This renovation project updates an existing New York 1920s apartment with a modern sensibility. Replacing the cellular pre-war layout of the central spaces with a built-in walnut credenza and white lacquer side board effectively opens the plan to create a unified and spacious living area. The back side of the full-height dining room side-board screens views from the entrance foyer. The modern design of the new built-ins at center of the space is balanced by perimeter radiator covers and a full-height bookshelf which work with the period trim detail. The new home office features stained oak wood floors, custom stained oak desk and cabinets. Not shown in this photo is another set of full height wall cabinets with a concealed murphy bed that provides an additional sleeping quarters for guests. Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama

This detached accessory dwelling unit/garage combo was a labor of love by the homeowner to provide a place for family to comfortably live independently. Everyone involved is proud of the workmanship. This project was a part of the Residential Infill Pilot Program. Over 150 yards of dirt/mud was removed. Our mason successfully matched the brick to the main home. The vaulted ceiling and short wall give the living space an open feel. This project is a perfect example of a homeowner working with the government and the trades to achieve a new space that blends in with the neighborhood.

This was a complete transformation that incorporated a brick Cape Cod into a stunning modern home. It offers two-family living with a separate dwelling. The retractable glass walls that lead to a central courtyard provide family and entertaining space. Our designer solved many design challenges to meet the program, including working the design around a difficult lot and zoning rules.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Ashley Batz
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial metal straight open staircase remodel in San Francisco

The jetted tub is a haven for relaxation. A faux chandelier is lit by recessed lights and provides an elegant ambiance to the space. A steam shower with glass door adds to the amenities in this uniquely configured master bathroom. Photo credit: Perko Photography

Oakley Home Builders is a custom home builder and remodeling company in the Chicago suburbs that has integrated distinctive home designs into surrounding communities, neighborhoods and coveted residential landscapes. Positioned as a flourishing Chicago western suburbs home builder, Oakley Home Builders demonstrates a passionate pursuit of detail-rich, value-driven design and efficient construction that provides homebuyers with a masterfully planned and executed living environment. Whether building on your site or one of our many available lots, Oakley Home Builders is recognized among Chicago western suburbs home builders for its excellent build-to-suit program. Guiding homebuyers through a simple, step-by-step process, we enhance the building experience by providing practical advice, flexible accommodations, and educational insight. But while we are mainly a home builder in Chicago suburbs, we also build luxurious beach homes in Naples, FL and along the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana and Michigan's Harbor Country. In addition we serve as an expert suburban Chicago remodeling company catering to the communities of Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, LaGrange, Western Springs, Elmhurst, and other west suburban locations.

Oakley Home Builders is a custom home builder and remodeling company in the Chicago suburbs that has integrated distinctive home designs into surrounding communities, neighborhoods and coveted residential landscapes. Positioned as a flourishing Chicago western suburbs home builder, Oakley Home Builders demonstrates a passionate pursuit of detail-rich, value-driven design and efficient construction that provides homebuyers with a masterfully planned and executed living environment. Whether building on your site or one of our many available lots, Oakley Home Builders is recognized among Chicago western suburbs home builders for its excellent build-to-suit program. Guiding homebuyers through a simple, step-by-step process, we enhance the building experience by providing practical advice, flexible accommodations, and educational insight. But while we are mainly a home builder in Chicago suburbs, we also build luxurious beach homes in Naples, FL and along the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana and Michigan's Harbor Country. In addition we serve as an expert suburban Chicago remodeling company catering to the communities of Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, LaGrange, Western Springs, Elmhurst, and other west suburban locations.

Miele 30" Double Convection Oven Stainless Steel | H6780BP2 Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com Features: M Touch controls are both easy-to-operate and navigate. An intuitive swipe of the screen will quickly lead you to your desired selection Self Clean Oven 19 Operating Modes including Moisture Plus (plumbed only) — through increasing the humidity in the oven you can perfect your results e.g. crusty, glossy breads, juicy meats MasterChef Plus - fully functional automatic programs to create 14 different types of bread at home MasterChef menu offers over 100 food types to cook to perfection Wireless Roast Probe for safe. easy handling and perfect roasting results Favorites - up to 20 recipes Sabbath Program CleanGlass Door TwinPower Fans provide optimum and even distribution of hot air Soft Open and Soft Close for an easier handling ComfortSwivel Handle moves with the motion of your wrist, creating a more ergonomic feel when opening and closing the oven door Model Overview: Width: 30" Design: ContourLine Finish: Clean Touch Steel Dimensions: 29 13/16"W x 50 13/16"H x 23 3/4"D

Gorgeous full master bath remodel. New windows, floors, freestanding tub, tile and frameless glass shower, and new vanity cabinetry and granite countertops. We did it all. This bathroom was transformed into a new elegant and refined escape. The floors are tiled in a 6” x 36” plank tile over a NUHeat low voltage heated floor mat with programmable thermostat ( no cold feet ). The shower was enlarged to include a bench seat and new shampoo and soap niche. The shower and wall tile is a 4”x12” in a staggered set with the shower half walls being capped with Steel Grey Leathered granite to match the vanity and bench seat. The new Alpine white vanity by Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style provides a clean bright contrast to the countertops and flooring. I love the free standing tub. It really completes the look of this great new bath.

