Newlyweds had just moved into their new home and immediately wanted to update their kitchen which is located in the center of the household, lacking any natural light source of its own. To make matters worse, the cabinets in place were dark red with black countertops. Not the picture of brightness they were looking for. To increase the amount of light reflected throughout the kitchen, we incorporated some of the following updates: 1. Replaced the solo ceiling light with 4 recessed cans 2. Updated the florescent undercabinet lights with new LED strips 3. Installed custom white cabinets topped with Silestone’s new Artic Ocean white countertops 4. Updated the dark glass pendants over the bar with larger, clear glass pendants that spoke more to the history of the home 5. Painted the walls a soft gray to compliment the palette The original kitchen layout was updated to eliminate the existing soffits and open the visual feel of the space. A large white farm sink now centers the natural wood bar area, inviting guests to sit and gather for ballgames and celebrations. Glass tile and USB ports at charging sites complete the space for the family to grow over the years. Photo by Stockwell Media

From this view, you can see how removing the angular walls and reducing the size of the linen cabinet has created a sense of balance, as well as a linear feel across the remodeled room. The white walls and flooring coupled with the strategically placed can lights creates a much lighter, brighter feel than before. Even with the same skylight and glass block window, the original bathroom felt significantly darker and more crowded. It’s amazing what a difference an updated color scheme and some streamlined structural changes can make! Final photos by www.impressia.net

This early 20th century Indianapolis, IN basement remodel was in desperate need of help. The original and still operating hydronic radiant heating system had its plumbing configured without regard to any other use of the space. Fearful of harming the aged system and the high cost of doing so, these Clients were adamant that the existing system remain intact. Architect Lee Constantine developed a design that maintained the existing heating system while creating "niches" around the perimeter that would conceal the unsightly plumbing. Additionally, by removing free-standing structural supporting posts, amore flexible and inviting space was achieved. Because of an already low ceiling condition, the floor-ceiling structure above was kept exposed, painted and highlighted with indirect lighting to avoid further reducing the ceiling height. Constantine incorporated "clouds" on this ceiling to conceal certain existing components that either were cost prohibitive to relocate or couldn't be relocated. These "clouds"become a "visual element" through their geometry and hidden "indirect" light source rather than an undesirable complication. Now this family entertains frequently in the basement and reports "it doesn't feel like we're in a basement anymore"

Rosenberg Kolb Architects is proud to announce our renovation of a 1747 timber frame house on Nantucket Island, completed in 2011. The first historic renovation project in Nantucket to receive LEED Gold status. The project was given a Grand Award by Eco Home Magazine in July, 2011. The project included: Restructuring the foundations to align and stabilize the structure in addition to providing for a new insulated crawl space; A 260 square foot addition for a kitchen, bath, and new entry; New cedar shingles, roof shingles, and restored historic windows; The house met the strict regulations of Nantucket's Historic District. On the inside, LEED Gold certification was met through: High R-value insulation and reduced air leakage; High efficiency heating, air conditioning, plumbing fixtures, and appliances; Low-emission paints and finishes as well as a clay wall finish; Using reclaimed materials from the original house and other sites. The project has been published in: N Magazine July 2011 Eco Home Magazine July 2011 New England Home June 2011

Rosenberg Kolb Architects is proud to announce our renovation of a 1747 timber frame house on Nantucket Island, completed in 2011. The first historic renovation project in Nantucket to receive LEED Gold status. The project was given a Grand Award by Eco Home Magazine in July, 2011. The project included: Restructuring the foundations to align and stabilize the structure in addition to providing for a new insulated crawl space; A 260 square foot addition for a kitchen, bath, and new entry; New cedar shingles, roof shingles, and restored historic windows; The house met the strict regulations of Nantucket's Historic District. On the inside, LEED Gold certification was met through: High R-value insulation and reduced air leakage; High efficiency heating, air conditioning, plumbing fixtures, and appliances; Low-emission paints and finishes as well as a clay wall finish; Using reclaimed materials from the original house and other sites. The project has been published in: N Magazine July 2011 Eco Home Magazine July 2011 New England Home June 2011

The Canyon™ ST310 is the perfect stove to heat larger homes, with the ability to warm up to 3,500 square feet with burn times of 7–12 hours. It offers the functional advantage of a multi-level top while providing greater radiant surface area for heat output and two cooktop surfaces. To add your distinctive style, the Canyon can be customized with door, trim, and blower options for a perfect, personalized appearance. Aesthetics Unique, integral airwash system keeps the glass clean and clear for a wide-open view of the fire. Constructed from premium materials, like heavy-gauge stainless steel, for dependable performance and striking appearance. Comfort Ceramic-fiber blanket utilizes technology developed by NASA that has 10 times the insulation value of firebrick, radiating heat back into the firebox, creating higher efficiencies and cleaner gas. Uniquely designed refractory baffle assists the ignition of fuel-rich gases, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. Stainless steel afterburner tubes mix oxygen with unburned gases and smoke to create a secondary burn, lowering fuel costs. Heavy-duty door contains no nuts or washers, forming a 360° seal for long-lasting durability. EPA Phase II-certified for clean and efficient operation. Ease of Operation Singular draft control for simple operation and burn rate adjustment. Design Versatility Five unique door finishes and a choice of glass styling options. Pedestal or leg choices provide customization for personalized styling preference. *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design and insulation, ceiling heights, climate, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated.

