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

Juniper wood raised beds. Woodchips surrounding and insectary beds for pollination.
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

Photography: Dan Piassick
Transitional dark wood floor hallway photo in Dallas with white walls

Deck - craftsman deck idea in Toronto

Ivanov Ilya
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Moscow

Design ideas for a transitional landscaping in San Francisco.

Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Atlanta with white walls

california casual, Natural Design House, natural finishes, natural materials, organic living
Example of a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Sacramento with white walls

Home design - contemporary home design idea in Santa Barbara

Doors conceal both the linen and laundry closet
Small elegant single-wall carpeted home design photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, limestone countertops, beige walls and a stacked washer/dryer

Dan Vos Construction Company
Example of a beach style bedroom design in Grand Rapids with beige walls

Scot Gordon Photography
Example of a huge classic beige two-story stone house exterior design in Philadelphia

Alchemy Architects, Geoffrey Warner
Urban home design photo in Minneapolis

The clean lines, and bold design covered in black perfectly frame this pool area, and work to transform this suburban backyard, into an updated, modern outdoor space. The panels are aluminum, designed specifically to meet pool code regulations, with a flush bottom-rail, and 54" tall flat top-rail. The gate is 4' wide, and has self-closing hinges, and a D+D Tech Magna Latch. This fence is everything it needs to be. Strong. Stylish. Safe.

Eclectic kitchen photo in Cleveland

Garden 9 in Palms
Photo of a modern landscaping in Los Angeles.

Apple crate planters placed around Jorgensen Farms, a premier organic farm and wedding venue in Plain Township, OH. The planters are filled with a variety of annuals and perennials highlighted by Ipomea ‘Illusion Emerald Lace’, Plectranthus 'Silver Shield', Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' Digiplexis 'Illumination Apricot', Supertunia 'White Russian' Nick McCullough

Renovating a home can completely transform the way a space looks, feels, and functions, but successful improvements require thoughtful planning rather than rushing into expensive changes. These renovation tips and tricks house ideas can help homeowners organize projects, control costs, select practical materials, and create rooms that remain useful for years. Start by identifying what genuinely needs improvement, such as outdated finishes, poor lighting, inefficient storage, damaged surfaces, or an inconvenient layout. Create a realistic budget that includes materials, labor, permits where applicable, and a contingency amount for unexpected issues. Taking measurements, collecting inspiration, and deciding priorities before work begins can prevent unnecessary purchases and make the renovation process much easier to manage.
One of the most useful renovation tips and tricks house projects can benefit from is improving the layout before focusing on decoration. A beautiful room will still feel inconvenient if furniture blocks walkways or storage is insufficient. Consider how people actually use each space and whether doors, windows, lighting, electrical outlets, and storage are positioned effectively. In kitchens, for example, practical work zones and accessible storage can make everyday tasks easier. In bedrooms and living rooms, built-in shelving, multifunctional furniture, and organized storage can reduce clutter without making the space feel crowded. Whenever possible, repair or improve the existing structure before replacing everything, because thoughtful upgrades can deliver significant results without creating unnecessary renovation costs.
Choosing materials carefully is another important part of renovation tips and tricks house planning. Look beyond appearance and consider durability, maintenance, safety, and suitability for the room. High-moisture areas require materials that can handle regular exposure to water, while frequently used floors and work surfaces should be selected for durability. Neutral foundations can also provide flexibility because wall colors, textiles, artwork, and accessories can be changed later without another major renovation. Lighting deserves equal attention: combine general illumination with task and accent lighting to make rooms more functional and visually comfortable. Energy-efficient lighting, improved insulation, weather sealing, and efficient fixtures may also contribute to better long-term household performance.
Before beginning major work, divide the project into manageable stages. A useful approach is to complete structural or repair work first, followed by electrical or plumbing updates when necessary, then walls, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and finally decorative details. This order can reduce the chance of damaging newly finished surfaces. Keep a record of measurements, product specifications, receipts, and important project decisions so replacements or future repairs are easier. For specialized work involving structural changes, electrical systems, plumbing, gas, or other regulated areas, consult appropriately qualified professionals and follow local requirements. Among the most practical renovation tips and tricks house owners can follow is to avoid changing too many things simultaneously; completing priority areas systematically makes budgets, timelines, and quality easier to control.
Finally, focus on improvements that combine appearance with everyday usefulness. Fresh paint, updated hardware, better organization, improved lighting, refreshed flooring, and carefully selected fixtures can make a noticeable difference without requiring a complete transformation. Outdoor areas can also benefit from simple maintenance, improved lighting, seating, planting, or repaired surfaces that extend the usable living space. Before declaring the project finished, inspect each room for functionality, storage, lighting, ventilation, safety, and finishing quality. The best renovation tips and tricks house approach is not necessarily about spending more it is about making informed choices that solve real problems and create a home that feels comfortable, practical, and personal.