Gorgeous full master bath remodel. New windows, floors, freestanding tub, tile and frameless glass shower, and new vanity cabinetry and granite countertops. We did it all. This bathroom was transformed into a new elegant and refined escape. The floors are tiled in a 6” x 36” plank tile over a NUHeat low voltage heated floor mat with programmable thermostat ( no cold feet ). The shower was enlarged to include a bench seat and new shampoo and soap niche. The shower and wall tile is a 4”x12” in a staggered set with the shower half walls being capped with Steel Grey Leathered granite to match the vanity and bench seat. The new Alpine white vanity by Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style provides a clean bright contrast to the countertops and flooring. I love the free standing tub. It really completes the look of this great new bath.

Perched in the foothills of Edna Valley, this single family residence was designed to fulfill the clients’ desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Much of the program and architectural forms were driven by the picturesque views of Edna Valley vineyards, visible from every room in the house. Ample amounts of glazing brighten the interior of the home, while framing the classic Central California landscape. Large pocketing sliding doors disappear when open, to effortlessly blend the main interior living spaces with the outdoor patios. The stone spine wall runs from the exterior through the home, housing two different fireplaces that can be enjoyed indoors and out. Because the clients work from home, the plan was outfitted with two offices that provide bright and calm work spaces separate from the main living area. The interior of the home features a floating glass stair, a glass entry tower and two master decks outfitted with a hot tub and outdoor shower. Through working closely with the landscape architect, this rather contemporary home blends into the site to maximize the beauty of the surrounding rural area.

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth. Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Gorgeous full master bath remodel. New windows, floors, freestanding tub, tile and frameless glass shower, and new vanity cabinetry and granite countertops. We did it all. This bathroom was transformed into a new elegant and refined escape. The floors are tiled in a 6” x 36” plank tile over a NUHeat low voltage heated floor mat with programmable thermostat ( no cold feet ). The shower was enlarged to include a bench seat and new shampoo and soap niche. The shower and wall tile is a 4”x12” in a staggered set with the shower half walls being capped with Steel Grey Leathered granite to match the vanity and bench seat. The new Alpine white vanity by Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style provides a clean bright contrast to the countertops and flooring. I love the free standing tub. It really completes the look of this great new bath.

Gorgeous full master bath remodel. New windows, floors, freestanding tub, tile and frameless glass shower, and new vanity cabinetry and granite countertops. We did it all. This bathroom was transformed into a new elegant and refined escape. The floors are tiled in a 6” x 36” plank tile over a NUHeat low voltage heated floor mat with programmable thermostat ( no cold feet ). The shower was enlarged to include a bench seat and new shampoo and soap niche. The shower and wall tile is a 4”x12” in a staggered set with the shower half walls being capped with Steel Grey Leathered granite to match the vanity and bench seat. The new Alpine white vanity by Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style provides a clean bright contrast to the countertops and flooring. I love the free standing tub. It really completes the look of this great new bath.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Gorgeous full master bath remodel. New windows, floors, freestanding tub, tile and frameless glass shower, and new vanity cabinetry and granite countertops. We did it all. This bathroom was transformed into a new elegant and refined escape. The floors are tiled in a 6” x 36” plank tile over a NUHeat low voltage heated floor mat with programmable thermostat ( no cold feet ). The shower was enlarged to include a bench seat and new shampoo and soap niche. The shower and wall tile is a 4”x12” in a staggered set with the shower half walls being capped with Steel Grey Leathered granite to match the vanity and bench seat. The new Alpine white vanity by Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style provides a clean bright contrast to the countertops and flooring. I love the free standing tub. It really completes the look of this great new bath.

This detached accessory dwelling unit/garage combo was a labor of love by the homeowner to provide a place for family to comfortably live independently. Everyone involved is proud of the workmanship. This project was a part of the Residential Infill Pilot Program. Over 150 yards of dirt/mud was removed. Our mason successfully matched the brick to the main home. The vaulted ceiling and short wall give the living space an open feel. This project is a perfect example of a homeowner working with the government and the trades to achieve a new space that blends in with the neighborhood.

Closeup of the ridge cap we installed on this architectural asphalt re-roofing job on an expansive Wilton, CT contemporary home. As this project featured a SureStart 5-Star 100% CertainTeed Roofing System, the ridge vents and ridge caps (as well as the underlayment, WinterGuard ice & water shield and 5,000 square feet of Landmark Architectural Asphalt shingles in Pewterwood shade were all CertainTeed products. In conjunction with our status as a CertainTeed Credentialed contractor, purchasing these products enabled the homeowner to qualify for the 5-star CertainTeed SureStart warranty program, which provides 50 years of coverage for tear-off, new materials, and installation labor, and disposal. What's more, this warranty is transferrable from the property owner at time of installation to the first subsequent owner.