This project is truly one of those designed by setbacks. The owners fell in love with the setting, sitting on a bank above the river, but a sewer easement through the center of the property, parallel to the road, cut the building envelope in half. Our goal was a 1,400 sq ft home with outside space on the river side of the home. We started with an attached garage concept, which is very desirable in our snowy climate, but it was forcing a compromise with no patio on the back of the house. We negotiated an agreement with the city staff to allow us to build a breezeway over the 25’ sewer easement. The breezeway was designed and constructed to be removable by forklift in 3 pieces, if it ever becomes necessary to work on the sewer line, buried about 20’ below grade. The owners had varying taste in the style of home they wanted, one on the more traditional end and one on a more contemporary bent. They also wanted low maintenance materials. The result is a simple gable form with over-sized knee braces and gable end vents for function as well as character. The home is finished with cedar shingle siding with a horizontal corrugated metal wainscot below. We opened the back of the house up with windows and sliding doors, giving great views into the trees and down to the river below. The greatest feature is the back patio perched on the bank with the sound of the river rising up from below. Photo By: Tom Stewart - http://tomstewartphoto.photoshelter.com/

This kitchen was a 50th birthday present to my client. After living in a cramped kitchen for more than 20 years, he decided it was time to give himself the best gift he could think of--seamless design and perfect functionality. We kept the same footprint, save for a small closet that was removed to provide some extra counter space, and we worked to visually open up the space. We removed the upper cabinets flanking the sink and replaced them with one bank of open shelving. We moved the stove to a more functional spot and added counter depth refrigerator to open up the space even more. The new kitchen was the perfect venue for a big 50th birthday bash!

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

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.

BEFORE PIC: This large kitchen in Coto de Caza, CA was falling apart. Heavy storage units attached to the pantry doors had caused one of the doors to separate and fall off, and the space inside the pantry was poorly designed. We removed the existing doors, hinges, drawers, glides, and moldings, and began rebuilding the kitchen cabinetry. The pantry was redesigned to maximize the space with five roll out drawers and a partition for brooms and aprons. The space under the built in microwave was converted to drawers, and the set of base cabinets under the cooktop converted to bank upon bank of easy to access, usable drawer space. A waste roll out system was installed with two 50qt. waste containers. The island had been cobbled together around the wine fridge, so we tore out ineffectively built boxes and replaced with cabinets to give a cohesive, clean look. The cabinets were then refaced with non-porous super matte thermofoil, which is extremely durable and easy to clean. New dovetailed birch drawer boxes are installed on Blum soft close glides, and the doors on Blum soft close hinges. This hardware is top of the line and carries a Lifetime Warranty.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

This project is truly one of those designed by setbacks. The owners fell in love with the setting, sitting on a bank above the river, but a sewer easement through the center of the property, parallel to the road, cut the building envelope in half. Our goal was a 1,400 sq ft home with outside space on the river side of the home. We started with an attached garage concept, which is very desirable in our snowy climate, but it was forcing a compromise with no patio on the back of the house. We negotiated an agreement with the city staff to allow us to build a breezeway over the 25’ sewer easement. The breezeway was designed and constructed to be removable by forklift in 3 pieces, if it ever becomes necessary to work on the sewer line, buried about 20’ below grade. The owners had varying taste in the style of home they wanted, one on the more traditional end and one on a more contemporary bent. They also wanted low maintenance materials. The result is a simple gable form with over-sized knee braces and gable end vents for function as well as character. The home is finished with cedar shingle siding with a horizontal corrugated metal wainscot below. We opened the back of the house up with windows and sliding doors, giving great views into the trees and down to the river below. The greatest feature is the back patio perched on the bank with the sound of the river rising up from below.

The sand colored vanity brings out the brown highlights in the marble vanity. Removing a closet just inside the door created more square footage for a larger vanity. Additional countertop space was a priority for the client. A bank of cubbies was removed next to the toilet which expanded the footprint of the shower.

We LOVE color! And pattern! And mixing the two! Our "Jade & Coral" vignette showcases Marrakesh Honey Jade wallpaper by Tempaper and the "Emmie" sofa in Coalmine Coral from Temple Furniture. The Sanibel cocktail table by TradeWinds Furniture and the Athena rug from Surya. Complemented with a lamp from Pacific Coast Lighting, mirror from Sterling Industries, chandelier from Robert Abbey, Inc., floral arrangement by Distinctive Designs, candleholder from Uttermost and art from Left Bank Art.

