Built in the 1970s by a hardworking family patriarch, this Portland-area ranch home had been the backdrop for generations of memories. When the homeowners inherited the property from their grandparents, they saw an opportunity to honor its history while creating a modern sanctuary for their growing family. Through a thoughtful whole-home renovation, this once dark and compartmentalized ranch was transformed into a bright, open, and welcoming home designed for the next generation. With a toddler at home and another child on the way, the family's goal was to create spaces that felt connected, functional, and built to last. The heart of the renovation centered on opening the home's main living areas, replacing disconnected rooms with a spacious open-concept kitchen and living room designed for gathering and everyday life. Enlarged windows flood the interior with natural light, while carefully selected finishes bring warmth, durability, and timeless appeal. The kitchen became the focal point of the transformation. Stock cabinetry was elevated through custom details including floating wood shelves and stained wood-wrapped columns that add warmth and character. At the center, a striking quartz island serves as both a gathering place and a clever structural solution, seamlessly incorporating support elements required for the newly opened floor plan. Creating this open-concept layout required significant structural modifications, including the removal of six walls, three of them load-bearing. Engineered beams were recessed into the ceiling to maintain clean sightlines, while new footings were carefully installed within the crawlspace to support the redistributed loads. Additional improvements included relocating the furnace to eliminate a major circulation obstacle and installing a new garage access door that required modifications to the existing foundation. Throughout the project, thoughtful planning helped maximize both budget and performance. Luxury vinyl plank flooring provides the look of hardwood while standing up to children and large pets, while stain-resistant carpeting offers comfort in the bedrooms. Existing window locations were retained and enlarged to increase natural light without the expense of major structural changes. Even the structural columns required for the new beams were integrated into the island design, transforming a necessity into an architectural feature. Completed two weeks ahead of schedule, this Portland metro ranch remodel demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can preserve a home's heritage while adapting it for modern family living. Through strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and quality craftsmanship, a beloved family home was transformed into a bright, functional retreat ready to create decades of new memories.

Imagine a barn that's also a home, overlooking Boulder's iconic Flatirons. The Boulder Barndominium mixes farm practicality with modern coziness, designed for efficiency and those stunning views that make every day feel special. Client and Brief The owners sought a simple, smart building that saves materials and energy. They wanted light-filled spaces, a west-facing unit for mountain sights, and a patio to relax outside. Problems Solved Energy costs and weather can add up, but solar roofs and clever orientation make it net-zero – using the sun for power and keeping things comfortable without extra bills. Design Concept and Form The concept is straightforward – a long rectangle with sloping roofs for panels, and high windows to bring in daylight. It feels balanced and connected to the land. Construction and Materials Wood framing provides strength and tradition, built to endure while staying budget-friendly. Energy Efficiency Solar arrays power everything, with radiant heating and east/west setup for natural warmth and light – sustainable living that's easy and effective. Interior Design Barn space for work and storage, dwelling with bedroom, bath, and open areas leading to the patio for seamless inside-out flow. Outcome Since 2020, this barndominium has been a functional, green haven. It blends utility with beauty, offering savings, views, and a sense of peace in Boulder's landscape.

Working in small or awkward spaces is often the most rewarding because the problem solving required calls on one’s creativity. The slanted ceiling nook in this tween bedroom is a great example of how to turn a demerit into an asset. Instead of trying to ignore it, the feature is played up here with the bold stripe treatment. The nook’s utility is maximized by using a corner desk and creating custom wood shelves affixed to the wall using plumbing piping. Storage space remained a challenge in the room, and if we added a tall storage unit to the wall where one could fit, we would be blocking the light and views of the windows. The solution was to create a long, built-in bench with drawer storage below and two long wooden shelves, higher up the wall, for books and personal items. To bring in an industrial vibe and complement the iron bed, we distressed the wood and used plumbing pipes and fixtures for shelf support. Pops of yellow as a repeating element bring energy and personality to the space. Custom bedding, pillows, and window seat fabric from Spoonflower. Images ©Spoonflower and ©Sloan Polish Design.

