A cottage kitchen always makes me happy -- especially a white one with beadboard! It makes me dream of trips to the seashore (perhaps Gramma's house) or to the family farm; soft summer days and lazy evenings with family gathered. And for just this reason, a white kitchen remains a classic choice for all -- here its paired with sandy colored Corian counters, strong blue accents and a warm wood floor. Just the best! Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, Brookhaven's Colony Beaded

Purchased as a second home and a place for a college age son to live, this house needed a make-over. San Luis Kitchen worked closely with the clients to create a new beautiful beach house. Light maple cabinets are the foundation, followed by surf toned granite, elegant details (see the carving on the custom hood), hardwood floors and a pop or two of color make a happy home. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Edgemont

This LEED-H Platinum-certified custom luxury home in Oregon demonstrates an exceptional commitment to excellence. Designed by Green Hammer architect Jan Fillinger, the Fineline House was designed and built with unprecedented precision — from the interior finishes to the state-of-the-art lighting, ventilation, and built-in home energy-monitoring systems. It utilizes Passivhaus detailing and 100% of the lumber used for the structure and framing of the project was Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography

Old-World styling meets Spanish hacienda/beach retreat in this eclectic home. Hand carved trim, specialty turned posts and fluted details frame the bake-center. A counter-top microwave is hidden behind flip-up pocket doors at the 36" wide appliance garage, leaving plenty of space for other small appliances too -- and the extended counter allows ample work-space in front. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Winfield

A nice Hispanic lady wanted her kitchen to be brighter and to reflect her ethnic heritage. Maintaining the basic footprint to preserve the Terra-cotta floor, San Luis Kitchen replaced her boring flat-panel stock cabinets with custom knotty pine ones. We added details such as rope trim, a stacked crown, and ring pulls for handles. The client then chose a traditional style tile counter at the sink and butcher block for the island. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Winfield

A truly soft contemporary look -- clean lines without fuss mix with warm colors and light wood finishes for an inviting whole. A kitchen that you want to cook in. We combined the kitchen entry and pass-thru into one big opening, removing the short hanging cabinets and adding a bar peninsula, to create an open plan kitchen/dining/living area. Next, we moved the refrigerator down, centering it on the wall, removing it from its former cramped corner position. On either side of the refrigerator the homeowner’s wife requested extra wide (42”) deep drawers and more counter space. The range remained in place and gained a stylish stainless chimney hood. For great storage access we added corner swing-out shelves, lots of deep drawers, roll-out shelves and a pull-out trash cabinet. The wall corner cabinets were flared for extra storage and optional lazy susans. The new counter is engineered quartz with a textured finish in a dark charcoal color. The backsplash features large format tile in a variegated pattern of beige and green while the floor tile harmonizes in tones of mossy green. We added a nice new stainless dishwasher and undermount stainless sink and finished off the remodel with a tray ceiling and recessed lights. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Vista

board and batten siding from local forests
Transitional exterior home idea in Albuquerque

A neutral palette consisting of white, pale grays, and very light beige creates a cool soft bathroom for this master suite. The shallow counter at the make-up station allows close viewing of the mirror. Lots of drawers make for wonderful storage organization. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Edgemont

A pretty hutch tucked into the corner of the kitchen serves as a message center and beverage bar. Old Denim finish on knotty pine gives the unique blue/green color. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Springfield

When the homeowners decided to move from San Francisco to the Central Coast, they were looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, a unique place to call their own, and an environment conducive to raising their young children. They found it all in San Luis Obispo. They had owned a house here in SLO for several years that they had used as a rental. As the homeowners own and run a contracting business and relocation was not impossible, they decided to move their business and make this SLO rental into their dream home. As a rental, the house was in a bare-bones condition. The kitchen had old white cabinets, boring white tile counters, and a horrendous vinyl tile floor. Not only was the kitchen out-of-date and old-fashioned, it was also pretty worn out. The tiles were cracking and the grout was stained, the cabinet doors were sagging, and the appliances were conflicting (ie: you could not open the stove and dishwasher at the same time). To top it all off, the kitchen was just too small for the custom home the homeowners wanted to create. Thus enters San Luis Kitchen. At the beginning of their quest to remodel, the homeowners visited San Luis Kitchen’s showroom and fell in love with our Tuscan Grotto display. They sat down with our designers and together we worked out the scope of the project, the budget for cabinetry and how that fit into their overall budget, and then we worked on the new design for the home starting with the kitchen. As the homeowners felt the kitchen was cramped, it was decided to expand by moving the window wall out onto the existing porch. Besides the extra space gained, moving the wall brought the kitchen window out from under the porch roof – increasing the natural light available in the space. (It really helps when the homeowner both understands building and can do his own contracting and construction.) A new arched window and stone clad wall now highlights the end of the kitchen. As we gained wall space, we were able to move the range and add a plaster hood, creating a focal nice focal point for the kitchen. The other long wall now houses a Sub-Zero refrigerator and lots of counter workspace. Then we completed the kitchen by adding a wrap-around wet bar extending into the old dining space. We included a pull-out pantry unit with open shelves above it, wine cubbies, a cabinet for glassware recessed into the wall, under-counter refrigerator drawers, sink base and trash cabinet, along with a decorative bookcase cabinet and bar seating. Lots of function in this corner of the kitchen; a bar for entertaining and a snack station for the kids. After the kitchen design was finalized and ordered, the homeowners turned their attention to the rest of the house. They asked San Luis Kitchen to help with their master suite, a guest bath, their home control center (essentially a deck tucked under the main staircase) and finally their laundry room. Here are the photos: I wish I could show you the rest of the house. The homeowners took a poor rental house and turned it into a showpiece! They added custom concrete floors, unique fiber optic lighting, large picture windows, and much more. There is now an outdoor kitchen complete with pizza oven, an outdoor shower and exquisite garden. They added a dedicated dog run to the side yard for their pooches and a rooftop deck at the very peak. Such a fun house. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, Barcelona

