Photos by: Rickie Agapito Built by: S&W Kitchens, Inc. This home was just begging for an open floor plan! The owners were interested in a transitional kitchen with natural elements to help bring the out door in. Being big cooks functionality was also on the top of the list. The result is a jam packed kitchen with nice amenities.

Photos by: Rickie Agapito Built by: S&W Kitchens, Inc. This home was just begging for an open floor plan! The owners were interested in a transitional kitchen with natural elements to help bring the out door in. Being big cooks functionality was also on the top of the list. The result is a jam packed kitchen with nice amenities.

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Our client's childhood memories of summer fun in her parents' pool and family time on Long Beach Island, NJ is what she wanted to recreate for her own children in the comfort of their backyard. The client's wish list included a pool that was versatile for all ages and activities. We teamed up with Liquidscapes to assist with the pool design process to ensure functionality and quality was achieved. The saltwater pool has a swim lane, sun-shelf, deck jets, built-in seating and a raised spa with an 8' spillway! The pool deck is built with limestone, which remains cool in the hot sun. A custom pavilion cantilevers the deep end of the pool serving as a shady poolside lounge. The wavy garden beds were designed to complement the freeform shape of the pool. The landscape consists of multi-layered magnolias, ilex, and cryptomeria to ensure privacy year round. Fagus, lagerstroemia, and cotinus add in-season privacy, color, and contrast. The large garden beds are filled with lush hydrangeas, perennials, perennial grasses, and ferns. During our presentation for the front of the property, which is the final phase of this project, our client said to us: "Over the years we have dealt with many design and build companies and we're very happy we finally found one that is a pleasure to work with and cares about delivering high quality results.”

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The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

Full exterior repaint on a two-story Houston residential property. House was painted in a crisp white base coat with bold black trim, window frames, and fascia throughout. All surfaces were properly prepped and primed before application. Two finish coats applied for a clean, lasting result. This two-tone exterior transformation was completed as part of a pre-listing renovation for a Houston real estate investor.

This is a rare, contemporary, newly built home that features white water ocean views. Our staging design team wanted to highlight the casual elegance in each space of this unique custom home. We loved the way it turned out. The results were immediate as the home went into escrow within the first week on the market. Listed at $5.5M.

The original kitchen in this midcentury Ann Arbor home was only a fraction of the size it is today. We removed walls to open up the main floor and create a brighter, more connected space that fits the way this family lives. The existing hardwood floors were blended and refinished for a seamless transition between old and new, tying the whole space together. Storage and function were at the top of the list. We added dedicated spaces for spices, a mixer, corner pullouts, and small appliances to keep the counters clear and organized. Full-size column refrigerator and freezer units now provide plenty of food storage without sacrificing style. We also improved the light and flow of the space. A small window that faced a brick wall and a non-functioning door were both removed, replaced by a new sliding door that brings in natural light and connects the kitchen to the backyard. The new design combines navy and white cabinetry with brass and orange accents for a look that feels modern but still connected to the home’s midcentury roots. The result is a kitchen that works as beautifully as it looks, filled with smart storage and thoughtful details. Contractor: MAV Design + Build Stylist: Jill Fagan Interiors Photographer: Jacob Hawkins Photography

