Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This homeowner’s daughter originally contacted us on behalf of her parents who were reluctant to begin the remodeling process in their home due to the inconvenience and dust. Once we met and they dipped their toes into the process, we were off to the races. The existing bathroom in this beautiful historical 1920’s home, had not been updated since the 70’/80’s as evidenced by the blue carpeting, mirrored walls and dropped ceilings. In addition, there was very little storage, and some health setbacks had made the bathroom difficult to maneuver with its tub shower. Once we demoed, we discovered everything we expected to find in a home that had not been updated for many years. We got to work bringing all the electrical and plumbing up to code, and it was just as dusty and dirty as the homeowner’s anticipated! Once the space was demoed, we got to work building our new plan. We eliminated the existing tub and created a large walk-in curb-less shower. An existing closet was eliminated and in its place, we planned a custom built in with spots for linens, jewelry and general storage. Because of the small space, we had to be very creative with the shower footprint, so we clipped one of the walls for more clearance behind the sink. The bathroom features a beautiful custom mosaic floor tile as well as tiled walls throughout the space. This required lots of coordination between the carpenter and tile setter to make sure that the framing and tile design were all properly aligned. We worked around an existing radiator and a unique original leaded window that was architecturally significant to the façade of the home. We had a lot of extra depth behind the original toilet location, so we built the wall out a bit, moved the toilet forward and then created some extra storage space behind the commode. We settled on mirrored mullioned doors to bounce lots of light around the smaller space. We also went back and forth on deciding between a single and double vanity, and in the end decided the single vanity allowed for more counter space, more storage below and for the design to breath a bit in the smaller space. I’m so happy with this decision! To build on the luxurious feel of the space, we added a heated towel bar and heated flooring. One of the concerns the homeowners had was having a comfortable floor to walk on. They realized that carpet was not a very practical solution but liked the comfort it had provided. Heated floors are the perfect solution. The room is decidedly traditional from its intricate mosaic marble floor to the calacutta marble clad walls. Elegant gold chandelier style fixtures, marble countertops and Morris & Co. beaded wallpaper provide an opulent feel to the space. The gray monochromatic pallet keeps it feeling fresh and up-to-date. The beautiful leaded glass window is an important architectural feature at the front of the house. In the summertime, the homeowners love having the window open for fresh air and ventilation. We love it too! The curb-less shower features a small fold down bench that can be used if needed and folded up when not. The shower also features a custom niche for storing shampoo and other hair products. The linear drain is built into the tilework and is barely visible. A frameless glass door that swings both in and out completes the luxurious feel. 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

Inspiration for a small contemporary laminate floor and gray floor breakfast nook remodel in San Francisco with gray walls

Michael Hunter Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized asian master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops and white walls

At three-fourths the size of the house’s footprint, it maximizes the available living space at the levels above without overshadowing the 1930s vintage suburb with its single family houses and deed restricted setbacks. The site’s woodland characteristics inspired the use of exterior stone. Accoya, a fast-growing softwood that is impervious to decay in the Houston humidity, was used for siding. The combination of the site strategy, program and aesthetic direction respond to the site’s challenges to create an elegant solution. Peter Molick Photography

The interior renovation began with the master bath, which included a glass-partitioned bathtub accented by glass shelving. A drop ceiling that is highlighted by recessed lighting fixtures and finished with minimal trim. The half wall mirror houses a hidden large plasma TV wall screen with audio/visual and remote control elements. The sleek white marble flooring in the hallway leads to a refinished deco staircase and handrail. “Museum” quality paint throughout and refined custom-millwork calls attention to the grand feel of the space. On the exterior, Empire City Construction repointed new mortar joints (cement lines) and replaced decaying bricks in the archways and walls of the corner patio. Preserving the classic hexagon bays and European style arches in this setback terrace of the penthouse suite.

This project started as a repair to a severely age degraded basement wall. With a bit of creative thinking it became an opportunity for creating a daylight basement. See Project Video: Part 1: https://youtu.be/xaDcO0X1wOI Part 2: https://youtu.be/9nGNaCc6Fpw The basement wall repair solution is a new below grade window wall and covered entry door area. The plan for this daylight basement project was to terrace the adjacent grade, allowing for a wall of lower level windows and a set of steps dropping down to a new exterior entry door. We had just enough room in the side yard setback to fit it all in. A daylight basement project such as this is no small matter regarding safety issues. I have a lot of respect for the fearless yet professional manner that Jason Smith of Ozz Construction showed to execute this difficult project. The temporary support shoring allowed the crew enough working room to put in the structural steel and wall framing that holds up the entire south side of the building. The completed daylight basement transforms the feel and functionality of this formally dark and dreary area. This new natural light will be a great improvement to this future finished apartment space.

