ThinkGreen LLC http://www.thinkgreenllc.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Located in the residential area near the Philadelphia Art Museum, this project was Philadelphia’s first Platinum LEED rated row home. The available outdoor space in any major metropolitan area is typically limited. The client was dedicated to increasing the amount of available outdoor space for entertaining and planting. The sustainable efforts that went into the interior renovations were continued in the exterior spaces with a series of green roof gardens. The lower level terrace features two separate spaces it was the largest. Directly out the glass rear doors of the house is a paved area using local materials that have high albedo. A couple of stairs down leads to a seating area surrounded by River Birch, ferns, and vines such as Virginia Creeper and Trumpet Honeysuckle which create a screen from the neighbor’ s yard. The second level garden is an extensive roof garden with approximately fifteen inches of soils. The space was planted with a variety of native meadow plants such as Purple Coneflower and Beardstongue, and Switchgrass. Fruit trees were planted in several corten steel containers. After a couple of years the client decided he wanted more use of the space so the meadow was thinned out and a path to the end was installed as well as creeping sedums in between the steppers. A spiral stair case leads to the upper level garden. When you reach the top of the stairs in the summer months a vegetable garden full of tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers thrives in planting boxes. Beyond the garden is another seating area. At the front end of the building a line of Eastern Red Cedars is planted to create a privacy wall from the neighbors across the street. The plant palette is predominately native species that can withstand the tough conditions of the limited soil depth and the heat of the sun. Plants such as Bee Balm, Prickly Pear, and Wild Petunia have done exceptionally well on the green roof. When needed they can be irrigated using the house’s grey water system. In addition the benefits the roof gardens provide for the heating and cooling systems make this house and it’s landscape intimately linked together. Photo Credit: Thinkgreen LLC

Our clients were an energetic and outgoing couple that loved life, laughter and their family including two well-loved Dachshund dogs. Their home on a lushly treed cul de sac in Manor Park boasts plenty of character, with pockets of rooms devoted to their artistic and musical passions. As a trained chef, the husband proudly and naturally commanded the lions share of the kitchen, leaving little room for his wife’s love of baking and crafting. Fine food, good wine and a myriad of guitars are at the root of their impromptu and casual gatherings. The original design request was to update the kitchen in functionality and appearance. With one look at the adjacent space which was not visible to the kitchen but commanded a stunning view with south facing windows - and this project morphed into combining two separate spaces into one. We opened up the kitchen to incorporate the sunroom and create one large open concept sun-filled happy space with direct access to the rear yard and seating areas. The kitchen was designed to act as one space with clearly delineated zones, where each person could cook autonomously while being together. Additionally, we maintained a soft seating lounge area and a desk for crafting in natural light. At the heart of the kitchen is a 6’ x 8’ solid black cherry island which serves as the social hub for gatherings. We used different materials and textures in each zone to clearly represent the two uniquely individual and dynamic personalities of this couple. A black and white glass mosaic tile backsplash speaks to the glass fused hobby that is created in the same space while creating a dramatic statement of a playful artistic expression. The custom designed wine niches introduce abstract rectilinear forms. The use of rich materials, two-toned cabinets, custom floating black cherry shelving and a classic colour palette of black and white act as a backdrop or canvas, which intentionally allows room for each personal expression to shine. We doubled the storage capacity within the kitchen which is still discreet and still allows for an abundance of glass front interior lit cabinets to showcase their treasured collections.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

