge cooking and entertaining space. We removed the load bearing wall that separated the dining and kitchen area and installed an engineered beam in the ceiling to carry the load and open up the space. Relocating the sink, oven range and electrical enabled us to restructure and give our clients the kitchen of their dreams. This eclectic design features: ✨ Cambria Harlech quartz countertops which have sophisticated, rich coppers and golds dancing behind a dramatic dark brown copper vein paired with a stainless steel subway tile backsplash for a modern industrial style edge ✨ Floor to ceiling elevated Shaker style cabinetry with beadboard accent, a decorative venthood and butcher block island with ornate legs giving this space lots of personality ✨ All the bells & whistles for the home chef - microwave drawer in the butcher block prep island with trash can drawer, 6 burner professional range with pot filler and high powered range hood above and a huge single basin apron front sink. This collaboration of modern features, traditional elements and industrial-inspired accents was blended just right to create a sophisticated kitchen that's also warm and inviting.

total gut and rebuild to expand a kitchen footprint into the dining room and create a huge cooking and entertaining space. We removed the load bearing wall that separated the dining and kitchen area and installed an engineered beam in the ceiling to carry the load and open up the space. Relocating the sink, oven range and electrical enabled us to restructure and give our clients the kitchen of their dreams. This eclectic design features: ✨ Cambria Harlech quartz countertops which have sophisticated, rich coppers and golds dancing behind a dramatic dark brown copper vein paired with a stainless steel subway tile backsplash for a modern industrial style edge ✨ Floor to ceiling elevated Shaker style cabinetry with beadboard accent, a decorative venthood and butcher block island with ornate legs giving this space lots of personality ✨ All the bells & whistles for the home chef - microwave drawer in the butcher block prep island with trash can drawer, 6 burner professional range with pot filler and high powered range hood above and a huge single basin apron front sink. This collaboration of modern features, traditional elements and industrial-inspired accents was blended just right to create a sophisticated kitchen that's also warm and inviting.

A wall opens to reveal a large kitchen space upon entering this suburban home in Southern California. A large skylight floods the foyer with light now, which was once dark and segregated. The kitchen revolves around a long and thin island, providing ample workspace and tucks away additional appliances like the wine fridge and microwave drawer. By taking down the upper cabinets, the peninsula now offers an unobstructed view to the dining and the view beyond of the canyon.

This Escondido area homeowner came to Specialty Home Improvement looking to build a living space for an aging relative. ADUs, also often known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites” are perfect for aging-in-place, short or long-term rentals, or for extra space on your property to increase the value of your home. The Challenge: Design an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and living space for an elderly relative on a fixed budget. The space is needed to provide as much complete independence and privacy for the relative as possible. The ADU also needed to fit a specific area in the backyard that did not impede on the existing outdoor entertainment area or pool. Since the area of the build is located in a warmer area of San Diego’s North County, summertime power consumption and indoor temperature were a concern. The Solution: For budget purposes, the shape of the unit was kept as a basic rectangle, since odd shapes and angles present challenges and additional costs to engineer and build. Since there was the possibility of guests or perhaps more than one person at a time using the ADU, the bathroom was given an independent entry. A closet was placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to help provide a sound buffer. Floors were designed as polished concrete to help maintain a cooler ambient temperature during the summer months. Light colors on the cabinets, walls, and ceilings along with dual paned vinyl windows provide ample light, temperature control, and ventilation.