An over scaled family room with dark original shadow box paneling, large Carthage stone fireplace, and leaded windows, required a design esthetic that paid homage to the history of the home, yet created a space for entertaining large groups, while at the same time feeling warm and comfortable, and would also allow the homeowners to take Sunday naps in the often unused room. With the entry to the home also included in the overall dimensions, creating definition without walls was the challenge. Using an antique table that was purchased by the client many years ago as an entry table was the perfect answer. We took the Italian chandelier from the dining room, had it refinished to look old, and re-hung it as the entry fixture. An antique, nearly 18’ foot rug was found, and was the anchor to the room. Over scaled sofa’s, large cocktail truck, antique console tables, new “shiny” lamps, modern tables, and plush pillows all add to the warmth of this space. The room was also painted a warm gray/green to pull all the warm colors and textures together. Original artwork was also very important to the client, and represents their travels an individual taste. Original Artwork by Karen Schneider Photos by Randy Colwell

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

The original Edgemont Inn was built in 1904 for visiting San Franciscans who ventured north on the Mt. Tam cog railway. After a century of use the structure was in need of complete restoration. All materials were removed and salvaged before the structure was lifted and set on new foundations. New additions were woven into the original architecture to improve function and aesthetics. All the doors, paneling and mouldings were made from old growth redwood that was salvaged and repurposed by craftsman builder Jim Lino, in keeping with the spirit and history of the house. Crow’s Nest, an historic cottage in old Inverness, located on the same property, was recreated and expanded in the spirit of the original Shingle Style Arts and Crafts structure. Proportion, attention to fine detail, and meticulous craftsmanship define the quality and timeless sense of the architecture. Original clinker bricks were salvaged and used in the exposed chimney and fireplace that anchor the structure and provide a texture of its history. The original wrought iron Edgemont Inn sign was salvaged and is mounted on the brick chimney as enter the house.

The original Edgemont Inn was built in 1904 for visiting San Franciscans who ventured north on the Mt. Tam cog railway. After a century of use the structure was in need of complete restoration. All materials were removed and salvaged before the structure was lifted and set on new foundations. New additions were woven into the original architecture to improve function and aesthetics. All the doors, paneling and mouldings were made from old growth redwood that was salvaged and repurposed by craftsman builder Jim Lino, in keeping with the spirit and history of the house. Crow’s Nest, an historic cottage in old Inverness, located on the same property, was recreated and expanded in the spirit of the original Shingle Style Arts and Crafts structure. Proportion, attention to fine detail, and meticulous craftsmanship define the quality and timeless sense of the architecture. Original clinker bricks were salvaged and used in the exposed chimney and fireplace that anchor the structure and provide a texture of its history. The original wrought iron Edgemont Inn sign was salvaged and is mounted on the brick chimney as enter the house.

The original Edgemont Inn was built in 1904 for visiting San Franciscans who ventured north on the Mt. Tam cog railway. After a century of use the structure was in need of complete restoration. All materials were removed and salvaged before the structure was lifted and set on new foundations. New additions were woven into the original architecture to improve function and aesthetics. All the doors, paneling and mouldings were made from old growth redwood that was salvaged and repurposed by craftsman builder Jim Lino, in keeping with the spirit and history of the house. Crow’s Nest, an historic cottage in old Inverness, located on the same property, was recreated and expanded in the spirit of the original Shingle Style Arts and Crafts structure. Proportion, attention to fine detail, and meticulous craftsmanship define the quality and timeless sense of the architecture. Original clinker bricks were salvaged and used in the exposed chimney and fireplace that anchor the structure and provide a texture of its history. The original wrought iron Edgemont Inn sign was salvaged and is mounted on the brick chimney as enter the house.

The original Edgemont Inn was built in 1904 for visiting San Franciscans who ventured north on the Mt. Tam cog railway. After a century of use the structure was in need of complete restoration. All materials were removed and salvaged before the structure was lifted and set on new foundations. New additions were woven into the original architecture to improve function and aesthetics. All the doors, paneling and mouldings were made from old growth redwood that was salvaged and repurposed by craftsman builder Jim Lino, in keeping with the spirit and history of the house. Crow’s Nest, an historic cottage in old Inverness, located on the same property, was recreated and expanded in the spirit of the original Shingle Style Arts and Crafts structure. Proportion, attention to fine detail, and meticulous craftsmanship define the quality and timeless sense of the architecture. Original clinker bricks were salvaged and used in the exposed chimney and fireplace that anchor the structure and provide a texture of its history. The original wrought iron Edgemont Inn sign was salvaged and is mounted on the brick chimney as enter the house.

The original Edgemont Inn was built in 1904 for visiting San Franciscans who ventured north on the Mt. Tam cog railway. After a century of use the structure was in need of complete restoration. All materials were removed and salvaged before the structure was lifted and set on new foundations. New additions were woven into the original architecture to improve function and aesthetics. All the doors, paneling and mouldings were made from old growth redwood that was salvaged and repurposed by craftsman builder Jim Lino, in keeping with the spirit and history of the house. Crow’s Nest, an historic cottage in old Inverness, located on the same property, was recreated and expanded in the spirit of the original Shingle Style Arts and Crafts structure. Proportion, attention to fine detail, and meticulous craftsmanship define the quality and timeless sense of the architecture. Original clinker bricks were salvaged and used in the exposed chimney and fireplace that anchor the structure and provide a texture of its history. The original wrought iron Edgemont Inn sign was salvaged and is mounted on the brick chimney as enter the house.

