In this remodel, the client wanted more space for recreation and entertaining as well as a peaceful retreat in their existing home. A detached two-car garage provided the ideal medium for this purpose, in which the biggest challenge was minimizing the visual impact of the transformation. A gable-ended addition to the garage and a half-story above allowed for a sport court and a large entertaining space, without appearing too massive from the street. A bridge creates an interior connection between the home and the garage’s upper level. An ARDA for Renovation Design goes to Royal Oaks Design Designer: Kieran Liebl From: Oakdale, Minnesota

This was a small cabin located in South Lake Tahoe, CA that was built in 1947. The existing kitchen was tiny, inefficient & in much need of an update. The owners wanted lots of storage and much more counter space. One challenge was to incorporate a washer and dryer into the space and another was to maintain the local flavor of the existing cabin while modernizing the features. The final photos in this project show the before photos.

The client wanted a modern and bright open concept kitchen, dining room, and living room. There were some small challenges with the existing plumbing and the ductwork runs had to be rerouted. The end result is a gorgeous and functional modern space that suites the client’s lifestyle.

This beautiful kitchen was updated with new upper cabinets, new brass hardware, and a glass panel pantry door. A fun pop of color was added with a turquoise desk area.

The complete renovation of this existing single-family home took the existing structure down to the studs. The addition of a new wood-clad box and cantilevered roof mark the entrance. Smooth stucco, large-format tile, a standing-seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors complete the material palette. The challenge of a receding ground plane at the rear of the house is met with a stadium-seating style deck which graciously engages with the large back yard.

We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!

This screened porch effortlessly blends in with the pre-existing home. We decided to keep the boxed columns the same color of the house trim, while matching the porch walls and doors to the unique blue color of the home. Classy and unique all at the same time.

The complete renovation of this existing single-family home took the existing structure down to the studs. The addition of a new wood-clad box and cantilevered roof mark the entrance. Smooth stucco, large-format tile, a standing-seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors complete the material palette. The challenge of a receding ground plane at the rear of the house is met with a stadium-seating style deck which graciously engages with the large back yard.

The complete renovation of this existing single-family home took the existing structure down to the studs. The addition of a new wood-clad box and cantilevered roof mark the entrance. Smooth stucco, large-format tile, a standing-seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors complete the material palette. The challenge of a receding ground plane at the rear of the house is met with a stadium-seating style deck which graciously engages with the large back yard.

This project was completed for clients who wanted a comfortable, accessible 1ST floor bathroom for their grown daughter to use during visits to their home as well as a nicely-appointed space for any guest. Their daughter has some accessibility challenges so the bathroom was also designed with that in mind. The original space worked fairly well in some ways, but we were able to tweak a few features to make the space even easier to maneuver through. We started by making the entry to the shower flush so that there is no curb to step over. In addition, although there was an existing oversized seat in the shower, it was way too deep and not comfortable to sit on and just wasted space. We made the shower a little smaller and then provided a fold down teak seat that is slip resistant, warm and comfortable to sit on and can flip down only when needed. Thus we were able to create some additional storage by way of open shelving to the left of the shower area. The open shelving matches the wood vanity and allows a spot for the homeowners to display heirlooms as well as practical storage for things like towels and other bath necessities. We carefully measured all the existing heights and locations of countertops, toilet seat, and grab bars to make sure that we did not undo the things that were already working well. We added some additional hidden grab bars or “grabcessories” at the toilet paper holder and shower shelf for an extra layer of assurance. Large format, slip-resistant floor tile was added eliminating as many grout lines as possible making the surface less prone to tripping. We used a wood look tile as an accent on the walls, and open storage in the vanity allowing for easy access for clean towels. Bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors add an elegant yet homey feel that was important for the homeowner. A pivot mirror allows adjustability for different users. If you are interested in designing a bathroom featuring “Living In Place” or accessibility features, give us a call to find out more. Susan Klimala, CKBD, is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and particularly enjoys helping her clients with unique needs in the context of beautifully designed spaces. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel

This delightful project was a fun design challenge; to create a meaningful space that harmonized with the existing architecture of the home, in a very small area. The use of rich Walnut Travertine brought warmth to the project, and tied into the existing use of limestone on the facade of the residence. Our clients imported a cast-iron lamp post from England to add sophistication and illumination to this urban garden.

The complete renovation of this existing single-family home took the existing structure down to the studs. The addition of a new wood-clad box and cantilevered roof mark the entrance. Smooth stucco, large-format tile, a standing-seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors complete the material palette. The challenge of a receding ground plane at the rear of the house is met with a stadium-seating style deck which graciously engages with the large back yard.

This was a 2 story porch that was under utilized. The homeowner was interested in adding much need interior space. This is more challenging than it looks to create a seamless transition with the existing interior spaces. Jim Fernen

Custom built log cabin in Bemidjii, Minnesota. This gentleman was interested in a maintenance-free solution while maintaining the log cabin look. The Cedar Log Siding creates a finished look with the pre-existing stone around the bottom of the house and chimney.

This delightful project was a fun design challenge; to create a meaningful space that harmonized with the existing architecture of the home, in a very small area. The use of rich Walnut Travertine brought warmth to the project, and tied into the existing use of limestone on the facade of the residence. Our clients imported a cast-iron lamp post from England to add sophistication and illumination to this urban garden.

Designed by Tim Higbee of Closet Works Making our upper cabinets on the mud room wall directly abut and attach to the existing kitchen cabinets while adding a similar crown was a challenge. That required mathematics and exact dimensions of the depths of both cabinetry, the height both of the existing crown moldings and their reveals, and how the two would interact.

A creative solution to a unique challenge. Customer wanted raised bar, but cabinets were already finished on the back, with no knee wall. we crafted these risers to match the existing cabinetry, and under-lit the bar top.

This contemporary bathroom remodel features subway tile mocking sandstone above a pre-existing villager tub. This gold bathroom with chrome features make this master bathroom one of a kind.

This delightful project was a fun design challenge; to create a meaningful space that harmonized with the existing architecture of the home, in a very small area. The use of rich Walnut Travertine brought warmth to the project, and tied into the existing use of limestone on the facade of the residence. Our clients imported a cast-iron lamp post from England to add sophistication and illumination to this urban garden.