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

Our clients have been waiting 20 years to redo their kitchen. Retirement has its’ perks! As a retired educator, along with her husband, our clients were finally able to focus on this full kitchen remodel. A full gut and removal of outdated, orange, builder-grade cabinets, were replaced and updated. Keeping their layout, they needed more storage. We helped them design a space that eliminated the makeshift furniture that flooded their breakfast area and added additional cabinetry to enhance their dining experience. This included a full run of lower drawer banks and 42” upper cabinets in the eat-in kitchen. Our client values heirlooms and one of the most important functions of her new kitchen had to include storage for an oversized roasting pan that had been handed down in her family. We helped her build oversized custom drawers to accommodate this pan, which meant the world to our clients. We updated their fluorescent lighting to recess in the main kitchen and added pendent lighting over the island. We brought their island up to code by removing the electrical in the bar and adding pop-up outlets and an air switch for their disposal. Through this process we shepherded them through the full design of their kitchen and walked through stone galleries and tile shops to ensure support in their selections. It is important to us that our clients feel supported in the selection process by minimizing decision fatigue. We added storage solutions for pull-out trash, pull-down spice racks, and a Lazy-Susan for that once-dead-corner in their old kitchen. In the end, these clients transformed their drab 90’s kitchen into a dreamy, white-bright culinary showstopper. While stunning and beautiful, it is also functional and practical.

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

This kitchen was a 50th birthday present to my client. After living in a cramped kitchen for more than 20 years, he decided it was time to give himself the best gift he could think of--seamless design and perfect functionality. We kept the same footprint, save for a small closet that was removed to provide some extra counter space, and we worked to visually open up the space. We removed the upper cabinets flanking the sink and replaced them with one bank of open shelving. We moved the stove to a more functional spot and added counter depth refrigerator to open up the space even more. The new kitchen was the perfect venue for a big 50th birthday bash!

Black siding transformed this home in Maple Grove. This project left a lasting impression, transforming a home with worn and outdated vinyl siding which had been damaged by hail and Minnesota’s harsh climate, in a lakeside retreat. The homeowners sought a fresh look that would elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of their property, making the most of the beautiful lakeside views. The first major update involved replacing the tired vinyl siding with James Hardie board and batten siding in the striking Shou Sugi Ban color. This deep, rich color brings an elegant, modern look to the home, offering both timeless appeal and exceptional durability. The board and batten style adds texture and sophistication, making the home stand out in the neighborhood. To complement the dark siding, light-colored cultured stone was added to the front and lakeside, creating a beautiful contrast and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. The cultured stone not only adds a natural, rustic feel but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, providing a warm, inviting entrance and lakeside view. Another key element of the remodel was the transformation of the home’s windows. A bank of smaller windows was removed, replaced by a massive Marvin window that now serves as the focal point of the living room, offering unobstructed views of the serene lake. The project also included the removal of several diamond-shaped windows and a six-foot patio door, which were replaced with a sleek 16-foot patio door. This new installation opened up the space, flooding the home with natural light and creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor beauty of the lake. With these updates, the home in Maple Grove is now a stunning showcase of modern design and functionality, blending sophisticated materials with breathtaking views.

Living in place with flex: The mother of the homeowner needed a home that is fully accessible for living in place, so we created a barrier-free entry and installed grab bars. The new suite contains a full bedroom and bath and a small living room with a kitchenette. One of the homeowners especially loves to cook. Now he has a new kitchen with more space, more storage, and better functionality. Fresh paint, wallpaper and a new look: We refinished the hardwood floors throughout and gave the whole home a fresh new look. We updated a powder room with paint, new tile, new fixtures, new lighting, and wallpaper. Kitchen with space, flow, and storage: The kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. It had a long peninsula with awkward flow around the kitchen that just didn’t work. We removed the peninsula and instead created a large island with seating for three. With the new island, counter space is much more usable now. We put hidden cupboards underneath for added storage. The island also holds the built-in microwave with a steel drawer front below for continuity. We used banked drawers rather than cupboards for ease of access. We also installed new large appliances. Coffee station, cookbooks, and spices: We removed two clumsy closed pantries and an unused main door, and this allowed space for more cabinetry. We added an open shelf section with herringbone tile and a counter for a coffee station and cookbooks. Other features were a waste bin pullout with garbage bag storage and a tall spice pullout drawer. The kitchen now has a big double-wide appliance garage where all small appliances are stored and organized in a big pantry with a light inside. All the appliances are front and centre (rather than buried in the back somewhere), yet hidden behind a door. Flex space means other new spaces for everyone: In creating a flex space for the mother on the main floor, the homeowners lost their space for a family room, although there is still a formal living and dining room on that floor. We solved it by creating a new finished basement with a family room to replace the one upstairs. This gives the family and the mother their own spaces and at the same time comfortable places for all of them.

This kitchen was very inefficient with space before the remodel. There was a peninsula that cut off flow. The peninsula was removed, and the fridge and stove were relocated. There were several challenging areas designing this kitchen, mainly the corners where we wanted good accessible storage solutions. To the left of the stove, we placed a 40" super-deep drawer bank with three drawers for pots and pans. This drawer bank is a storage workhorse. With roll out drawers, a blind corner system, a lazy susan, and a 40" pantry, this kitchen does not leave any space un-utilized. With a new open flow, this space is ready to create more great memories!