Looking south, post remodel, what had been a bank of cabinets is now the main path through the kitchen. The stove (not visible) has been relocated to the north with its back against the new bar. The face of bar is made from salvaged fir sliding door panels that had been stored in the home's basement from its original construction. The fir floor of the kitchen has been removed and replaced with oak to match the dining room and living room. The fir was salvaged for use as the countertop of the bar and pantry. The original exhaust fan was removed and replaced with a Zephyr island exhaust with built-in LED lights (not visible) above the stove. The faux wood countertop and backsplash have been replaced with "Absolute Black" granite with a honed finish and Daltile 3" x 6" bright white subway tile. Combination power/led light strips were installed under the cabinets. An antique enamel topped cabinet (not visible) serves as a moveable island/landing spot and work surface. The center panels of the upper row of cabinets have been replaced with "mistlite" obscure glass. All of the cabinet pulls have been replaced with Van Dyke Restorers brushed silver "bow" handles. The hinges on the under-counter cabinets are new House of Antique Hardware 2-1/2" half-surface hinges to match the original ornamental butt hinges. The shape of the arched wall between the kitchen and dining room matches the wall between the dining room and living room. Two vintage light fixtures have been installed. Closest to the camera is a 100-year-old wrought iron chandelier Annette found through Etsy. In the kitchen, a farmhouse style overhead fixture of roughly the same age was acquired from Northend Lampworks. Brick on the exterior wall of the pantry and chimney has been exposed. The new dining room closet is based on the design of the former hall closet that was sacrificed as a space for the fridge. The hardware (glass pulls) of the original closet were salvaged for use on the new closet. The original hinges were used to outfit new cabinets on the east wall of the kitchen. The hinges for the new closet are replicas of Half Surface hinges from House of Antique Hardware. The bottom grill was custom made by Gem State Metal from a pattern we created in Photoshop. The grill preserves the function of the cold air return that was consumed by the closet when the north wall of the kitchen shifted 17" into the dining room. The space beneath the closet is lined with black foamcore for visual contrast. The top drawer of the closet is outfitted with a powerstrip plugged into an outlet built into the wall behind the drawer. The power strip is used to charge mobile devices such as iphones and tablets, out of sight. Since the closet is only 14" deep, hooks were installed instead of a coatrod.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

This Award-winning kitchen proves vintage doesn't have to look old and tired. This previously dark kitchen was updated with white, gold, and wood in the historic district of Monte Vista. The challenge is making a new kitchen look and feel like it belongs in a charming older home. The highlight and starting point is the original hex tile flooring in white and gold. It was in excellent condition and merely needed a good cleaning. The addition of white calacatta marble, white subway tile, walnut wood counters, brass and gold accents keep the charm intact. Cabinet panels mimic original door panels found in other areas of the home. Custom coffee storage is a modern bonus! 30" Sub-Zero Refrig, Rohl sink.

The facade of this 1840's Victorian Townhouse was restored to its original elegance. The front stoop and entry doors were rebuilt as well as the cornice and window details. Interior Design by Barbara Gisel and Mary Macelree.

This Award-winning kitchen proves vintage doesn't have to look old and tired. This previously dark kitchen was updated with white, gold, and wood in the historic district of Monte Vista. The challenge is making a new kitchen look and feel like it belongs in a charming older home. The highlight and starting point is the original hex tile flooring in white and gold. It was in excellent condition and merely needed a good cleaning. The addition of white calacatta marble, white subway tile, walnut wood counters, brass and gold accents keep the charm intact. Cabinet panels mimic original door panels found in other areas of the home. Custom coffee storage is a modern bonus! Sub-Zero Refrig, Rohl sink, seeded glass cabinets, brass wire grille,

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   One of my favorite things to work on is older homes with a bit of history because I find it an interesting challenge to marry the historical architectural features of a home with modern design elements that work well for my client’s current lifestyle. This home was particularly fun because it was the second kitchen we had done for this family and was quite a departure from the style of the first kitchen. The before shot of the kitchen shows a view from the family room. See the dropped ceiling? We were curious, was this just part of the design or was the dropped ceiling there to hide mechanicals? Well we soon found out that it was mostly decorative (yay!), and with the exception of a little bit of work to some plumbing from an upstairs bathroom and rerouting of the ventilation system within the original floor joists, we were in the clear, phew! The shot of the completed kitchen from roughly the same vantage point shows how much taller the ceilings are. It makes a huge difference in the feel of the space. Dark and gloomy turned fresh and light! Another serious consideration was what do we do with the skinny transom window above the refrigerator. After much back and forth, we decided to eliminate it and do some open shelving instead. This ended up being one of the nicest areas in the room. I am calling it the “fun zone” because it houses all the barware, wine cubbies and a bar fridge — the perfect little buffet spot for entertaining. It is flanked on either side by pull out pantries that I’m sure will get a ton of use. Since the neighboring room has literally three walls of almost full height windows, the kitchen gets plenty of light. The gold shelving brackets, large pendant fixtures over the island and the tile mural behind the range all pay subtle homage to the home’s prairie style architecture and bring a bit of sparkle to the room. Even though the room is quite large, the work triangle is very tight with the large Subzero fridge, sink and range all nearby for easy maneuvering during meal prep. There is seating for four at the island, and work aisles are generous. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

PIERRE BRULE, ANDERSON BRULE ARCHITECTS
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in San Francisco with beige walls and a standard fireplace