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Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Situated in the picturesque Encino Hills, this project involved the remodeling of two bathrooms in a mid-century style home, staying true to the character of the house while integrating modern luxuries. The primary bathroom has been transformed into an open oasis, featuring a spacious, curbless walk-in shower that exudes luxury and openness.
The bathroom floor and the shower floor are seamlessly connected with terrazzo tile, complemented by a 60" linear brass shower drain. The shower and bathroom walls showcase a striking 3-dimensional linear texture with Ribbonwood Walnut tiles. A large niche with custom shelving and beautifully finished edges in white quartz slab adds a touch of sophistication. A standout feature of the shower is the large picture window offering stunning views of the natural green surroundings, equipped with smart tinted glass that can switch between clear and fogged for privacy at the touch of a button.
The luxurious components of the primary bathroom include a brass shower system with both shower head and rain shower heads, controlled by a sophisticated system. The Toto toilet and Toto washlet system offer modern conveniences such as auto flush and a smart bidet feature, enhancing the contemporary design.
To maintain the mid-century charm, the original vanity and pendant lights were preserved and refreshed with a new luxury white quartz countertop, new sinks, and new brass faucets. The result is a harmonious blend of mid-century aesthetics and modern luxury, creating a primary bathroom that feels like an open, luxurious oasis.
Overall, this bathroom remodel in Encino Hills exemplifies how thoughtful design and high-end finishes can transform a space into a stunning mid-century modern sanctuary.

Situated in the picturesque Encino Hills, this project involved the remodeling of two bathrooms in a mid-century style home, staying true to the character of the house while integrating modern luxuries. The primary bathroom has been transformed into an open oasis, featuring a spacious, curbless walk-in shower that exudes luxury and openness.
The bathroom floor and the shower floor are seamlessly connected with terrazzo tile, complemented by a 60" linear brass shower drain. The shower and bathroom walls showcase a striking 3-dimensional linear texture with Ribbonwood Walnut tiles. A large niche with custom shelving and beautifully finished edges in white quartz slab adds a touch of sophistication. A standout feature of the shower is the large picture window offering stunning views of the natural green surroundings, equipped with smart tinted glass that can switch between clear and fogged for privacy at the touch of a button.
The luxurious components of the primary bathroom include a brass shower system with both shower head and rain shower heads, controlled by a sophisticated system. The Toto toilet and Toto washlet system offer modern conveniences such as auto flush and a smart bidet feature, enhancing the contemporary design.
To maintain the mid-century charm, the original vanity and pendant lights were preserved and refreshed with a new luxury white quartz countertop, new sinks, and new brass faucets. The result is a harmonious blend of mid-century aesthetics and modern luxury, creating a primary bathroom that feels like an open, luxurious oasis.
Overall, this bathroom remodel in Encino Hills exemplifies how thoughtful design and high-end finishes can transform a space into a stunning mid-century modern sanctuary.
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Step inside this stunning luxury bathroom remodel in the Bay Area, where modern design meets high-end functionality. This full transformation showcases a spa-like master bathroom featuring a custom double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and a sleek frameless glass walk-in shower.
The centerpiece of this remodel is the elegant freestanding bathtub paired with a built-in fireplace, creating a true relaxation space inside your home. The bathroom also includes a custom wood vanity with vertical slat design, quartz countertops, and premium gold fixtures for a warm, upscale finish.
Natural light flows through large sliding glass doors, enhancing the open layout and connecting indoor comfort with outdoor views. The addition of a backlit LED mirror, modern tile flooring, and neutral-tone large-format wall tiles creates a clean, timeless look that will stay stylish for years.
✨ Key Features in This Bathroom Remodel:
Freestanding soaking tub with modern gold fixtures
Built-in fireplace next to the tub for a luxury spa feel
Frameless glass walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead
Custom double vanity with designer wood slat cabinetry
Quartz countertops with integrated sinks
Backlit LED mirror for a modern touch
Large-format tile walls and flooring
Sliding glass door bringing in natural light
Separate toilet room for added privacy
Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, master bathroom upgrade, or full home remodel, this project is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can completely transform a space.
At Lemon Remodeling, we specialize in high-end bathroom remodeling, ADUs, and full home renovations across the Bay Area. From design to build, we handle everything.