These clients are your typical, plant-loving millennials who, slowly and on a budget, are bringing a unique vision for their home to life. Color, while important to every homeowner, was clearly important to these homeowners. With one homeowner being an artist with an affinity for pink, the couple went through a gamut of cabinet color options including olive, teal, navy, and mustard. Assisted by interior designer Erinn Farrell, they landed on a custom paint color – Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue – for the cabinetry, complemented by clear Alder in a natural stain. The retro, Mid-Mod Squares tile backsplash in custom colors from Mercury Mosaics gives a nod to the original style of the home built in the 1950's. The overall layout of the kitchen didn't change much, but the pantry and baking center on the refrigerator wall are new features that provide much needed storage. The main living area, however, did go through some major changes. The wall separating the kitchen and dining room came down, and the small doorway connecting the dining and living rooms was transformed into a larger arch. The original wood floors (found beneath not one, but two layers of linoleum) received a fresh stain. The homeowners also knocked down the wall that sectioned off the stairs and built a slatted wood partition themselves. It was originally going to be a reeded wall, but they added the boxes for extra support, giving it more character in the end. At Revival House we love a unique, bold project. However, the fact that these clients love the new kitchen and can’t believe they get to use it every day is the best compliment!

This rustic ranch retreat in the mountains was built using siding recycled from Wyoming snow fencing. Extensive use of heavy timbers and traditional ranch styling create an inviting Western atmosphere. The flooring is recycled from an old shoe factory for a timeless feel.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

This kitchen replaced the one original to this 1963 built residence. The now empty nester couple entertain frequently including their large extended family during the holidays. Separating work and social spaces was as important as crafting a space that was conducive to their love of cooking and hanging with family and friends. Simple lines, simple cleanup, and classic tones create an environment that will be in style for many years. Subtle unique touches like the painted wood ceiling, pop up island receptacle/usb and receptacles/usb hidden at the bottom of the upper cabinets add functionality and intrigue. Ample LED lighting on dimmers both ceiling and undercabinet mounted provide ample task lighting. SubZero 42” refrigerator, 36” Viking Range, island pendant lights by Restoration Hardware. The ceiling is framed with white cove molding, the dark colored beadboard actually elevates the feeling of height. It was sanded and spray painted offsite with professional automotive paint equipment. It reflects light beautifully. No one expects this kind of detail and it has been quite fun watching people’s reactions to it. There are white painted perimeter cabinets and Walnut stained island cabinets. A high gloss, mostly white floor was installed from the front door, down the foyer hall and into the kitchen. It contrasts beautifully with the existing dark hardwood floors.Designers Patrick Franz and Kimberly Robbins. Photography by Tom Maday.

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

Two years before this photo shoot, a Bloomington couple came to SYI wondering whether to renovate their dated bi-level or upgrade to a new house entirely: the classic love-it-or-list-it dilemma. The whole house needed to be touched, really: bathrooms and kitchen, lighting and flooring and paint everywhere, not to mention new furniture to fill in and improve the living spaces. We spent a year with this family, considering options that were less transformative but allowed for the whole house to be upgraded, as well as options that dramatically changed the main living space but meant the rest of the house would have to wait. Meanwhile, they kept an eye out for better digs in town: a house at their price point, that met their family's needs and matched their aesthetic without major construction. After a year of hunting, hemming and hawing: they pulled the trigger. Give us the whole enchilada in the kitchen and main living space, they said. There's no other house for us. The bathrooms and basement can wait. Make this space, where we spend all our time, a place we love to be. Walls and ceilings came down; clerestory windows went in. A stunning 4-panel sliding door-cum-window wall replaced two separate doors in two separate rooms, and the sun streaming in now gives this house in Indiana a California-like access to the outdoors. The central custom screen does triple duty: displaying the client's objets d'art, hiding an HVAC chase, and holding up the ceiling. The gas fireplace is completely new, with custom shelving on either side. Of course, in 2017, the kitchen anchors everything. Family Central, it features custom cabinetry, honed quartz, a new window wall, and a huge island. Materials are earthy and natural, lending a warm modern effect to the space. The medium stain of the wood and overall horizontality of the design are a nod to the home's era (1967), while white cabinetry and charcoal tile provide a neutral but crisp backdrop for the family's stunning and colorful art collection. The result: an ordinary bi-level is now an extraordinary home, unlike any other in Bloomington. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Construction Cabinetry: Tim Graber Furniture Photography: Gina Rogers

