This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships. The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in. This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing! Photographer: Greg Tinius

As Sheila Gibson Stoodley writes in an article about this project in Robb Report, “Brian Hemingway is sensitive to light in the best way possible.” “The Vancouver, British Columbia-based architect wanted this 22,000-square-foot home near Boston to glow like a lantern at night, and he attained that goal on behalf of the homeowners.” The wood and stone that Hemingway favored for the home informed the space’s color palette. So critical were these materials that settling on a shade of stain for the Douglas fir and the finishes to be used on the Virginia Mist granite took months of consultation. Walker Zanger, the stone supplier, worked with the owner and with Colin Flavin, a Boston-based architect who partnered with Hemingway, to choose, detail, and fabricate the granite. The stone is used indoors and out, heightening the boundary-blurring effect that the design team desired. Though the owners are ardent art collectors, they did not build their home to showcase specific works; the real artists here are the architects, Hemingway and Flavin. So deft were they at inviting nature into their creation that, from certain angles, it can be hard to tell where the outdoors stops and starts. “There are deliberately no window treatments so that Mother Nature weaves the most beautiful textural backgrounds,” said interior designer Andrew Sheinman, of New York’s Pembrooke & Ives. He oversaw the interiors, working alongside his colleague Michael Lewis. “The seasons change the look and aspect of the house,” said Sheinman, “and we wanted to play on this.” Bleu de Savoie marble, from France, is used in the baths, to contrast with the Virginia Mist granite and soften the palette and give the baths a spa-like serenity. Hand-chiseled Oxford Black granite is used on exterior landscape walls, to tie the Virginia Mist seamlessly to the natural stone outcroppings.

This well-loved home belonging to a family of seven was overdue for some more room. Renovations by the team at Advance Design Studio entailed both a lower and upper level addition to original home. Included in the project was a much larger kitchen, eating area, family room and mud room with a renovated powder room on the first floor. The new upper level included a new master suite with his and hers closets, a new master bath, outdoor balcony patio space, and a renovation to the only other full bath on in that part of the house. Having five children formerly meant that when everyone was seated at the large kitchen table, they couldn’t open the refrigerator door! So naturally the main focus was on the kitchen, with a desire to create a gathering place where the whole family could hang out easily with room to spare. The homeowner had a love of all things Irish, and careful details in the crown molding, hardware and tile backsplash were a reflection. Rich cherry cabinetry and green granite counter tops complete a traditional look so as to fit right in with the elegant old molding and door profiles in this fine old home. The second focus for these parents was a master suite and bathroom of their own! After years of sharing, this was an important feature in the new space. This simple yet efficient bath space needed to accommodate a long wall of windows to work with the exterior design. A generous shower enclosure with a comfortable bench seat is open visually to the his and hers vanity areas, and a spacious tub. The makeup table enjoys lots of natural light spilling through large windows and an exit door to the adult’s only exclusive coffee retreat on the rooftop adjacent. Added square footage to the footprint of the house allowed for a spacious family room and much needed breakfast area. The dining room pass through was accentuated by a period appropriate transom detail encasing custom designed carved glass detailing that appears as if it’s been there all along. Reclaimed painted tin panels were added to the dining room ceiling amongst elegant crown molding for unique and dramatic dining room flair. An efficient dry bar area was tucked neatly between the great room spaces, offering an excellent entertainment area to circulating guests and family at any time. This large family now enjoys regular Sunday breakfasts and dinners in a space that they all love to hang out in. The client reports that they spend more time as a family now than they did before because their house is more accommodating to them all. That’s quite a feat anyone with teenagers can relate to! Advance Design was thrilled to work on this project and bring this family the home they had been dreaming about for many, many years. Photographer: Joe Nowak

