This family loves to cook and entertain and they were restricted by their confining kitchen. We took care of that by opening up the space and removing a wall to the dining room and one to the living room which made it a large welcoming and lovely eat in kitchen.

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex. The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

This family loves to cook and entertain and they were restricted by their confining kitchen. We took care of that by opening up the space and removing a wall to the dining room and one to the living room which made it a large welcoming and lovely eat in kitchen.

Below Buchanan is a basement renovation that feels as light and welcoming as one of our outdoor living spaces. The project is full of unique details, custom woodworking, built-in storage, and gorgeous fixtures. Custom carpentry is everywhere, from the built-in storage cabinets and molding to the private booth, the bar cabinetry, and the fireplace lounge. Creating this bright, airy atmosphere was no small challenge, considering the lack of natural light and spatial restrictions. A color pallet of white opened up the space with wood, leather, and brass accents bringing warmth and balance. The finished basement features three primary spaces: the bar and lounge, a home gym, and a bathroom, as well as additional storage space. As seen in the before image, a double row of support pillars runs through the center of the space dictating the long, narrow design of the bar and lounge. Building a custom dining area with booth seating was a clever way to save space. The booth is built into the dividing wall, nestled between the support beams. The same is true for the built-in storage cabinet. It utilizes a space between the support pillars that would otherwise have been wasted. The small details are as significant as the larger ones in this design. The built-in storage and bar cabinetry are all finished with brass handle pulls, to match the light fixtures, faucets, and bar shelving. White marble counters for the bar, bathroom, and dining table bring a hint of Hollywood glamour. White brick appears in the fireplace and back bar. To keep the space feeling as lofty as possible, the exposed ceilings are painted black with segments of drop ceilings accented by a wide wood molding, a nod to the appearance of exposed beams. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen right down from the cable railing on the staircase to the wood paneling behind the booth, and wrapping the bar.

The project involved a large program that would yield a massive home on a limited and restricted site. The design strategy involved deconstructing the volume into pavilions that could generate a dialogue between built form and landscape and create intimate connections between the golf course and the living spaces. Robin Hill

If you were to look up “classic summer cottage” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of this house. Located in a densely populated community of historic summer cottages, this new gambrel-style home was designed to maintain the beach cottage feel of its predecessor. Due to strict zoning and easement restrictions the new construction had to be designed within the same footprint and volume of its former self. The new design allows for a more open floor plan, more living space, and an almost 180-degree view of the ocean. Filled with natural light and a palette of colors and materials reminiscent of seashells, this four-bedroom home is the quintessential summer retreat. Glass foldaway doors extend the main living area to a covered porch with gas fireplace. A fully finished basement suite, with walk-out access to a gas grilling patio and the beach, is perfect for guests. The interiors are an artful blend of modern fixtures along with some slightly more traditional materials that are in keeping with the cottage vibe. © Eric Roth Photography

Located in the well-established community of Northwood, close to Grande Dunes, this superior quality craftsman styled 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom energy efficient home designed by CRG Companies will feature a Hardie board exterior, Trex decking, vinyl railings and wood beadboard ceilings on porches, a screened-in porch with outdoor fireplace and carport. The interior features include 9’ ceilings, thick crown molding and wood trim, wood-look tile floors in main living areas, ceramic tile in baths, carpeting in bedrooms, recessed lights, upgraded 42” kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a huge tile shower and free standing soaker tub in the master bathroom. The home will also be pre-wired for home audio and security systems. Detached garage can be an added option. No HOA fee or restrictions, 98' X 155' lot is huge for this area, room for a pool.

A garden path in winter white. (Photo by TThornton)
Photo of a traditional partial sun backyard landscaping in Chicago for winter.

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex. The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex. The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex. The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

With a large family, 'Cloud Nine' was designed to be a functional and well utilized space for entertaining. Multiple retaining walls were necessary to achieve the desired design because of the restricted regrading allowed on the property. A warm and inviting space is created underneath the upper deck with a seating area around the fire and a L-shaped outdoor kitchen. A bocce court, a putting green tucked away by the treeline, a hammock swaying from the custom pergola, and a large pool patio can keep anyone busy. A feature that really makes this design unique is the turf terrace overlooking the pool. 2016 Award of Excellence winner

Here was a large space with a restricted U-shaped kitchen, originally built when the home was constructed in the 80′s. By removing the peninsula & replacing it with an island, the entire space was more effectively usable. The remodel included a second sink, wine storage & desk area. Materials were chosen for a “Zen” look. Lead Designer: Karen Zeiders Contractor: Ron Chapman Materials: Candlelight Cabinetry, Autumn Glow on Red Birch Ithaca, NY

This lakefront second home in the Irish Hills offered expansive lake views, yet the yard provided little usable space beyond the existing deck. The slope toward the water restricted gathering areas and made site access during construction especially complex. The goal was to extend the living environment beyond the deck. To create a series of spaces that felt connected to the water, social with corn hole tournaments and a cozy place to unwind in the evening after docking the boat, cast in warm, soft lighting.

This drain cleaning and repair project in Tarzana, CA focused on restoring proper drainage and addressing buildup within the affected lines. We inspected the drainage system to locate the restriction, then used professional drain-cleaning equipment to clear the blockage and remove debris from the pipe walls. Where needed, we used hydro-jetting to clean the interior of the line and improve flow through the affected section. We performed a video inspection to check the pipe's condition and confirm the line was open and functioning as intended. Tarzana Drain Cleaning & Repair - https://www.emeraldgreenplumbing.com/drain-cleaning-and-repair/

Unique from every angle and not your traditional pool! The pool itself is long enough to do laps in but also features a tanning ledge area to relax on. The super spa is a massive 5-tier raised spa that is beautifully wrapped with glass tile on the spillway and is complimented with porcelain waterline tile throughout the pool to blend in together with the natural stone presented throughout the backyard as well. But wait- there is more! A travertine pathway leads you to the spa which the homeowners had the stairs custom-made to easily climb in the spa. The long travertine raised wall allows guests to sit all around the backyard and not be restricted to hang out in just one area. Finally, the backyard is finished off with a gorgeous and massive custom outdoor kitchen that is faced with two different materials to bring in the mixed elements that make this unusual backyard very unique and chic! #hottubs #swimspas #pools

Photo by Leonid Furmansky
Inspiration for a mid-century modern multicolored split-level mixed siding house exterior remodel in Austin with a shed roof

Inspiration for a mid-sized victorian formal and enclosed medium tone wood floor living room remodel with blue walls, no tv, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

A 1930s Spanish Revival home with custom landscaping, hardscaping, exteriors color consultation. Natural materials like terracotta, breathable linens, and vintage rugs create a layered, lived-in family home. We designed landscaping that acted as an outdoor entertaining space for multiple families which was especially needed in light of the pandemic restrictions.