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Our Clients, the proud owners of a landmark 1860’s era Italianate home, desired to greatly improve their daily ingress and egress experience. With a growing young family, the lack of a proper entry area and attached garage was something they wanted to address. They also needed a guest suite to accommodate frequent out-of-town guests and visitors. But in the homeowner’s own words, “He didn’t want to be known as the guy who ‘screwed up’ this beautiful old home”. Our design challenge was to provide the needed space of a significant addition, but do so in a manner that would respect the historic home. Our design solution lay in providing a “hyphen”: a multi-functional daily entry breezeway connector linking the main house with a new garage and in-law suite above.

What fits the French Quarter better than French doors with custom wood shutters?
Entryway - traditional entryway idea in New Orleans with a white front door
Entryway - traditional entryway idea in New Orleans with a white front door

Timeless, Tailored & Completely Livable — Primary Suite, Foyer & Whole-Home Interior Design | Raleigh, NC
This project is a study in how to make a home feel both elevated and deeply personal. Warm tones, natural wood, thoughtful layering of pattern and texture, and fixture choices that feel curated rather than catalog — every room earns its place.
The foyer makes an immediate impression. Herringbone hardwood floors set a classic tone underfoot, while gray grasscloth wallpaper adds warmth and texture to the walls. A brass cage lantern flush mount and wainscoting complete the entry, making it feel finished without being fussy. It's the kind of space that makes guests pause.
The primary bedroom is the project's centerpiece. A brass spindle bed frame anchors the room with quiet drama, flanked by walnut nightstands with brass legs and topped with a pair of extraordinarily custom lighting moments — multi-rod pendant chandeliers in brass and glass that hang from ceiling canopies, functioning as both bedside task lighting and sculptural focal points. Soft blue-gray custom drapery in a tonal dash-dot pattern hangs floor to ceiling on brass rods, layered over woven shades for light control and warmth. A pair of oatmeal linen swivel chairs with a marble-topped brass side table creates a proper sitting area at the foot of the bed. Floral accent pillows in terracotta and rust, an orange bolster, and a geometric cream and blue area rug give the neutral palette its energy. A modern minimalist white ceiling fan balances the traditional bones of the room beautifully.
The primary bathroom is a full gut renovation executed at the highest level. Warm walnut cabinetry with raised panel detailing runs the full length of a double vanity, topped with white quartz and finished with polished nickel hardware and fixtures throughout. A heated towel warmer, large format Calacatta-look marble tile floors, individual rounded-rectangle nickel-framed mirrors, and nickel sconces round out the vanity wall. The shower is nothing short of a spa experience — floor-to-ceiling Calacatta marble tile in large format, a ceiling-mounted rain head, wall-mounted traditional shower head, hand shower on a slide bar, linear drain, floating bench seat, and grab bars integrated so seamlessly they feel designed rather than added. A second bathroom receives the same care: dark walnut cabinetry, white quartz, polished nickel fixtures, a custom patterned Roman shade, and a cylindrical glass sconce with brass accent.
The walk-in pantry was designed with the same intentionality as every other room — white cabinetry, open upper shelving, a dedicated wine rack with both vertical and horizontal bottle storage, a second refrigerator, and dramatic swirling granite countertops that make even the utility spaces feel considered.
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For a family who routinely has 40+ family member get-togethers, an upscale house that feels grand but well enjoyed was top priority. We updated the kitchen, living room, dining room, guest house and bathroom in this custom renovation. The kitchen hosts two islands for ideal functionality for large gatherings, and flow out to the pool in summer months. Custom cabinetry hides the dishwashers, and refrigerator drawers. The stained beams in the guest house match the kitchen for a cohesive feel. The shiplap and custom stained wet bar cabinetry bring formality while the zero entry pool bath is whimsical and fun.

