This condo in Sterling, VA belongs to a couple about to enter into retirement. They own this home in Sterling, along with a weekend home in West Virginia, a vacation home on Emerald Isle in North Carolina and a vacation home in St. John. They want to use this home as their "home-base" during their retirement, when they need to be in the metro area for business or to see family. The condo is small and they felt it was too "choppy," it didn't have good flow and the rooms were too separated and confined. They wondered if it could have more of an open concept feel but were doubtful due to the size and layout of the home. The furnishings they owned from their previous home were very traditional and heavy. They wanted a much lighter, more open and more contemporary feel to this home. They wanted it to feel clean, light, airy and much bigger then it is. The first thing we tackled was an unsightly, and very heavy stone veneered fireplace wall that separated the family room from the office space. It made both rooms look heavy and dark. We took down the stone and opened up parts of the wall so that the two spaces would flow into each other. We added a view thru fireplace and gave the fireplace wall a faux marble finish to lighten it and make it much more contemporary. Glass shelves bounce light and keep the wall feeling light and streamlined. Custom built ins add hidden storage and make great use of space in these small rooms. Our strategy was to open as much as possible and to lighten the space through the use of color, fabric and glass. New furnishings in lighter colors and soft textures help keep the feeling light and modernize the space. Sheer linen draperies soften the hard lines and add to the light, airy feel. Tinius Photography

Ken Dahlin
Example of a mid-century modern patio design in Chicago

Photo by Casey Dunn
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Whitney Blair Custom Homes. Photography by Frank Hart.
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Hidden cabinetry behind the 2 stools helps with storage; in a small kitchen every square inch counts.
Small kitchen photo in Boston

The one-story contemporary overlooking a lake and bird sanctuary was a retirement dream - open spaces, expansive views and plenty of room to host grandchildren. While the location was ideal, the home needed help - especially the kitchen as it was dark and confining. Walls were removed and doorways expanded to ensure the kitchen would be the center of activity. The dining table was placed in front of the window and a skylight added bringing in sunlight. We offered our clients practical solutions for storage and space planning. Specific items needed to be accessible and handy to suit their lifestyle. Based on their valued input, we added tall pull-out pantry units and cabinets with “hidden” drawers. Storage was strategically positioned for easy drop off and pick up as our clients came and went. Dark-stained cherry cabinets and light quartz countertops provided the sharp contemporary contrast favored by our homeowners. After much collaboration, discussion, and careful planning, they are enjoying their remodeled home and kitchen where we know they will create lasting memories in their lakeside retirement retreat.

www.seekinglavenderlane.com, Deb Foglia Sectional: Madigan 2-pc Chenille Sectional Sofa
Living room - mid-sized open concept carpeted and beige floor living room idea in New York with beige walls

The one-story contemporary overlooking a lake and bird sanctuary was a retirement dream - open spaces, expansive views and plenty of room to host grandchildren. While the location was ideal, the home needed help - especially the kitchen as it was dark and confining. Walls were removed and doorways expanded to ensure the kitchen would be the center of activity. The dining table was placed in front of the window and a skylight added bringing in sunlight. We offered our clients practical solutions for storage and space planning. Specific items needed to be accessible and handy to suit their lifestyle. Based on their valued input, we added tall pull-out pantry units and cabinets with “hidden” drawers. Storage was strategically positioned for easy drop off and pick up as our clients came and went. Dark-stained cherry cabinets and light quartz countertops provided the sharp contemporary contrast favored by our homeowners. After much collaboration, discussion, and careful planning, they are enjoying their remodeled home and kitchen where we know they will create lasting memories in their lakeside retirement retreat.

Beautiful home we designed for a woman moving into town to be with family. It's her retirement home, but no small space! It has a great open floor plan concept with super conversational spaces and a sunny all-seasons-room on the rear. Filled with a happy and welcoming color pallet, everything designed (with later in life handicap accessibility) makes the flow superb even now.

www.seekinglavenderlane.com, Deb Foglia Dining Set: Higgins 5-pc. Dining Set
Mid-sized country carpeted and beige floor dining room photo in New York with beige walls

The one-story contemporary overlooking a lake and bird sanctuary was a retirement dream - open spaces, expansive views and plenty of room to host grandchildren. While the location was ideal, the home needed help - especially the kitchen as it was dark and confining. Walls were removed and doorways expanded to ensure the kitchen would be the center of activity. The dining table was placed in front of the window and a skylight added bringing in sunlight. We offered our clients practical solutions for storage and space planning. Specific items needed to be accessible and handy to suit their lifestyle. Based on their valued input, we added tall pull-out pantry units and cabinets with “hidden” drawers. Storage was strategically positioned for easy drop off and pick up as our clients came and went. Dark-stained cherry cabinets and light quartz countertops provided the sharp contemporary contrast favored by our homeowners. After much collaboration, discussion, and careful planning, they are enjoying their remodeled home and kitchen where we know they will create lasting memories in their lakeside retirement retreat.

Beautiful home we designed for a woman moving into town to be with family. It's her retirement home, but no small space! It has a great open floor plan concept with super conversational spaces and a sunny all-seasons-room on the rear. Filled with a happy and welcoming color pallet, everything designed (with later in life handicap accessibility) makes the flow superb even now.

Lisa Carroll
Example of a small farmhouse detached one-car garage design in Atlanta

This EPIC Retirement Home Waterfall Project included installation of Pondless waterfall, and boulder retaining wall in the courtyard at Willow Valley Retirement Communities in Willow Street, PA. We began the project by removing a improperly installed block retaining wall (built by another contractor) as well as removal of some trees and shrubs throughout the courtyard. We then installed the new boulder retaining wall and Pondless Waterfall as well as new concrete pads for benches for the residence viewing pleasure of this amazing feature.

The General Contractor did a lovely job customizing the elevator cab with white craftsman style paneling to make this home elevator cab appear more spacious and as if it was made specifically designed for this new home.

Master Bedroom/Master Bath in small-scale farmhouse style cottage. Perfect retirement house.
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Our customer wanted to update their standard oak kitchen in a retirement apartment with high gloss, modern cabinetry.
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