Alloy co-owner Zach Snider had a tiny second floor on his house. Being an expert builder, he thought he would just take that second floor right off and build a new one. And that he did, along with pushing the kitchen out to where the screened porch was, building a sauna, and re-thinking every other room in the house. The footprint of the house is the same, and it still fits in with the character of the neighborhood, even though Zach doubled the square footage. The house now has room for his two little kids to grow and to find their own space without everyone bumping into each other. And if that doesn’t work, you’ll probably find their parents down in the sauna.

This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus. When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back. With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open. In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.

Architect: Gordon Partners, Interior Designer: CBG Interiors, Photographer: Jack Thompson
Example of a kitchen design in Houston

Example of a transitional bedroom design

This transformation started with a builder grade bathroom and was expanded into a sauna wet room. With cedar walls and ceiling and a custom cedar bench, the sauna heats the space for a relaxing dry heat experience. The goal of this space was to create a sauna in the secondary bathroom and be as efficient as possible with the space. This bathroom transformed from a standard secondary bathroom to a ergonomic spa without impacting the functionality of the bedroom. This project was super fun, we were working inside of a guest bedroom, to create a functional, yet expansive bathroom. We started with a standard bathroom layout and by building out into the large guest bedroom that was used as an office, we were able to create enough square footage in the bathroom without detracting from the bedroom aesthetics or function. We worked with the client on her specific requests and put all of the materials into a 3D design to visualize the new space. Houzz Write Up: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/bathroom-of-the-week-stylish-spa-retreat-with-a-real-sauna-stsetivw-vs~168139419 The layout of the bathroom needed to change to incorporate the larger wet room/sauna. By expanding the room slightly it gave us the needed space to relocate the toilet, the vanity and the entrance to the bathroom allowing for the wet room to have the full length of the new space. This bathroom includes a cedar sauna room that is incorporated inside of the shower, the custom cedar bench follows the curvature of the room's new layout and a window was added to allow the natural sunlight to come in from the bedroom. The aromatic properties of the cedar are delightful whether it's being used with the dry sauna heat and also when the shower is steaming the space. In the shower are matching porcelain, marble-look tiles, with architectural texture on the shower walls contrasting with the warm, smooth cedar boards. Also, by increasing the depth of the toilet wall, we were able to create useful towel storage without detracting from the room significantly. This entire project and client was a joy to work with.

Double D Remodeling Contractors is dedicated to providing every one of our customers with the highest quality craftsmanship possible. All of our Long Island kitchen remodeling specialists are licensed, professionally trained, and extensively experienced. So we can confidently guarantee that all of our work will be the highest quality available. When you’re having any remodeling job done on your home, time is your most valuable resource. We understand that your number one priority during a remodeling job is getting the work done as quickly as possible, but we’ll never sacrifice quality for speed. When you’ve made the decision to renovate your kitchen, having a solid plan is the most important part. Our Long Island kitchen remodeling and design experts will work directly with you throughout every step of the process. We’ll start with the initial ideas and the design of your new kitchen, helping you find the best plan based on your budget, time-frame, and aesthetic needs. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today and we’ll be looking forward to getting started on this project with you.

Every inch of this 4,200-square-foot condo on Las Olas—two units combined into one inside the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale—is dripping with glamour, starting right away in the entrance with Phillip Jeffries’ Cloud wallpaper and crushed velvet gold chairs by Koket. Along with tearing out some of the bathrooms and installing sleek and chic new vanities, Laure Nell Interiors outfitted the residence with all the accoutrements that make it perfect for the owners—two doctors without children—to enjoy an evening at home alone or entertaining friends and family. On one side of the condo, we turned the previous kitchen into a wet bar off the family room. Inspired by One Hotel, the aesthetic here gives off permanent vacation vibes. A large rattan light fixture sets a beachy tone above a custom-designed oversized sofa. Also on this side of the unit, a light and bright guest bedroom, affectionately named the Bali Room, features Phillip Jeffries’ silver leaf wallpaper and heirloom artifacts that pay homage to the Indian heritage of one of the owners. In another more-moody guest room, a Currey and Co. Grand Lotus light fixture gives off a golden glow against Phillip Jeffries’ dip wallcovering behind an emerald green bed, while an artist hand painted the look on each wall. The other side of the condo took on an aesthetic that reads: The more bling, the better. Think crystals and chrome and a 78-inch circular diamond chandelier. The main kitchen, living room (where we custom-surged together Surya rugs), dining room (embellished with jewelry-like chain-link Yale sconces by Arteriors), office, and master bedroom (overlooking downtown and the ocean) all reside on this side of the residence. And then there’s perhaps the jewel of the home: the powder room, illuminated by Tom Dixon pendants. The homeowners hiked Machu Picchu together and fell in love with a piece of art on their trip that we designed the entire bathroom around. It’s one of many personal objets found throughout the condo, making this project a true labor of love.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Seattle

