Hajian Archtects Inc.
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Boston

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area and screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for a shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear-facing exercise has great views of the lake through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below.

Installation by: Altera Landscape Photography by: Jeri Koegel The exterior design of this Shady Canyon estate proved to have several interesting challenges. From the long linear rear yard and the overall pie shape lot, the restrictive setbacks & fuel modification zone requirements, to the numerous design features desired by the Clients, this design layout proved to be intriguing and fun. Some of the main design features includes: an infinity edge and perimeter overflow pool, an infinity edge spa, large baja shelf, fire-pit seating patio, lounge seating patio, large putting green, covered seating area and a BBQ/bar gathering area, just to name a few of the numerous features. Also included in the design is a full renovation of the front and side yards which all blended with the rear into one cohesive exquisite environment

This beautiful pool house was not without its challenges. There were height restrictions and conservation authorities had to approve everything first, as well as obtaining the permits and building the structure without going to the committee of adjustment. It was a very enjoyable project as our clients made a few great changes along the way and we communicated well. The pool and landscaping were executed by Elite Crete Pools.

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

We helped Miki and David successfully execute a bathroom and kitchen remodel for their Co-op in New York City. The primary objective was to enhance the sense of space, functionality, and style while keeping the project on track and on budget. To kickstart the project, Anna, the highly skilled project planner, conducted a thorough walkthrough with Miki and David. During the meeting, she captured their vision, outlined a realistic timeline, and carefully considered their budgetary restrictions. Anna made sure to grasp their aspirations of modernizing the kitchen and bathroom, aiming to elevate both the aesthetics and practicality while incorporating a bespoke design tailored to their desires. The design challenge was to modernize the outdated kitchen and bathroom while maintaining a budget-friendly approach. The clients opted for a Scandinavian style, featuring neutral olive green colors, stone, and natural wood materials. The designers explored various layouts to maximize functionality and accommodate the clients' preferences, providing Miki and David with multiple options. Eventually, the family made their design choices and felt assured as they entered the construction phase. During the building phase, the construction team completed a gut renovation of the kitchen and bathroom, replacing ceilings, walls, floors, and all fixtures. The result was a stunning custom kitchen designed in the Scandinavian style featuring matte grey-green cabinetry, natural wood open shelving, a built-in pantry and appliances, and Vivid White Quartz countertops. The combination of sage base cabinets with grey undertones and modern, natural wood structures created a neutral and earthy impression, while the smooth white wall cabinets and countertops added a sleek and airy touch to the space. The bathroom renovation encompassed a full remodel, with all fixtures being replaced. A custom-ordered vanity in a matching grey-green shade was installed, along with the Maiolica White Polished Ceramic Wall Tile and Kohler and Delta fixtures. Within a few short weeks, Miki and David's new kitchen and bathroom were transformed to align perfectly with their style and vision, while significantly enhancing functionality.

Transforming A Kitchen in Shoreline, A Stunning Kitchen Remodeling Project! Levite Construction is thrilled to showcase our latest kitchen remodeling project in Shoreline. This transformative endeavor involved the removal of a few walls and a complete reconfiguration of the kitchen layout, resulting in a remarkable and functional design and an open concept modern kitchen flow. With meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship, our talented team has worked tirelessly to bring together a perfect blend of modernity and practicality. The result is a kitchen that not only enhances the beauty of the home but also maximizes its functionality. Gone are the restrictive walls that once divided your kitchen from the rest of the house. By removing these barriers, we have created an open-concept layout that seamlessly integrates with your living and dining areas. This new configuration fosters a sense of togetherness, allowing you to interact with your loved ones while preparing delicious meals. Our team has carefully selected high-quality materials and finishes to complement the aesthetics of this home. From sleek countertops to stylish two tones cabinetry colors, every element has been chosen with utmost care. We understand the importance of durability and longevity, which is why our choices not only exude elegance but also stand the test of time. The new kitchen design prioritizes functionality, ensuring that every aspect serves a purpose. We have optimized storage space with innovative solutions, making it easier than ever to organize your cookware, utensils, and pantry items. The layout has been carefully planned to streamline the workflow, placing the essentials within easy reach and minimizing unnecessary steps. But it's not just about practicality; we believe that beauty should be a cornerstone of every kitchen. Our design team has incorporated stunning lighting fixtures that accentuate the space and create a warm and inviting ambiance. The harmonious blend of natural and artificial lighting enhances both functionality and aesthetics, making the kitchen a joy to work in at any time of the day. With our kitchen remodeling expertise, we will create a space that will surpass your expectations. We are dedicated to transforming your kitchen into a hub of inspiration, culinary creativity, and family bonding. Are you ready to experience the magic of a kitchen remodel? Contact Levite Construction today to embark on your own journey of creating a kitchen that combines beauty, functionality, and a touch of modern sophistication. #KitchenRemodel #ShorelineCity #OpenConceptLiving #FunctionalDesign #SmartHomeIntegration #ExpertCraftsmanship #TransformYourSpace

