THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures. This is one of 2 prep sinks by The Galley.

Chris Allan
Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio remodel in Other with a roof extension

Kitchen cabinetry design in Wood-Mode inset custom cabinetry. Kitchen island in maple wood with white opaque finish. Wood countertop in walnut wood.

Inspiration for a country kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Molly Mesnick, known from Season 13 of "The Bachelor," envisioned her Kirkland, WA dream home as a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. Her goal was to create an open, airy living space that could easily transition from cozy indoors to expansive outdoors. Central to this vision was NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Wall Systems, state-of-the-art solutions redefining modern living with its innovative design and exceptional functionality. The Vision: Mesnick wanted a home that offered a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, allowing for effortless entertaining, maximizing natural light, and providing stunning views. The NanaWall Generation 4 system was identified early in the design process as a key element in achieving this vision. Homeowner Experience: “My NanaWall was my top wish list item for this house. I just LOVE the look of seamless indoor/outdoor entertaining and NanaWall makes that all possible! The Generation 4 system has a slimmer profile, offering more window view. The wall of windows floods our space with natural light but when it is open, it expands our living space to that covered patio.” “I went with NanaWall because they are the original for bifold doors; they just have perfected it, and they do it better than anyone else.” — Molly Mesnick, Mesnick Homes Slim Profiles and Minimal Aesthetics: The Generation 4 system has the slimmest frames in the industry, minimizing visible hardware and enhancing the streamlined appearance. Enhanced Performance: Engineered to withstand harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and potential forced entry, ensuring safety and durability. Ease of Operation: Effortless to open and close, the panels glide smoothly, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Barefoot Friendly Sills: Aluminum sill inserts provide high heel and barefoot-safe transitions. Floating Fourfold and Sixfold Panel Sets: Greater flexibility in configuration, allowing them to move and stack to the left, right, or center of the opening. Molly Mesnick is opening a set of bifold doors in a modern living room leading to an outdoor seating area with greenery visible beyond. Design and Installation: Using NanaWall Certified Installation services, the NW Aluminum 640 system in Mesnick's living room transformed the space into a versatile area perfect for entertaining and everyday living. The 15-foot-wide, 8-foot-tall, black-framed folding glass wall enhances the home's aesthetic appeal and provides: Uninterrupted Views: The slim profile and large glass panels offer expansive views of the outdoor patio and garden, making the natural scenery a continuous backdrop to the indoor environment. Natural Light: The glass wall floods the living room with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity When fully opened, the glass wall extends the living space to the outdoor patio, perfect for gatherings and summer activities. The Final Reveal: Molly Mesnick's dream home is a testament to the power of innovative design and technology in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The NanaWall Generation 4 Folding Glass Wall System has not only met her expectations but has become the defining feature of her home, bringing her vision of seamless indoor-outdoor living to life. It stands as a symbol of modern architectural trends that embrace flexibility, openness, and a deep connection with the outdoors.

The dining space in this home embodies the perfect fusion of rustic charm and modern sophistication. As you step into the room, your attention is immediately drawn to the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the space, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the room. These expansive windows create a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoor surroundings, offering panoramic views of the picturesque landscape. The design of the dining space is characterized by a captivating contrast of elements. The black trim framing the windows and doorways adds a bold and contemporary touch, creating a striking visual frame that accentuates the beauty of the outdoor scenery. This black trim continues throughout the room, tying the design together. One notable feature in the dining space is the presence of rustic ceiling beams. These weathered and textured beams bring a touch of warmth and natural authenticity to the room. They serve as a visual anchor, adding a rustic charm that complements the modern elements of the space. The attention to detail extends to the floor, where a black monolith kul grilles floor vent cover is seamlessly integrated. This vent cover not only serves its functional purpose but also adds a touch of elegance and continuity to the design. Its black monolith finish harmonizes with the black trim, creating a cohesive and polished look. The dining area itself is furnished with a stylish and contemporary dining table and chairs. The materials and finishes are carefully selected to blend with the overall aesthetic of the space. The combination of sleek lines, rich wood tones, and possibly some metal accents creates a captivating juxtaposition of rustic and modern elements. The overall ambiance of the dining space is one of sophistication. The interplay between rustic ceiling beams, floor-to-ceiling windows, black trim, and the kul grilles floor vent cover creates a visually stunning and inviting atmosphere. It is a space where the homeowners can enjoy meals while being surrounded by the beauty of nature, basking in the seamless integration of rustic and modern design elements. The attention to detail extends to the floor, where a black monolith kul grilles floor vent cover is seamlessly integrated. This vent cover not only serves its functional purpose but also adds a touch of elegance and continuity to the design. Its black monolith finish harmonizes with the black trim, creating a cohesive and polished look. The dining area itself is furnished with a stylish and contemporary dining table and chairs. The materials and finishes are carefully selected to blend with the overall aesthetic of the space. The combination of sleek lines, rich wood tones, and possibly some metal accents creates a captivating juxtaposition of rustic and modern elements. The overall ambiance of the dining space is one of sophistication. The interplay between rustic ceiling beams, floor-to-ceiling windows, black trim, and the kul grilles floor vent cover creates a visually stunning and inviting atmosphere. It is a space where the homeowners can enjoy meals while being surrounded by the beauty of nature, basking in the seamless integration of rustic and modern design elements. Photography: Nat Caron Photography