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.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Elegant kitchen photo in Santa Barbara

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Charlotte with beige walls

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

Detailed below is the restoration of a Victorian tiled hallway floor that we started back in June in Preston. Although we started in June there was so much damage to the subfloor and the tiles it took some time to complete, additionally, the client did not like the colour samples of the replacement tiles we had brought along and so decided to source their own which took some time. Three months later with replacement tiles now sourced we were given the go ahead to start the restoration. The first day’s focus was cleaning the original floor using very coarse 100-grit and 200-grit Diamond pads fitted to a rotary buffer machine and applied to the floor using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go to add extra cleaning power. Tile edges were given special attention using a flex machine fitted with small diamond grit pads. The floor was rinsed with water to remove the soil generated and this was followed up with an acid rinse using a 1:3 dilution of Tile Doctor Grout Clean Up. This last step in the cleaning process is especially recommend for old floors like this which don’t have a damp proof membrane and can suffer from efflorescence issues. The next stage focused on repairing the floor and started by carefully knocking out all the broken and chipped tiles. We had previously estimated over 30 tiles needed replacing and so the client had bought two boxes, meaning I had plenty of spares to work with. Before tiling however, the subfloor had suffered over the years and needed attention first. To deal with this the damaged areas were raked out, cleaned up and then back filled with rapid setting self-levelling screed from Mapie adhesives. Once the sub-base was fixed then we put the new tiles back in, they were not an exact match, about 5mm too short and lighter in tone, but the colour was pretty close. Tiling an old Victorian floor like this can be a bit like dominoes as you move one out of place 2 decent ones come loose and then they also need refixing. Some of the tiles had hair line cracks in them and once they were loose, they just cracked in half. As such the 20 spare tiles that I thought were spare came into good use and I actually ended up using all of them. I could have done with a few more so it was decided to reset the last four broken tiles and grout them in. Luckily for me the client was very understanding about the nature of tile restoration and had accepted that there would be some imperfections and they were not expecting a new floor. The Tiles were fixed down using Ultralite Rapid Flex (another product from Mapie) and then grouted using the same adhesive (not a grout, as they did not have grout back in the day, just cement and screed). The floor was left this to cure overnight, and we came back the next day to finish the clean using a 200-grit diamond pad fitted to a buffing machine and lubricated with water, then one last acid rinse to get the tiles as clean as possible and remove any lingering grout haze. This last clean helps to blend the new tiles in with the original. Before applying a protective sealer, the floor was left to dry for a couple of days, the tiles need to be thoroughly dry before sealing or you can end up with a patchy appearance. For this floor with no damp proof membrane, it was important to use a fully breathable sealer that will allow moisture to rise through the tile and evaporate at the surface, so Tile Doctor Colour Grow was chosen. This is a good choice for old floors like this as its fully breathable, head wearing, and it contains a colour enhancer that improves the overall appearance of the tile. Three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a fully breathable, colour enhancing sealer hat works by soaking into the pores of the tile protecting it from within. It has a matt finish, and it works really well with all clay tiles and is ideal for these types of floors. You can probably spot the lighter coloured tiles in the after photos on this page, however it’s a very subtle difference and I think they have blended in quite well with the original. Certainly, my client was very pleased with the newly restored floor, its completely transformed from when we first visited the client, and the floor has now gained character and history. For aftercare we recommend Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner, its an effective pH neutral product that is compatible with the new sealer. Russell Taylor Lancashire Tile Doctor

The Jordan family came to Burgin Construction Inc. because they were interested in having a bright and open design-build kitchen remodel in their Yorba Linda home. Their renovation was complete with copper hood detailing, custom crafted cabinets, countertops, all new appliances, refinished flooring and fresh new paint. Continue on to take a look at how the Burgin team worked hand-in-hand with the Jordan family to make their dreams a reality. Take a moment to read the Jordan's review here: https://www.houzz.com/viewReview/792491/Burgin-Construction-review. Are you ready to start making your living space more livable? Contact us and our design-build team will work hand-in-hand with you to make your dreams a reality.

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

Architect: Sarah Susanka, FAIA, while at Mulfinger, Susanka, Mahady & Partners; Photo by Ken Gutmaker
Closet - closet idea in Raleigh

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning. We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter. The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance. We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless. 3 Tips for Designing with Intent Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful: 1. Embrace the Home’s Character Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design. 2. Let Function Drive the Design No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable. In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs. 3. Personalize Your Space The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours. For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal. Why Intentional Design Matters Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs. At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle. Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care. As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.” Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.