The challenge of this project was to fulfill the clients' desire for a unique and modern second story addition that would blend harmoniously with the original 1930s bungalow. On the exterior, the addition appropriates the traditional materials of the existing home, while using contemporary proportions and lines to speak to a modern sensibility. Staggered massing and terraced roofs add to the visual interest and a harmonious balance in the design. On the interior, rich natural materials like oak and mahogany add warmth to the clean lines of the design. The design carefully frames stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. In each room, multi-directional natural light, views and cross-ventilation increase the comfort and expansiveness of the spaces Photography by: Studio Ceja

Hallway - cottage hallway idea in Other

This bold Livingston project by started with a modest 1.5 story, 3 bedroom home. The home was gut remodeled with a 2nd floor addition and 2-story addition in back. The balcony off the 2nd-floor master suite removed the need for a side-yard set-back variance. Nu Interiors and Ale Wood and Design Construction. Photo by Greg Martz.

Example of a trendy home design design in DC Metro

Exterior home idea in Los Angeles

Kitchen Renovation Photos: Rebecca Zurstadt-Peterson Cabinets: Simon & Toney
Large elegant l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a modern full sun front yard brick driveway in San Francisco for summer.

This project involved the design of a gunite swimming pool, adjacent stone patio & ornamental plantings. The clients desired a formal pool area that would reflect the character of their home. The project posed many challenges as the pool design not only had to fit into the existing landscape but also within numerous site & wetland setbacks. The design uses dimensionally patterned bluestone for the patio & coping to surround the 18' x 38' gunite swimming pool. An array of colorful planting envelop the surrounding landscape, cascading in washes of purple, white & green. Though the pool area is only going to be used during the warm summer months the planting plan was created such that there are peaks of interest through the entire space, all year long. The pool itself was designed with a state of the art filtration system, which uses salt to treat the pool water, rather than harsh chemicals. The outdoor space creates an elegant retreat in the client’s backyard that resembles a Nantucket oasis.

This project started as a repair to a severely age degraded basement wall. With a bit of creative thinking it became an opportunity for creating a daylight basement. See Project Video: Part 1: https://youtu.be/xaDcO0X1wOI Part 2: https://youtu.be/9nGNaCc6Fpw The basement wall repair solution is a new below grade window wall and covered entry door area. The plan for this daylight basement project was to terrace the adjacent grade, allowing for a wall of lower level windows and a set of steps dropping down to a new exterior entry door. We had just enough room in the side yard setback to fit it all in. A daylight basement project such as this is no small matter regarding safety issues. I have a lot of respect for the fearless yet professional manner that Jason Smith of Ozz Construction showed to execute this difficult project. The temporary support shoring allowed the crew enough working room to put in the structural steel and wall framing that holds up the entire south side of the building. The completed daylight basement transforms the feel and functionality of this formally dark and dreary area. This new natural light will be a great improvement to this future finished apartment space.

Stone Mosaic Tile floors, marble countertops and backsplash and white painted raised panel cabinets in this luxurious master bathroom with freestanding soaking tub in Greenwood Village Colorado.

Located along a country road, a half mile from the clear waters of Lake Michigan, we were hired to re-conceptualize an existing weekend cabin to allow long views of the adjacent farm field and create a separate area for the owners to escape their high school age children and many visitors! The site had tight building setbacks which limited expansion options, and to further our challenge, a 200 year old pin oak tree stood in the available building location. We designed a bedroom wing addition to the side of the cabin which freed up the existing cabin to become a great room with a wall of glass which looks out to the farm field and accesses a newly designed pea-gravel outdoor dining room. The addition steps around the existing tree, sitting on a specialized foundation we designed to minimize impact to the tree. The master suite is kept separate with ‘the pass’- a low ceiling link back to the main house. Painted board and batten siding, ribbons of windows, a low one-story metal roof with vaulted ceiling and no-nonsense detailing fits this modern cabin to the Michigan country-side. A great place to vacation. The perfect place to retire someday.

Peaceful and calming master bathroom with free standing tub. Designed in transitional style with grays and whites. Photo credit: Raquel Langworthy Photography.

This Art Studio was placed within the tight boundaries of setback lines. It faced North so the main light was captured on the north facing façade. In order to allow the Pecan tree to continue it's growth the exposed outriggers were designed around the branches.