Search results for "Problem solving" in Home Design Ideas

This hillside home in Piedmont, CA was remodeled to change the style from a 1940's rancher with eight foot ceilings and dark interiors, into a modern geometric composition with vast white interiors for casual living and generous daylighting for displaying the artist-owner's works.
In a city known for rigorous and difficult design review, an addition, two variances, and a full stylistic change were unanimously approved on the first round. All sloped roofs and attics were eliminated and replaced by a series of stacked and overlapping flat roofs. This made the house taller on the inside and shorter on the outside, which helped earn design review cooperation in the community. Windows were concentrated toward the rear yard views or moved up high on the side walls for daylight and privacy, benefitting the owners as well as the neighbors.
At the start, the owner husband was so enthusiastic and engaged in transforming his house into something modern that he presented the architect with a scaled foamcore model, rather than the usual magazine clippings and wish list. He participated in the design decisions throughout the process. The owner wife is the artist who did all the artwork in the house. She had been craving a display space with large walls and good natural light. Both of them loved the location and great views.
The project was an opportunity to transform the style of an older traditional home into a modern one, while solving numerous problems. By rebuilding the 1800 ft2 top of the 3-story home it was possible to change the style of the whole building, since the lower floors were a neutral base, and also to change the lifestyle of the owners, who wanted to move their master suite upstairs and live primarily on the top floor as empty nesters.
Going into the project, the architect knew there were multiple encroachments into the setbacks and potential privacy issues with close by neighbors. He approached this as a complex puzzle made up of architectural and political pieces which all had to fit together elegantly. It took many careful moves, small and large, to arrive at a serene and cohesive result that tied old and new together seamlessly.
The design-build contractor worked closely with the owners and handled all of the construction phase documents and design adjustments, adding ideas of their own to make the project really sing.
The project was a collaboration in three acts. The owner had a strong design concept from the start. The architect developed it into a realistic project and garnered the design approvals. Then the contractor executed brilliantly

New windows, floors, powder room and basement:
We gave the home new windows, new hardwood floors, and paint throughout. We created a new main floor powder room and a new finished basement containing a living area, three-piece bathroom and new bedroom with egress (tilt and turn) windows.
Flipped around and redesigned kitchen:
We created a new kitchen. The footprint of the kitchen stayed the same, but we flipped it around and redesigned it. Now it has a walk-in pantry area and more floorspace going in and out, which optimized the flow of traffic. We replaced the old non-functioning mudroom with a new one.
Disappearing balcony and drafty door:
To create a new space using a balcony in a bedroom, we extended the second storey out to line up with the first floor, and this increased the square footage. In that room we turned a drafty door into a window.
We reinstated the rear deck, using as many of the original pieces as we could:
There was a leaking roof problem because the original roof pitches were causing ice damming. We designed a new roof to prevent that in the future.
New windows, stucco, and the challenge of asbestos:
Another challenge was installing new windows in the original stucco finish, which contained asbestos. We waterproofed those properly, future proofing them from leaks.
We solved the situation by installing a 5-inch trim around the perimeter of the window. Specialists cut the asbestos back (we had to set up a containment perimeter around each window), and then we placed windows that are five inches wider than the window frames. We used special flashing tapes and sealed them all up behind the stucco.

This amazing renovation focused on solving a series of problems that a previous kitchen expansion had created. By rearranging the appliance placement, updating the cabinetry, designing all new storage solutions and maximizing the amazing outdoor views; we cured the spit personality disorder plaguing the existing kitchen. The home now has a beautifully redesigned kitchen and living space perfect for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying the outside views. Vaulted ceilings with bright skylights, reflective glass wall tiles, sleek sophisticated Cambria quartz counter tops, fingerprint-free faucet, multi-functional Prolific kitchen sink by Kohler, stainless steel appliances, creative storage solutions, all new lighting and timeless shaker cabinets by Wellborn lend to the now bright, open, vivacious and flawless function of this newly renovated galley style kitchen. White base cabinets along the outside walls contrast perfectly with the dark grey island cabinets. Linear satin nickel door and drawer pulls coordinate with the stainless steel appliances and sink. An eclectic blend of vintage and modern furnishings, artwork and rugs create a comfortable balance that feels and looks timeless. Breathtaking backyard views are artfully framed by new Pella windows and doors with integral blinds between the glass. Calm, inviting neutral tones provide the perfect backdrop for this refined design.
Photos by: Kimberly Kerl
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The owner wanted a screened porch sized to accommodate a dining table for 8 and a large soft seating group centered on an outdoor fireplace. The addition was to harmonize with the entry porch and dining bay addition we completed 1-1/2 years ago.
Our solution was to add a pavilion like structure with half round columns applied to structural panels, The panels allow for lateral bracing, screen frame & railing attachment, and space for electrical outlets and fixtures.
Photography by Chris Marshall

