In this kitchen remodeling project the original kitchen was designed awkwardly around an unneeded backside exterior door. The designer Steve Vickers and the clients decided to change that door to a new window. This small change allowed for the designing of a great new kitchen. The new kitchen design blends perfect with the home; giving the clients tons more storage as well as a large new island for seating and entertaining. The cabinetry chosen is Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style with a Linen painted finish. The awesome new countertops in Leathered Finish Steel Grey Granite have a great smooth feel and are a durable and forgiving for family living. Steve McHenry and crew ( the lead carpenter on site) did a great job on everything from start to finish. What a great transformation.

In this kitchen remodeling project the original kitchen was designed awkwardly around an unneeded backside exterior door. The designer Steve Vickers and the clients decided to change that door to a new window. This small change allowed for the designing of a great new kitchen. The new kitchen design blends perfect with the home; giving the clients tons more storage as well as a large new island for seating and entertaining. The cabinetry chosen is Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style with a Linen painted finish. The awesome new countertops in Leathered Finish Steel Grey Granite have a great smooth feel and are a durable and forgiving for family living. Steve McHenry and crew ( the lead carpenter on site) did a great job on everything from start to finish. What a great transformation.

In this kitchen remodeling project the original kitchen was designed awkwardly around an unneeded backside exterior door. The designer Steve Vickers and the clients decided to change that door to a new window. This small change allowed for the designing of a great new kitchen. The new kitchen design blends perfect with the home; giving the clients tons more storage as well as a large new island for seating and entertaining. The cabinetry chosen is Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style with a Linen painted finish. The awesome new countertops in Leathered Finish Steel Grey Granite have a great smooth feel and are a durable and forgiving for family living. Steve McHenry and crew ( the lead carpenter on site) did a great job on everything from start to finish. What a great transformation.

In this kitchen remodeling project the original kitchen was designed awkwardly around an unneeded backside exterior door. The designer Steve Vickers and the clients decided to change that door to a new window. This small change allowed for the designing of a great new kitchen. The new kitchen design blends perfect with the home; giving the clients tons more storage as well as a large new island for seating and entertaining. The cabinetry chosen is Echelon Cabinetry in the Addison door style with a Linen painted finish. The awesome new countertops in Leathered Finish Steel Grey Granite have a great smooth feel and are a durable and forgiving for family living. Steve McHenry and crew ( the lead carpenter on site) did a great job on everything from start to finish. What a great transformation.

This once-dated kitchen was completely transformed into a bright, open gathering space designed for everyday living and effortless entertaining. The renovation features custom shaker cabinetry, a spacious painted island with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom vent hood, decorative backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Every detail was carefully planned to create a timeless, functional kitchen that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. At On-Site Builders, we believe exceptional remodeling combines thoughtful design with meticulous craftsmanship. From the initial concept through the final finishing touches, our team managed every aspect of the renovation to deliver a space that is as beautiful as it is practical.

To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete pavers accented by Mexican pebbles along with a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate planting that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo and vines were added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other shade to part-shade plants were included that provide a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. And low-voltage lighting was installed for safety and ambiance. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Our client greatly enjoyed their natural setting, and our master plan was built on preserving its character. We wanted to enhance the juxtaposition of rigid clarity of the rectilinear house with the highly organic, natural features of the site. Striking a balance between the man-made and the natural is always in our minds, as we seek subtle ways of stitching orthogonal lines into an otherwise organic setting. The Petanque court is the key element in transforming the untamed rear yard. The court is slightly cut into a slope and parallels the predominant site contours; softening grade change making the yard more useable, while lessening its impact on the topography. The moment where this really came together was when we decided to reuse the old-balcony wood to create a new boardwalk that runs the length of the court, and provides seating for players. A bend in its length brings it back into alignment with the house and ties into the path of concrete steps. It’s a perfect place to sit and watch a game. Photo credit: Vince Lupo

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

Our clients came to us with the thought of creating a space that could be enjoyed year-round, reinvesting in their backyard space of their forever home. We transformed the space to make it an oasis with a custom design that included a plunge pool with an auto cover and can be used year round in our Chicago climate thanks to the heating and insulation designed in the pool system. No winter outdoor space is complete without heated walkways to automatically melt snow, allowing for quick and easy access from the home to the warm waters of the pool, even in the coldest of winter months! We worked extensively with the client to maximize privacy, screening key viewpoints with a privacy wall and vegetation. Custom features of this transformation included a blend of deck space, integrated LED lighting, stone paver walkways, and natural limestone outcropping to accommodate the site’s topography.

