Search results for "Proper functioning" in Home Design Ideas

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light.
The objectives were:
-Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean
-Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar
-Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa
-Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet
Design challenges:
-Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space
-Proper ventilation for the hood
-Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak
Design solutions:
-After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations
-Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop
-Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used
-Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality
-Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below
-Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored
-Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current
-Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest
Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area
Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

Kimicata Brothers, INC http://www.kimicatabrothers.com
Project Entry: Johnson
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Hardscaping-Residential $30,000-$60,000
Award Level: Honorable Mention
Photo Description:
We were contacted by the Johnson’s to update their backyard fenced in pool area in the summer of 2012. Over the years the deck around the pool had deteriorated and the plants had become over grown and made walking around the deck difficult. The old concrete patio was small and only lit by bright 120 volt spot lights. What made this job difficult was the access to the backyard was limited to using a neighbor’s backyard for the project. We had to bring all debris out and materials in from a neighboring street, down the neighbor’s driveway, across the backyard, through an 8’ section that was in the far corner of the neighbor’s yard that corresponded to the entrance to Johnson’s backyard. They had a plan that they wanted to work from. Since access was a problem, we had to secure permission from the neighbor before we could consider bidding the job. After the neighbor’s permission was obtained we discussed materials for the drawing they had. It only included the hardscape and gazebo. Other difficulties included not damaging lighting and plumbing for the pool during excavation and construction. Also the ladders into the pool fit into cups screwed to the deck. These had to be replaced with precisely placed pipes mounted into the base for stability. Care had to be taken to make sure water would not drain from the deck into the pool. So we had to place channel drains between the patio area and pool deck area. A channel drain was placed between the exposed aggregate finished slab for the gazebo and the pool deck. This allowed for proper sloping of the hardscape to provide the drains to move rain away from the pool. We used polymeric sand in the paver joints to prevent breakdown of the installation and avoid wind and water moving sand into the pool. The slab for the gazebo was an exposed aggregate finish that measured 12’ 6” x 16’ 6”. The pagoda style roof for the gazebo and screening make it attractive and functional as a bug free area to entertain in. We discussed adding low voltage lighting, 120 volt plugs and drip irrigation early on so we could place conduits during the construction. After the hardscape installation we installed the low voltage lighting. We installed a transformer with a timer and an optional dusk to dawn photocell. The Johnsons did not like the old 120 volt spot light to light the back, they wanted something softer. We installed 20 path lights to illuminate the hardscape and 3 wall wash lights to add evening depth to the yard. We installed the plantings and Hunter drip irrigation system in the spring of 2013. It was easy to convince them that the drip system was the proper way to irrigate the area. There would be no spray to blow onto patio furniture or into the gazebo. Also drip irrigation uses less water so they are economical to operate. This gave them a low maintenance yard, a nice finished look and something blooming throughout the growing season. The Johnsons have been very happy with the look and the functionality of the pool deck, patio, lights, irrigation and gazebo.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light.
The objectives were:
-Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean
-Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar
-Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa
-Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet
Design challenges:
-Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space
-Proper ventilation for the hood
-Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak
Design solutions:
-After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations
-Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop
-Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used
-Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality
-Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below
-Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored
-Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current
-Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest
Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area
Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.
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We took what was once a poorly finished flipper’s space and transformed it into a properly built, functional laundry room and bathroom designed with this growing family in mind. With a newborn on the way, every detail mattered — from creating an open, accessible layout for effortless laundry, to building a comfortable, safe area to bathe the baby. Thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and smart planning came together to deliver a space that not only works beautifully today, but will make life easier for this family as they continue to grow.

