The Cocktail Courtyard is accessed via sliding doors which retract into the exterior walls of the dining room. The courtyard features a stone corner fireplace, antique french limestone fountain basin, and chicago common brick in a traditional basketweave pattern. A stone stairway leads to guest suites on the second floor of the residence, and the courtyard benefits from a wonderfully intimate view out into the native desert, looking out to the Reatta Wash, and McDowell Mountains beyond. Design Principal: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects; General Contractor: Eric Linthicum, Linthicum Custom Builders

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

This scullery kitchen is located near the garage entrance to the home and the utility room. It is one of two kitchens in the home. The more formal entertaining kitchen is open to the formal living area. This kitchen provides an area for the bulk of the cooking and dish washing. It can also serve as a staging area for caterers when needed. Counters: Viatera by LG - Minuet Brick Back Splash and Floor: General Shale, Culpepper brick veneer Light Fixture/Pot Rack: Troy - Brunswick, F3798, Aged Pewter finish Cabinets, Shelves, Island Counter: Grandeur Cellars Shelf Brackets: Rejuvenation Hardware, Portland shelf bracket, 10" Cabinet Hardware: Emtek, Trinity, Flat Black finish Barn Door Hardware: Register Dixon Custom Homes Barn Door: Register Dixon Custom Homes Wall and Ceiling Paint: Sherwin Williams - 7015 Repose Gray Cabinet Paint: Sherwin Williams - 7019 Gauntlet Gray Refrigerator: Electrolux - Icon Series Dishwasher: Bosch 500 Series Bar Handle Dishwasher Sink: Proflo - PFUS308, single bowl, under mount, stainless Faucet: Kohler - Bellera, K-560, pull down spray, vibrant stainless finish Stove: Bertazzoni 36" Dual Fuel Range with 5 burners Vent Hood: Bertazzoni Heritage Series Tre Dunham with Fine Focus Photography

This cottage in the woods has a welcoming face in all directions. The second floor is tucked under the roof with shed dormers and gable walls that provide a surprising amount of usable floor area on the second floor while reducing the bulk of the house for a cottage ambiance. The bold red trim and windows provide the sparkle within the earth tones and natural materials.

The Canterbury floor plan is a home with room to grow, with four bedrooms, a flex room on the main floor with a full bath, and a spacious loft area on the second floor. The main level offers a covered front entry, which leads into the dining room and open family room. The kitchen is open to the living spaces and features a breakfast island, butler's pantry, walk-in pantry, and separate breakfast area. An optional drop-zone can be placed off the garage entry. Upstairs, there are three spacious bedrooms surrounding the open loft area with additional storage closets. Bedrooms 2 and 3 also offer a Jack & Jill bath option, for a total of 4 full baths in the home. The Primary suite is a spacious retreat, with tray ceiling, dual vanity, commode closet, walk-in closet, and multiple tub and shower combinations.

Photo by Jody Dole This was a fast-track design-build project which began design in July and ended construction before Christmas. The scope included additions and first and second floor renovations. The house is an early 1900’s gambrel style with painted wood shingle siding and mission style detailing. On the first and second floor we removed previously constructed awkward additions and extended the gambrel style roof to make room for a large kitchen on the first floor and a master bathroom and bedroom on the second floor. We also added two new dormers to match the existing dormers to bring light into the master shower and new bedroom. We refinished the wood floors, repainted all of the walls and trim, added new vintage style light fixtures, and created a new half and kid’s bath. We also added new millwork features to continue the existing level of detail and texture within the house. A wrap-around covered porch with a corner trellis was also added, which provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the back-yard. A wonderful project!