Step inside this stunning luxury bathroom remodel in the Bay Area, where modern design meets high-end functionality. This full transformation showcases a spa-like master bathroom featuring a custom double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and a sleek frameless glass walk-in shower.
The centerpiece of this remodel is the elegant freestanding bathtub paired with a built-in fireplace, creating a true relaxation space inside your home. The bathroom also includes a custom wood vanity with vertical slat design, quartz countertops, and premium gold fixtures for a warm, upscale finish.
Natural light flows through large sliding glass doors, enhancing the open layout and connecting indoor comfort with outdoor views. The addition of a backlit LED mirror, modern tile flooring, and neutral-tone large-format wall tiles creates a clean, timeless look that will stay stylish for years.
✨ Key Features in This Bathroom Remodel:
Freestanding soaking tub with modern gold fixtures
Built-in fireplace next to the tub for a luxury spa feel
Frameless glass walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead
Custom double vanity with designer wood slat cabinetry
Quartz countertops with integrated sinks
Backlit LED mirror for a modern touch
Large-format tile walls and flooring
Sliding glass door bringing in natural light
Separate toilet room for added privacy
Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, master bathroom upgrade, or full home remodel, this project is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can completely transform a space.
At Lemon Remodeling, we specialize in high-end bathroom remodeling, ADUs, and full home renovations across the Bay Area. From design to build, we handle everything.

Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Sommerhus is a private retreat for two empty-nesters. The clients purchased the previous cabin after falling in love with its location on a private, lakefront peninsula. However, this beautiful site was a challenging site to build on, due to its position sandwiched between the lake and protected wet land. The clients disliked the old cabin because it could only be used in the summer months, due to its lack of both insulation and heat. In addition, it was too small for their needs. They wanted to build a new, larger retreat, but were met with yet another constraint: the new cabin would be limited to the previous cabin’s small footprint. Thus, they decided to approach an architect to design their dream cabin.
As the clients described, “We visited Denmark for a family wedding in 2015, and while biking near Gilleleje, a fishing village on the Baltic Sea, we fell in love with the aesthetic of ‘Sommerhus’: dark exteriors, clean, simple lines, and lots of windows.” We set out to design a cabin that fit this aesthetic while also meeting the site’s constraints.
The clients were committed to keeping all existing trees on their site. In addition, zoning codes required the new retreat to stay within the previous cabin's small footprint. Thus, to maximize the square footage of the cabin without removing trees or expanding the footprint, the new structure had to grow vertically. At the same time, the clients wanted to be good neighbors. To them, this meant that their cabin should disappear into the woods, especially when viewed from the lake. To accomplish both these requests, the architect selected a dark exterior metal façade that would visually retreat into the trees. The metal siding is a modern, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution, especially when compared to traditional wood siding. Warm wood on the soffits of the large roof overhang contrast with the metal siding. Sommerhus's resulting exterior is just as the clients’ requested: boldly modern yet respectful of the serene surroundings.
The homeowners desired a beach-house-inspired interior, full of light and warmth, in contrast to the dark exterior. As the homeowner explained, “I wanted it to feel like a porch inside.” To achieve this, the living room has two walls of sliding glass doors that connect to the wrap-around porch. This creates a beautiful, indoor-outdoor living space. The crisp and bright kitchen also connects to the porch with the window that opens to an outdoor counter - perfect for passing food and drinks to those lounging on the porch. The kitchen is open to the rest of the first-floor entertaining space, and brings a playful, beach-house feel to the cabin.
After the completion of the project, the homeowners remarked, “Working with Christopher and Eric [of CSA] was a wonderful experience. We absolutely love our home, and each season on the lake is more special than the last.”