This kitchen features a soft-contemporary style using lightly stained maple cabinets in a simple, clean-lined doorstyle, The peninsula is raised up off the floor on brushed nickle feet for an airy feel. Stainless appliances, a muted color pallet and simple square edges on the counter and crown all add to the modern design. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Brookhaven's Colony

This LEED-H Platinum-certified custom luxury home in Oregon demonstrates an exceptional commitment to excellence. Designed by Green Hammer architect Jan Fillinger, the Fineline House was designed and built with unprecedented precision — from the interior finishes to the state-of-the-art lighting, ventilation, and built-in home energy-monitoring systems. It utilizes Passivhaus detailing and 100% of the lumber used for the structure and framing of the project was Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified.

A testament to innovation, sustainability, and familial harmony nestled within the serene confines of a Seattle neighborhood near Dahl Playfield. An eager young family embarking on their first foray into homeownership with a vision for a home that's as unique as it is integrated. In response to their aspirations, we crafted a residence that defies conformity—a departure from cookie-cutter designs while seamlessly blending into its surroundings. Our Dahl House features a distinctive slanted profile, subtly angled towards the sunlit south, optimizing natural light and solar panel efficiency. With sustainability as our guiding principle, every facet of the design prioritizes eco-consciousness. From superior insulation surpassing code requirements to energy-efficient LED lighting and solar-ready infrastructure, the home epitomizes environmental stewardship without compromising on style or comfort. Functionality meets charm in the heart of the home—the integrated kitchen, living, and dining areas—which serve as focal points for family interaction and engagement. Additionally, special provisions such as a dedicated study area for children and a whimsical loft enhance the home's livability and charm. In essence, our design isn't just a structure—it's a canvas for vibrant family life, where innovation meets intimacy, and sustainability coexists with style. Welcome to our Dahl House—a haven designed for interactive living, where every detail fosters connection and coziness.

Island Breeze,” situated on the bayfront of Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, FL, epitomizes an unparalleled balance of style, craftsmanship, sustainability, and low maintenance. Drawing inspiration from the Abaco Islands, the home gracefully unites historical elegance and modern simplicity, creating a luxurious waterfront retreat. The exterior’s radius roof lines, adorned with cedar shake, hand-bent copper roofs, and Carolina brick, resonate with timeless craftsmanship and a family’s cherished memories. Inside, spaces like the great room with a soaring fireplace and hand-carved coral mantle exude elegance. The kitchen stands as a beacon of sophistication, adorned with Calcatta gold marble countertops and custom cabinetry. Environmental stewardship interweaves throughout, with features like a geothermal HVAC system, sustainably sourced cedar shake roof, spray foam insulation, certified green framing lumber and windows/doors, and a community solar program. These elements synergize to create a high-performance, low-maintenance, and stunningly beautiful home. Every detail, from the light blue louvered shutters to the antique mirrors and brass lattice, reflects a meticulous focus on design and functionality. “Island Breeze” transcends traditional homebuilding, embodying a perfect blend of luxurious aesthetics, innovative design, unmatched craftsmanship, and responsible sustainability, setting a new benchmark in custom home design. “Island Breeze” sets an industry benchmark, masterfully balancing style, craftsmanship, sustainability, and low maintenance.

One of the USA’s most sustainable family homes, constructed with the extensive use of Accoya wood, has been awarded platinum level LEED certification – the highest recognition available from the US Green Building Council. The 4,211 sq. ft. custom built single family residence in California’s desirable Newport Beach has become a benchmark in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes and will serve as an educational tool for the local and international community to showcase stewardship of the environment. Accoya was used for the fascia of the house, as well as for additional features including the balcony railing, rain screen siding, garage doors, jamb and decorative beams.

Prior to moving into their new home, these clients came to San Luis Kitchen to change out the kitchen. They wanted a contemporary kitchen with hints of the traditional and homey. Nice appliances, obscure glass doors for displaying dinnerware, and open shelves for crockery partnered with the brick fireplace make soften the sleek lines of the cabinets and counters. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry: Sonoma

This large kitchen is the hub of an active Bed & Breakfast on California's central coast. This wall of tall cabinets provides pantry storage for all the fixin's and display space for the hostess's china collection. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, Brookhaven's Winfield

Winner of Preservation Texas Award for Stewardship
Example of a mountain style bedroom design in Dallas