This master bathroom remodel in Reston was designed around a fully custom steam shower, creating a clean and comfortable space with a spa-like feel.
The shower area was completely reworked by removing one of the existing walls and opening up the layout. We installed a frameless glass enclosure that runs to the ceiling, which is essential for proper steam retention while also making the space feel more open.
Inside the shower, the entire enclosure was tiled from floor to ceiling, including the ceiling itself. This is an important detail for steam showers, along with proper waterproofing behind the tile to ensure long-term performance.
To improve functionality, we added a built-in bench with a quartz top, along with two recessed niches for storage. The shower floor features a hexagon mosaic tile, which adds texture and provides better grip.
The material selection throughout the bathroom was kept clean and consistent. We used MSI Eden Dolomite tile in both polished and matte finishes, paired with a Bianco Dolomite accent tile on the plumbing wall and inside the niches.
The vanity area features Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo cabinets, combined with a Frost White quartz countertop and matte black hardware. This contrast helps define the space while keeping the overall look balanced.
Additional updates included new recessed lighting with dimmers, updated electrical and plumbing work, and a fresh coat of paint throughout the bathroom and closet.
The final result is a modern master bathroom centered around a fully functional steam shower, designed for both everyday use and long-term durability.

This master bathroom remodel in Reston was designed around a fully custom steam shower, creating a clean and comfortable space with a spa-like feel.
The shower area was completely reworked by removing one of the existing walls and opening up the layout. We installed a frameless glass enclosure that runs to the ceiling, which is essential for proper steam retention while also making the space feel more open.
Inside the shower, the entire enclosure was tiled from floor to ceiling, including the ceiling itself. This is an important detail for steam showers, along with proper waterproofing behind the tile to ensure long-term performance.
To improve functionality, we added a built-in bench with a quartz top, along with two recessed niches for storage. The shower floor features a hexagon mosaic tile, which adds texture and provides better grip.
The material selection throughout the bathroom was kept clean and consistent. We used MSI Eden Dolomite tile in both polished and matte finishes, paired with a Bianco Dolomite accent tile on the plumbing wall and inside the niches.
The vanity area features Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo cabinets, combined with a Frost White quartz countertop and matte black hardware. This contrast helps define the space while keeping the overall look balanced.
Additional updates included new recessed lighting with dimmers, updated electrical and plumbing work, and a fresh coat of paint throughout the bathroom and closet.
The final result is a modern master bathroom centered around a fully functional steam shower, designed for both everyday use and long-term durability.

This master bathroom remodel in Reston was designed around a fully custom steam shower, creating a clean and comfortable space with a spa-like feel.
The shower area was completely reworked by removing one of the existing walls and opening up the layout. We installed a frameless glass enclosure that runs to the ceiling, which is essential for proper steam retention while also making the space feel more open.
Inside the shower, the entire enclosure was tiled from floor to ceiling, including the ceiling itself. This is an important detail for steam showers, along with proper waterproofing behind the tile to ensure long-term performance.
To improve functionality, we added a built-in bench with a quartz top, along with two recessed niches for storage. The shower floor features a hexagon mosaic tile, which adds texture and provides better grip.
The material selection throughout the bathroom was kept clean and consistent. We used MSI Eden Dolomite tile in both polished and matte finishes, paired with a Bianco Dolomite accent tile on the plumbing wall and inside the niches.
The vanity area features Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo cabinets, combined with a Frost White quartz countertop and matte black hardware. This contrast helps define the space while keeping the overall look balanced.
Additional updates included new recessed lighting with dimmers, updated electrical and plumbing work, and a fresh coat of paint throughout the bathroom and closet.
The final result is a modern master bathroom centered around a fully functional steam shower, designed for both everyday use and long-term durability.

