Studioteka was asked to transform a dark, and very dated kitchen and dining area for a professional couple residing in New York’s sought after Riverdale neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Van Cortlandt Park. The couple like to cook and entertain, and wanted a space where they’d be able to host dinner parties that could also spill onto their beautiful back deck and yard. The design team removed the old kitchen cabinets and the wall which had previously separated both spaces, allowing for the creation of an oversized island that also contained cabinetry and space for a breakfast bar. Old ductwork which had been contained in the wall was rerouted, and cleverly hidden within the new island’s custom drawers and cabinetry. The gas range was relocated to the far wall, and the dishwasher was moved from the window side to the island side of the kitchen, allowing for a better kitchen workflow. New recessed and pendant lighting illuminate the space, and highlight the island. The Brazilian Bajkal Quartzite countertops provide a light contrast to the dark wood of the cabinetry below, while white subway tile and cabinets above provide openness, making the space appear larger and light filled. The kitchen window and French doors leading to the outdoor space in back were replaced, and side lights were added around the door, allowing for the creation of a new and light filled and beautiful entertainment space in the home.

Studioteka was asked to transform a dark, and very dated kitchen and dining area for a professional couple residing in New York’s sought after Riverdale neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Van Cortlandt Park. The couple like to cook and entertain, and wanted a space where they’d be able to host dinner parties that could also spill onto their beautiful back deck and yard. The design team removed the old kitchen cabinets and the wall which had previously separated both spaces, allowing for the creation of an oversized island that also contained cabinetry and space for a breakfast bar. Old ductwork which had been contained in the wall was rerouted, and cleverly hidden within the new island’s custom drawers and cabinetry. The gas range was relocated to the far wall, and the dishwasher was moved from the window side to the island side of the kitchen, allowing for a better kitchen workflow. New recessed and pendant lighting illuminate the space, and highlight the island. The Brazilian Bajkal Quartzite countertops provide a light contrast to the dark wood of the cabinetry below, while white subway tile and cabinets above provide openness, making the space appear larger and light filled. The kitchen window and French doors leading to the outdoor space in back were replaced, and side lights were added around the door, allowing for the creation of a new and light filled and beautiful entertainment space in the home.

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.

Studioteka was asked to transform a dark, and very dated kitchen and dining area for a professional couple residing in New York’s sought after Riverdale neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Van Cortlandt Park. The couple like to cook and entertain, and wanted a space where they’d be able to host dinner parties that could also spill onto their beautiful back deck and yard. The design team removed the old kitchen cabinets and the wall which had previously separated both spaces, allowing for the creation of an oversized island that also contained cabinetry and space for a breakfast bar. Old ductwork which had been contained in the wall was rerouted, and cleverly hidden within the new island’s custom drawers and cabinetry. The gas range was relocated to the far wall, and the dishwasher was moved from the window side to the island side of the kitchen, allowing for a better kitchen workflow. New recessed and pendant lighting illuminate the space, and highlight the island. The Brazilian Bajkal Quartzite countertops provide a light contrast to the dark wood of the cabinetry below, while white subway tile and cabinets above provide openness, making the space appear larger and light filled. The kitchen window and French doors leading to the outdoor space in back were replaced, and side lights were added around the door, allowing for the creation of a new and light filled and beautiful entertainment space in the home.

Using a "lifetime of collected pieces" from a sprawling ranch style home and introducing them into an urban mid-rise is an exciting challenge. Designed for a couple down sizing from the sale of their home, the unit is quite small with a total of 1,807 square feet laid out in an open gallery floor plan with bedrooms at each end. The design was planned to accommodate the couple's extensive art collection, primitive antiques and textiles to maintain an atmosphere which replicated their former home. One of the challenges of this project was a requirement of the owners to incorporate the large scale antique pieces into this small space. The window walls provide a dramatic view of the city and also dictate that the location for the taller antiques would be on the two remaining walls. The primary living space was divided into three separate areas: a dining area, a media area, and an area for reading and enjoying the fireplace on a winter day or evening. Hardwood flooring throughout creates continuity and an easy transition into the bedrooms adjacent to the primary space. To unify the suite and create the illusion of spaciousness, the walls throughout were painted the same rich yet neutral toast color, and all of the beautiful ceiling and floor molding are finished in a soft white. The finished space is all the owners desired in a residence that reflects their varied tastes, incorporates their interests and provides a comfortable home for entertaining family and friends.

