It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

A Gilmans Kitchens and Baths - Design Build Project (REMMIES Award Winning Kitchen) The original kitchen lacked counter space and seating for the homeowners and their family and friends. It was important for the homeowners to utilize every inch of usable space for storage, function and entertaining, so many organizational inserts were used in the kitchen design. Bamboo cabinets, cork flooring and neolith countertops were used in the design. A large wooden staircase obstructed the view of the compact kitchen and made the space feel tight and restricted. The stairs were converted into a glass staircase and larger windows were installed to give the space a more spacious look and feel. It also allowed easier access in and out of the home into the backyard for entertaining. Check out more kitchens by Gilmans Kitchens and Baths! http://www.gkandb.com/ DESIGNER: JANIS MANACSA PHOTOGRAPHER: TREVE JOHNSON CABINETS: DEWILS CABINETRY

When a visual artist purchases a mass production home in one of Wilmington, NC’s developing neighborhoods, she quickly realizes that the builder’s standard house plans and amenity options lack the personality she craved. A chance visit to the Kitchen & Bath Design Studio showroom proves to be ‘love at first sight’ when a designer listens to the artist’s needs and immediately produces a tile sample that matches the artist’s vision. Can our designer achieve the client’s vision while respecting the production builder’s restrictions and architectural plans? Of course she can! To satisfy the client’s wish list, the kitchen design required a larger island, more counter space, and semi-custom cabinetry. The client settled on Brazilian cherry-style flooring, her favorite of the builder-approved upgrades for flooring. Iridescent glass mosaic tile and multiple chandelier pendants brought in the “bling factor” at the top of the client’s list—she has penchant for “bright, shiny objects” and wanted her kitchen to reflect a Farmhouse Chic or Rustic Glam aesthetic. Left to her own devices, the client would have veered toward a more liberal, Liberace-esque application of bling, so the designer introduced a neutral color palette and warm, polished nickel finishes as a counterbalance to all of that sparkle and shine. Working within the builder’s constraints, the designer made changes to the kitchen’s layout to increase island workspace and nearly double countertop space. The client had to go with an entry-level builder-approved refrigerator available in only one fridge counter depth size. So the designer moved the pantry location, situating it behind the refrigerator and then recessed the refrigerator into the pantry to cheat the counter depth needed to flow seamlessly with the semi-custom cabinetry line. She also maximized drawers and upper cabinets to increase storage space, but did not take the upper cabinets to the ceiling to respect the home’s half crown molding details. Chris Davis Photography

The owners of this historic house on a promontory surrounded by water asked Morpurgo Architects to maximize ocean views while expanding their home for their growing family. Conforming to The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission’s requirements, our modifications to the existing structure are sympathetic to the original Stuccoed Mission-style and contextually in keeping with neighboring historic homes. This challenging site presented numerous constraints, including adherence to oceanfront setbacks and environmental and zoning regulations. We overcame imposing restrictions to develop a dynamic plan that fulfilled the clients’ programmatic and aesthetic needs. The kitchen was identified by our clients as the focal point of family activity. We maximized this lifestyle concept by developing the kitchen into a spacious living area with commanding views of the water. Renovations to the third floor allowed Morpurgo Architects to create an outdoor space offering a panorama of the historic surrounding communities.

The confined kitchen and unused hall closet were too restricting, so walls were removed to open the space. Recessed and undercounter lighting were replaced with LED fixtures. Wood-look tile floor compliments the custom finish on the cabinets, and leathered quartzite provides a subtle contrast to the dark cabinets. Yorktowne Salinger Maple Appoloosa cabinets. Berenson decorative hardware. Renoir Leathered Quartzite with standard ease edge. Stainless steel undermount sink. Danze D457015SS Melrose Stainless steel pull-down faucet. Adex white 3x6 subway tile with Mapei Avalanche grout.

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

This contemporary backyard oasis offers our clients indoor-outdoor living for year-round relaxation and entertaining. The custom rectilinear swimming pool and stacked stone raised spa were designed to maximize the tight lot coverage restrictions while the cascading waterfalls and natural stone water feature add tranquility to the space. Panoramic doors create a beautiful transition between the interior and exterior spaces allowing for more entertaining options and increased natural light. The covered porch features retractable screens, ceiling-mounted infrared heaters, T&G ceiling and a stacked stone fireplace while a custom black iron spiral staircase leads you to the upper deck and modern style pergola offering you additional lounge seating and a stunning view of this private in-town sanctuary.

