An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life. Understanding Their Needs: From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved. Addressing Their Concerns: We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. Our Personalized Solutions: We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires: ● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience. ● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine. ● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience. ● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives. ● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Navigating the Challenges Together: Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process. The Joy of Transformation: The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. A Space to Cherish: The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together. Memorable Moments and Hiccups: ● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

Alair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards. We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion. During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.

Greenview Designs has extensive knowledge of working around pools as we work very closely with the nation’s largest and number one rated pool builder. Blue Haven Pools and Greenview Designs provide you with a seem less and headache free process so you can enjoy your backyard paradise before, during and after the build process. You’re working directly with the owners of both companies and we will provide the custom service and install you deserve. Our team work with our two companies, suppliers, architects and engineers will be enjoyable for you throughout the process and we know our knowledge and professionalism will be evident.

Alair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards. We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion. During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Charleston.

Dining room - dining room idea in Portland Maine

Kasia Karska Design is a design-build firm located in the heart of the Vail Valley and Colorado Rocky Mountains. The design and build process should feel effortless and enjoyable. Our strengths at KKD lie in our comprehensive approach. We understand that when our clients look for someone to design and build their dream home, there are many options for them to choose from. With nearly 25 years of experience, we understand the key factors that create a successful building project. -Seamless Service – we handle both the design and construction in-house -Constant Communication in all phases of the design and build -A unique home that is a perfect reflection of you -In-depth understanding of your requirements -Multi-faceted approach with additional studies in the traditions of Vaastu Shastra and Feng Shui Eastern design principles Because each home is entirely tailored to the individual client, they are all one-of-a-kind and entirely unique. We get to know our clients well and encourage them to be an active part of the design process in order to build their custom home. One driving factor as to why our clients seek us out is the fact that we handle all phases of the home design and build. There is no challenge too big because we have the tools and the motivation to build your custom home. At Kasia Karska Design, we focus on the details; and, being a women-run business gives us the advantage of being empathetic throughout the entire process. Thanks to our approach, many clients have trusted us with the design and build of their homes. If you’re ready to build a home that’s unique to your lifestyle, goals, and vision, Kasia Karska Design’s doors are always open. We look forward to helping you design and build the home of your dreams, your own personal sanctuary.

We’re very happy to see how our latest remodel and deck addition turned out! Adding volume to the space along with a wet bar, double-sided fireplace, and new kitchen, invigorates the home.

Entryway photo in New York

Greenview Designs has extensive knowledge of working around pools as we work very closely with the nation’s largest and number one rated pool builder. Blue Haven Pools and Greenview Designs provide you with a seem less and headache free process so you can enjoy your backyard paradise before, during and after the build process. You’re working directly with the owners of both companies and we will provide the custom service and install you deserve. Our team work with our two companies, suppliers, architects and engineers will be enjoyable for you throughout the process and we know our knowledge and professionalism will be evident.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Custom Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops & Tile Flooring
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Baltimore

NOT YET COMPLETE
Entryway - contemporary entryway idea in Miami

Alair Homes is committed to quality throughout every stage of the building process and in every detail of your new custom home or home renovation. We guarantee superior work because we perform quality assurance checks at every stage of the building process. Before anything is covered up – even before city building inspectors come to your home – we critically examine our work to ensure that it lives up to our extraordinarily high standards. We are proud of our extraordinary high building standards as well as our renowned customer service. Every Alair Homes custom home comes with a two year national home warranty as well as an Alair Homes guarantee and includes complimentary 3, 6 and 12 month inspections after completion. During our proprietary construction process every detail is accessible to Alair Homes clients online 24 hours a day to view project details, schedules, sub trade quotes, pricing in order to give Alair Homes clients 100% control over every single item regardless how small.

Greenview Designs has extensive knowledge of working around pools as we work very closely with the nation’s largest and number one rated pool builder. Blue Haven Pools and Greenview Designs provide you with a seem less and headache free process so you can enjoy your backyard paradise before, during and after the build process. You’re working directly with the owners of both companies and we will provide the custom service and install you deserve. Our team work with our two companies, suppliers, architects and engineers will be enjoyable for you throughout the process and we know our knowledge and professionalism will be evident.

The MOSS design team sat down with the homeowners and went through every single option. With COVID and the distance from the job site to the MOSS office, most sessions were virtual and set to align with the clients’ work schedules. The homeowners felt all of their ideas were brought to life and the design team added interesting pieces and ideas they really liked. Early in the design process, they decided a focus wall would be amazing. The client loves shiplap but didn’t want anything that looked too country. Our designer and project manager worked together to create a fireplace wall that combined tile, shiplap and a custom mantel for a result that has become one of the most gorgeous parts of the remodel. With young, active kids, the clients needed a space that could serve as a dump zone for backpacks and sports gear. Combining an underutilized carport shed and a low-functioning pantry resulted in a beautiful, very useful mudroom. The homeowners expressed that one of the most exciting parts of the process was working with the designers and coming up with new ideas. For example, there was an odd area on one side of the kitchen and our designer suggested making it a double-door pantry. The client’s jaw dropped because she never envisioned having enough storage space to conceal all of her appliances and backstock. She said “It is one of those surprises that came through the design process that we were not expecting and is now one of our favorite parts of the kitchen. We wanted out-of-the-box thinking and that’s what we got.”