This outdoor living space is created easily by laying pavers down and walling off the living section from the remainder of the entrance to the patio. By adding some outdoor seating, the owners have easily created an outdoor living space perfect for gathering the family or a couple of friends. By building this space on pavers instead of a grass or sod area, we eliminate bugs, weather changes to the living space area, and more mowing! Perfect for low maintenance yard-seekers.

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.

Studioteka was asked to transform a dark, and very dated kitchen and dining area for a professional couple residing in New York’s sought after Riverdale neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Van Cortlandt Park. The couple like to cook and entertain, and wanted a space where they’d be able to host dinner parties that could also spill onto their beautiful back deck and yard. The design team removed the old kitchen cabinets and the wall which had previously separated both spaces, allowing for the creation of an oversized island that also contained cabinetry and space for a breakfast bar. Old ductwork which had been contained in the wall was rerouted, and cleverly hidden within the new island’s custom drawers and cabinetry. The gas range was relocated to the far wall, and the dishwasher was moved from the window side to the island side of the kitchen, allowing for a better kitchen workflow. New recessed and pendant lighting illuminate the space, and highlight the island. The Brazilian Bajkal Quartzite countertops provide a light contrast to the dark wood of the cabinetry below, while white subway tile and cabinets above provide openness, making the space appear larger and light filled. The kitchen window and French doors leading to the outdoor space in back were replaced, and side lights were added around the door, allowing for the creation of a new and light filled and beautiful entertainment space in the home.

These clients enjoy cooking and entertaining, so their vision was to open and connect three separate rooms—the kitchen, sitting, and formal dining rooms—to create a single open and modern space where everyone could engage and participate in the activities. Opening these spaces required complex structural engineering. The wall removals required supporting the loads from the second floor and meeting the engineering requirements for shear wall and lateral support. These beams and their connections to the posts they sit on were a challenge to install because of the complex nature of the home's original framed. All these loads had to be carried through the finished basement below and rest on new footings below the basement floor. The center kitchen island was expansive, with a single slab countertop that would provide both workspace and counter seating. This slab, at 64x120 and 789 lbs., required careful planning for on-site labor, transfer routing, and precision installation. Natural daylight now floods the space from all directions. Recessed can lighting runs throughout the space, all on dimmers for maximum control of ambiance. The Better Builders design team guided the selection of hardwoods, staircase details, cabinetry, countertops, tile, and color. The muted palette and clean lines work well with our couple’s eclectic furnishings and artworks. Now, traffic and activities flow better, and every inch of the previously divided space is utilized and enjoyed. The outcome is exactly as our homeowners envisioned…and as we intended.

Studioteka was asked to transform a dark, and very dated kitchen and dining area for a professional couple residing in New York’s sought after Riverdale neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Van Cortlandt Park. The couple like to cook and entertain, and wanted a space where they’d be able to host dinner parties that could also spill onto their beautiful back deck and yard. The design team removed the old kitchen cabinets and the wall which had previously separated both spaces, allowing for the creation of an oversized island that also contained cabinetry and space for a breakfast bar. Old ductwork which had been contained in the wall was rerouted, and cleverly hidden within the new island’s custom drawers and cabinetry. The gas range was relocated to the far wall, and the dishwasher was moved from the window side to the island side of the kitchen, allowing for a better kitchen workflow. New recessed and pendant lighting illuminate the space, and highlight the island. The Brazilian Bajkal Quartzite countertops provide a light contrast to the dark wood of the cabinetry below, while white subway tile and cabinets above provide openness, making the space appear larger and light filled. The kitchen window and French doors leading to the outdoor space in back were replaced, and side lights were added around the door, allowing for the creation of a new and light filled and beautiful entertainment space in the home.