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

This master bathroom remodel in Reston was designed around a fully custom steam shower, creating a clean and comfortable space with a spa-like feel.
The shower area was completely reworked by removing one of the existing walls and opening up the layout. We installed a frameless glass enclosure that runs to the ceiling, which is essential for proper steam retention while also making the space feel more open.
Inside the shower, the entire enclosure was tiled from floor to ceiling, including the ceiling itself. This is an important detail for steam showers, along with proper waterproofing behind the tile to ensure long-term performance.
To improve functionality, we added a built-in bench with a quartz top, along with two recessed niches for storage. The shower floor features a hexagon mosaic tile, which adds texture and provides better grip.
The material selection throughout the bathroom was kept clean and consistent. We used MSI Eden Dolomite tile in both polished and matte finishes, paired with a Bianco Dolomite accent tile on the plumbing wall and inside the niches.
The vanity area features Fabuwood Galaxy Indigo cabinets, combined with a Frost White quartz countertop and matte black hardware. This contrast helps define the space while keeping the overall look balanced.
Additional updates included new recessed lighting with dimmers, updated electrical and plumbing work, and a fresh coat of paint throughout the bathroom and closet.
The final result is a modern master bathroom centered around a fully functional steam shower, designed for both everyday use and long-term durability.

Drainage Solutions & Curb Appeal Transformation
This project focused on solving a persistent drainage issue that was impacting both the usability and appearance of the property. Standing water and poor grading were creating functional problems while diminishing the home’s overall curb appeal—an issue many homeowners face when water isn’t properly directed away from the home.
Fowler Outdoor Co. approached the project with a design-build mindset, addressing the root cause of the drainage problem through proper grading, water management, and structural solutions. By integrating effective drainage systems with thoughtfully designed hardscape elements, the team was able to redirect water flow, protect the property, and create a more stable foundation for the landscape.
Beyond functionality, the transformation elevated the front yard’s appearance with clean lines, intentional materials, and a cohesive layout that complements the home. The result is a space that not only performs better during heavy rain but also delivers a polished, welcoming first impression.
This project is a great example of how solving underlying issues like drainage can completely transform both the look and long-term performance of an outdoor space.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light.
The objectives were:
-Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean
-Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar
-Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa
-Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet
Design challenges:
-Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space
-Proper ventilation for the hood
-Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak
Design solutions:
-After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations
-Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop
-Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used
-Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality
-Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below
-Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored
-Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current
-Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest
Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area
Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

Bedroom Renovation in Massachusetts | Before & After Transformation by Maverick City Builders
This project showcases a complete bedroom renovation in an older Massachusetts home, transforming a dated and underutilized space into a clean, modern, and highly functional room. From initial demolition to final furnishing, every phase of this remodel highlights the craftsmanship, organization, and attention to detail that defines Maverick City Builders (MCB).
The project began with a small bedroom featuring outdated finishes, limited natural light, and worn flooring. During the early renovation stage, walls were carefully opened to expose framing, insulation, and existing structure—allowing for proper upgrades and ensuring long-term durability. The job site remained clean and professionally managed throughout the process, reflecting our commitment to quality and safety.
As the renovation progressed, new drywall was installed and finished to create smooth, paint-ready surfaces. Trim work, including modern baseboards and door casings, was added to elevate the overall look. Flooring was replaced with durable, high-quality materials, bringing warmth and consistency to the space.
In the final stage, the bedroom was fully transformed with fresh neutral paint, crisp white trim, upgraded lighting, and improved brightness from the existing window. The completed space was then furnished as a simple, functional kid’s bedroom—featuring a bed, desk, and storage solutions—designed to be both practical and comfortable without unnecessary luxury.
This before-and-after renovation highlights how strategic upgrades, clean execution, and thoughtful design can completely redefine a space. Maverick City Builders proudly serves Central Massachusetts, delivering high-quality bedroom renovations, home remodeling, and interior upgrades that add long-term value to your home.
Services Included:
Bedroom Remodeling, Drywall Installation & Finishing, Interior Trim & Carpentry, Flooring Installation, Painting, Light Construction Framing
Service Area:
Lancaster, Clinton, Sterling, Leominster, Lunenburg, Fitchburg, Bolton, Harvard, and surrounding Massachusetts towns