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Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Step inside this stunning luxury bathroom remodel in the Bay Area, where modern design meets high-end functionality. This full transformation showcases a spa-like master bathroom featuring a custom double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and a sleek frameless glass walk-in shower.
The centerpiece of this remodel is the elegant freestanding bathtub paired with a built-in fireplace, creating a true relaxation space inside your home. The bathroom also includes a custom wood vanity with vertical slat design, quartz countertops, and premium gold fixtures for a warm, upscale finish.
Natural light flows through large sliding glass doors, enhancing the open layout and connecting indoor comfort with outdoor views. The addition of a backlit LED mirror, modern tile flooring, and neutral-tone large-format wall tiles creates a clean, timeless look that will stay stylish for years.
✨ Key Features in This Bathroom Remodel:
Freestanding soaking tub with modern gold fixtures
Built-in fireplace next to the tub for a luxury spa feel
Frameless glass walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead
Custom double vanity with designer wood slat cabinetry
Quartz countertops with integrated sinks
Backlit LED mirror for a modern touch
Large-format tile walls and flooring
Sliding glass door bringing in natural light
Separate toilet room for added privacy
Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, master bathroom upgrade, or full home remodel, this project is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can completely transform a space.
At Lemon Remodeling, we specialize in high-end bathroom remodeling, ADUs, and full home renovations across the Bay Area. From design to build, we handle everything.

Step inside this stunning luxury bathroom remodel in the Bay Area, where modern design meets high-end functionality. This full transformation showcases a spa-like master bathroom featuring a custom double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and a sleek frameless glass walk-in shower.
The centerpiece of this remodel is the elegant freestanding bathtub paired with a built-in fireplace, creating a true relaxation space inside your home. The bathroom also includes a custom wood vanity with vertical slat design, quartz countertops, and premium gold fixtures for a warm, upscale finish.
Natural light flows through large sliding glass doors, enhancing the open layout and connecting indoor comfort with outdoor views. The addition of a backlit LED mirror, modern tile flooring, and neutral-tone large-format wall tiles creates a clean, timeless look that will stay stylish for years.
✨ Key Features in This Bathroom Remodel:
Freestanding soaking tub with modern gold fixtures
Built-in fireplace next to the tub for a luxury spa feel
Frameless glass walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead
Custom double vanity with designer wood slat cabinetry
Quartz countertops with integrated sinks
Backlit LED mirror for a modern touch
Large-format tile walls and flooring
Sliding glass door bringing in natural light
Separate toilet room for added privacy
Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, master bathroom upgrade, or full home remodel, this project is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can completely transform a space.
At Lemon Remodeling, we specialize in high-end bathroom remodeling, ADUs, and full home renovations across the Bay Area. From design to build, we handle everything.

Step inside this stunning luxury bathroom remodel in the Bay Area, where modern design meets high-end functionality. This full transformation showcases a spa-like master bathroom featuring a custom double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and a sleek frameless glass walk-in shower.
The centerpiece of this remodel is the elegant freestanding bathtub paired with a built-in fireplace, creating a true relaxation space inside your home. The bathroom also includes a custom wood vanity with vertical slat design, quartz countertops, and premium gold fixtures for a warm, upscale finish.
Natural light flows through large sliding glass doors, enhancing the open layout and connecting indoor comfort with outdoor views. The addition of a backlit LED mirror, modern tile flooring, and neutral-tone large-format wall tiles creates a clean, timeless look that will stay stylish for years.
✨ Key Features in This Bathroom Remodel:
Freestanding soaking tub with modern gold fixtures
Built-in fireplace next to the tub for a luxury spa feel
Frameless glass walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead
Custom double vanity with designer wood slat cabinetry
Quartz countertops with integrated sinks
Backlit LED mirror for a modern touch
Large-format tile walls and flooring
Sliding glass door bringing in natural light
Separate toilet room for added privacy
Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, master bathroom upgrade, or full home remodel, this project is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can completely transform a space.
At Lemon Remodeling, we specialize in high-end bathroom remodeling, ADUs, and full home renovations across the Bay Area. From design to build, we handle everything.

Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Historic homes are a hidden gem, and when this client approached me about remodeling her family home in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dallas I
knew we had a diamond in the rough. Under many layers of vinyl tile and plywood, the kitchen floors revealed pristine hardwoods waiting to be brought to life. An inefficient vintage kitchen had begun to break down and cramp the client's style and productivity. Mullioned windows obstructed the client's view
and hindered her from connecting with nature. The detail elements such as soft arches transitioning from room to room were lost in a sea of white. This beloved home had become something it wasn't meant to be. Our goal was to help it welcome friends and family with open arms and provide a casual atmosphere in which to love, laugh and relax. We needed to transform it all; floors, walls, kitchen and bedrooms. We left no stone unturned until we had the perfect collaboration of traditional family heirlooms mixed in with a modern palette. New brown stained floors, grey European style cabinets, white quartz counters, textured backsplash tile, mullion free vinyl windows and an open floorplan modernized this kitchen while staying true to its natural roots. Neutral gray walls collaborate with dark accents in the arches to define their detail. Reupholstering the furniture in patterned fabrics updated each room to span the spectrum of traditional to modern. The curated collection of family antiques finished in new hues and newly acquired pieces create a space unique to and adored by this client. Photos by Zack Lewis of Showcase Photographers