Our clients came to us with the thought of creating a space that could be enjoyed year-round, reinvesting in their backyard space of their forever home. We transformed the space to make it an oasis with a custom design that included a plunge pool with an auto cover and can be used year round in our Chicago climate thanks to the heating and insulation designed in the pool system. No winter outdoor space is complete without heated walkways to automatically melt snow, allowing for quick and easy access from the home to the warm waters of the pool, even in the coldest of winter months! We worked extensively with the client to maximize privacy, screening key viewpoints with a privacy wall and vegetation. Custom features of this transformation included a blend of deck space, integrated LED lighting, stone paver walkways, and natural limestone outcropping to accommodate the site’s topography.

Our clients came to us with the thought of creating a space that could be enjoyed year-round, reinvesting in their backyard space of their forever home. We transformed the space to make it an oasis with a custom design that included a plunge pool with an auto cover and can be used year round in our Chicago climate thanks to the heating and insulation designed in the pool system. No winter outdoor space is complete without heated walkways to automatically melt snow, allowing for quick and easy access from the home to the warm waters of the pool, even in the coldest of winter months! We worked extensively with the client to maximize privacy, screening key viewpoints with a privacy wall and vegetation. Custom features of this transformation included a blend of deck space, integrated LED lighting, stone paver walkways, and natural limestone outcropping to accommodate the site’s topography.

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

The pool area is now a colorful focal point of this secluded property, transforming the site into a lush garden room and private oasis screening neighbor views. The pool area is now a focal point of this secluded property, transforming the site into a lush garden room and private oasis screening neighbor views. -Plantings include a mix of Trees, Shrubs and drifts of Perennials and Ornamental Grasses

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

Back yard transformation.
Huge eclectic courtyard concrete paver and rectangular lap pool fountain photo in DC Metro

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

The homeowner approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to extend the shade over their pool area. They loved spending time by the pool but found that the lack of shade limited their enjoyment during the hotter parts of the day. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we understood their needs and were excited to help transform their outdoor space. We proposed a custom pergola designed specifically to provide ample shade over the pool area. During the initial consultation, we discussed their preferences for materials, design, and functionality. We then conducted a site assessment to determine the optimal location and size for the pergola. Our team developed a custom design for the pergola, incorporating the homeowner’s vision and our expertise. The homeowner was involved in the selection of materials for their pergola. Our skilled craftsmen then constructed the pergola on-site, ensuring the structure was robust and met our high standards of quality. Upon completion, we added the finishing touches, such as weather-resistant treatments, based on the homeowner’s preferences. The result was a stunning, functional pergola that extended the shade near the pool area, just as the homeowner desired. It not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also provided a comfortable area for relaxation and entertainment. At Southern Breeze Oasis, we take pride in transforming outdoor sanctuaries. We were thrilled to help this homeowner realize their vision and enhance their outdoor living experience.

Our clients came to us with the thought of creating a space that could be enjoyed year-round, reinvesting in their backyard space of their forever home. We transformed the space to make it an oasis with a custom design that included a plunge pool with an auto cover and can be used year round in our Chicago climate thanks to the heating and insulation designed in the pool system. No winter outdoor space is complete without heated walkways to automatically melt snow, allowing for quick and easy access from the home to the warm waters of the pool, even in the coldest of winter months! We worked extensively with the client to maximize privacy, screening key viewpoints with a privacy wall and vegetation. Custom features of this transformation included a blend of deck space, integrated LED lighting, stone paver walkways, and natural limestone outcropping to accommodate the site’s topography.

Our clients came to us with the thought of creating a space that could be enjoyed year-round, reinvesting in their backyard space of their forever home. We transformed the space to make it an oasis with a custom design that included a plunge pool with an auto cover and can be used year round in our Chicago climate thanks to the heating and insulation designed in the pool system. No winter outdoor space is complete without heated walkways to automatically melt snow, allowing for quick and easy access from the home to the warm waters of the pool, even in the coldest of winter months! We worked extensively with the client to maximize privacy, screening key viewpoints with a privacy wall and vegetation. Custom features of this transformation included a blend of deck space, integrated LED lighting, stone paver walkways, and natural limestone outcropping to accommodate the site’s topography.