This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

Updated photo with full decor and loaded with a mix of African Cichlid fish. This magnificent custom fish tank was designed and installed by Aqua Creations of NJ to enhance the kitchen with living art. the size is 72" long by 24" deep by 36" tall built from "starphire Glass. The decor is a hand made coral reef build with custom corals . The substrate used is actually crushed glass. While using high end LED lighting, This aquarium adds warmth and life to this beautiful setting. Aquacustomfishtanks.com

This 8 foot long outdoor kitchen island was built in Huntington Bay, Long Island NY by the Gappsi Masonry division, using Wolf Outdoor Cabinets, a Twin Eagle 42 inch grill, natural stone Fiorito travertine veneer to finish the sides and the back of the cabinet panels, and a granite counter-top. Gappsi utilizes these high quality products to create all of our masonry and outdoor home improvement projects. We offer high quality, durable, and long-lasting solutions for our clients all over Long Island, NY. There are many other brands that compete with Wolf in the market, such as Lynx, Twin Eagle, Delta, DCS, Fire Magic, and Weber, that produce both cabinetry and appliances, but Wolf Outdoor Cabinets are designed specifically for the outdoors. They are lightweight and easy to assemble, built with weather-resistant powder coated aluminum and stainless steel soft-closing mechanisms, and the cabinets doors contain rubber seals to ensure dry storage. Wolf Outdoor Cabinets come with a limited lifetime warranty and are made from more than 25% recycled materials. They are also very functional and completely maximize storage space due to the cabinets’ thin walls and high-strength aluminum. Wolf Outdoor Cabinets are available in three colors: white, ash, and black, and there is a wide variety in the Wolf Outdoor Cabinetry Line. This allows the customer to completely customize their dream outdoor kitchen area. Cabinet pieces are made specifically for different parts of the outdoor kitchen, including bases and drawer combinations for grills, sinks, propane tank storage, and waste containers. Outdoor kitchens are becoming very popular today. Landscape designers and architects include them in all backyards and outdoor living spaces. In this luxury backyard, designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati, we incorporated the Wolf free-standing kitchen island. The backyard setting includes construction of a 20’x40’ gunite swimming pool with a built-in spa, finished with blue diamond brite and safety auto cover. Gappsi further designed and constructed a gas fire pit, two gas sphere fire features built along one side of the pool, and a custom built pavilion to match the house’s architectural design. The pool and spa coping, made of New York Bluestone, outline the overall pool patio. The stepping stone walkways to connect the back yard stoops were also made with New York Bluestone. The entire pool patio area and cabana floor are paved with Fiorito travertine pavers, selected from the Gappsi Showroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB4L5L_xQeo

The Trenton 5-Piece Patio Set allows you to relax on your own patio, especially during cold times. Powder coated cast aluminum and brown synthetic wicker are included for durability with beige fabric cushions to sit back on for your comfort. A fire pit at the center of the table has decorative pebbles and crushed glass for a decorative touch as you use a propane tank, not included, to warm up.

Rear Exterior
Mid-sized mediterranean white two-story concrete house exterior idea with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Fire pit built from sawed off end of an industrial propane tank. Underground gas line run to fire pit to create an easy to light gas fire pit. Makes for a spectacular fire pit!

There's nothing as comforting and compelling as a roaring fire — the center of our childhood camp stories and conversations with friends. Fortunately, the Solara Fire Table, a beautiful outdoor dining table, is one of the best ways to bring the comfort of a roaring fire right into your backyard. Features: Small footprint ensures this fire table doesn't take up valuable standing or sitting space. CSA certified for safety. Flame is easy to ignite and adjust using the control panel. See assembly instructions for details. Fire table warms up to 55,000 BTU. Maximum flame height is 16-18 inches. Recommended use with 20-lb liquid propane tank (not included). Kit includes elegant tempered glass media to sit in the burner tray, creating an ethereal glow. Flame element is encased to resist winds and keep guests protected. Designed to coordinate with the pieces in the Portofino Sling Collection by RST Brands.

MTH Design Group

MTH Design Group

This is a custom designed and built, built-in (attached to the wall) fish tank cabinet. Basic design comes from the customer, but includes significant adjustments by me. It is made of hardwood plywood with a real walnut veneer, plus solid walnut face frames and open-shelving structure. Cabinet above the tank is for lighting but also includes a narrow shelf in back for mounting certain tank-related items. There is a large opening connecting the center base cabinet with the right-side cabinet.

MTH Design Group

Completed in 2021, this exquisite Preston Hollow property with a modern architectural style, was updated with a new luxury pool, concrete retaining wall, outdoor living and expansive landscaping. The property features details such as snap-tie concrete retaining wall, concrete step pads, native landscaping, tank head fire pit area, stone steps, dry stream bed, shade plantings and landscape lighting.

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Completed in 2021, this exquisite Preston Hollow property with a modern architectural style, was updated with a new luxury pool, concrete retaining wall, outdoor living and expansive landscaping. The property features details such as snap-tie concrete retaining wall, concrete step pads, native landscaping, tank head fire pit area, stone steps, dry stream bed, shade plantings and landscape lighting.

Completed in 2021, this exquisite Preston Hollow property with a modern architectural style, was updated with a new luxury pool, concrete retaining wall, outdoor living and expansive landscaping. The property features details such as snap-tie concrete retaining wall, concrete step pads, native landscaping, tank head fire pit area, stone steps, dry stream bed, shade plantings and landscape lighting.

Completed in 2021, this exquisite Preston Hollow property with a modern architectural style, was updated with a new luxury pool, concrete retaining wall, outdoor living and expansive landscaping. The property features details such as snap-tie concrete retaining wall, concrete step pads, native landscaping, tank head fire pit area, stone steps, dry stream bed, shade plantings and landscape lighting.

Transitional pool photo in Dallas

MTH Design Group

Full Backyard Makeover with: Paver Patio area, paver walkway, adjacent fire pit with propane tank set away from the area, including large pergola with two independent roof blade adjustments and rain drain system keeping keeping it dry under the pergola even in inclement weather. All finished with fresh sod for that brand new backyard look.