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way. FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door! Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Jason Stemple
Eat-in kitchen - large transitional u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Charleston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

As master of the perfect mix, LaMont Bynum can magically transform a raw space or breathe new life into what already exists. His education in interior design combined with his penchant for problem solving and passion for transforming lives led to him following his calling to become a designer. Lamont thrives on working with clients to refine a vision and make it reality. He believes happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. LaMont is a native of Suffolk, VA, a small town with a rich heritage. A Southern gentleman, he developed an eye for color, good design and great style early on. He grew up in a family whose love for interior design led to friendly family design competitions. The “creative types” who raised him served as his primary source of inspiration. A graduate of Howard University, Lamont worked in hospitality sales and marketing before opening Rite At Home, Atlanta‘s premier consignment furniture boutique, in 2012. He serves on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together Atlanta, an organization working to ensure that low-income homeowners — particularly older adults, military veterans, people with disabilities and families with children — are able to live in warmth, safety and independence. Also, he chairs the Board of Directors for the Adamsville Business and Community Partnership. Lamont is always looking for ways to impact communities through engagement and design. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies to develop their work and fun spaces for employees and even designed their CEO’s personal living spaces. LaMont believes no project is too small or too big, everyone deserves an environment conducive to dream, relax and make life happen. With timeless, sophisticated taste, LaMont’s design style is classy, inviting, and also incredibly detail oriented. His ability to transform both residential homes and commercial projects by layering rich textures, colors, and fabrics has placed him on Atlanta’s Top 25 Designer List four times.

Rebecca Schnier Architecture
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in San Francisco

It is all about the details. Can't put outlets into an irregular stone backsplash. So I designed a frame to let the stone die into the side of, then mounted the slate outlet cover to the frame. Problem solved! Tile backsplash by Tike Craftsman and frames built by Larry Scharfenberger.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Nashville.

Open Graded crushed stone base with proper drainage grid was installed to effectively address water accumulation. Quality Permeable Concrete Paver Patio was installed to successfully absorb any rain water AND re-route raising ground water to the new drainage system. Another water problem solved, and Owners gained a beautiful hard surface patio to enjoy.

At Sun Shore Construction, every project we take on is more than just renovation—it’s a journey of transformation. Our recent project in Dedham, MA, is a story of meticulous craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and dedication to creating a home the homeowners will love for years to come. This was not just about reimagining two bathrooms—it was about elevating the entire home.

The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing. The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

Tom le Grange
Inspiration for a craftsman bathroom remodel in Other

First we helped this family make their traditional first floor their own by adding a custom painted entry design, designer wallpaper, fresh paint on the fireplace and bookshelves, and a dining accent wall. We even helped procure furniture, including the custom designed record cabinet and commissioned painting and completed the look with hands-on styling. Less than a year later we were back for a master suite overhaul, including a new floor plan, an expanded master bath, his/hers closets, a fresh look for the hall bath, some bedroom, nursery and office decor and new floors throughout. From space planning problem solving, to project management during construction, and down to styling the details, Unpatterned was involved every step of the way. FUN FACT The master bathroom used to just have a pedestal sink and no door! Photography 2nd Floor: Dustin Halleck/1st Floor: Michael Kaskel

This bathroom converted from a small bedroom in a ranch-style home on a concrete slab, is now a beautiful, light-filled retreat. One of the biggest challenges in this transformation was the plumbing. With the home built on a slab, running new lines required creative problem-solving. But the result was worth it: a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass that keeps the space feeling airy and expansive. The client gravitated toward natural finishes, so we balanced modern simplicity with warm wood tones. Custom-built open shelving features sliding pull-out shelves for easy access and a clean, tailored look. The vanity’s natural woodgrain adds warmth, while brushed nickel fixtures maintain a streamlined, modern aesthetic.

The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing. The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Los Angeles

This section of cabinetry provides specific problem- solving features that the old kitchen did not provide. Hidden inside the middle and bottom drawers are dish peg organizers, while the top drawer offers an expandable cutlery rack. A message center is located inside a wall unit at the left end of the cabinet run. The glass doors are shorter to create ample space for the counter appliance, which never fit on the counter in the old kitchen plan.