Bedroom Renovation in Massachusetts | Before & After Transformation by Maverick City Builders
This project showcases a complete bedroom renovation in an older Massachusetts home, transforming a dated and underutilized space into a clean, modern, and highly functional room. From initial demolition to final furnishing, every phase of this remodel highlights the craftsmanship, organization, and attention to detail that defines Maverick City Builders (MCB).
The project began with a small bedroom featuring outdated finishes, limited natural light, and worn flooring. During the early renovation stage, walls were carefully opened to expose framing, insulation, and existing structure—allowing for proper upgrades and ensuring long-term durability. The job site remained clean and professionally managed throughout the process, reflecting our commitment to quality and safety.
As the renovation progressed, new drywall was installed and finished to create smooth, paint-ready surfaces. Trim work, including modern baseboards and door casings, was added to elevate the overall look. Flooring was replaced with durable, high-quality materials, bringing warmth and consistency to the space.
In the final stage, the bedroom was fully transformed with fresh neutral paint, crisp white trim, upgraded lighting, and improved brightness from the existing window. The completed space was then furnished as a simple, functional kid’s bedroom—featuring a bed, desk, and storage solutions—designed to be both practical and comfortable without unnecessary luxury.
This before-and-after renovation highlights how strategic upgrades, clean execution, and thoughtful design can completely redefine a space. Maverick City Builders proudly serves Central Massachusetts, delivering high-quality bedroom renovations, home remodeling, and interior upgrades that add long-term value to your home.
Services Included:
Bedroom Remodeling, Drywall Installation & Finishing, Interior Trim & Carpentry, Flooring Installation, Painting, Light Construction Framing
Service Area:
Lancaster, Clinton, Sterling, Leominster, Lunenburg, Fitchburg, Bolton, Harvard, and surrounding Massachusetts towns

Bedroom Renovation in Massachusetts | Before & After Transformation by Maverick City Builders
This project showcases a complete bedroom renovation in an older Massachusetts home, transforming a dated and underutilized space into a clean, modern, and highly functional room. From initial demolition to final furnishing, every phase of this remodel highlights the craftsmanship, organization, and attention to detail that defines Maverick City Builders (MCB).
The project began with a small bedroom featuring outdated finishes, limited natural light, and worn flooring. During the early renovation stage, walls were carefully opened to expose framing, insulation, and existing structure—allowing for proper upgrades and ensuring long-term durability. The job site remained clean and professionally managed throughout the process, reflecting our commitment to quality and safety.
As the renovation progressed, new drywall was installed and finished to create smooth, paint-ready surfaces. Trim work, including modern baseboards and door casings, was added to elevate the overall look. Flooring was replaced with durable, high-quality materials, bringing warmth and consistency to the space.
In the final stage, the bedroom was fully transformed with fresh neutral paint, crisp white trim, upgraded lighting, and improved brightness from the existing window. The completed space was then furnished as a simple, functional kid’s bedroom—featuring a bed, desk, and storage solutions—designed to be both practical and comfortable without unnecessary luxury.
This before-and-after renovation highlights how strategic upgrades, clean execution, and thoughtful design can completely redefine a space. Maverick City Builders proudly serves Central Massachusetts, delivering high-quality bedroom renovations, home remodeling, and interior upgrades that add long-term value to your home.
Services Included:
Bedroom Remodeling, Drywall Installation & Finishing, Interior Trim & Carpentry, Flooring Installation, Painting, Light Construction Framing
Service Area:
Lancaster, Clinton, Sterling, Leominster, Lunenburg, Fitchburg, Bolton, Harvard, and surrounding Massachusetts towns