This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.

This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.

Simple centralized control of 16 audio zones, 8 large HDTV’s and 8 security cameras − Crestron Keypad, Remote, V-Panel and Wireless Touch Panel user interface − iPad and iPhone control capability − Seamless integration of satellite radio, internet steaming, satellite TV, Blu‐Ray and Digital Content Sharing. − Limited cable runs: Using a combination of wireless signal and Crestron technology, −OneTouch was able to keep cable runs to a bare minimum, with most runs restricted to a single cat‐5e cable, thanks to Crestron Digital Media − Elegant local controls that blend seamlessly into the decor of the home − A media server system that streamlines storage and retrieval of digital content − Affordable understandable wireless controls pads everywhere they are needed in the house − Timely supply of product and ease of assembly that resulted in less disruption for the client and lower labour costs

HUGE transformation! The homes in this area quintessentially have smaller kitchens that dining rooms. In addition, there is no open floor concept so traffic flow is restricted. In this design, we choose to take over the dining room! The fortunate part is the sunroom on the backside of the home was conditioned as part of the home, so the furniture and space plan transformed this room into the "dining room". What a beautiful thing to have on the backside of the home where the view is great (future pictures to come!). The improvements and challenges were to remove the wall between the kitchen and the formal dining room (which was rarely used) and then extend the kitchen into that space. !! This is a great challenge because it changes the flow, original architectural patterns to the home! We (client included) the plan achieved just that with some sacrifices -- but honestly, with so many more rewards. Check back for more updates and plans to be uploaded - or send us a message to inquire about how this, is possible! Photography by David Cannon

This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.

This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

It's not everyday that we get to radically transform the heart of a home. There are often restrictions that keep the kitchen in the kitchen. These clients wanted a vaulted kitchen ceiling, which would have required major roof reconstruction. That is until it was decided to use an adjacent part of the home that already had a vaulted ceiling. The kitchen is now more connected to the living and dining areas, they have a walk-in pantry that better uses the low-ceilings, and with added storage space. Like the clients said we "blew their minds!"

The owners of this historic house on a promontory surrounded by water asked Morpurgo Architects to maximize ocean views while expanding their home for their growing family. Conforming to The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission’s requirements, our modifications to the existing structure are sympathetic to the original Stuccoed Mission-style and contextually in keeping with neighboring historic homes. This challenging site presented numerous constraints, including adherence to oceanfront setbacks and environmental and zoning regulations. We overcame imposing restrictions to develop a dynamic plan that fulfilled the clients’ programmatic and aesthetic needs. The kitchen was identified by our clients as the focal point of family activity. We maximized this lifestyle concept by developing the kitchen into a spacious living area with commanding views of the water. Renovations to the third floor allowed Morpurgo Architects to create an outdoor space offering a panorama of the historic surrounding communities.

The small, boring and dysfunctional patio space this client inherited when they purchased their home is now replaced by outdoor room experiences that better meet the entertainment needs and expectations of our client. The built-in masonry sofa and fire pit is always the hit of every party! The old mismatched dated planting areas have been removed to make way for current colorful succulents, natural grasses, and blooming perennials. The water hogging mowed lawn areas that were always being eaten by rabbits is now replaced with artificial grass that looks so real that the neighbors were reminding our client they could only water once a week due to drought restrictions!

Example of a trendy l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and an island

This project began with a sketch from our client that they'd received from a friend. It gave us a general idea of what they wanted but adjustments needed to be made for us to keep the renovation within budget. There were plenty of challenges in the designing and building stages. Early on, we learned the main structure of this 1940s house was encroaching the building restriction line. To remain within zoning limits, we needed to have two corners of the new addition slightly out of square. The new structure, cantilevered on both sides, required a heavy 45-degree angle beam to carry the load of the second floor and the roof. We equipped the house with central AC and expanded the existing hydronic heating system into the new space. The completed addition resulted in a shared music room and in-law suite with a bathroom on the first floor, and a master bedroom, bath, and hall bath on the second floor.