Step inside this stunning luxury bathroom remodel in the Bay Area, where modern design meets high-end functionality. This full transformation showcases a spa-like master bathroom featuring a custom double vanity, a freestanding soaking tub, and a sleek frameless glass walk-in shower.
The centerpiece of this remodel is the elegant freestanding bathtub paired with a built-in fireplace, creating a true relaxation space inside your home. The bathroom also includes a custom wood vanity with vertical slat design, quartz countertops, and premium gold fixtures for a warm, upscale finish.
Natural light flows through large sliding glass doors, enhancing the open layout and connecting indoor comfort with outdoor views. The addition of a backlit LED mirror, modern tile flooring, and neutral-tone large-format wall tiles creates a clean, timeless look that will stay stylish for years.
✨ Key Features in This Bathroom Remodel:
Freestanding soaking tub with modern gold fixtures
Built-in fireplace next to the tub for a luxury spa feel
Frameless glass walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead
Custom double vanity with designer wood slat cabinetry
Quartz countertops with integrated sinks
Backlit LED mirror for a modern touch
Large-format tile walls and flooring
Sliding glass door bringing in natural light
Separate toilet room for added privacy
Whether you're planning a bathroom renovation, master bathroom upgrade, or full home remodel, this project is a great example of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can completely transform a space.
At Lemon Remodeling, we specialize in high-end bathroom remodeling, ADUs, and full home renovations across the Bay Area. From design to build, we handle everything.

Built in 1979, this home in Pittsburgh’s Bradford Woods borough snuck in at the very tail end of Mid-Century Modern architecture. As lovers of that era, you can imagine our excitement when our clients explained their vision to lean in to that style with their planned kitchen renovation. We collaborated to design a beautiful and functional space that not only better suits this young family’s lifestyle, but truly feels like it has always been a part of the home.
Starting with the layout, we opened the kitchen up to neighboring dining room and eat-in spaces, allowing for a more cohesive main level floorplan. Along with some slight reconfiguring of the refrigerator and pantry locations, a new island created an opportunity for the main kitchen workspace to stay connected for both entertaining and day-to-day activities. Custom open shelving anchors the end of the island without blocking sightlines from the front of the home into the kitchen.
New light oak flooring throughout adds a contemporary nod, integrating two adjoining family rooms. It also creates a nice contrast for the kitchen and dining room’s custom cabinetry in a rich walnut finish. Slab style doors with minimal brass hardware help deliver the streamlined Mid-Century aesthetic. Custom radial edges at the island and coffee bar add a whimsical flair, highlighting the matte green solid surface countertops. To coordinate with the original tile found in the entryway, a neutral choice with rustic handmade detail adds warmth and texture to the backsplash and island base.
Rounding out the rest of this sunny space, Mid-Mod inspired light fixtures, bold patterned wallpaper, a mix of the client’s new and vintage furniture, plus curated textiles and accessories lend the “just right” amount of personality.