These clients are your typical, plant-loving millennials who, slowly and on a budget, are bringing a unique vision for their home to life. Color, while important to every homeowner, was clearly important to these homeowners. With one homeowner being an artist with an affinity for pink, the couple went through a gamut of cabinet color options including olive, teal, navy, and mustard. Assisted by interior designer Erinn Farrell, they landed on a custom paint color – Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue – for the cabinetry, complemented by clear Alder in a natural stain. The retro, Mid-Mod Squares tile backsplash in custom colors from Mercury Mosaics gives a nod to the original style of the home built in the 1950's. The overall layout of the kitchen didn't change much, but the pantry and baking center on the refrigerator wall are new features that provide much needed storage. The main living area, however, did go through some major changes. The wall separating the kitchen and dining room came down, and the small doorway connecting the dining and living rooms was transformed into a larger arch. The original wood floors (found beneath not one, but two layers of linoleum) received a fresh stain. The homeowners also knocked down the wall that sectioned off the stairs and built a slatted wood partition themselves. It was originally going to be a reeded wall, but they added the boxes for extra support, giving it more character in the end. At Revival House we love a unique, bold project. However, the fact that these clients love the new kitchen and can’t believe they get to use it every day is the best compliment!

This medium-sized bathroom had ample space to create a luxurious bathroom for this young professional couple with 3 young children. My clients really wanted a place to unplug and relax where they could retreat and recharge. New cabinets were a must with customized interiors to reduce cluttered countertops and make morning routines easier and more organized. We selected Hale Navy for the painted finish with an upscale recessed panel door. Honey bronze hardware is a nice contrast to the navy paint instead of an expected brushed silver. For storage, a grooming center to organize hair dryer, curling iron and brushes keeps everything in place for morning routines. On the opposite, a pull-out organizer outfitted with trays for smaller personal items keeps everything at the fingertips. I included a pull-out hamper to keep laundry and towels off the floor. Another design detail I like to include is drawers in the sink cabinets. It is much better to have drawers notched for the plumbing when organizing bathroom products instead of filling up a large base cabinet. The room already had beautiful windows and was bathed in natural light from an existing skylight. I enhanced the natural lighting with some recessed can lights, a light in the shower as well as sconces around the mirrored medicine cabinets. The best thing about the medicine cabinets is not only the additional storage but when both doors are opened you can see the back of your head. The inside of the cabinet doors are mirrored. Honey Bronze sconces are perfect lighting at the vanity for makeup and shaving. A larger shower for my very tall client with a built-in bench was a priority for this bathroom. I recommend stream showers whenever designing a bathroom and my client loved the idea of that feature as a surprise for his wife. Steam adds to the wellness and health aspect of any good bathroom design. We were able to access a small closet space just behind the shower a perfect spot for the steam unit. In addition to the steam, a handheld shower is another “standard” item in our shower designs. I like to locate these near a bench so you can sit while you target sore shoulder and back muscles. Another benefit is the cleanability of the shower walls and being able to take a quick shower without getting your hair wet. The slide bar is just the thing to accommodate different heights. For Mrs., a tub for soaking and relaxing were the main ingredients required for this remodel. Here I specified a Bain Ultra freestanding tub complete with air massage, chromatherapy, and a heated backrest. The tub filer is floor mounted and adds another element of elegance to the bath. I located the tub in a bay window so the bather can enjoy the beautiful view out of the window. It is also a great way to relax after a round of golf. Either way, both of my clients can enjoy the benefits of this tub. The tiles selected for the shower and the lower walls of the bathroom are slightly oversized subway tiles in a clean and bright white. The floors are 12x24 porcelain marble. The shower floor features a flat-cut marble pebble tile. Behind the vanity, the wall is tiled with Zellige tile in a herringbone pattern. The colors of the tile connect all the colors used in the bath. The final touches of elegance and luxury to complete our design, are the soft lilac paint on the walls, the mix of metal materials on the faucets, cabinet hardware, lighting, and yes, an oversized heated towel warmer complete with robe hooks. This truly is a space for rejuvenation and wellness.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