Welcome to a serene and inviting backyard oasis featuring a mid-size pool, offering the promise of endless relaxation and enjoyment. Stepping out from the comfort of the house, you'll be greeted by a graceful exit with two steps on each side, guiding you seamlessly to the pool area. The steps create an inviting pathway, urging you to dip your toes into the refreshing water. At the heart of the backyard, a large and elegant pool takes center stage, becoming the focal point of your outdoor haven. Its mid-size allows for invigorating swims and leisurely lounging, striking the perfect balance for a delightful experience. The crystal-clear water sparkles, reflecting the sun's rays and creating a mesmerizing dance of light that enhances the pool's allure. To shield you from the sun's intensity, a generous and stylish brown shade stretches overhead, providing cool respite on hot days. This large canopy ensures you can enjoy the poolside without a worry about the heat. Beneath the shade, cozy seating and lounging areas await, inviting you to unwind with refreshing beverages or indulge in your favorite summer reads. A highlight of this backyard retreat is the large balcony door that opens up from the house, offering a breathtaking view of the pool from the inside. Whether you're lounging indoors or entertaining guests, this feature effortlessly connects the indoors with the outdoors, creating a seamless and harmonious living experience. As you admire the beautiful interplay of water, sunlight, and shade, the ambiance of the backyard sets a tranquil tone, inviting you to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life. The gentle sound of water rippling in the pool adds a soothing touch, lulling you into a state of relaxation as you bask in the serene atmosphere. With its mid-size pool, welcoming exit steps, cooling brown shade, and seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, this backyard becomes an idyllic haven that offers the perfect balance of leisure and tranquility. It's a place where cherished memories are made, and moments with family and friends are shared, creating a slice of paradise in the comfort of your own home.

Seamless Integration: Detached 2-Car Garage Addition in Round Hill, VA Project Overview: Discover the perfect union of functionality and aesthetics in our project nestled in Round Hill, VA. This undertaking was dedicated to the design and construction of a detached 2-car garage addition, seamlessly integrated with the existing structure, enhancing both utility and visual appeal. Purposeful Design: The project commenced with meticulous planning, ensuring that the design of the new garage complemented and respected the existing structure. Attention was given to harmonizing architectural elements for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Custom-built 2-Car Garage: Craftsmanship and precision defined the construction phase, resulting in the creation of a custom-built 2-car garage. Every aspect of the addition was thoughtfully executed, from foundation to roofing, to ensure durability and functionality. Harmonious Integration: Seamlessly integrated with the existing structure, the new garage addition aligns effortlessly, adding value and convenience to the property while maintaining the architectural integrity of the surroundings. Conclusion: Our Round Hill, VA project epitomizes the art of thoughtful construction. From the purposeful design and custom construction of the detached 2-car garage to its seamless integration with the existing structure, this addition stands as a testament to our commitment to creating functional spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern entryway remodel in Minneapolis

Master Bathroom remodel to include Italian ceramic floor and wall tile, pebble stone shower floor and vertical accent, niche, linear drain, high end chrome bathroom fixtures, custom white vanity and granite countertops.

This bathroom remodel was completed in Loganville, GA for Robert and Elaine. The homeowners wanted to keep their existing vanity cabinets, while changing the style to a more transitional look. The use of soft beige/greige colors really brightened up this bathroom, and the seamless glass shower really opens up the space.

A modern version of the Altimate Pergola. The slats/louvers rotate 170 degrees for sun or shade and when closed are completely water-tight. Complimented by ceiling fans and dimming LED lights.

Custom seamless glass,stone, wine cellar and tasting room located in Princeton NJ. Arched cut glass entry door with ductless split cooling system and back lit stained glass panel.

This bathroom remodel was completed in Loganville, GA for Robert and Elaine. The homeowners wanted to keep their existing vanity cabinets, while changing the style to a more transitional look. The use of soft beige/greige colors really brightened up this bathroom, and the seamless glass shower really opens up the space.

Durat recycled pink countertop

This La Canada home was transformed with a second-story addition, seamlessly installed to the rear. The roof was extended further upward and toward the rear. A master suite, two bedrooms and another bath were added, creating a 900 square-foot addition to the home.

A modern version of the Altimate Pergola. The slats/louvers rotate 170 degrees for sun or shade and when closed are completely water-tight. Complimented by ceiling fans and dimming LED lights.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Photography: Natalia Lorca Ruiz
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in New York with an island, a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, gray backsplash, cement tile backsplash, black appliances and gray countertops