THE SETUP Our journey began with a familiar face — Alicia had previously transformed the client’s mother’s home, establishing a trusted relationship that naturally led to this personal project. The client desired a kitchen that truly reflected her own style while facilitating seamless entertaining. Design Vision: The original kitchen, segregated from the dining area by a wall, hindered the flow of interaction and space. Our client envisioned a unified area where she could engage with guests in both the kitchen and dining room simultaneously. Moreover, the space lacked a central island, relying instead on a floorplan anchored by cabinetry in a u-shaped layout. Design Objectives: Open up the space for an airy design conducive to entertaining large gatherings Modernize the kitchen to be both stylish and functional Integrate the design with the home’s new black-framed windows and doors Relocate the cooktop to a central position to enhance usability and interaction Design Challenges: Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room would necessitate the rerouting of existing HVAC ductwork that services the upper floor Limited pantry space in the existing kitchen The existing u-shaped layout of the kitchen restricted functionality and storage options Insufficient space for wine storage The client desired a raised-furniture look for the island, but without showing a new downdraft vent THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: We added a second HVAC unit to the upper floor and rerouted the existing ductwork in that wall Created tall pantry pullouts on either side of the fridge to maximize dry goods storage Designed a long island to facilitate cooking stations and dining moments Created a stylish open display cabinet for wine Engineered a dual-design island with a footed floating aesthetic on one side, and a full floor reach on the other to conceal the new downdraft ventilation. Paired with the newly opened adjacent dining room featuring a wet bar, the kitchen has become a stylish and highly functional space for cooking and entertaining. Following a large baby shower hosted by the client (which seamlessly accommodated an 80-person gathering!), it is clear that the new design not only meets but exceeds the needs for hosting and everyday living. This project was a harmonious blend of the client’s vision and Alicia’s innovative design solutions, resulting in a kitchen that truly embodies personalized elegance and functionality.

Dining Room in Monte Lindo | Room Type: Full Home Furnishing – 4,368 sq ft | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Baths- Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen Nook, Family Room, Office, Primary Bedroom + Bath. Project Name: Monte Lindo | Key Feature: A Modern Transitional new build transformed from builder-grade into a unique, personality-driven home through curated furnishings, lighting, art, and mirrors. Challenge: COVID-related supply and delivery delays, along with limitations of working within a builder-grade home that restricted creativity in certain areas. Solution: The team elevated the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings, lighting, wallpaper, art, and mirrors, pushing the clients slightly outside their comfort zone to create a home that felt both comfortable and impressive. Materials: Lighting: Arteriors, Palecek, Circa, Memoky. Rugs: Loloi, Surya. Mirrors: Four Hands, Ferguson, Arteriors. Wallpaper: Savannah Hayes. Furniture: Classic Home, Four Hands, Moss Home, Dovetail, Union Home. Budget: $50k-$75K | Timeline: 11 months, completed September 2021.

The distinctive triangular shaped design of the Bayridge Residence was driven by the difficult steep sloped site, restrictive municipal bylaws and environmental setbacks. The design concept was to create a dramatic house built into the slope that presented as a single story on the street, while opening up to the view on the slope side. A self-contained infinity pool is accessed through the walk-out basement, providing amazing views of the Vancouver harbour.