The Setup: After purchasing this home, the homeowners faced a unique opportunity to reimagine their kitchen and nearby spaces. Water damage from a burst pipe had left much of the home’s interior in need of repair, and while the existing kitchen was functional and in relatively good shape, it didn’t align with the family’s vision for their new home. The layout included a peninsula that wasn’t ideal, and there were some druthers with the nearby pantry. Since the space needed to be rebuilt anyway, the homeowners saw this as a chance to create a kitchen that was both highly functional for their four young children and timeless in its design. The project also included a refresh of the adjacent message center and dining room — spaces that play key roles in the family’s daily life. The goal was to create a cohesive flow between these areas, balancing modern functionality with the craftsman-inspired character of the rest of the home. Design Objectives: - Replace the outdated peninsula with a large island to maximize counter space and create new seating options. - Open up the space visually by removing soffits and rethinking the cabinetry layout. Incorporate concealed refrigeration and freezer units to provide significant storage for the family while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic. - Integrate black cabinetry into the design without making the space feel harsh or heavy. - Ensure the lighting plan balances functional task lighting with ambient accent lighting. - Avoid visual clutter in the cabinetry design while still giving a nod to the craftsman aesthetic. - Incorporate a slab backsplash as a key design feature. Design Challenges: - The outdated peninsula left dead space in the kitchen and lacked sufficient seating for the family. - The cooktop wall was cramped, with small cabinets flanking the hood, limited storage, and soffits that made the space feel closed-in. - The family needed significant refrigeration space (two refrigerators and a freezer) but wanted to avoid a cluttered look with visible stainless steel appliances. - Adding black cabinetry risked making the space feel too dark or heavy. - The original lighting plan was insufficient, particularly over the dining table where a decorative fixture proved too dim. - The family wanted shaker-style drawer fronts to match the home’s arts-and-crafts design but worried that too much shaker cabinetry might look overly busy. - Prioritizing a slab backsplash in the wish list priority planning. The Renewed Space Design Solutions: - A functional island: The peninsula was replaced with a large island that provides continuous countertop space for prepping and serving. The island also features seating for four people, creating a central hub for informal meals and activities. - Streamlined cooktop wall: The soffits were removed, and the upper cabinets on the cooktop wall were eliminated to create a more open, streamlined design. A custom oversized hood became the focal point of the wall, with the blower unit offset inside it to align with the cooktop while maintaining exterior visual symmetry. - Concealed refrigeration: Two column refrigerators and one freezer were integrated into the cabinetry, concealing them behind wood paneling that blends seamlessly with the overall design. - Warm black cabinetry: The black cabinetry was crafted from hickory with a visible grain, softening its appearance and adding warmth. The grain detail gives the cabinetry a rich, textured look that avoids feeling stark or overpowering. - Additional lighting: In the dining area, recessed can lights were added during an additional installation phase to supplement the gorgeous decorative fixture’s dim output. The new lighting plan creates a layered effect, combining functional task lighting with softer ambient lighting. - Simplified cabinetry details: Slab drawer fronts were used on the upper drawers, while five-piece shaker fronts (with slightly less prominent rail and stile pieces) were reserved for the middle and lower drawers. This approach simplified the overall look while maintaining the craftsman-inspired aesthetic. - Slab backsplash priority: The slab backsplash was prioritized by making thoughtful adjustments elsewhere, like opting not to extend cabinetry to the ceiling, which also helped visually prioritize the gorgeous slab backsplash. This decision also enhanced the kitchen’s furniture-like feel, aligning with the home’s craftsman character. - This kitchen perfectly balances practicality with timeless style. By addressing the family’s functional needs — ample seating, smart storage, and effective lighting — while incorporating thoughtful design elements like warm black cabinetry and a striking slab backsplash, Alicia created a space that works beautifully for a busy household. The result is a cohesive, inviting kitchen that honors the home’s craftsman roots and will serve the family well for years to come.

The owners of this classic “old-growth Oak trim-work and arches” 1½ story 2 BR Tudor were looking to increase the size and functionality of their first-floor bath. Their wish list included a walk-in steam shower, tiled floors and walls. They wanted to incorporate those arches where possible – a style echoed throughout the home. They also were looking for a way for someone using a wheelchair to easily access the room. The project began by taking the former bath down to the studs and removing part of the east wall. Space was created by relocating a portion of a closet in the adjacent bedroom and part of a linen closet located in the hallway. Moving the commode and a new cabinet into the newly created space creates an illusion of a much larger bath and showcases the shower. The linen closet was converted into a shallow medicine cabinet accessed using the existing linen closet door. The door to the bath itself was enlarged, and a pocket door installed to enhance traffic flow. The walk-in steam shower uses a large glass door that opens in or out. The steam generator is in the basement below, saving space. The tiled shower floor is crafted with sliced earth pebbles mosaic tiling. Coy fish are incorporated in the design surrounding the drain. Shower walls and vanity area ceilings are constructed with 3” X 6” Kyle Subway tile in dark green. The light from the two bright windows plays off the surface of the Subway tile is an added feature. The remaining bath floor is made 2” X 2” ceramic tile, surrounded with more of the pebble tiling found in the shower and trying the two rooms together. The right choice of grout is the final design touch for this beautiful floor. The new vanity is located where the original tub had been, repeating the arch as a key design feature. The Vanity features a granite countertop and large under-mounted sink with brushed nickel fixtures. The white vanity cabinet features two sets of large drawers. The untiled walls feature a custom wallpaper of Henri Rousseau’s “The Equatorial Jungle, 1909,” featured in the national gallery of art. https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46688.html The owners are delighted in the results. This is their forever home.

A unique outdoor space is the perfect spot for secluded gatherings. These homeowners were intent on having a private, inviting space for their friends and family—a central entertainment and hangout spot. With a pool at the top of the wish list, D. A. Dunlevy had to address a low part of the yard that held a great deal of water. We designed the elevation to be higher than the existing grade, and used soil from the excavation to create the needed elevation and drainage. We then installed a modern pool and hot tub, a generous surrounding patio and dining area, a lounge area, and a unique fire pit. Other custom touches included a changing area, an Ipe diving board, winding stone paths, walls that doubled as benches, and extensive plantings that tied in with the existing landscape. The end result was a modern, stunning space that everyone would want to visit — and few would want to leave.

