The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

Derek Sergison
Inspiration for a small modern underground concrete floor and gray floor basement remodel in Portland with white walls and no fireplace

Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

Butler pantry and prep kitchen for entertaining makes this kitchen more accessible and provides extra storage. *while at stiener koppleman
Home design - traditional home design idea in Minneapolis

We corrected the poor lighting with strategically placed can lights and over/under cabinet lighting. The refrigerator’s new location provides a more direct path for those in the breakfast area without crowding the kitchen workspace. Deep pan drawers and stacked utensil drawers beside the range provide easy access and optimal organization. Photography by Todd Ramsey, Impressia

Large windows were thoughtfully placed to provide a visual connection to the surrounding landscape while allowing a degree of privacy from the main house. An accessible terrace provides a private space for the clients to enjoy views of the river and woods. Raised Corten steel planters allow a lifelong gardener to be safely seated while she tends to her plants and provide her with a visual cue that indicates the edge of the terrace.

Existing cabinets were painted white and new Shaker Doors and Drawer Faces by Walzcraft were mounted throughout. Left and right of the cooktop roll-out units by Rev-a-shelf provide easy access to tray storage and large bottles of oils and vinegars.

The sleek bar area features elegant floating shelves, providing both style and practicality. The minimalist design allows for easy display and access to glassware and beverages, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the space.

A 400 square-foot studio for wood carving was added above a garage by raising shed dormers front and back. Skylights and ample windows fill the room with natural light from all directions. A deck provides access from the spiral stair and a spot to relax after a strenuous day of carving.

Renovation of a primary bath in a 2000's era condominium to accommodate a retired couple who wish to remain and age in place. The project provided an easily accessible shower niche clad in Japanese tile and utilized solid surface shelves surrounded by a clean field of white.

This amazing landscape project for old friends was an opportunity to design everything outside of the house. The tiered pool includes shear descent waterfalls, diving platform, deck jets and stepping stones across the water. A formal garden in the front yard features bluestone paver walkways. A fire pit by the bay sets the stage for relaxing evenings. A synthetic turf panel by the house provides a convenient relief spot for the family dog. Custom designed brick walls and gate screen the trash cans and provide access to the Owner's brother's house next door.

A site unlike any other presented an opportunity for a modern take on a traditionally inspired Southern Gem. Each room provides stunning views through luminous floor to ceiling windows while expansive glass doors provide access to the Home’s variety of outdoor living spaces. Reclaimed from an old church, the antique brick coupled with old pine beams create a timeless canvas while open living and fresh architectural details compose the perfect environment for family and friends.

This amazing landscape project for old friends was an opportunity to design everything outside of the house. The tiered pool includes shear descent waterfalls, diving platform, deck jets and stepping stones across the water. A formal garden in the front yard features bluestone paver walkways. A fire pit by the bay sets the stage for relaxing evenings. A synthetic turf panel by the house provides a convenient relief spot for the family dog. Custom designed brick walls and gate screen the trash cans and provide access to the Owner's brother's house next door.

Sparano + Mooney Architecture
Inspiration for a small modern wooden floating open staircase remodel in Salt Lake City

A site unlike any other presented an opportunity for a modern take on a traditionally inspired Southern Gem. Each room provides stunning views through luminous floor to ceiling windows while expansive glass doors provide access to the Home’s variety of outdoor living spaces. Reclaimed from an old church, the antique brick coupled with old pine beams create a timeless canvas while open living and fresh architectural details compose the perfect environment for family and friends.

Mid-sized wooden floating staircase photo in DC Metro with wooden risers

A seamless blend of functionality and beauty, this backyard retreat showcases an accessible pathway, lush artificial turf, and a cozy fire pit area. Thoughtfully designed landings provide a place to pause and enjoy the Colorado mountain views, while drought-tolerant plantings and natural stone elements add texture and low-maintenance charm to the landscape.

This project involved installing millwork in a few different locations throughout the apartment. Each space called for an individual approach and presented unique challenges. An extensive hallway closet had to provide ample storage for shoes and closing and hosting an AV unit, hidden circuit breaker, and some access to communications panels. The smaller closet needed access to AC units. The walk-in closet needed some particular storage solutions. The TV unit was unique by design.

This project involved installing millwork in a few different locations throughout the apartment. Each space called for an individual approach and presented unique challenges. An extensive hallway closet had to provide ample storage for shoes and closing and hosting an AV unit, hidden circuit breaker, and some access to communications panels. The smaller closet needed access to AC units. The walk-in closet needed some particular storage solutions. The TV unit was unique by design.