Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, GRAND AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KTICHEN $80,001 -$120,000 This Old Town Alexandria home was ready for a major kitchen renovation. After 20 years of putting up with the dark, short cabinets and a dysfunctional traffic pattern and layout, the owners were ready to roll up their sleeves and throw this kitchen out the window. Design challenges include a peninsula that was too big for the space, appliance locations that were all over, a stackable washer and dryer in the middle of the kitchen and a lack of storage. The first step toward a remodeling solution was to move the washer and dryer to a new lower level laundry area. That created space for a new built-in refrigerator, microwave/oven cabinet, pantry and angular end cabinets. This move also created more room on the walls of kitchen for added cabinetry and countertops. The cook top was moved to one of the walls with a custom wood hood over it. Having removed the old bulkheads, there was space for taller cabinets and some glass front cabinetry (with inside lights) to display china. Large crown molding, along with big arched valances, legs and corbels made this brushed stoke custom cabinetry really stand out. A big knee wall and a middle post made the breakfast room too closed in and separated from adjacent family room. By installing a couple of structural beams, the space was opened up and dressed up with a large arch opening to replicate the front hall columns. Similarly, the front door separating the front hall to the kitchen was taken off, widened and then had the same panel arch treatment done. Now all the doorways in the home have a very classy, yet sophisticated detailed molding. A previously wasted corner area is now home to a custom hutch cabinet. The middle island, not only improved the traffic flow, but also dressed up this kitchen with its furniture look. The expansion of hardwood flooring, from the front hall into the kitchen and beyond, created a seamless transition to the entire first floor. Use of this highly custom brushed stroke glazed cabinetry in a soft vanilla tone complemented the uniqueness of a slab of granite. The light color tumbled marble backsplash made the glazing of this cabinetry stand out. The transformation of this kitchen was so incredible that no one believes the before photos.

Transitional wooden metal railing staircase photo in Toronto with wooden risers

Our customers wanted to transform their dark kitchen into a space that reminded them of their favorite place, the beach! They also wanted to showcase their collection of depression glass. Working with our designer, Tracy West, they successfully transformed their space into a bright, airy retreat. A wall was removed to open up the room. Since there was major plumbing in the soffit area that could not be moved, a unique option was chosen to enclose the space with a frame and doors, replicating stacked cabinetry. Glass cabinets were added to showcase the prized collection of depression glass. Our customer hand picked and supplied the glass hardware knobs and the chandelier pendant lights. Cabinetry: Medallion Winston Square & Camilla Arch in White Icing Countertop: Cambria- Montgomery Backsplash: 3x6 Tomei Canvas Natural with Americana Series Greyhound Amer- 397 Designer: Tracy West O'Hanlon Kitchens Designer Photographer: Julia Transue, The Photo House

Custom rusted metal chimney siding Amy Marie Imagery
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic two-story metal exterior home remodel in Denver

Stone veneer products replicate natural stone so accurately that they withstand the closest examination. However, a wall of Stone veneer costs much less than full-thickness natural stone because it is much easier to install.

These clients really enjoy their backyard space, with gardening and spending time with friends and family. They also practice yoga, and craved to have a space that could be their own personal yoga studio. The only problem they had in this space was a storage shed that wasn’t functional for them. With their wants and needs, the homeowners came to us because they wanted a functioning space to practice their love of yoga. This shed accomplishes that needs. We installed double hung Richlin Windows and a Marvin Integrity sliding patio door, all in a Bronze finish. Cedar corbels and beams, tongue and groove floor planks on their 3’ porch, a cedar trellis to replicate existing pergola, exposed trusses, cedar tongue and groove siding, and a stacked seam steel roof add to the charm of this shed. The finished space is a restful getaway in the city for the clients to meditate and leave their worries behind. Om! See full details at : http://www.castlebri.com/specialty/project3205-1/ . This home will be on the 2017 Castle Home Tour, September 30th - October 1st! Visit www.castlehometour.com for all homes and details on the tour.

As a design-build firm, the designer's focus for every project is to create a space that will not only suit the lifestyle of their clients, but also incorporate their personalities and sentimental belongings to truly make the home feel that it was built custom to them. This project encompassed the style and reclaimed artifacts from a completely different century. With timely features such as stacked stone, hand troweled limestone stucco, leaded glass windows, re-claimed 18th century European doors, slate and lead roof, gas lanterns and more, the clients wanted to replicate a traditional European home. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Tongue & Groove LLC Designers: Tongue & Groove LLC with Rees Architecture PC From: Wilmington, North Carolina

Award Winning Leisure Pool After winning an international award this pool was replicated multiple times for a high end developer at several of their locations across the Southeast. Its a very functional pool with many features such as socializing bench with cool jets, a beach entry, water basketball, water volleyball and a mushroom and bubblers .

Example of a small classic u-shaped linoleum floor enclosed kitchen design in Portland with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, blue backsplash and colored appliances

Joe Mühl
Home design - contemporary home design idea in Dorset

Custom mantels and fireplace surrounds add a focal point to any room. The Tague Lumber Custom Millwork Division can build the perfect fireplace mantel and surround for every room in your house. Using top quality woods and fine woodworking techniques, we can create a one-of-a-kind mantle that fits any room’s dimensions and architectural style. The craftsmen at Tague Lumber have years of experience creating custom millwork including replicating historical mantles in whole or in part.