When going camping, people will take a tent, because it is one of indispensable accessories. In the tent, people could not feel the nearest nature, because it isolates them from annoying insects as well as nature. But to our delight, the Pillow Tassel Hanging Chair can solve the problem of tent.

How to tie a dark wood floor to the rest of the room when you want to paint light? Porevit Inc. solves this problem by installing a high gloss dark brown stretch ceiling insert by Laqfoil. This insert also visually enlarges the space by reflecting it, dampens unwanted sound, and adds thermal insulation to the space.

Porcea Indus is a close alternative to Venetian Gray, Cascade Limestone, Thermal Bluestone, Indus Valley, and Indus Gray Limestones. All of these natural stone products have unique challenges including staining from rust (Venetian Gray), lack of availability (Cascade), and a general lack of charm (Thermal Bluestone).
Porcea Indus solves all of these problems and packs a real punch. A sandblasted texture with a subtle off-grey colour tone that is stain-resistant and maintenance-free. The fleuri and shells found on this premium outdoor porcelain paver are both charming and subtle, allowing for an extremely premium and modern design profile. Perfect for modern or high-end projects.
Like all of Porcea Stone’s Elite Collection of outdoor porcelain tiles, this paver is Designed for North America.

This stylish new kitchen boasts high-end cabinets and the latest in kitchen appliances, and is set off by black granite perimeter countertops and a Caesarstone countertop on the central island which gives the impression of Carrera marble.
Architect: Thompson Naylor
General Contractor: Allen Construction
Photographer: Jim Bartsch

Luxury Custom Homes, Renovations & Additions
Goldenline Remodeling specializes in custom built homes, additions, renovations and restorations. Our mission is to deliver the highest standard of craftsmanship with a commitment to excellent service. Reliability, project management, meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising honesty are the cornerstone of evertyhing we do.
People forget that their customers are the reason they are in business. At Goldenline Remodeling we never forget.
Since 2002, my commitment has remained focused on providing the highest level of service combined with quality craftsmanship. Cultivating the experience for the client is as vital as the construction of the project.. We have developed an approach that is disciplined, methodical, responsive and accountable. Our company size is such that we are flexible enough to react quickly, overcome obstacles and solve problems to your best advantage. We respect your budget and work diligently to ensure we protect your investment. Let us be the solution to your building needs.

This urban infill project is a make-over of a decrepit structure that had been used as a student rental for close to 50 years. Situated on an elevated, 3300 sf lot, nothing in the original house was salvageable and the entire house was stripped down to the studs. Our challenge with this project was to then open up the original interiors, flood them with natural light while creating a design that appealed to the broadest buyer pool possible.
We solved this problem by organizing a compact floor plan that resulted in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath residence organized around a great room on the main level, a family room on the basement level and an additional 2 bedrooms with city views on the upper. By minimizing circulation space, we were able to re-purpose every square foot of floor area while creating a dramatic, light-filled staircase that tied all 3 levels of the house together into a unified living scheme. Clean lines and clean details, this is another of our attempts at a 'Not So Big House.'
Marketing of the final product lasted less than 10 days and resulted in 3 full priced offers that netted the developer a tidy profit.

Flat space in your backyard is important, but in a sloped yard it can be difficult to find that space. Adding retaining walls can solve the problem of not enough flat space.