"By integrating seamlessly with an existing space, this wine system achieves a built-in, stylish look. Designated space for a wine fridge provides proper wine storage. The absence of decorative hardware contributes to the monochromatic look."
"A custom designed wine bar creates a perfect space for storing your collection and fits your entertaining needs when hosting guests. Storage for wine bottles allows for easy viewing and access. Counter space provides a place for pouring and serving wine. Lighting in a wine bar enhances functionality and dramatically changes the aesthetic of a simple design. Shelves and cabinetry can be designed to accommodate an integrated wine refrigerator. Doors elegantly conceal liquor bottles and supplies you’d like to keep hidden."

This Sammamish, WA project transformed the homeowner’s outdoor living space with the construction of a custom 25' x 20' gable-style patio cover designed to provide year-round protection and comfort. The structure was engineered to complement the home’s existing architecture and finished with durable, low-maintenance materials for long-term performance.
Key features included a new composite roof system matched to the existing home, integrated gutters and downspouts for proper drainage, custom-wrapped support posts, and a finished tongue-and-groove-style soffit ceiling that creates a clean, polished appearance. The project also included permit preparation, engineering, and municipal approvals to ensure compliance with local building requirements.
The completed patio cover provides a spacious outdoor gathering area that enhances both the functionality and value of the property while delivering protection from the Pacific Northwest weather. The result is a beautiful extension of the home that can be enjoyed throughout the year for entertaining, dining, and relaxation.

At Driveways by Design, safety and functionality are paramount to us. Peace of mind that your vehicle will enter and exit in a forward position, eliminating unwanted turns, blind spots, or backing out onto busy streets, all are priceless. When designing a driveway, it’s not just about the proper materials, the latest trends, style, colors, but it is also about the impact on the household, environment, and infrastructure. Nowadays many factors affect the daily life of south floridians, i.e. the heat island effect, some cities no longer allow circular driveways (zoning codes have become very restrictive about the amount that can be paved in order to mitigate the heat island effect,) construction happening all over our city, poor transportation systems, a turntable can truly enhance our daily experience, making it easier to exit our homes, no more agglomerations of traffic, or concrete trucks backing out, and no more worries about children or pets running unexpectedly behind the car. Designed by Shosh vant Verlaat and installed/maintained by Driveways by Design, the Car Turntable is ideal for residential and commercial applications, and will maximize the use of space, improve driver's visibility, as well as add value to your property.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Structural Remodeling
Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

This custom-fabricated industrial beverage center is engineered as a high-end, functional hub for entertainment. Built upon a heavy-duty, dark welded steel skeleton, the console features warm, solid wood side panels and a substantial wood countertop that anchors the industrial aesthetic.
Designed for peak performance, the console integrates professional-grade beverage appliances directly into its frame. It features stainless steel under-counter refrigeration units on the far left and far right, along with a central, illuminated wine cooler. The cooling units are expertly integrated with custom-welded steel door frames featuring industrial expanded metal mesh, which adds raw visual texture and ensures proper ventilation for the appliances. A sleek, integrated beer tap tower on the countertop completes the setup, making this a sophisticated and highly specialized piece for any home bar or entertainment space.

Not far from the Maine coastline, this renovation project showcases the power of creative reimagining. With an elevated deck in need of replacement, the clients envisioned a new space that would fill with sunshine and offer them the potential to nurture plants throughout the year. Offering full-service design and construction, Sunspace stepped in to make it happen.
The Sunspace team began by replacing the existing deck structure, creating a solid, raised, insulated foundation that would receive the greenhouse addition. A high-quality aluminum frame was chosen for its durability and sleek lines, blending with the home's existing architecture and fitting snugly into the corner of the exterior walls. The generous use of insulated glass floods the interior with natural light while maintaining a comfortable growing environment all year round.
Functionality within a small space is key in this design. Venting windows in the lower sections and operable roof vents ensure proper airflow and temperature control, essential for a thriving plant collection. The interior is thoughtfully finished with planting benches and shelving to establish an organized, inviting workspace. And with direct access from the home, a trip to the greenhouse is an effortless escape for the clients, a world of vibrant growth never further than a few steps away.

