In 2014, we were approached by a couple to achieve a dream space within their existing home. They wanted to expand their existing bar, wine, and cigar storage into a new one-of-a-kind room. Proud of their Italian heritage, they also wanted to bring an “old-world” feel into this project to be reminded of the unique character they experienced in Italian cellars. The dramatic tone of the space revolves around the signature piece of the project; a custom milled stone spiral stair that provides access from the first floor to the entry of the room. This stair tower features stone walls, custom iron handrails and spindles, and dry-laid milled stone treads and riser blocks. Once down the staircase, the entry to the cellar is through a French door assembly. The interior of the room is clad with stone veneer on the walls and a brick barrel vault ceiling. The natural stone and brick color bring in the cellar feel the client was looking for, while the rustic alder beams, flooring, and cabinetry help provide warmth. The entry door sequence is repeated along both walls in the room to provide rhythm in each ceiling barrel vault. These French doors also act as wine and cigar storage. To allow for ample cigar storage, a fully custom walk-in humidor was designed opposite the entry doors. The room is controlled by a fully concealed, state-of-the-art HVAC smoke eater system that allows for cigar enjoyment without any odor.

On this project, our aim was to maximize storage and organization in the pantry for this family of five. This family previously had the common complaint that their pantry was always message and that they could never find what they wanted. To address this, we created provided a large amount of shelving, including key sections that slide out to provide better access to the items in the back. In addition, since their refrigerator didn't fit in the space that was created for it, we converted that into a pantry nook for even more storage. White melamine was used to mange cost and create a clean look, and the barn door on the main pantry provides a nice accent.

Cabinetry: Elmwood Full Access cabinetry, Chamberlain Rail Providence door style, with a Dove White Matte paint. Countertops: 3cm Red Shimmer from Caesarstone

Long and narrow, this garden needed to provide visual interest from each window of the house and practical access to the hot tub and foot hill trails that lay outside the fence. As succession of shrubs, ground covers and xeric perennials create season long interest. Anne Hartshorn

Pivot door (at right) with galvanized steel framing provides access to the Master Bath. The soffit is trimmed with hot-dipped galvanized steel. The underside of the soffit is faced with Baltic birch. Flooring is rift and quartered white oak.

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

Best Buy Walk-in Tub Provides Safe Bathing Experience
Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in Atlanta

Modern kitchen with a combination of laminate and walnut cabinet faces and engineered porcelain countertops. All doors and appliances are accessed through touch latch interaction providing a clean handless design.

A new stream winds it's way through the landscape, between boulders and natural plantings. The stream becomes a waterfall into a natural pond, surrounded by large boulders. Seating along the edge and bridges throughout provide human access to this unique water feature.

This newly constructed treated lumber walkway creates a safe, accessible transition to the public lake access stair system while improving pedestrian safety and usability. Finished with durable Westbury Tuscany aluminum railing, the upgraded access route is part of the City of Lake Waukomis easement improvement project, providing residents with a long-lasting, low-maintenance pathway designed for dependable public use.

Clerestory windows provide ventilation and flood the kitchen with natural light. Wood floors stand up to wheelchair movement.
Mid-sized trendy u-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Our clients are both veterinarians and have two cats, so we personalized this cabinet door for them. It provides access to a hidden litter box inside the cabinet. The cat door in the wall leads from the mudroom into the enclosed laundry room to give the cats free-roaming access.

The light shelf provides roof deck access and additional light in the stairwell and kitchen. photos by Brian Hartman
Living room - small contemporary open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room idea in Seattle with white walls

lighted pull-out pantry provides easy access.
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized country l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea with shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, solid surface countertops, an island and blue countertops

Customer required sturdy fieldstone retaining walls which included new planting and graduated steping stones that would provide access to upper portion of backyard.

The addition begins with exterior entry at ground level. A half stop down to the basement provides access to a “wheelchair wash/dog wash” station and game room. A half stop up brings the elevator to the first floor followed by traditional stops at the second floor and attic/owner’s suite.

Miele refrigerator placement provides ample room for access, but convenience for proximity to kitchen counters and oven.
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Blue was the focal point for the kitchen. This prep island housed a sink for easy water access while cooking on the 48" cooktop. The wall at the microwave gave the family a snack and beverage area to use while not interfering with food prep. Pocket doors provide space on the countertop above microwave for quick food prep

The open living room is wrapped in glass, providing views and access both to the pool and the surrounding countryside.
Example of a trendy limestone floor living room design with white walls