Ilir Rizaj
Mid-sized minimalist galley porcelain tile and black floor kitchen photo in New York with flat-panel cabinets, solid surface countertops, paneled appliances, an island, light wood cabinets and an undermount sink

This house is discreetly tucked into its wooded site in the Mad River Valley near the Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. The soaring roof lines complement the slope of the land and open up views though large windows to a meadow planted with native wildflowers. The house was built with natural materials of cedar shingles, fir beams and native stone walls. These materials are complemented with innovative touches including concrete floors, composite exterior wall panels and exposed steel beams. The home is passively heated by the sun, aided by triple pane windows and super-insulated walls. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Example of a cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

From grand estates, to exquisite country homes, to whole house renovations, the quality and attention to detail of a "Significant Homes" custom home is immediately apparent. Full time on-site supervision, a dedicated office staff and hand picked professional craftsmen are the team that take you from groundbreaking to occupancy. Every "Significant Homes" project represents 45 years of luxury homebuilding experience, and a commitment to quality widely recognized by architects, the press and, most of all....thoroughly satisfied homeowners. Our projects have been published in Architectural Digest 6 times along with many other publications and books. Though the lion share of our work has been in Fairfield and Westchester counties, we have built homes in Palm Beach, Aspen, Maine, Nantucket and Long Island.

One of many contenders for the official SYH motto is "Got ranch?" Midcentury limestone ranch, to be specific. Because in Bloomington, we do! We've got lots of midcentury limestone ranches, ripe for updates. This gut remodel and addition on the East side is a great example. The two-way fireplace sits in its original spot in the 2400 square foot home, now acting as the pivot point between the home's original wing and a 1000 square foot new addition. In the reconfiguration of space, bedrooms now flank a central public zone, kids on one end (in spaces that are close to the original bedroom footprints), and a new owner's suite on the other. Everyone meets in the middle for cooking and eating and togetherness. A portion of the full basement is finished for a guest suite and tv room, accessible from the foyer stair that is also, more or less, in its original spot. The kitchen was always street-facing in this home, which the homeowners dug, so we kept it that way, but of course made it bigger and more open. What we didn't keep: the original green and pink toilets and tile. (Apologies to the purists; though they may still be in the basement.) Opening spaces both to one another and to the outside help lighten and modernize this family home, which comes alive with contrast, color, natural walnut and oak, and a great collection of art, books and vintage rugs. It's definitely ready for its next 75 years.

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

Mid-sized country l-shaped concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in Austin with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and recessed-panel cabinets

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

Entertaining is easy with this solid walnut countetop, large multi function sink and beverage refrigerator built into the island. LED dimmable recessed lighting allows for function and ambiance. A steam /convenction oven was added as well as a warming drawer. Photo by tori aston

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic dining room photo in Dallas with beige walls

Taylor Photo
Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Chicago with beige walls

Kitchen - traditional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Countertop Wood: Wenge Construction Style: End Grain Countertop Thickness: 2-1/2" Size: 25 1/2" x 39 1/2" Countertop Edge Profile: 1/8” Roundover on top horizontal edges, bottom horizontal edges, and vertical corners Wood Countertop Finish: Grothouse Original Oil™ Wood Stain: Natural Wood – No Stain Designer: Kate Connolly of Homestead Kitchens

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

Beauty meets practicality in this Florida Contemporary on a Boca golf course. The indoor – outdoor connection is established by running easy care wood-look porcelain tiles from the patio to all the public rooms. The clean-lined slab door has a narrow-raised perimeter trim, while a combination of rift-cut white oak and “Super White” balances earthy with bright. Appliances are paneled for continuity. Dramatic LED lighting illuminates the toe kicks and the island overhang. Instead of engineered quartz, these countertops are engineered marble: “Unique Statuario” by Compac. The same material is cleverly used for carved island panels that resemble cabinet doors. White marble chevron mosaics lend texture and depth to the backsplash. The showstopper is the divider between the secondary sink and living room. Fashioned from brushed gold square metal stock, its grid-and-rectangle motif references the home’s entry door. Wavy glass obstructs kitchen mess, yet still admits light. Brushed gold straps on the white hood tie in with the divider. Gold hardware, faucets and globe pendants add glamour. In the pantry, kitchen cabinetry is repeated, but here in all white with Caesarstone countertops. Flooring is laid diagonally. Matching panels front the wine refrigerator. Open cabinets display glassware and serving pieces. This project was done in collaboration with JBD JGA Design & Architecture and NMB Home Management Services LLC. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane. Photography by Nat Rea. Description written by Paulette Gambacorta adapted for Houzz.

Key decor elements include: Pendants: Grain pendants by Brendan Ravenhill Studio Stools: Beetle counter chair by Gubi from Design Public Group Large brass bowl: Michael Verheyden Marble Cannister: Michael Verheyden Art: Untitled (1010) by Bo Joseph from Sears Peyton Gallery

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

A perfect addition to your outdoor living is a seating wall surrounding a firepit. Cambridge Maytrx wall, Pyzique Fire Pit, Round table Pavers. Installed by Natural Green Landsacpe & Design in Lincoln, RI