Our client wanted a SIP built home and we incorporated this and many other energy and sustainability features into this home which was in the Sheboygan County Parade of Homes. Named "The Green Balanced Home", this project was all about creating practical and stunning living spaces that combined with sound environmental building materials and methods. By showcasing an assortment of leading-edge- green technologies, the Green Balanced Home was the talk of the Parade that year. In cooperation with our client, our methodology was: Start with the site: 1. Protected tree lines 2. Drought resistant vegetation 3. High proportion of natural, plantings versus higher maintenance lawn 4. Optimal home placement on lot for solar exposure 5. Narrower streets Build a high thermal envelope: 1. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam under basement, garage, and patio. 2. R-10 Gold Guard laminated EPS foam around exterior foundation walls. 3. R-10 ESP foam "shirt" around foundation 4. R-24 Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls, including garage 5. Sprayed foam in basement box sills and attic separation walls 6. R-15 garage door 7. R-60 blown cellulose attic insulation Add efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and electric utilization elements: 1. High efficiency fireplace with auxiliary ducting 2. Pull-out exterior wood-loading drawer 3. Air-to-air heat pump 4. 95% efficient, ultra-quiet variable capacity furnace 5. 19 SEER air conditioner 6. Five zones with programmable thermostats 7. Heat reclamation from hot water usage 8. LED lighting 9. Skylights 10. Energy Star appliances 11. Prep for in-floor heating system 12. Prep for photovoltaic (PV) solar 13. Prep for solar hot water Incorporate water conservation: 1. Rain water recapture for toilet flushing and irrigation 2. Motion activated hot water circulation system 3. Power flush toilets 4. Dual flush toilets Create high indoor air quality: 1. HEPA and UV filters 2. Air-to-air exchanger 3. Ultra-quiet bathroom fans with moisture sensor activation Integrate sustainable, efficient materials: * Expanded polystyrene (ESP) foam that does not emit HCFC "greenhouse" gases * Oriented strand board (OSB) based siding, trim, and shutters * SIPs panels that contain ESP an OSB * Carpeting pads made from recycled materials * Stewardship-certified cabinet manufacturing * Job site recycling and reduce waste with SIPs

The owners of this custom 1980’s contemporary home were ready for a new look that they aim to achieve in several phases. Their first priority was reimagining three bathrooms: a powder room, guest bath, and master bath. The original bathrooms were dark and in a grim brown palette. Renovations included new windows and a new gray-and-white palette with accents of warm clear-finished Sapele (in the form of custom, floating vanities), and brushed-nickel hardware. Each renovated bathroom was conceived to be a unique modern design within the new overall palette. The tiny power room includes an underwater enveloping wallpaper from Hygge & West. The guest bath boasts a herringbone gray-and-white encaustic floor tile, and the master bathroom gained a new window opening, full-height wall tile, and a generous custom walk-in shower. Next phases will likely include a new garage, new entry, and exterior makeover.

Nautical Themed Bath with a Steam Shower. Dating back to ancient Greece, a steam room is a common amenity in pools. Renowned Renovation combined this shower with a steam room powered by Kohler Technology.

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room. Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash. The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures. Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision! “We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!” Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

Amazing transformation of this original 1970's kitchen to a functional and beautiful large space. By taking out the wall between the kitchen and dining room we were able to double the size of the kitchen. A new double window is strategically placed for the best flow and esthetic. The key to making the space feel bigger and adding to the unique design was to create the large island with extra storage cabinets below, the command center with shallow cabinets on the left side of the kitchen and also to angle the end cabinets leading to the basement door and exterior back door. The homeowner chose to add even more storage with the large pantry at the end of the sink wall. The detailed legs on either side of the range add character and elegance to match the custom wood ventilation hood over their powerful new gas range. This young family now has the kitchen they always dreamed of. DREAM...DESIGN...LIVE...

The interior of this single family residential home was in need of a remodel. The space was enhanced aesthetically, re-worked for better functionality, and opened up for more natural light and space. The Key areas of focus were the kitchen, master bathroom, and master walk in closet. These areas were most changed architecturally. The spaces we reconfigured to make them more user friendly, adding storage and better foot traffic paths. A wall was removed that divided the kitchen and the living space providing better lighting and an open concept peninsula. The kitchen layout was also re-worked moving the refrigerator, stove, and sink to provide a better configuration for cooking and entertaining. The rest of the home was remodeled to coordinate with the finishes and selections of the master bath and kitchen.