Rock outcroppings make a striking background for new lounge areas in this compact Los Angeles hillside garden. Working with the attributes of the site, we added native plants to drape over the stone, and converted hollowed stone planters into a firepit and water feature. New built-in seating and a cozy hammock complete the relaxing space, and dramatic lighting makes it come alive at night. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

After decades of drastic alterations, and demolition of the second and third story, this grand estate was reduced to a pink Bermuda style ranch house. The current owners returned it to a suggestion of its original state. Beamed ceilings, working fireplace, period woodwork and historic finishes draw out the dignity of its past, and make them part of life in his century. The main house overlooks terraced yards, stonewalls and a landscaped pool area. The formal interiors frame sweeping views of treetops and seascapes. Contractor: Precision Carpentry Photographer: Dan Gair/ Blind Dog Photo INC.

Wing Wong/Memories TTL
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped slate floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, brick backsplash, paneled appliances and a peninsula

Kitchen update/redesign. The goal with this kitchen was to unite both rooms, visually heighten the ceilings and to make the room feel inviting, interesting and larger. We accomplished this by neutralizing the walls and ceilings in both rooms. The original soffits were reduced and pushed back to the cabinets, trimmed and painted to match the cabinets and new can lights were placed in the ceiling. The before photo of the kitchen shows a hint of what the old soffits looked like. They originally extended about a foot beyond and in front of the cabinets. The original soffits were housing can lights. Because they lights were physically lower than the ceiling, the ceiling height felt right on top of you. By pushing back the soffits and installing the lights into the ceiling the room now feels much bigger and taller. We added visual weight and interest to the eat-in area and balanced both rooms. The beautiful outdoors is now framed with new sliding doors which replaced the bay window in the before shot. Using a dark color to frame the outside of the sliding doors lengthens the room and draws interest and visual weight to the eat-in side of the Kitchen. This kitchen and owner were truly a delight to work with. Gary G. Schempp www.garygschempp.com

Zoning regulations imposed a major constraint: demolishing the original structure would have drastically reduced the allowable square footage for new construction. As a result, the design was developed entirely within the existing foundation. What could have been a limitation became a catalyst for innovation. The new structure was intentionally secondary to the main house, maintaining a clear hierarchy while expanding spatial and functional possibilities. The lots are now joined and the driveway services both structures

We completely gutted and remodeled this space to emphasize open space and comfort. Our clients original finished basement was very cramped and lacked storage space. So we reduced the size of the mechanical room, consolidated the bathroom and laundry to the other end of the basement and installed a new staircase with an open railing.

This "after" picture shows the vast improvements made with the tub area. We reduced the size of the tub box allowing for more visual space in the bathroom. Instead of incorporating tile everywhere like the original bathroom, we utilized a wainscot panel on the front which allowed for more of a spa look.

The footprint of this bathroom remained true to its original form. Finishes were updated with a focus on staying true to the original craftsman aesthetic of this Sears Kit Home. This pull and replace bathroom remodel was designed and built by Meadowlark Design + Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Sean Carter.

This is a total renovation of an existing building. The walls are composed of inset cherry trim with drywall panels opposed to plaster. This reduced the cost and added the original look of the building. Built-in bookcases are made of natural cherry and the floors are random width pine.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary bamboo floor kitchen pantry remodel in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and no island

We completely gutted and remodeled this space to emphasize open space and comfort. Our clients original finished basement was very cramped and lacked storage space. So we reduced the size of the mechanical room, consolidated the bathroom and laundry to the other end of the basement and installed a new staircase with an open railing.

We completely gutted and remodeled this space to emphasize open space and comfort. Our clients original finished basement was very cramped and lacked storage space. So we reduced the size of the mechanical room, consolidated the bathroom and laundry to the other end of the basement and installed a new staircase with an open railing.

After decades of drastic alterations, and demolition of the second and third story, this grand estate was reduced to a pink Bermuda style ranch house. The current owners returned it to a suggestion of its original state. Beamed ceilings, working fireplace, period woodwork and historic finishes draw out the dignity of its past, and make them part of life in his century. The main house overlooks terraced yards, stonewalls and a landscaped pool area. The formal interiors frame sweeping views of treetops and seascapes. Contractor: Precision Carpentry Photographer: Dan Gair/ Blind Dog Photo INC.