The client had several requirements for this Seattle kids bathroom remodel. They wanted to keep the existing bathtub, toilet and flooring; they wanted to fit two sinks into the space for their two teenage children; they wanted to integrate a niche into the shower area; lastly, they wanted a fun but sophisticated look that incorporated the theme of African wildlife into the design. Ellen Weiss Design accomplished all of these goals, surpassing the client's expectations. The client particularly loved the idea of opening up what had been a large unused (and smelly) built-in medicine cabinet to create an open and accessible space which now provides much-needed additional counter space and which has become a design focal point.

Pantry cabinet with pull-out drawers provides easy access.
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Seattle with shaker cabinets

A mixture of stone and shake lends an earthy feel that allows the home to blend with the surrounding landscape. A series of bay windows on the rear of the home maximizes views from every room. The main level begins with the grand foyer that overlooks an open staircase and out into the sprawling great room, where a towering hearth and custom ceiling design draw the eye upward. The breathtaking dining room is completely open to a huge gourmet kitchen, and leads to both screened and covered rear porches. Truly luxurious, the master suite includes two massive closets with exterior windows and a spectacular octagonal bath. A bedroom/study shares the private wing, while a bonus suite over the garage has closets and a full bathroom. Elegant living spaces continue on the lower level, where a sizable rec room enjoys abundant windows, a fireplace, wet bar, and wine cellar tucked away by the stairs. Three large bedrooms, two with patio access, and three full bathrooms provide space for guests or family.

This old farmhouse (ca. late 18th century) has undergone many renovations over the years. Spring Creek Design added its stamp in 2008, with a small mudroom addition and a complete interior renovation. The addition encompasses a 1st floor mudroom with extensive cabinetry and closetry. Upon entering the space from the driveway, cabinet and countertop space is provided to accommodate incoming grocery bags. Next in line are a series of “lockers” and cubbies - just right for coats, hats and book bags. Further inside is a wrap-around window seat with cedar shoe racks beneath. A stainless steel dog feeding station rounds out the amenities - all built atop a natural Vermont slate floor. On the lower level, the addition features a full bathroom and a “Dude Pod” - a compact work and play space for the resident code monkey. Outfitted with a stand-up desk and an electronic drum kit, one needs only emerge for Mountain Dew refills and familial visits. Within the existing space, we added an ensuite bathroom for the third floor bedroom. The second floor bathroom and first floor powder room were also gutted and remodeled. The master bedroom was extensively remodeled - given a vaulted ceiling and a wall of floor-to-roof built-ins accessed with a rolling ladder. An extensive, multi-level deck and screen house was added to provide outdoor living space, with secure, dry storage below. Design Criteria: - Update house with a high sustainability standard. - Provide bathroom for daughters’ third floor bedroom. - Update remaining bathrooms - Update cramped, low ceilinged master bedroom - Provide mudroom/entryway solutions. - Provide a window seating space with good visibility of back and side yards – to keep an eye on the kids at play. - Replace old deck with a updated deck/screen porch combination. - Update sitting room with a wood stove and mantle. Special Features: - Insulated Concrete Forms used for Dude Pod foundation. - Soy-based spray foam insulation used in the addition and master bedroom. - Paperstone countertops in mudroom. - Zero-VOC paints and finishes used throughout the project. - All decking and trim for the deck/screen porch is made from 100% recycled HDPE (milk jugs, soda, water bottles) - High efficiency combination washer/dryer.

This aging-in-place kitchen and both beautiful and functional with wheelchair accessible cook top and sink apron. The lower-cabinet lazy susan and trash bin are within easy reach. The tri-level counter top is at once serviceable and accessible for the entire family. Monarch Builders and Remodelers, Inc. is SW Florida’s specialist in providing state-of-the-art "Aging in Place" building design services and techniques, including a full range of home-remodeling services. With a prime goal of interpreting the needs and desires in an aesthetically pleasing way, Monarch Builders creates an environment in which homeowners can live and work positively and independently. Monarch knows there’s no place like home and people 50 and older want to remain living in their own home - comfortably, safely, and independently; it all comes down to design that keep one’s house a home. Monarch brings care, respect, and empathy into the designer-client relationship. By providing innovation and excellence, Monarch works to make your home function beautifully.