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

As Sheila Gibson Stoodley writes in an article about this project in Robb Report, “Brian Hemingway is sensitive to light in the best way possible.” “The Vancouver, British Columbia-based architect wanted this 22,000-square-foot home near Boston to glow like a lantern at night, and he attained that goal on behalf of the homeowners.” The wood and stone that Hemingway favored for the home informed the space’s color palette. So critical were these materials that settling on a shade of stain for the Douglas fir and the finishes to be used on the Virginia Mist granite took months of consultation. Walker Zanger, the stone supplier, worked with the owner and with Colin Flavin, a Boston-based architect who partnered with Hemingway, to choose, detail, and fabricate the granite. The stone is used indoors and out, heightening the boundary-blurring effect that the design team desired. Though the owners are ardent art collectors, they did not build their home to showcase specific works; the real artists here are the architects, Hemingway and Flavin. So deft were they at inviting nature into their creation that, from certain angles, it can be hard to tell where the outdoors stops and starts. “There are deliberately no window treatments so that Mother Nature weaves the most beautiful textural backgrounds,” said interior designer Andrew Sheinman, of New York’s Pembrooke & Ives. He oversaw the interiors, working alongside his colleague Michael Lewis. “The seasons change the look and aspect of the house,” said Sheinman, “and we wanted to play on this.” Bleu de Savoie marble, from France, is used in the baths, to contrast with the Virginia Mist granite and soften the palette and give the baths a spa-like serenity. Hand-chiseled Oxford Black granite is used on exterior landscape walls, to tie the Virginia Mist seamlessly to the natural stone outcroppings.

This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships. The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in. This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing! Photographer: Greg Tinius

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

This transitional home blends a modern aesthetic with a character home in a historic neighborhood of Metro Vancouver. Featuring custom architectural concrete, paving stones, horizontal cedar fencing and siding, backyard metal trellis and a very unique and modern landscape, this home is a perfect space for entertaining.

Large spectacular, chic, completely updated 1-bedroom suite in the popular well-run Lord James Complex! This bright unit has big picture windows that welcome in an abundance of natural light. Recently custom upgraded gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertop & breakfast bar, plus expensive stainless-steel appliances. Newer easy-care wide plank laminate floors, fresh paint, and decor throughout the unit make this place better than brand new. You will be sure to enjoy the spacious deck that faces your beautiful manicured courtyard garden, gazebo & serene koi pond. The pleasant & peaceful surroundings make this one of the best outlooks possible on the quiet side of the complex. The unit includes separate storage locker, plus plenty of in-suite storage with separate utility/laundry room. One parking spot & RV parking available. Professionally managed, smoke-free & fully remediated (with depreciation report) building allowing all ages and pets. Attractive interior halls with many recreation amenities including one right outside your front door, lounge/library set up. Close to marinas, beautiful public beaches, local shopping, restaurants & on major bus routes. Everything you need and more in beautiful Sidney by the Sea! | Karen Love* (250) 727-5868 | www.KarenLove.com RE/MAX Alliance |

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

Recently, TaskRabbit challenged a group of 10 Taskers to build a Tiny House in the middle of Manhattan in just 72 hours – all for a good cause. Building a fully outfitted tiny house in 3 days was a tall order – a build like this often takes months – but we set out to prove the power of collaboration, showing the kind of progress that can be made when people come together, bringing their best insights, skills and creativity to achieve something that seems impossible. It was quite a week. New York was wonderful (and quite lovely, despite a bit of rain), our Taskers were incredible, and TaskRabbit’s Tiny House came together in record time, due to the planning, dedication and hard work of all involved. A Symbol for Change The TaskRabbit Tiny House was auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to our partner, Community Solutions, a national nonprofit helping communities take on complex social challenges – issues like homelessness, unemployment and health inequity – through collaboration and creative problem solving. This Tiny House was envisioned as a small symbol of the change that is possible when people have the right tools and opportunities to work together. Through our three-day build, our Taskers proved that amazing things can happen when we put our hearts into creating substantive change in our communities. The Winning Bid We’re proud to report that we were able to raise $26,600 to support Community Solutions’ work. Sarah, a lovely woman from New Hampshire, placed the winning bid – and it’s nice to know our tiny home is in good hands. #ATinyTask: Behind the Scenes The Plans A lot of time and effort went into making sure this Tiny Home was as efficient, cozy and welcoming as possible. Our master planners, designer Lesley Morphy and TaskRabbit Creative Director Scott Smith, maximized every square inch in the little house with comfort and style in mind, utilizing a lofted bed, lofted storage, a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower, a compost toilet, and custom details throughout. There’s a surprising amount of built-in storage in the kitchen, while a conscious decision was made to keep the living space open so you could actually exist comfortably without feeling cramped. The Build Our Taskers worked long, hard shifts while our team made sure they were well fed, hydrated and in good spirits. The team brought amazing energy and we couldn’t be prouder of the way they worked together. Stay tuned, as we’ll be highlighting more of our Tiny House Taskers’ stories in coming days – they were so great that we want to make sure all of you get to know them better. The Final Product Behold, the completed Tiny House! For more photos, be sure to check out our Facebook page. This was an incredibly inspiring project, and we really enjoyed watching the Tiny House come to life right in the middle of Manhattan. It was amazing to see what our Taskers are capable of, and we’re so glad we were able to support Community Solutions and help fight homelessness, unemployment and health inequity with #ATinyTask.