Bedroom Renovation in Massachusetts | Before & After Transformation by Maverick City Builders
This project showcases a complete bedroom renovation in an older Massachusetts home, transforming a dated and underutilized space into a clean, modern, and highly functional room. From initial demolition to final furnishing, every phase of this remodel highlights the craftsmanship, organization, and attention to detail that defines Maverick City Builders (MCB).
The project began with a small bedroom featuring outdated finishes, limited natural light, and worn flooring. During the early renovation stage, walls were carefully opened to expose framing, insulation, and existing structure—allowing for proper upgrades and ensuring long-term durability. The job site remained clean and professionally managed throughout the process, reflecting our commitment to quality and safety.
As the renovation progressed, new drywall was installed and finished to create smooth, paint-ready surfaces. Trim work, including modern baseboards and door casings, was added to elevate the overall look. Flooring was replaced with durable, high-quality materials, bringing warmth and consistency to the space.
In the final stage, the bedroom was fully transformed with fresh neutral paint, crisp white trim, upgraded lighting, and improved brightness from the existing window. The completed space was then furnished as a simple, functional kid’s bedroom—featuring a bed, desk, and storage solutions—designed to be both practical and comfortable without unnecessary luxury.
This before-and-after renovation highlights how strategic upgrades, clean execution, and thoughtful design can completely redefine a space. Maverick City Builders proudly serves Central Massachusetts, delivering high-quality bedroom renovations, home remodeling, and interior upgrades that add long-term value to your home.
Services Included:
Bedroom Remodeling, Drywall Installation & Finishing, Interior Trim & Carpentry, Flooring Installation, Painting, Light Construction Framing
Service Area:
Lancaster, Clinton, Sterling, Leominster, Lunenburg, Fitchburg, Bolton, Harvard, and surrounding Massachusetts towns

This dream bathroom has everything one can wish for an ideal bathroom escape. It doesn’t just look fabulous – it works well and it is built to stand the test of time.
This bathroom was designed as a private oasis, a place to relax and unwind. Spa-like environment is created by expansive double-sink custom vanity, an elegant free standing tub, and a spacious two-person barrier-free shower with a floating bench. Toilet is concealed within a separate nook behind a pocket door.
Main bathroom area is outlined by a tray ceiling perimeter. The room looks open, airy and spacious. Nothing interferes with the ceiling design and overall space configuration. It hasn’t always been that way. Former layout had serious pitfalls that made the room look much smaller. The shower concealed behind solid walls protruded into the main area clashing with the tray ceiling geometry. Massive shower stall took up significant amount of the room leaving no continuous wall space for a double sink vanity. There were two separate vanities with a dead corner space between them. At the same time, the toilet room was quite spacious with just one fixture in the far end.
New layout not only looks better, it allows for a better functionality and fully reveals the space potential. The toilet was relocated to occupy the former linen closet space slightly expanded into adjacent walk-in closet. Shower was moved into the bigger alcove, away from the tray ceiling area. It opened up the room while giving space for a gorgeous wall-to-wall vanity. Having a full glass wall, the shower extends the space even further. Sparkling glass creates no barrier to the eyesight. The room feels clean, breezy and extra spacious. Gorgeous frameless shower enclosure with glass-to-glass clamps and hinges shows off premium tile designs of the accent shower wall.
Free standing tub remained in its original place in front of the window. With no solid shower walls nearby, it became a focal point adorned with the new crystal chandelier above it. This two-tier gorgeous chandelier makes the bathroom feel incredibly grand. A touch of luxury is showing up in timeless polished chrome faucet finish selections as well.
New expansive custom vanity has his and her full height linen towers, his and her sink cabinets with two individual banks of drawers on the sides and one shared drawer cabinet in the middle containing a charging station in the upper drawer.
Vanity counter tops and floating shower seat top are made of high-end quartz.
Vessel sinks resemble the shape and style of the free-standing tub.
To make the room feel even more spacious and to showcase the shower area in the reflection, a full size mirror is installed over the vanity. Crystal sconces are installed directly into the mirror.
Crisp classic white tile gives the room a timeless sense of polish and luxury. Walls around the perimeter of the entire bathroom are tiled half way. Three rows of 12”x 24” porcelain tile resembling white marble are crowned with a thin row of intricate glass tiles with marble accents, and a chair rail tile.
Tile design flows into a spacious barrier-free two-person walk-in shower. Two more tile patterns of the same tile collection are brought into play. Rear wall is adorned with a picture frame made out of 12”x12” tiles laid at 45 degree angle within the same chair rail and glass tile border. Shower floor is made of small hexagon tiles for proper drainage.
Shower area has two hidden from plain sight niches to contain shampoo bottles and toiletries. The rear side of the niches is made of glass mosaics for a waterfall effect.
To showcase the picture frame inside the shower, the accent shower wall is washed with cascading light from a discrete LED strip tucked in a cove behind “floating” shower ceiling platform.
Multiple shower heads (two ceiling-mount rain heads, one multi-functional wall mount shower head, and a handheld shower) are able to provide a fully customizable shower experience.
Despite of many hard surfaces and shiny finishes, which can sometimes lead to a cold impersonal feeling, this bathroom is cozy and truly welcoming. This sense of warms is maintained by exclusive multi-functional layered lighting. Carefully designed groups of lights (all having a dimmer control) can be used simultaneously, in various combinations, or separately to create numerous different effects and perfect atmosphere for every mood and occasion. Some lights have smart controls and can be operated remotely.
Amazing effect can be achieved by dimmable toe kick perimeter lighting. With the ceiling lights turned off, the vanity looks as if it is floating in the air. Multifaceted crystal fixtures produce cascades of sparkling rainbow reflections dancing around the room and creating an illusion of a starry sky.
Programmable radiant heating floor offers additional warmth and comfort to the room.
This bathroom is well suited for either a quick morning shower or a night in for ultimate relaxation with a champagne toast and a long soak in the freestanding tub.

