These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients. For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood. Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen. This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Reprioritizing & reconfiguring spaces to update master bath and create guest accommodations. Project Details: These homeowners loved the light, the views, and the compactness of their condo unit. The dining space could accommodate the whole family, they had private areas for quiet reading time, and they loved the location, the building and the community. They definitely did not want to leave. However, the wasted space in the guest bath, the dark, depressing, heavy-feeling in the master bath and the lack of closet space for guests were all problems for them. They wanted a brighter, more inviting bathroom with more functionality and storage, better accommodations for guests, and the tv room to become a comfortable place to relax and actually enjoy the incredible view they had. The unit was designed specifically for the needs of the previous owner, but they needed their home to fit their own needs and lifestyle. Our team helped this couple create the bright master bath they wanted, complete with additional functionality and storage options. The guest bath and sitting room were also both reconfigured. The guest bath was reworked to become smaller - but more functional, and the sitting room was expanded to become a fully-functioning guest room. The reprioritization and reworking of spaces in this unit is a great example of working within an existing framework to create rooms that better fit the needs and wants of a homeowner. The new spaces are a much better fit for the lifestyle and aesthetic of this couple, while mimicking the warmth and welcoming feel of the existing spaces they already enjoyed. They are now able to fully take advantage of the views in all living areas of the unit and can easily accommodate guests in comfort whenever they desire.

Transforming this long-standing home on Bradgate Rd required more than a simple update—it called for a careful balance between renewal, structure, and respect for what was already there. The existing brick bungalow had strong bones, but the exterior was deteriorating, the carport was underutilized, and key interior spaces no longer supported the homeowners’ needs. Having lived in the home for decades, the goal wasn’t to start over—it was to rework the home into a more functional, comfortable space that could support the years ahead. The scope included a full exterior masonry refresh, where the front layer of brick was removed and replaced while maintaining the integrity of the original structure. The carport was fully enclosed and integrated into the home as a garage, and a new roof tied everything together with consistent detailing and long-term performance in mind. Inside, the layout was carefully reworked to introduce a new primary ensuite and completely renovate the main bathroom. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems were updated throughout, with a focus on accessibility, ease of use, and everyday comfort. The result is a home that feels both familiar and elevated—where thoughtful construction and refined design come together to support long-term living without compromising character.

The interior of this single family residential home was in need of a remodel. The space was enhanced aesthetically, re-worked for better functionality, and opened up for more natural light and space. The Key areas of focus were the kitchen, master bathroom, and master walk in closet. These areas were most changed architecturally. The spaces we reconfigured to make them more user friendly, adding storage and better foot traffic paths. A wall was removed that divided the kitchen and the living space providing better lighting and an open concept peninsula. The kitchen layout was also re-worked moving the refrigerator, stove, and sink to provide a better configuration for cooking and entertaining. The rest of the home was remodeled to coordinate with the finishes and selections of the master bath and kitchen.

This project is a total rework and update of an existing outdated home with a total rework of the floor plan, an addition of a master suite, and an ADU (attached dwelling unit) with a separate entry added to the walk out basement. Daniel O'Connor Photography

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

The interior of this single family residential home was in need of a remodel. The space was enhanced aesthetically, re-worked for better functionality, and opened up for more natural light and space. The Key areas of focus were the kitchen, master bathroom, and master walk in closet. These areas were most changed architecturally. The spaces we reconfigured to make them more user friendly, adding storage and better foot traffic paths. A wall was removed that divided the kitchen and the living space providing better lighting and an open concept peninsula. The kitchen layout was also re-worked moving the refrigerator, stove, and sink to provide a better configuration for cooking and entertaining. The rest of the home was remodeled to coordinate with the finishes and selections of the master bath and kitchen.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Transforming this long-standing home on Bradgate Rd required more than a simple update—it called for a careful balance between renewal, structure, and respect for what was already there. The existing brick bungalow had strong bones, but the exterior was deteriorating, the carport was underutilized, and key interior spaces no longer supported the homeowners’ needs. Having lived in the home for decades, the goal wasn’t to start over—it was to rework the home into a more functional, comfortable space that could support the years ahead. The scope included a full exterior masonry refresh, where the front layer of brick was removed and replaced while maintaining the integrity of the original structure. The carport was fully enclosed and integrated into the home as a garage, and a new roof tied everything together with consistent detailing and long-term performance in mind. Inside, the layout was carefully reworked to introduce a new primary ensuite and completely renovate the main bathroom. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems were updated throughout, with a focus on accessibility, ease of use, and everyday comfort. The result is a home that feels both familiar and elevated—where thoughtful construction and refined design come together to support long-term living without compromising character.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

Located in the Fort Greene Brooklyn historic district, this townhouse went through a complete gut renovation including restoring the brownstone facade, creating a large window in the kitchen to the rear yard, and removing interior walls to create a more expansive living space, and re-working of every floor. Window mouldings were stripped to their natural wood state and stair railings were restored and sealed. The second floor master suite is the entire floor and runs from the master bedroom in the front through the walk-in closet and bathroom, to the rear office. The top floor was reworked to create a large great room with 14 foot ceilings that follow the slope of the roof.

These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients. For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood. Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen. This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.

This project is a total rework and update of an existing outdated home with a total rework of the floor plan, an addition of a master suite, and an ADU (attached dwelling unit) with a separate entry added to the walk out basement. Daniel O'Connor Photography