My concept for this kitchen was to collaborate with my client for this complete home renovation and ensure that the kitchen was the focal point of the open concept home. We strategically worked together to ensure proper wall dimensions, island placement and function, and symmetry to meet the wants and needs of my clients. White perimeter cabinetry helped to achieve a traditional feel for the space, while the gray stained island cabinetry allowed for a lovely transition to make the cozy kitchen work seamlessly with the distressed wide plank farmhouse style floating floor. In order to relieve the stark whiteness of the perimeter, I had suggested using contrast grout for the subway tile and the ultimate choice of cement tiles for the accent backsplash behind the range created a cathartic scene in this modestly stated design. Throw in some owls, books, and some fun pendant lighting and we were smiling through the finish line, together!!! My goal is to ensure that my client's needs are met and that their lives are improved through my designs. I hope you like the images of the new space!

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish.
Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent.
The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material.
Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible.
Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome.
The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

Designed to be both functional and flexible, this custom tile basketball court was thoughtfully integrated into a paver patio that we also designed, creating a true multi-purpose outdoor space from the ground up. The permeable sport tile system allows for proper drainage while protecting the surface below, and can also be easily removed in the future if desired.
When not being used as a play area, the space seamlessly transforms back into an entertainment patio for gatherings and outdoor living. A clean, modern solution that balances recreation, durability, and versatility while blending seamlessly with the overall landscape and hardscape design.

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.

The highlight of this living room is the stunning tiled fireplace covered in Impero glazed porcelain wall tile by Florida Tile. The rounded edges not only provide elegance but act as a safety precaution for the homeowner's grandchildren. On the left side of the fireplace is a custom media cabinet which neatly stores remotes, movies, and media components. The metal screen is both stylish and functional, enabling proper ventilation for the various components. Interior doors were re-purposed and placed on a track to divide the living room from the adjacent pub.

This Bothell, Washington patio cover project was designed to seamlessly integrate with the home’s existing architecture while creating a comfortable outdoor living space for year-round enjoyment. The structure features 2x6 wall studs, a centered rafter layout, and a 4/12 roof pitch to match the existing roofline, ensuring a cohesive look and proper drainage.
An exposed GLB beam adds structural strength and a clean architectural detail, while the tight-knot cedar soffit brings warmth and natural character to the finished space.
To enhance functionality, the cover includes four recessed can lights, wiring for a future ceiling fan, and ceiling outlets for future Sonos or Bose speakers. Gutters and downspouts were tied into the existing system to maintain consistent water management and a polished exterior appearance.
The space was also prepared for future motorized screens, which will be measured and installed later. The homeowners selected SunTex 97 Dark Bronze screen fabric with a Bronze housing, providing shade, privacy, and a sleek finish that complements the home’s exterior. The completed patio cover now provides a durable, stylish extension of the home’s outdoor living area.

Turn your bathroom into an oasis you won't want to leave. Our professional bathroom contractors know that the most important aspect to a good bath remodel is proper planning. A strong blueprint design will maximize the size and functionality of your bathroom.

This outdoor living transformation brought together multiple phases of construction to create a seamless, year-round entertaining space. The project began with dry rot repairs and termite remediation, followed by framing a custom outdoor fireplace, completing the chimney, and preparing it for a beautiful stone finish. A custom soffit with skylights and detailed trim was installed to create a warm, finished ceiling that complements the home's architecture.
The existing deck was removed and replaced with a newly framed deck featuring custom stairs, durable decking, and modern railing. New siding and trim were completed around the home and breezeway, tying the addition into the existing exterior for a cohesive look.
The outdoor living area was further enhanced with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, including cabinetry, shelving, appliances, a kegerator, and a wine temperature control system. Electrical work included recessed lighting, heaters, fireplace power, dimmers, and a dedicated subpanel to support the space's amenities. A new fence and gate were also constructed and painted to match the homeowner's preferences, providing both privacy and a polished finish.
Throughout the project, our team coordinated closely with specialty contractors, including the stone mason and paver installer, ensuring each phase was completed in the proper sequence. The result is a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends craftsmanship, functionality, and lasting quality—creating the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends throughout every season.