Appropriate proportions allow even the smallest bathrooms to function properly.
Alcove shower - small modern brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove shower idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an integrated sink and solid surface countertops
Alcove shower - small modern brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove shower idea in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an integrated sink and solid surface countertops

This functional pantry has upper cabinets which are outfitted with L-shaped shelving to maximize the available space. The custom shelving underneath the counter provides storage that is set at the proper height for the items being stored.

Our client recently purchased a newly-constructed home in order to downsize and have a low- maintenance home and yard. The existing side yard/back yard was undeveloped by the builder, leaving the homeowner with the huge challenge of creating a great outdoor entertaining space for family and friends, while creating privacy and overcoming the over 8-foot steep drop from the existing back porch down to the alley.
The grade was the largest challenge because the space was so narrow with such a large fall from existing porch to the property line. The second largest challenge is that this residence is located in a semi-private community where HOA approval of plans and materials is difficult, as all the residences here share a similar look and feel with a very clean and contemporary aesthetic.
We had to precisely shoot grades to know what kinds of retaining walls would need to be constructed along with how much backfill soil and dirt movement would need to be done. After that the design had to carefully consider the space with maximum functionality for outdoor entertainment with newly constructed walls to ensure it would last for many years to come. All of this was done with multiple meetings with the homeowners who are a retired engineer and active architect themselves. Once a design was settled upon, then submission to the HOA board of approval had to be completed and signed off on with all questions and concerns answered for the community by-laws.
The two biggest difficulties within the construction phase were that the neighbor next to the back yard had a large retaining wall not properly backfilled up to the property line. That neighbor wouldn’t allow us proper access and control to help alleviate the issues, so we had to skillfully work around this to ensure what we constructed would last, despite their property not being properly addressed. We also had to go through multiple shipments from the manufacturer due to large variances in the material’s appearance on the steps and another shipment that was broken during shipping. These two things delayed the project we were working to complete before the spring so the homeowner could have the maximum use of the space this year.
Topping off this challenging construction was a beautiful palette of native grasses, rosemary, groundcover, granite walkways, and synthetic grass to ensure year-round, practically effortless beauty.

Form and function are evident here in this custom designed home bar.
Home bar - eclectic home bar idea in Indianapolis
Home bar - eclectic home bar idea in Indianapolis
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