Hall Bathroom Remodel with Second-Floor Laundry (Barn Door)
Transitional single-sink and gray floor alcove shower photo in Philadelphia with gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white countertops, a freestanding vanity, recessed-panel cabinets, gray walls and an undermount sink

One of our most substantial projects to date was this second-floor expansion. This family needed more space to spread out and decided the best way to get it was to add a new floor. The second floor includes two kids' bedrooms, a kids' bathroom, a master bedroom, a master closet, a master bath, a laundry closet, and a family lounge area. ​For the exterior, a new farmer's porch was added to the front along with a new stamped concrete walkway leading the front door. Around the back, we added a Juilet balcony off the family lounge area featuring steel cable rails and overlooking the backyard.

Aaron Dougherty Photography
Example of a large transitional light wood floor and beige floor hallway design in Austin with white walls

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

Photos © Anice HoachlanderOur 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

Huge Second Floor Laundry with open counters for Laundry baskets/rolling carts.
Inspiration for a large country galley concrete floor and black floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface countertops, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Inspiration for a mediterranean concrete floor and gray floor sunroom remodel in Kansas City with a stone fireplace and a standard ceiling

Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage single-wall porcelain tile and beige floor dedicated laundry room remodel in Tampa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, white walls, a stacked washer/dryer and white countertops

Example of a classic gray floor freestanding bathtub design in New York

Photo by Jody Dole This was a fast-track design-build project which began design in July and ended construction before Christmas. The scope included additions and first and second floor renovations. The house is an early 1900’s gambrel style with painted wood shingle siding and mission style detailing. On the first and second floor we removed previously constructed awkward additions and extended the gambrel style roof to make room for a large kitchen on the first floor and a master bathroom and bedroom on the second floor. We also added two new dormers to match the existing dormers to bring light into the master shower and new bedroom. We refinished the wood floors, repainted all of the walls and trim, added new vintage style light fixtures, and created a new half and kid’s bath. We also added new millwork features to continue the existing level of detail and texture within the house. A wrap-around covered porch with a corner trellis was also added, which provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the back-yard. A wonderful project!

Harbor View is a modern-day interpretation of the shingled vacation houses of its seaside community. The gambrel roof, horizontal, ground-hugging emphasis, and feeling of simplicity, are all part of the character of the place. While fitting in with local traditions, Harbor View is meant for modern living. The kitchen is a central gathering spot, open to the main combined living/dining room and to the waterside porch. One easily moves between indoors and outdoors. The house is designed for an active family, a couple with three grown children and a growing number of grandchildren. It is zoned so that the whole family can be there together but retain privacy. Living, dining, kitchen, library, and porch occupy the center of the main floor. One-story wings on each side house two bedrooms and bathrooms apiece, and two more bedrooms and bathrooms and a study occupy the second floor of the central block. The house is mostly one room deep, allowing cross breezes and light from both sides. The porch, a third of which is screened, is a main dining and living space, with a stone fireplace offering a cozy place to gather on summer evenings. A barn with a loft provides storage for a car or boat off-season and serves as a big space for projects or parties in summer.

Second floor dream bedroom remodeling projects usually include a ½ or ¾ bath. Maybe even a tub and shower. Squeezing the most out of limited second-floor space is a big design and construction challenge. This second-floor remodeling design included a full bath with full shower simply by adding a new wall to enclose the bathroom space. The before and after photos tell the story. The new bath features a custom vanity with Silestone countertop and rubbed oil fixtures, adding an element of class. Plumbing was efficiently routed from the basement to the second floor, an energy efficient window was installed to warm up cold Minnesota nights, and a sliding “pocket door” was added for privacy. In the bedroom area, built-in bookcases and in-ceiling lighting adds warmth and creates an open feeling. Large energy-efficient windows let in lots of sunshine during the day. The new wrought iron stairway railing is the first thing seen when entering the new space. This design element is the most talked about part in this project. It adds just the right dimension and flare to the entire bedroom-bathroom project. And it ties the second floor décor to that of the first.

By removing an underutilized second staircase from the ground to second floor allowed us to completely reorient and modernize this kitchen. A budget friendly alternative to a full custom kitchen is using IKEA base cabinets and accessories with custom cupboard fronts.