High-functioning cooking area provides top-of-the-line cooktop, pull out spice cabinets, powerful hidden vent & tons of drawers for pot & pan storage. Mandi B Photography

This Lake Elsinore, California Kitchen transformation was designed to create a bright, open great room that better serves this family of four. By expanding the original footprint, we transformed a dark, cramped kitchen into a fresh, minimalist space featuring crisp white and sage cabinetry, removing soffits, adding abundant storage, generous counter space, and a large island designed for everything from sourdough bread making to everyday family gatherings. A dedicated prep area ensures multiple cooks can comfortably work together, making the kitchen as functional as it is beautiful. Ginger Rabe Designs collaborated closely with the project's general contractor to install the space, delivering the completed renovation just in time for the homeowners' annual Fourth of July celebration. The dramatic before-and-after photos truly speak for themselves, showcasing the power of thoughtful design and expert execution.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional laminate floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photography by Paige Kilgore
Large beach style u-shaped concrete floor open concept kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped vinyl floor, gray floor and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen photo in Tampa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Amy Birrer I have been working as a kitchen and bath designer in the Pacific Northwest for 13 years. I love engaging with new clients, ascertaining their needs through various interviews and meetings and then collaborating as we build their finished concept together. The variety of design styles, room layouts and function changes so much between one person and the next that no two finished products are remotely the same. This fluidity allows for endless possibilities for exploration in my field. It keeps the job interesting and has always given me a particular sense of reward and accomplishment as we near completion. The greatest personal recompense in this chosen profession is being able to walk with a client through this process and come out the other side with that client feeling elated with the end result.

THE SETUP The original primary bathroom was characterized by a disjointed and segmented layout. The shower featured a bulky glass-block enclosure that overwhelmed the space visually. There was a considerable amount of open, unused space, and despite having a his and hers vanity, the arrangement lacked personal space for each user, as they shared the conjoined space between the sinks. The toilet was inconveniently located right by the door, with a half-wall partition meant to provide privacy but instead contributing to a cramped and unbalanced feel. Overall, the bathroom’s layout and design were fragmented, failing to make the most of the available space and lacking adequate storage solutions. Design objectives: - Reconfigure the layout to enhance functionality and flow. - Create an elegant, upscale aesthetic that is light and bright. - Incorporate specialized storage solutions for female hair care needs. - Increase overall storage capacity. - Develop a spa-like shower experience. - Provide a significant wow factor to the space. THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Repositioning the toilet to a more suitable location. - Designing hair care storage solutions without cluttering the elegant space. - Balancing an upscale, elegant design with a feminine touch in the color palette. - Increasing the brightness of the room without adding windows. - Completely replacing the existing shower to create a spa-like experience. - Planning new storage solutions without adding bulkiness or clutter to the cabinetry. THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Toilet Relocation: Moved the toilet by the window, creating a better overall layout that also opened up two full walls for cabinetry and storage solutions. Specialized Vanity Storage: The left side of the left vanity is the wife’s. Open shelves facing across the vanity can be used for decorative or daily needs items. Pull-out docking drawers with power outlets and metal basins handle hot hair appliances. Bright and Elegant Color Scheme: White cabinets, countertops, floors, and shower walls keep the space bright. The just-off-white wall color with a hint of pink adds a feminine touch. Thin wainscoting with white trim offers traditional-leaning elegance. Layered Lighting Strategy: Ceiling can lights, sconces, lighted mirrors, and toe-kick lighting were installed. Natural light-rated bulbs keep the space bright and natural-feeling. Spa-Like Shower: An extra-large shower was created using the same floor tile materials for continuity. Equipped with a Kohler Anthem system with a shower head, hand-held, and four body sprays. His and Hers niches for separate body care product storage. Enhanced Storage Solutions: Added a linen cabinet within the vanity area for efficient storage of towels and bathroom essentials. This elegant bathroom feels incredibly spacious now. The color palette and lights keep the room bright and cheery. Gold fixtures, the herringbone pattern on the floor, and exquisite trim work add an elegant touch. With the husband and wife having their own vanity wall sections joined at the corner, each user truly has their own space within the space. The clients are very happy with the final result.