This project hits very close to home for us. Not your typical office space, we re-purposed a 19th century carriage barn into our office and workshop. With no heat, minimum electricity and few windows (most of which were broken), a priority for CEO and Designer Jason Hoffman was to create a space that honors its historic architecture, era and purpose but still offers elements of understated sophistication. The building is nearly 140 years old, built before many of the trees towering around it had begun growing. It was originally built as a simple, Victorian carriage barn, used to store the family’s horse and buggy. Later, it housed 2,000 chickens when the Owners worked the property as their farm. Then, for many years, it was storage space. Today, it couples as a workshop for our carpentry team, building custom projects and storing equipment, as well as an office loft space ready to welcome clients, visitors and trade partners. We added a small addition onto the existing barn to offer a separate entry way for the office. New stairs and an entrance to the workshop provides for a small, yet inviting foyer space. From the beginning, even is it’s dark state, Jason loved the ambiance of the old hay loft with its unfinished, darker toned timbers. He knew he wanted to find a way to refinish the space with a focus on those timbers, evident in the statement they make when walking up the stairs. On the exterior, the building received new siding, a new roof and even a new foundation which is a story for another post. Inside, we added skylights, larger windows and a French door, with a small balcony. Along with heat, electricity, WiFi and office furniture, we’re ready for visitors!

© RAYDOOR
Example of a trendy living room design in New York

These clients are your typical, plant-loving millennials who, slowly and on a budget, are bringing a unique vision for their home to life. Color, while important to every homeowner, was clearly important to these homeowners. With one homeowner being an artist with an affinity for pink, the couple went through a gamut of cabinet color options including olive, teal, navy, and mustard. Assisted by interior designer Erinn Farrell, they landed on a custom paint color – Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue – for the cabinetry, complemented by clear Alder in a natural stain. The retro, Mid-Mod Squares tile backsplash in custom colors from Mercury Mosaics gives a nod to the original style of the home built in the 1950's. The overall layout of the kitchen didn't change much, but the pantry and baking center on the refrigerator wall are new features that provide much needed storage. The main living area, however, did go through some major changes. The wall separating the kitchen and dining room came down, and the small doorway connecting the dining and living rooms was transformed into a larger arch. The original wood floors (found beneath not one, but two layers of linoleum) received a fresh stain. The homeowners also knocked down the wall that sectioned off the stairs and built a slatted wood partition themselves. It was originally going to be a reeded wall, but they added the boxes for extra support, giving it more character in the end. At Revival House we love a unique, bold project. However, the fact that these clients love the new kitchen and can’t believe they get to use it every day is the best compliment!

These clients are your typical, plant-loving millennials who, slowly and on a budget, are bringing a unique vision for their home to life. Color, while important to every homeowner, was clearly important to these homeowners. With one homeowner being an artist with an affinity for pink, the couple went through a gamut of cabinet color options including olive, teal, navy, and mustard. Assisted by interior designer Erinn Farrell, they landed on a custom paint color – Benjamin Moore’s Evening Blue – for the cabinetry, complemented by clear Alder in a natural stain. The retro, Mid-Mod Squares tile backsplash in custom colors from Mercury Mosaics gives a nod to the original style of the home built in the 1950's. The overall layout of the kitchen didn't change much, but the pantry and baking center on the refrigerator wall are new features that provide much needed storage. The main living area, however, did go through some major changes. The wall separating the kitchen and dining room came down, and the small doorway connecting the dining and living rooms was transformed into a larger arch. The original wood floors (found beneath not one, but two layers of linoleum) received a fresh stain. The homeowners also knocked down the wall that sectioned off the stairs and built a slatted wood partition themselves. It was originally going to be a reeded wall, but they added the boxes for extra support, giving it more character in the end. At Revival House we love a unique, bold project. However, the fact that these clients love the new kitchen and can’t believe they get to use it every day is the best compliment!

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.