After the devastating Tubbs fire, Craig reimagined this Calistoga property into a wine country retreat for the owners' family as well as corporate/wellness guests. He approached the design by studying the natural elements of the site including trees, views and light, the vernacular design of the area and the clients’ personality. Craig designed a barn and the house – made up of a one-story and a two-story building – connected by a stunning 20-foot steel and glass breezeway. Expansive doors and windows create seamless indoor/outdoor flow and numerous patios and the pool area provide comfortable outdoor spaces. The modern and warm interior is bright, luxurious and comfortable.

Steppers through the plantings provides access from front yard to backyard. www.sharpercut.com
This is an example of a partial sun side yard concrete paver landscaping in DC Metro.

Our client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site. The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved. The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus. A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play. The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside. Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc Photos © Anice Hoachlander

A handicap-accessible ramp provides wheelchair and walker access to the house. The ramp is made of maintenance-free Trex decking and also features a maintenance-free vinyl rail system. Architect: Art Renauto

Exterior view of this beautiful Truckee Tahoe home. Nestled in Martis Camp, this home boasts all the lighting, media, heating, and remote access smart home features. Electrical and Smart Home services provided by Nexus Electric and Smart Home.

The doors at the far left provide exterior access to a storage area. A powder-coated fence provides some security while maintaining the view.
Small tuscan beige one-story stucco exterior home photo in San Francisco

Lakefront living is not often luxurious and conscious of size. The “Emmett” design achieves both of these goals in style. Despite being ideal for a narrow waterfront lot, this home leaves nothing wanting, offering homeowners three full floors of modern living. Dining, kitchen, and living areas flank the outdoor patio space, while three bedrooms plus a master suite are located on the upper level. The lower level provides additional gathering space and a bunk room, as well as a “beach bath” with walkout access to the lake.

Living room - large traditional formal and open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Little Rock with white walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace and no tv

Modern shelving provides an ideal display for books and keepsakes in one streamlined storage system. • Tesoro Tuscan Moon finish provides contrast to the dark Grey walls. • Tesoro Cappuccino accents provide contrast. • Corsican Weave backing creates a seamless look. • Asymmetrical system creates interest in the design. • Toe-kick offers easy access.

Explore QuickTub, a tub to shower conversion that provides step free, mobility issue friendly bathroom accessibility. Within a day install for safe, independent bathing.

After photo of shower. Shower is over a wood subfloor that required modification to drop the shower pan to floor height. Curbless roll-in shower was installed to provide the client with a shower that could be more safely entered. Green walls tie into the wallpaper of the Master Bedroom, and glass/stone mosaic tile was chose to compliment the greens. Moen Kingsley grab bars were installed to provide safety without an institutional feel. In the foreground a raise and lower PT rail can be seen that assists the client with getting up and down from the toilet.

A custom hall built-in storage bench at the homes garage access door provide a place to hang coats, jackets or bookbags.
Inspiration for a large transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor hallway remodel in Indianapolis with gray walls

Builder: Boone Construction Photographer: M-Buck Studio This lakefront farmhouse skillfully fits four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms in this carefully planned open plan. The symmetrical front façade sets the tone by contrasting the earthy textures of shake and stone with a collection of crisp white trim that run throughout the home. Wrapping around the rear of this cottage is an expansive covered porch designed for entertaining and enjoying shaded Summer breezes. A pair of sliding doors allow the interior entertaining spaces to open up on the covered porch for a seamless indoor to outdoor transition. The openness of this compact plan still manages to provide plenty of storage in the form of a separate butlers pantry off from the kitchen, and a lakeside mudroom. The living room is centrally located and connects the master quite to the home’s common spaces. The master suite is given spectacular vistas on three sides with direct access to the rear patio and features two separate closets and a private spa style bath to create a luxurious master suite. Upstairs, you will find three additional bedrooms, one of which a private bath. The other two bedrooms share a bath that thoughtfully provides privacy between the shower and vanity.

Rock retaining wall provideds privacy to this sunken backyard patio. Easily accessible from the driveway and home.
Photo of a traditional rock backyard stone landscaping in DC Metro.