Because of its unique position in the origin story of America's first president, we paired patriotic decor with the American cherry wide plank floor in this dining room. American cherry wide plank floors have been a mainstay in American homes for generations because they offer a natural richness that is nearly impossible to replicate. The reddish hues of this species will light up any room with their time-honored charm. If you are looking for a floor that offers rich colors and classic character, American cherry will not disappoint!

Example of a mountain style kitchen design in Other

Our collection of fireplace mantels is the iconic benchmark for those with a passion for refinement. Each is meticulously hand crafted and made according to your taste, time, and custom size needs. The mantels, hearths, and over-mantels are constructed of GFRC or modified plaster, and can be made to replicate limestone, travertine, terra cotta, or marble.

Customized a kitchen to fit the time period of the home, replicating existing moldings where new were needed, opened up the kitchen into the dining room, and created a space with so much storage, usable space, all the while keeping the historic charm of this early 1900's home.

This floating vanity was commissioned for a waterfront home in Minden. The color is Sherwin Williams Green-Black. It features a 3 inch radiused corner, which is replicated in the countertop, and touch to open drawers for a modern feel.

Jewett Farms + Co’s Old Growth Mountain White Oak ranges in color from honey tones to deep browns. Oak planks are extremely durable and hard wearing, perfect for high traffic areas. It features strong, dense grain, natural checking, sound knots and character marks. Rugged and rustic, our Old Growth Mountain Oak flooring speaks to its Allegheny and Appalachian roots. Once milled from fallen or standing dead trees this virgin timber is run through an antique 60 inch saw blade to replicate the look of early milling. The result is an authentic and rustic surface that is similar in look to our Reclaimed Antique Hit Skip Oak. Jewett Farms + Co’s Old Growth Mountain Oak wide plank flooring is available to be shipped throughout the United States from our New England headquarters.

This 1960’s home underwent a striking transformation--remodeling the kitchen, hall bathroom and laundry room. These homeowners dreamed of an open floor plan that would unite the kitchen and adjacent living areas. To accomplish this, we removed an imposing chimney that separated the kitchen from the living room. Additionally, we eliminated a weight-bearing wall that was between the kitchen and dining room. What a change! The spaces that formerly felt dark and confined are now bright and connected, comfortably accommodating larger gatherings. When considering the specifics of design, we wanted to stay true to the home’s mid-century roots, while updating it with today’s style elements. Embracing the mid-century aspects, we played off some of the existing features of the home by mirroring them in the spaces we redesigned. To introduce today’s style, we thoughtfully incorporated the finishes and touches that would aptly reflect that component. The resulting design is beautifully juxtaposed by the homeowners’ treasured antique furniture pieces. In the kitchen, we enhanced the open and airy feel by choosing a light greige color for the inset cabinetry paired with a tonal light-colored, blue-veined quartz for the countertops. These tones are perfectly complemented by the gold finishes of the cabinet hardware, faucets, and mid-century modern pendants. To maximize the storage potential of this kitchen, we customized the cabinetry with a convenient utensil organizer and a blind corner “cloud” pullout. A full height zellige-style tile backsplash with custom floating shelves makes for an impressive statement wall. With family get togethers in mind, we added an additional bar/prep sink and a spacious breakfast nook with a good deal of bench storage. A vertically-slatted wood half-wall separates the kitchen and breakfast nook, replicating the original mid-century wall detail at the entry. Between the living room and kitchen, we designed a semi-open bar-height peninsula, accenting the bar front with a vertical shiplap kickplate in a bold blue. Carrying this color statement through the kitchen, the homeowner selected a “Navy Steel” Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and an AGA Mercury range, in “Blueberry.” These colors are also echoed in the multi-tonal quartz. In the hall bathroom, we were aiming for the bright ambiance we’d achieved in the living areas. The penny round tile flooring and full height zellige-look tile combine for a classy, elevated look. In keeping with the kitchen, we installed similar gold fixtures and inset cabinetry and the same beautiful quartz countertop. The vanity towers provide these happy homeowners with additional room to store all their necessities. Through the design process, we were able to gain square footage in the laundry room which allowed for the extra cabinet space the homeowners were looking for. Of course, a remodel is never complete without conveniences for the pets. The kitty’s litter box is neatly tucked in the cabinet behind a custom cat-cutout--a cute and tidy idea! Kitchen Selections: Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Ammonite No. 274; Countertops-Silestone Pietra; Cabinet hardware-Top Knobs Barrington collection in Honey Bronze; Pendants-Rejuvenation Palo Alto; Faucets- Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Island bar shiplap color-Farrow and Ball Wine Dark No. 308 Bathroom Selections: Floor tile-Cepac Classic Rounds in Cloud; Tile-Tilebar Portmore 4x4 in White; Cabinet color-Farrow & Ball Purbeck Stone No. 275; Countertop-Silestone Pietra; Faucet-Delta Trinsic in Champagne Bronze