The classic Quarter-Sawn Oak cabinetry in a rich stain matches the client’s collection of Stickley furniture, creating continuity throughout the main level. Antique Fantasy granite countertops and simple subway tile compliment the shaker cabinets beautifully while the Artisan light fixtures along with the warm gold wall color complete the look of this overall welcoming kitchen.

Well situated in Mont Royal, this split-level home had many positives apart from its dated interior, and layout of many small and inefficient rooms. This was all at odds with the owners’ lifestyle and aesthetic. The client had architectural plans designed for a third floor addition that were to include a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The desired look for the entire house influenced all aspects of construction. Apart from the removal most walls on the main floor, everything was stripped back to the most simple and pure of finishing materials. The existing floors were refinished in a smoked grey matte palette and offset the rich warm walnut accents in the kitchen and soft white walls. With an abundance of white walls throughout, feature walls were essential in both the master bedroom and ensuite. The deep charcoal wall in the bedroom provides dramatic contrast to the teak headboard and hammered silver light fixture. The ensuite’s feature wall is made of pewter ceramic tiles that add texture and elegance to this simple space. Materials and furnishings throughout were selected for their simplicity and form. Photo : Drew Hadley

A simple low deck off the back of this mid century split level means the home owners can walk out to enjoy the view. An extra wide slider replaces the old leaky wood door and low windows. Where before the den just inside was dark and dreary is is now filled with light. The deck is Ipe' with cedar side boards. The awning is cedar with polycarbonate sheeting. The lamps are bronze. photo credit: Damon Landry

“With the open-concept floor plan, this kitchen needed to have a galley layout,” Ellison says. A large island helps delineate the kitchen from the other rooms around it. These include a dining area directly behind the kitchen and a living room to the right of the dining room. This main floor also includes a small TV lounge, a powder room and a mudroom. The house sits on a slope, so this main level enjoys treehouse-like canopy views out the back. The bedrooms are on the walk-out lower level.“These homeowners liked grays and neutrals, and their style leaned contemporary,” Ellison says. “They also had a very nice art collection.” The artwork is bright and colorful, and a neutral scheme provided the perfect backdrop for it. They also liked the idea of using durable laminate finishes on the cabinetry. The laminates have the look of white oak with vertical graining. The galley cabinets are lighter and warmer, while the island has the look of white oak with a gray wash for contrast. The countertops and backsplash are polished quartzite. The quartzite adds beautiful natural veining patterns and warm tones to the room.

The “handrill” of Corten steel follows the peastone and steel steps down a steep slope to pour into a round basin, emptying into a channel that meanders through the narrow back garden at ground level, ending finally in a boulder fountain. Devised to minimize root disturbance for the tall existing pines on the property, the continuous Corten steel structure is supported by concrete tubes rather than a foundation that would have required extensive excavation. Architect: Wolf Architects, Inc. General Contractor: GF Rhode Construction, Inc. Landscape Contractor: Robert Hanss, Inc. Steel Fabrication: Wovensteel and Richard Duca Water Systems: Pond Creations by Sean Photo by Susan Teare.

You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Joanne Bechhoff, UDCP Family room / man cave / playroom...a true multipurpose space. Great for entertaining.
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Dining Room open into contemporary kitchen space. Grey toned horizontal tiles and stainless steel appliances with dark granite give the space a modern and contemporary feel.

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You need only look at the before picture of the SYI Studio space to understand the background of this project and need for a new work space. Susan lives with her husband, three kids and dog in a 1960 split-level in Bloomington, which they've updated over the years and didn't want to leave, thanks to a great location and even greater neighbors. As the SYI team grew so did the three Yeley kids, and it became clear that not only did the team need more space but so did the family. 1.5 bathrooms + 3 bedrooms + 5 people = exponentially increasing discontent. By 2016, it was time to pull the trigger. Everyone needed more room, and an offsite studio wouldn't work: Susan is not just Creative Director and Owner of SYI but Full Time Activities and Meal Coordinator at Chez Yeley. The design, conceptualized entirely by the SYI team and executed by JL Benton Contracting, reclaimed the existing 4th bedroom from SYI space, added an ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and created a studio space with its own exterior entrance and full bath—making it perfect for a mother-in-law or Airbnb suite down the road. The project added over a thousand square feet to the house—and should add many more years for the family to live and work in a home they love. Contractor: JL Benton Contracting Cabinetry: Richcraft Wood Products Photographer: Gina Rogers

Split Level Basement with Fireplace, game room, wet bar and a very large bathroom.

When Better Builders approached this whole house remodel, the main goals were to update, brighten and refresh the home. When looking at the before and after photos of this Kent home, the space needed some serious help. The home we came into was dark and closed off. The fixtures and finishes were also extremely dated. The homeowners were ready to take on a project to bring their home up to the standards that would reflect their personal taste. One of the biggest changes in this home was taking out the wall in front of the kitchen to open up the space. Replacing the wall with two support pillars helped bring more light and energy to the surrounding kitchen, living and dining spaces. Another major change was the transition from carpet throughout to continuous hardwood floors. While it may seem like a simple or obvious choice, the move away from carpet brings a whole new life to a room. The kitchen was updated with all new appliances, cabinetry and brand new island with built-in storage. Taking advantage of all of the natural light that came with removing the walls surrounding the kitchen was paramount. Finishing the dining area with a new modern light fixture was the finishing touch for a luxurious yet understated space. The bathrooms that started off dark and out of date were transformed with new flooring, tub and shower surround, fresh bright paint and modern fixtures.

Gray, White and Turquoise modern furniture/ Brick fireplace.
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Custom mudroom in a completed addition to a split-level home in Teaneck, NJ by WA Construct — built-in L-shaped bench with shoe cubbies below, beadboard backing, coat hooks, upper shelf, and herringbone wood-look tile flooring. Design-build custom home builder serving Bergen County.

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1970's Split Level Kitchen remodel- removed most of the wall to the dining room and gave this kitchen a complete update from the vintage 1970's look.
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