A complete kitchen and powder room remodel in Herndon, Virginia, designed around two clear priorities: open up the kitchen to the rest of the main level, and create an experience that felt warm and timeless rather than trendy.
The original layout had a wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and an awkward fridge wall that limited both storage and traffic flow. Our solution involved removing the dividing wall (confirmed non-load-bearing), tightening the new dining room opening to 66 inches, and extending the fridge wall 25 inches into the kitchen to create a proper full-height pantry run. The result is a kitchen that breathes — open to the dining and living areas, with clear sight lines from the island to the bay windows at the far end.
Design Approach
The clients came in knowing they didn't want white. They didn't want navy. They wanted something with real wood character — the kind of finish that ages well and looks more like furniture than stock kitchen cabinetry. Cherry was the answer to that question.
We anchored the room around contrast: warm cherry cabinetry against clean white walls and white quartz, black hardware grounding the cherry's warmth, and a single waterfall island acting as the architectural focal point. Stainless appliances, brushed gold pendant accents, and the herringbone hardwood floor pull the room together without any one element shouting for attention.
The Cabinetry
Medallion Gold Line Sonoma Cappuccino — a stained cherry finish that catches light differently throughout the day. All-plywood box construction, solid wood doors and drawer fronts, soft close everywhere, US-made with a lifetime warranty. Four pull-out drawers built into the pantry bottoms keep the deep storage actually usable rather than a black hole.
Cabinet hardware is Top Knobs Riverside Pulls in flat black — 40 pulls across drawers and doors, plus three longer pulls on the 36-inch base drawers. The black was a deliberate decision: with cherry and stainless already providing warm and cool tones, brass or gold would have been one warm tone too many. Black grounds the cabinetry and gives the kitchen its architectural definition.
The Island and Countertops
MSI Calacatta Miraggio Gold quartz throughout — perimeter counters, island, waterfall ends, and the powder room. The Gold variant has subtle warm veining that pairs with cherry where cooler whites would have fought the wood tone.
The island gets a full waterfall edge — slabs book-matched, miters precise, the finished edge essentially seamless. Treating the island as architectural sculpture rather than just functional storage. The black undermount farmhouse-style sink ties back to the hardware throughout the rest of the kitchen.
The Backsplash
MSI Metro Gold tile — small format white and gold tiles in a herringbone-adjacent pattern with intermittent gold accents. Full height, continuous behind the floating shelves and behind the hood.
Four custom floating shelves are spaced above a 3-inch countertop ledge: first shelf 18 inches above the ledge, second shelf 9 inches above that, third 18 inches above the second. The shelves are stained to match the cabinetry. The backsplash continues behind the shelves and behind the hood, so the wall reads as a continuous textured surface that the shelves and hood float in front of.
The Appliances
This is a serious cooking kitchen. The clients chose a 48-inch Wolf gas range, a Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator integrated into the cherry cabinet wall, a Wolf microwave drawer in the island base, and a Bosch dishwasher. For ventilation, we installed a 1200 CFM hood paired with a make-up air system to balance the negative pressure that hood pulls. New ducting was routed through the exterior siding on the side of the house.
The Flooring
MSI engineered hardwood throughout the entire main level — approximately 800 square feet — installed in a Bramlett herringbone pattern. Herringbone adds roughly 15-20 percent to material and labor costs because of the angled cuts and waste factor, but the result is a floor that reads as more considered and luxurious than standard plank flooring. Finished with 4.5-inch white wood baseboards throughout.
The Powder Room
A small room with a big personality. The clients chose a deep blue and teal scallop pattern wallpaper (client-supplied, we installed) and paired it with the same Sonoma Cappuccino cherry vanity used in the kitchen — material continuity between the spaces.
Powder room countertop is the same MSI Calacatta Miraggio Gold quartz from the kitchen with a rectangular white undermount sink. Hardware on the powder room vanity is Top Knobs Riverside in honey bronze rather than the kitchen's flat black — the warm bronze pulls the brass tones from the faucet into the millwork and complements the wallpaper. New sconce, kept the existing toilet (refinishing or replacing a working toilet is wasted money in a powder room remodel), and a Panasonic Whisper Green exhaust fan.
Project Specs
Location: Herndon, Virginia
Project type: Combined kitchen and powder room remodel
Project duration: Approximately 4 to 6 weeks
Style: Transitional, Modern Farmhouse, Warm Wood Contemporary
Color palette: Cherry, white, black, brushed gold, deep blue (powder room)
Materials
Cabinetry (kitchen and powder room): Medallion Gold Line Sonoma Cappuccino cherry, Shaker-style, all-plywood box construction, lifetime warranty
Kitchen hardware: Top Knobs Riverside Pulls in flat black (TK1014BLK and TK1017BLK)
Powder room hardware: Top Knobs Riverside Pulls in honey bronze (TK1012HB)
Counter tops: MSI Calacatta Miraggio Gold Quartz, pencil edge, waterfall island
Backsplash: MSI Metro Gold tile, full height
Floating shelves: 4 custom shelves at 48" by 9", stained to match cabinets
Range: 48-inch Wolf gas range
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero built-in
Microwave: Wolf microwave drawer (island base)
Hood: 1200 CFM with make-up air system
Kitchen sink: Kohler farmhouse-style, 36-inch base, black
Kitchen faucet: Brizo (homeowner-supplied)
Flooring: MSI engineered hardwood in Bramlett herringbone pattern, approximately 800 sq ft
Baseboards: 4.5-inch white wood throughout
Powder room wallpaper: Client-supplied scallop pattern in blues and teals
Powder room exhaust fan: Panasonic Whisper Green
Paint: Benjamin Moore
Designed and built by My Kitchen and Bath out of our Herndon showroom at 285 Sunset Park Drive. We've been designing and building kitchens, bathrooms, and full home renovations across Northern Virginia and the DMV since 1994.