Words cannot describe the level of transformation this beautiful 60’s ranch has undergone. The home was blessed with a ton of natural light, however the sectioned rooms made for large awkward spaces without much functionality. By removing the dividing walls and reworking a few key functioning walls, this home is ready to entertain friends and family for all occasions. The large island has dual ovens for serious bake-off competitions accompanied with an inset induction cooktop equipped with a pop-up ventilation system. Plenty of storage surrounds the cooking stations providing large countertop space and seating nook for two. The beautiful natural quartzite is a show stopper throughout with it’s honed finish and serene blue/green hue providing a touch of color. Mother-of-Pearl backsplash tiles compliment the quartzite countertops and soft linen cabinets. The level of functionality has been elevated by moving the washer & dryer to a newly created closet situated behind the refrigerator and keeps hidden by a ceiling mounted barn-door. The new laundry room and storage closet opposite provide a functional solution for maintaining easy access to both areas without door swings restricting the path to the family room. Full height pantry cabinet make up the rest of the wall providing plenty of storage space and a natural division between casual dining to formal dining. Built-in cabinetry with glass doors provides the opportunity to showcase family dishes and heirlooms accented with in-cabinet lighting. With the wall partitions removed, the dining room easily flows into the rest of the home while maintaining its special moment. A large peninsula divides the kitchen space from the seating room providing plentiful storage including countertop cabinets for hidden storage, a charging nook, and a custom doggy station for the beloved dog with an elevated bowl deck and shallow drawer for leashes and treats! Beautiful large format tiles with a touch of modern flair bring all these spaces together providing a texture and color unlike any other with spots of iridescence, brushed concrete, and hues of blue and green. The original master bath and closet was divided into two parts separated by a hallway and door leading to the outside. This created an itty-bitty bathroom and plenty of untapped floor space with potential! By removing the interior walls and bringing the new bathroom space into the bedroom, we created a functional bathroom and walk-in closet space. By reconfiguration the bathroom layout to accommodate a walk-in shower and dual vanity, we took advantage of every square inch and made it functional and beautiful! A pocket door leads into the bathroom suite and a large full-length mirror on a mosaic accent wall greets you upon entering. To the left is a pocket door leading into the walk-in closet, and to the right is the new master bath. A natural marble floor mosaic in a basket weave pattern is warm to the touch thanks to the heating system underneath. Large format white wall tiles with glass mosaic accent in the shower and continues as a wainscot throughout the bathroom providing a modern touch and compliment the classic marble floor. A crisp white double vanity furniture piece completes the space. The journey of the Yosemite project is one we will never forget. Not only were we given the opportunity to transform this beautiful home into a more functional and beautiful space, we were blessed with such amazing clients who were endlessly appreciative of TVL – and for that we are grateful!

Nothing can quite beat the romantic notion of a cozy fireplace with its warming glow and comforting crackle. More and more we are beginning to see the interest in fireplaces begin to reignite. Gone are the days when you were restricted as to the location of the fireplace in your home. Now we are seeing a growing trend of fireplaces in Master Bedrooms, Master Bathrooms, Lanais, Game Rooms, Study's, Dining Areas, even kitchens! At Palazzo Di Frontier, Frontier Custom Builders 20,000 square foot Corporate Office & Design center President Wayne Bopp designed and placed at least 6 different fireplaces throughout. Each successfully adding another dimension of elegance & class.

These are returning clients of Sosna, who purchased a condo built in 2009 to be their forever home to enjoy now that they are retired . Although the area and views are beautiful, the condo felt small, dark, and dated. The layout was also not functional, and had a lot of wasted space. They wanted the space to fit their lifestyle and feel like it was their own. Having worked with Sosna previously, they knew they could put their full trust in Sosna. During the renovation, they were able to visit their cottage and relax, knowing their home was in good hands. Their only worry was that the condominium rules would restrict or delay the job. These worries were laid to rest, as Sosna developed a respectful and trusting relationship with the building management during construction. In the Kitchen and eating area, we kept the existing footprint, but installed plenty of new cabinetry to provide much more functional storage, ensuring every square inch of the space was used to its full potential as a useful space. A white marble countertop and lower cabinetry made the space feel bright and open. In the Master Bathroom, we re-worked the layout to allow for a larger, more functional and luxurious shower with a built in seat and nooks. During the design phase, we noticed that our clients had been hang drying clothing using a small rack in the bathtub. New hanging rods were installed above a new bathtub to provide a more functional solution for hang drying clothing that did not require having to move drying racks in and out of the space when needed. Beautiful patterned floor tiles were accented as well in the shower nooks to tie the bright new space together. The Guest Bathroom was dark and dated. We were able to give it a welcoming facelift, giving it a more open and airy feel and a pop of colour in the shower. Finally, we replaced the previously mismatched laminate flooring throughout the home with a darker vinyl flooring, all flowing in the same direction to provide a seamless and cohesive flow throughout the home, not to mention easy maintenance! In the end, our clients were delighted with the care and quality of work put into their home, as well as the ease of the process from design to completion. If you’re ready to make your forever home feel like it’s been made just for you, contact us to get started! We’re the Renovator You Can Count On! Sosna Inc 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 416-888-7366 (RENO) Website: sosna.ca Email: contact@sosna.ca