Retaining walls allow for attractive terraces that create full and colorful planting areas. Photos by Roger Haywood, Seth Soukup, Neil Podoll
Photo of a huge traditional partial sun backyard mulch retaining wall landscape in Denver for fall.

Photo by Rick Pharaoh
Example of a large trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kyle Caldwell Photography
Inspiration for a coastal light wood floor kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, blue backsplash and ceramic backsplash

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

This young couple wanted to maximize their odd kitchen and dining room for entertaining their family and friends. With a separate formal dining space elsewhere, we opted for a more casual kitchen island for working, eating, baking, and having an occasional glass of wine with a friend. We agreed on maintaining the original galley style kitchen floorpan but decided to shift a few appliances in order to improve efficiency. We added a large island allowing for additional storage, seating, and countertop space and then created a dedicated “beverage bar” to house the espresso machine and large wine refrigerator. We had a lot of fun playing with finishes in this space. We layered a mix of “cool” and “warm” tones to create a multi-depth effect which registers as eclectic and pulled together. Photos By: Michael Kaskel Photography

This couple approached us to design and renovate their existing master suite on their adorable Broad Ripple area home. Their goals were to update, open up and improve the function of their space. The ceilings were very low and the space was tight with an inefficient master bath and separate closet. We began by removing the ceiling and providing a high cathedral space for an expanded feel in the bedroom. We removed a side door and picture window and installed a sliding glass door to improve the natural lighting of the space and allow access to their landscaped patio on the back of the home. We stole space from the large master bedroom and eliminated the door that led into the closet, to allow for a larger bathroom and walk-in master closet with dressing area. This permitted a larger shower with a bench and the addition of a make-up vanity area. We also enlarged the window in the bathroom to allow more natural light into the space. The final design element was a floating step outside the sliding door onto their patio which is clean, modern and enhances the entrance to their serene master suite from the exterior.

Style your outdoor space with distinction using Globe Electric's Harbor Outdoor Wall Sconce. The coastal design coupled with the matte black finish and clear plastic diffuser bring a nautical feel to any space while being subtle enough to complement any decor. The matte black contrasts beautifully with the diffuser for an eye catching effect. Use this piece alone or pair it up to accent your entryway or outdoor area. You can also bring the Harbor inside! Versatile enough to blend nicely with any interior design, this is the perfect piece to update any space. Includes all mounting hardware for quick and easy installation and requires one medium based 60W bulb (sold separately).

When our client bought their lot in Broken Top they did not build for years. Living in San Diego,they decided in 2011 to build a vacation home/ future retirement abode. Their vision included a welcoming single level with relaxing Master bedroom and bath, a kitchen/living/dining space to entertain family and friends, and an outdoor living space to enjoy the sunsets.Their vision became reality!! It also includes a wonderful second bedroom perfect for guests, with a separate entrance and a private bath with walk-in shower. The third bedroom doubles as an office with lots of windows. The home is rustic from the front. Upon entering one notices the open floor plan and contemporary kitchen design as well as the beautiful rock fireplace and abundance of light. An extra-large island in the kitchen includes a wine cooler, bar sink, and eating area. The décor of the home is comfortable and warm. And the stunning dark Acacia wood flooring runs throughout the main living area. This home is 3210 square feet on a single level. Natural mature landscaping surrounds the home giving it a settled-in feeling. This is a perfect home for retirees who host guests, or a small family. In this case,the couple will use it as their vacation get-away with retirement in their scope. Ross Chandler

A coastal oasis in New Jersey. This project was for a house with no master bathroom. The couple thought how great it would be to have a master suite that encompassed a luxury bath, walk-in closet, laundry room, and breakfast bar area. We did it. Coastal themed master suite starting with a luxury bathroom adorned in shiplap and wood-plank tile floor. The vanity offers lots of storage with drawers and countertop cabinets. Freestanding bathtub overlooks the bay. The large walkin tile shower is beautiful. Separate toilet area offers privacy which is nice to have in a bedroom suite concept.