Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

The homeowners loved the location of their small Cape Cod home, but they didn't love its limited interior space. A 10' addition along the back of the home and a brand new 2nd story gave them just the space they needed. With a classy monotone exterior and a welcoming front porch, this remodel is a refined example of a transitional style home. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders Photos by Andrea Rugg Photography

Kolanowski Studio
Elegant light wood floor and beige floor kitchen photo in Houston with a farmhouse sink, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartzite countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Bathroom - large craftsman master gray tile slate floor bathroom idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige walls and a vessel sink

Example of a beach style light wood floor dining room design in Houston with white walls

Elegant brick patio fountain photo in Raleigh with no cover

Chandler Photography
Inspiration for a rustic brown tile drop-in bathtub remodel in Other with medium tone wood cabinets

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Interior Design: Vivid Interior Builder: Hendel Homes Photography: LandMark Photography
Bedroom - mid-sized traditional master carpeted bedroom idea in Minneapolis with blue walls

This country house was previously owned by Halle Berry and sits on a private lake north of Montreal. The kitchen was dated and a part of a large two storey extension which included a master bedroom and ensuite, two guest bedrooms, office, and gym. The goal for the kitchen was to create a dramatic and urban space in a rural setting. Photo : Drew Hadley

Mountain style medium tone wood floor living room photo in Other with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Sarah Reynolds
Minimalist home office photo in Dublin

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Mike Kaskel
Mid-sized arts and crafts medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and white appliances

This beautiful little Craftsman in Credit River Basic concept design is available on the website https://www.hartsdesign.com/fullscreen-store-page/comp-jql1rjw5/6cdc53f4-ce3e-46f7-a96e-ea93be499bbb/1/%3Fi%3D1%26p%3Dkbm3w%26s%3Dstyle-jql30y7i

Photo: Lucy Call © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic dark wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Salt Lake City with beige walls and no fireplace

Elizabeth Dooley
Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor living room remodel in New York with a tv stand and white walls

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | Charles Cudd De Novo, Architect + Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Minneapolis

D Randolph Foulds Photography
Bedroom - traditional medium tone wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte with white walls