Lots of beautiful hardscape surrounded by lush greenery. This design solved the problem of a multi level/steep backyard without much definition. There are stairs up to a children's play area and stairs down to the pool area.
Contractor: South Canyon Construction, Inc.
Photo: Jody Pribyl

Interior Design by others.
Our Sackston Prarie Cabana solved the problem of client privacy with its native stone screen walls and stucco accents while providing all of the luxuries of poolside outdoor living. Three 11-feet wide accordion style doors open the cabana entirely to the outdoors to circulate westerly summer winds. Deep overhangs provide shade for summer sun while allowing the sun to permeate the space to utilize the saloon and hot tub during the winter months. Terraced poolside planters with native vegetation complement the design. Although this cabana was constructed after completion of the main residence the material choices seamlessly blend this addition to create one unified outdoor space.

Savena Doychinov, CKD, working closely with the homeowners, designed a floor plan that solved all existing problems – and added so much more. To match the width of the breakfast room and to bring more light in, she added 2’-6’’ deep extension with 11’ of windows, now containing the sink wall. This made all other major improvements possible.

This urban infill project is a make-over of a decrepit structure that had been used as a student rental for close to 50 years. Situated on an elevated, 3300 sf lot, nothing in the original house was salvageable and the entire house was stripped down to the studs. Our challenge with this project was to then open up the original interiors, flood them with natural light while creating a design that appealed to the broadest buyer pool possible.
We solved this problem by organizing a compact floor plan that resulted in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath residence organized around a great room on the main level, a family room on the basement level and an additional 2 bedrooms with city views on the upper. By minimizing circulation space, we were able to re-purpose every square foot of floor area while creating a dramatic, light-filled staircase that tied all 3 levels of the house together into a unified living scheme. Clean lines and clean details, this is another of our attempts at a 'Not So Big House.'
Marketing of the final product lasted less than 10 days and resulted in 3 full priced offers that netted the developer a tidy profit.

Doug has been helping solve yard-care problems since he was young. Inspired by the pride his Dad had in their yard, he started mowing lawns for the neighbours.
Today Doug wants to serve you so that you can experience the same pride in your own outdoor space to make memories with your friends and family.
Doug thinks different than most contractors and landscapers. He doesn't just talk about putting the customer first, he lives it. Doug communicates regularly to make sure he understands your wishes, delivers on his promises, and works with the same integrity he lives with.

The existing house was narrow, so it was a challenge to lay out the house in a way that felt functional and generous. We were creative in solving these spatial problems, making the master bedroom have a seating area with a fireplace in front of the bed space makes the room feel more spacious.

Moving the TV to the ideal viewing location from the furniture placed it off-center in the space. A creative design solution was required to solve this problem.

This cozy ocean-side condo kitchen was dated and crowded when more than one person was in the kitchen. We solved this problem by moving the refrigerator out of the middle of the kitchen to where the pantry closet had been. Replacing the pantry closet with a floor to ceiling pantry cabinet freed up floor space and allowed for additional countertop space. Now the couple can move around together in the kitchen. The new cabinets were done in a maple Portland door done in white from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. Next, we added a new white quartz countertop and a beach glass flowing backsplash. Our clients’ love for the beach and ocean is reflected in the lighter colored cabinets, countertop, and backsplash. The new layout, storage solutions and all new appliances made this small kitchen a big success.

This remodel project started to solve the problem of a kitchen that was too small for the homeowner to have her weekly family dinners in. The kitchen designer Jennifer worked with the owner to balance her vision, her needs, and her budget. Together they made her dream come true. Featuring white shaker doors with bead detail, Tangier Granite, stacking molding, and a Wood Cove Hood, this kitchen has everything it needs to create memories.
The cabinets are Sterling White Shaker Boardwalk Maple, Tangier Granite Countertops, and hand cut Italian white subway tiles with pops of grey.
The hardware and lighting is matte black to contrast with the white and grey tones throughout.
Every detail of this kitchen remodel was thoroughly thought through. From the high stacking crown molding to the interior of the cabinets using rev-a-shelf accessories.
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