When Your Bathrooms Finally Work for You
These clients loved their home but found their bathrooms frustrating and impractical. The Primary Ensuite was cramped, the vanity offered little storage, and the walk-in closet went mostly unused.
The Shared Bathroom had peeling finishes, rust, and mold, leaving them concerned and embarrassed when guests visited.
Our renovation transformed both spaces into functional and beautiful bathrooms.
The Primary Ensuite now features a spacious walk-in steam shower, a double vanity with plenty of storage, and improved layout for better flow.
The Shared Bathroom was fully updated with new finishes, fixtures, and proper ventilation.
Large-format tiles, Brushed Nickel plumbing fixtures, Matte Black accents, and custom glass details create a cohesive, modern look. Even unexpected challenges, such as a hidden plumbing stack, were solved without compromising the design vision.
The result is a home that finally feels complete, with bathrooms that are calm, practical, and enjoyable to use every day.
Sosna Home Renovations
7250 Keele Street, Unit 372
Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8
416-888-7366
Email: contact@sosna.ca
Website: www.sosna.ca

Home automation is an area of exponential technological growth and evolution. Properly executed lighting brings continuity, function and beauty to a living or working space. Whether it’s a small loft or a large business, light can completely change the ambiance of your home or office. Ambiance in Bozeman, MT offers residential and commercial customized lighting solutions and home automation that fits not only your lifestyle but offers decoration, safety and security. Whether you’re adding a room or looking to upgrade the current lighting in your home, we have the expertise necessary to exceed your lighting expectations.
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