Aaron Vry
Alcove shower - mid-sized contemporary 3/4 beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove shower idea in Las Vegas with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and white walls

This 1950s home was sporting elements of the original kitchen and the dark space was not meeting our client’s needs. The original kitchen didn’t have much to offer in the way of functionality, so our first order of business was to create a design that would exponentially increase the usability of the kitchen. We brought in functional cabinetry, introduced uninterrupted work surfaces, and added plenty of lighting to brighten up their kitchen. They also wanted to open the new kitchen to the living room and create space for a larger dining table, so we started by removing the existing cabinetry that was visually cut the living space in two and minimized the power of the dramatic vaulted ceiling. We also extended the wood flooring into the kitchen as well to create seamless transitions between spaces. We fell in love with the idea of a two-toned cabinetry design for this kitchen and ultimately went head over heels for clean white painted base cabinets and a textured wood-look melamine on the uppers. This gave us a crisp backdrop that allowed us to bring is fun forms like the black light fixture over the table and the gorgeous silhouettes on the hardware. We played a lot with directionality in this space. The elongated open shelves and rectangular backsplash tiles give us wonderfully clean horizontal lines, but to balance those out we brought in a vertical grain pattern on the wall cabinets and added long black cabinetry pulls that emphasize the verticality of the space. The clients have a green thumb and wanted to make sure we created a home for their growing plant collection. The open shelving gives us plenty of opportunities for foliage and to showcase fun kitchen accessories. This design feels like home and brings together the clean lines and crisp finishes our clients were looking for.

Mid-sized transitional eat-in kitchen photo in Other with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

As readers of architect/designer Katie Hutchison’s book The New Cottage (Taunton Press 2018), these homeowners approached KHS about designing a second home in Westerly, Rhode Island. Theirs is a double-long lot with street frontage on both ends, a short walk from the water. In addition to the new house, their wish list included a new lap pool (with associated patio) and new garage. Aesthetically, they were looking to create an informally elegant, human-scaled family compound, engaged with the site and connected with the outdoors. They further requested sustainable features/systems and low-maintenance materials. In response, KHS proposed an ell-shaped house that wraps two sides of a lap pool/patio. A porch-fronted two-story gabled component faces the main street and is flanked by the one-story primary suite in one leg of the ell and the one-story kitchen and rear porches in the other leg of the ell. The house is an efficient +/- 2800 square-feet and contains four bedrooms and three and one half bathrooms. A salt-box inspired garage is detached so as not to increase the building massing. It helps shape outdoor spaces and doesn’t block daylight and direct exterior access from the house. It faces the secondary street. Driveways off both streets offer different modes of arrival. The south-facing roof of the two-story volume – which includes three bedrooms and two baths – and the south-facing one-story roof of the kitchen and rear porches, as well as the south-facing roof of the garage support 47 photovoltaic solar panels, providing the bulk of the property’s electric power. Two oversized exterior folding glass doors off the living area and kitchen blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, welcoming abundant daylight, views of the pool and patio, as well as summer breezes. An airy living/dining area includes a long custom window seat and borders a semi-open kitchen beneath a cathedral ceiling. Living area built-in shelving frames a TV and surrounds a modern efficient pellet stove. A cheerful interior palette of soft hues features pops of color, Scandinavian wallpapers, custom textiles, and a dash of warm wood accents in the form of counters, built-in desks, and custom furnishings. On the exterior, natural shingles side the main volume and environmentally friendly and durable Boral board-and-batten side the one-story components and garage, communicating a legible hierarchy of spaces. The overall effect is a breezy, crisp New England home, pool patio, and garage for today’s living.

This shower design features large format Firenze marble tile from #thetileshop, #Kohler purist fixtures and a custom made shower pan recessed into the concrete slab to create a one of a kind zero curb shower. Featuring a herringbone mosaic marble for the shower floor, custom bench with quartz top to match the vanity, recessed shampoo niche with matching pencil edging and an extended glass surround, you feel the difference from basic economy to first class when you step into this space ✈️ The Kohler Purist shower system consists of a ceiling mounted rain head, handheld wand sprayer and wall mounted shower head that features innovative Katalyst air-induction technology, which efficiently mixes air and water to produce large water droplets and deliver a powerful, thoroughly drenching overhead shower experience, simulating the soaking deluge of a warm summer downpour. We love the vibrant brushed bronze finish on these fixtures as it brings out the sultry effect in the bathroom and when paired with classic marble it adds a clean, minimal feel whilst also being the showstopper of the space ?

This floating two-sink vanity in the master bathroom features wood-grain flat-panel cabinets and undermount sinks. The vertical lighting fixtures and separate mirrors help to illuminate the room and accentuate the natural lighting of this space.