Nearly two decades ago now, Susan and her husband put a letter in the mailbox of this eastside home: "If you have any interest in selling, please reach out." But really, who would give up a Flansburgh House?
Fast forward to 2020, when the house went on the market! By then it was clear that three children and a busy home design studio couldn't be crammed into this efficient footprint. But what's second best to moving into your dream home? Being asked to redesign the functional core for the family that was.
In this classic Flansburgh layout, all the rooms align tidily in a square around a central hall and open air atrium. As such, all the spaces are both connected to one another and also private; and all allow for visual access to the outdoors in two directions—toward the atrium and toward the exterior. All except, in this case, the utilitarian galley kitchen. That space, oft-relegated to second class in midcentury architecture, got the shaft, with narrow doorways on two ends and no good visual access to the atrium or the outside. Who spends time in the kitchen anyway?
As is often the case with even the very best midcentury architecture, the kitchen at the Flansburgh House needed to be modernized; appliances and cabinetry have come a long way since 1970, but our culture has evolved too, becoming more casual and open in ways we at SYH believe are here to stay. People (gasp!) do spend time—lots of time!—in their kitchens! Nonetheless, our goal was to make this kitchen look as if it had been designed this way by Earl Flansburgh himself.
The house came to us full of bold, bright color. We edited out some of it (along with the walls it was on) but kept and built upon the stunning red, orange and yellow closet doors in the family room adjacent to the kitchen. That pop was balanced by a few colorful midcentury pieces that our clients already owned, and the stunning light and verdant green coming in from both the atrium and the perimeter of the house, not to mention the many skylights. Thus, the rest of the space just needed to quiet down and be a beautiful, if neutral, foil. White terrazzo tile grounds custom plywood and black cabinetry, offset by a half wall that offers both camouflage for the cooking mess and also storage below, hidden behind seamless oak tambour.
Contractor: Rusty Peterson
Cabinetry: Stoll's Woodworking
Photographer: Sarah Shields

Nestled next to a mountain side and backing up to a creek, this home encompasses the mountain feel. With its neutral yet rich exterior colors and textures, the architecture is simply picturesque. A custom Knotty Alder entry door is preceded by an arched stone column entry porch. White Oak flooring is featured throughout and accentuates the home’s stained beam and ceiling accents. Custom cabinetry in the Kitchen and Great Room create a personal touch unique to only this residence. The Master Bathroom features a free-standing tub and all-tiled shower. Upstairs, the game room boasts a large custom reclaimed barn wood sliding door. The Juliette balcony gracefully over looks the handsome Great Room. Downstairs the screen porch is cozy with a fireplace and wood accents. Sitting perpendicular to the home, the detached three-car garage mirrors the feel of the main house by staying with the same paint colors, and features an all metal roof. The spacious area above the garage is perfect for a future living or storage area.

Sommerhus is a private retreat for two empty-nesters. The clients purchased the previous cabin after falling in love with its location on a private, lakefront peninsula. However, this beautiful site was a challenging site to build on, due to its position sandwiched between the lake and protected wet land. The clients disliked the old cabin because it could only be used in the summer months, due to its lack of both insulation and heat. In addition, it was too small for their needs. They wanted to build a new, larger retreat, but were met with yet another constraint: the new cabin would be limited to the previous cabin’s small footprint. Thus, they decided to approach an architect to design their dream cabin.
As the clients described, “We visited Denmark for a family wedding in 2015, and while biking near Gilleleje, a fishing village on the Baltic Sea, we fell in love with the aesthetic of ‘Sommerhus’: dark exteriors, clean, simple lines, and lots of windows.” We set out to design a cabin that fit this aesthetic while also meeting the site’s constraints.
The clients were committed to keeping all existing trees on their site. In addition, zoning codes required the new retreat to stay within the previous cabin's small footprint. Thus, to maximize the square footage of the cabin without removing trees or expanding the footprint, the new structure had to grow vertically. At the same time, the clients wanted to be good neighbors. To them, this meant that their cabin should disappear into the woods, especially when viewed from the lake. To accomplish both these requests, the architect selected a dark exterior metal façade that would visually retreat into the trees. The metal siding is a modern, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution, especially when compared to traditional wood siding. Warm wood on the soffits of the large roof overhang contrast with the metal siding. Sommerhus's resulting exterior is just as the clients’ requested: boldly modern yet respectful of the serene surroundings.
The homeowners desired a beach-house-inspired interior, full of light and warmth, in contrast to the dark exterior. As the homeowner explained, “I wanted it to feel like a porch inside.” To achieve this, the living room has two walls of sliding glass doors that connect to the wrap-around porch. This creates a beautiful, indoor-outdoor living space. The crisp and bright kitchen also connects to the porch with the window that opens to an outdoor counter - perfect for passing food and drinks to those lounging on the porch. The kitchen is open to the rest of the first-floor entertaining space, and brings a playful, beach-house feel to the cabin.
After the completion of the project, the homeowners remarked, “Working with Christopher and Eric [of CSA] was a wonderful experience. We absolutely love our home, and each season on the lake is more special than the last.”
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