Example of a minimalist kitchen design in New York

This hillside home in Piedmont, CA was remodeled to change the style from a 1940's rancher with eight foot ceilings and dark interiors, into a modern geometric composition with vast white interiors for casual living and generous daylighting for displaying the artist-owner's works. In a city known for rigorous and difficult design review, an addition, two variances, and a full stylistic change were unanimously approved on the first round. All sloped roofs and attics were eliminated and replaced by a series of stacked and overlapping flat roofs. This made the house taller on the inside and shorter on the outside, which helped earn design review cooperation in the community. Windows were concentrated toward the rear yard views or moved up high on the side walls for daylight and privacy, benefitting the owners as well as the neighbors. At the start, the owner husband was so enthusiastic and engaged in transforming his house into something modern that he presented the architect with a scaled foamcore model, rather than the usual magazine clippings and wish list. He participated in the design decisions throughout the process. The owner wife is the artist who did all the artwork in the house. She had been craving a display space with large walls and good natural light. Both of them loved the location and great views. The project was an opportunity to transform the style of an older traditional home into a modern one, while solving numerous problems. By rebuilding the 1800 ft2 top of the 3-story home it was possible to change the style of the whole building, since the lower floors were a neutral base, and also to change the lifestyle of the owners, who wanted to move their master suite upstairs and live primarily on the top floor as empty nesters. Going into the project, the architect knew there were multiple encroachments into the setbacks and potential privacy issues with close by neighbors. He approached this as a complex puzzle made up of architectural and political pieces which all had to fit together elegantly. It took many careful moves, small and large, to arrive at a serene and cohesive result that tied old and new together seamlessly. The design-build contractor worked closely with the owners and handled all of the construction phase documents and design adjustments, adding ideas of their own to make the project really sing. The project was a collaboration in three acts. The owner had a strong design concept from the start. The architect developed it into a realistic project and garnered the design approvals. Then the contractor executed brilliantly

Accent cabinet repaint on a Houston home. Kitchen island repainted in a bold navy blue, contrasting with existing white perimeter cabinetry. Brushed nickel hardware installed. Proper surface prep and two finish coats applied for a clean, lasting result

Our client's childhood memories of summer fun in her parents' pool and family time on Long Beach Island, NJ is what she wanted to recreate for her own children in the comfort of their backyard. The client's wish list included a pool that was versatile for all ages and activities. We teamed up with Liquidscapes to assist with the pool design process to ensure functionality and quality was achieved. The saltwater pool has a swim lane, sun-shelf, deck jets, built-in seating and a raised spa with an 8' spillway! The pool deck is built with limestone, which remains cool in the hot sun. A custom pavilion cantilevers the deep end of the pool serving as a shady poolside lounge. The wavy garden beds were designed to complement the freeform shape of the pool. The landscape consists of multi-layered magnolias, ilex, and cryptomeria to ensure privacy year round. Fagus, lagerstroemia, and cotinus add in-season privacy, color, and contrast. The large garden beds are filled with lush hydrangeas, perennials, perennial grasses, and ferns. During our presentation for the front of the property, which is the final phase of this project, our client said to us: "Over the years we have dealt with many design and build companies and we're very happy we finally found one that is a pleasure to work with and cares about delivering high quality results.”

After successfully designing the main levels of their new home, our Canadian clients were ready to tackle the design and remodeling of their 1200sf basement. They wanted to utilize the lower level of their home for family gatherings and entertaining guests - yet have it cozy enough for just the two of them to watch a movie and enjoy a glass of wine. Working remotely, their wish-list was addressed by creating defined zones in the space to include: a wine cellar, wine lounge, game room, and media area. The design plan was created with a sexy Vegas nightclub vibe as inspiration and using a black and white color scheme. We carved out space for a new wine cellar in an adjacent ‘cold room’ and filled it with dramatic elements, making it the true showpiece of the room. Our makeover required mostly all new furnishings that could easily be rearranged, depending on the occasion. We added unique lighting, dimensional custom cabinetry, rugs and décor. Antique mirror was added in the wine cellar, above the pool table (where adding a light fixture was not possible) and also was used to cover the unsightly support posts. This feature alone elevates and brings harmony to the room to the point you can hardly believe you’re in a basement. The clients complete trust in our bold design decisions is what made this project a success. The results exceeded their expectations and this room is now their favorite place in the home.

Our Issaquah client hired us because project management and budget were on the list of priorities along with a well thought out design. With opening the wall between the dining room and kitchen, we were able to give our client a better use of her space for entertaining with family and friends. The end result was a very happy client where her needs were met on design, budget and Nip Tucks management of the project.

After previously remodeling all of this family’s upstairs bathrooms, we were honored to return and transform their kitchen. Their goal was clear: improve function, enhance flow, and create spaces that truly support how they live day to day. We reworked the island to improve circulation and usability, added a dedicated pantry for better organization, and incorporated a custom drink station to make hosting easy. Smart storage solutions were thoughtfully integrated throughout the kitchen, including an appliance lift that keeps their KitchenAid mixer accessible but neatly tucked away when not in use. Personal details bring even more character to the space, like a chalkboard wall inside the pantry for last minute grocery list additions. The result is an updated kitchen that balances beauty and practicality, giving this family a space that feels both intentional and inviting.