THE SETUP These homeowners had an outdoor kitchen built when they built their home several years ago. It was functional, but the aesthetic was underwhelming. The island was clad in the same stone that was on the house, and it had basic black granite countertops. They love to grill and host outdoor gatherings, so an upgrade was definitely in order. Design Objectives: Create an elevated outdoor space that aligns with the grandeur of the elegant home Design of the new space should flow with the architecture of the house Include a serving area with a beverage fridge, a sink, and a faucet Allow for workspace in the grill area Include island seating THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Creating a layout that is in sync with the exterior architecture of the home Sourcing the perfect state-of-the-art grill with all the latest bells and whistles, and placing in an ideal layout that maximizes functionality and hospitality Specifying materials that will withstand the elements Design Solutions: A large curved island designed to mirror the curve of the home’s breakfast nook exterior A separate sink area with a disposal and a beverage fridge offers a functional space for mixing drinks and serving food Custom limestone posts echo the limestone details on the exterior of the home Diresco Quartz countertops add elegance and durability – they are designed to be used outdoors in harsh climates Decorative tile clads the sides and back of the island A raised bed for flowers and herbs adds color and softness to the space Undercounter lighting adds ambiance at night THE RENEWED SPACE From great backyard to true oasis – an outdoor kitchen makes makes elegant outdoor cooking and dining possible. The homeowners had their first outdoor kitchen cookout experience right away and report that they couldn’t be happier!

This client came to us with a unique challenge: create a modern design that matches her fun and funky personality but to make it as "green" and chemical free as possible. We rose to the challenge, researching the best options for sustainable, green and chemical free furnishings. The upholstery pieces are made from sustainable and chemical free materials, the dining table is made of sustainable wood with a chemical free finish. The rugs are from a fair-trade company that supports education for women in India. The client had hired a Feng Shui expert to provide her with a report which we used to design the space. The wallpaper behind the living room sofa is custom designed and custom-made. It is a map made up of hundred of small photos that the homeowner provided to us. It represents the area in her home that will bring travel and connect her to the people she loves. The large, colorful art piece in the dining area is hung in the area of the home that will bring joy around family and children. The hearts and pink/red colored wallpaper in the den will evoke love and relationships. The client has a colorful, fun personality and we wanted to infuse the design with it. A white backdrop allows all of the pinks, reds, navy blues and turquoises to pop, creating a lively, modern feeling. The textures in the floor and wall coverings and in the fabrics create a lived in, collected feeling and add a touch of bohemian chic style. The new modern cable and walnut stair banister is in keeping with the original modern feel of the row house and keeps the narrow staircase from feeling tight and closed in. This was a fun, creative and unique project for us. This particular client was one of Olamar's first clients eight years ago when we first opened our doors. At that time the house was nothing but a condemned shell that the client renovated, with our assistance. At that time we designed the kitchen, which is still in excellent condition and still looks amazing! Photographer: Greg Tinius