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers. A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen. The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries. “I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.” Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Herbs are one of the cornerstones of Edible Gardens, particularly those which require special attention to spatial restrictions, like balcony gardens. Sun lovers like Mediterranean herbs are perfect for S or SW exposures. Herbs grow quickly, generally need very little space (they can grow in as little as 6" of soil if you are hard-pressed, but prefer 7-8").

Transitional bathroom photo in Other

This full property landscape design and build presented Pro-Land with the opportunity to creatively work with existing grades, while considering the restrictions of an abutting conservation authority. Keeping this in mind we were able to optimize the views of the greenery around the property, while creating a functional outdoor entertainment area. The client wanted a classic design for the front; flagstone walkways to tie in with the colors from the house and an entry wall frames the front door. The goal in the backyard was to create various areas for entertaining, without sacrificing play spaces for their children – the size of the property made accommodating their wishes fairly easy. A sports court, pool with water feature, cabana, and outdoor kitchen ensure these homeowners don’t have to go far for their next vacation.

What once felt dark, segmented, and inefficient is now a bright, connected, and highly functional first floor designed for real family living. Our clients, Terry and Lou, came to us with a home that simply wasn’t keeping up with their growing family. The kitchen was cramped, with tight working lanes and limited light. The laundry room doubled as a powder room—yet functioned poorly as both. Sightlines between spaces were cut off, making it difficult to stay connected to their young children throughout the day. Across the board, the home felt dated and disconnected. Through thoughtful planning and strategic structural changes, we reimagined the entire first floor to better support how this family truly lives. We began by redefining the entry experience—creating a true foyer complete with a dedicated drop zone and custom cubby storage. This space now acts as a natural landing point, bringing order and intention to everyday comings and goings. Adjacent to the new entry, we relocated and redesigned the laundry room. Now positioned exactly where it needs to be, it functions as a hardworking utility space with countertops for folding, a utility sink for immediate stain treatment, and the ability to be closed off—keeping daily life contained when needed. Separating the previous shared function allowed us to carve out a distinct, personality-filled powder room. Wrapped in a bold wave-patterned wallpaper and grounded by a custom reeded oak vanity with warm brass accents, this space delivers a moment of delight and individuality within the home. The kitchen transformation is where the impact is felt most deeply. What was once a dark, restrictive layout has been opened into a spacious, highly efficient U-shaped kitchen with generous clearances and an oversized island for gathering. A thoughtful mix of painted cabinetry and rift white oak introduces warmth and balance, while the custom reeded hood becomes a sculptural focal point. Open shelving, integrated pantry storage, and layered lighting ensure the space is as functional as it is beautiful. Beyond aesthetics, the redesign prioritizes flow—both in movement and in connection. Sightlines between the kitchen, dining, and living areas were intentionally opened, allowing for ease of interaction and visibility throughout the main living spaces. To unify the home, existing hardwood floors were refinished and extended, creating continuity and a seamless visual experience from one space to the next. The result is a home that feels lighter, more open, and deeply aligned with how this family lives day to day—designed not just to look beautiful, but to support everything from busy mornings to slow, shared evenings.

This beautiful house in an amazing neighborhood was originally built with an underwhelming kitchen. The remodel of this space involved changing a few things to allow the kitchen you see here. We changed a sliding door to a smaller single swinging door, enlarged the window, removed a non-load bearing, decorative column and a flow restricting half wall. All off those changes as well as stealing 6.5' of the 3 car, garage allowed this kitchen to become this homes star of the show!!