Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Both chic and sleek, this streamlined Art Modern-influenced home is the equivalent of a work of contemporary sculpture and includes many of the features of this cutting-edge style, including a smooth wall surface, horizontal lines, a flat roof and an enduring asymmetrical appeal. Updated amenities include large windows on both stories with expansive views that make it perfect for lakefront lots, with stone accents, floor plan and overall design that are anything but traditional. Inside, the floor plan is spacious and airy. The 2,200-square foot first level features an open plan kitchen and dining area, a large living room with two story windows, a convenient laundry room and powder room and an inviting screened in porch that measures almost 400 square feet perfect for reading or relaxing. The three-car garage is also oversized, with almost 1,000 square feet of storage space. The other levels are equally roomy, with almost 2,000 square feet of living space in the lower level, where a family room with 10-foot ceilings, guest bedroom and bath, game room with shuffleboard and billiards are perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, the second level has more than 2,100 square feet and includes a large master bedroom suite complete with a spa-like bath with double vanity, a playroom and two additional family bedrooms with baths.

The design leans modern while maintaining warmth through transitional elements. Perimeter cabinetry in L&C Shallow Green introduces a muted, earthy tone that moves away from traditional white kitchens while still keeping the space light and inviting. The cabinet style remains shaker but with slimmer profiles and minimal detailing, paired with Amerdeco brushed satin hardware featuring clean, straight bar pulls. Calacatta Elysio countertops add subtle movement and contrast, while the Zellige Pearl Opal backsplash in a horizontal stacked layout delivers a clean, modern texture that is enhanced by under-cabinet lighting. A Kraus Kore stainless steel apron-front sink provides a streamlined, modern take on a classic feature, and a Z Line stainless steel range hood serves as a strong visual focal point with its exposed chimney design. Decorative end panels and consistent cabinetry throughout maintain a cohesive and intentional look.

This modern primary bathroom exudes a bold, sophisticated ambiance with dark, moody tones and high-end finishes. The floating double vanity in a rich, dark wood stain provides a sleek and streamlined look, topped with a dramatic stone countertop that adds depth and texture. Matte black fixtures and minimalist hardware enhance the contemporary aesthetic, creating a seamless and cohesive design. The walls are finished with a mix of matte black tile and smooth surfaces, adding contrast and dimension, while the hexagonal floor tiles introduce geometric interest and a touch of softness. A glass-enclosed shower with oversized hex tiles continues the sleek, modern theme while maintaining an open and airy feel. Strategically placed vertical sconces beside the arched mirrors provide warm, ambient lighting, balancing the room’s dark tones with a soft, inviting glow. The combination of black, gray, and warm wood elements makes this bathroom a luxurious retreat, blending elegance with a bold, modern edge.

Enjoy casual elegance and abundant sunlight in this modern kitchen nook, perfect for everyday dining and gathering with family and friends. The glass-top dining table, paired with stylish metal chairs, creates an inviting yet sleek atmosphere. Large windows and sliding glass doors fill the room with natural light, highlighting tasteful contemporary artwork and chic decorative accents placed atop streamlined console tables. The statement linear chandelier adds a touch of modern sophistication, completing the fresh, airy feel of this thoughtfully designed space. Beautiful hardwood floors and subtle wall tones blend harmoniously, making this kitchen nook a delightful area for relaxing meals and warm conversations.

This North York home renovation was designed to perfectly suit a vibrant professional couple, their two active teenagers, and their pets, combining beauty and functionality to match their busy lifestyle. The home needed a functional overhaul, particularly in the kitchen, powder room, master ensuite, and underutilized basement. The clients, eager for an upgrade but short on time, entrusted the project to a team that prioritized communication, thoughtful design, and a seamless process. The kitchen was completely reimagined with custom cabinetry, maximizing storage and accessibility. A redesigned island now allows access from all sides, improving flow for cooking and family gatherings. New countertops, contemporary flooring, and a balanced mix of crisp tiles and warm wall tones created a cohesive, inviting atmosphere. The master ensuite was transformed into a luxurious retreat with elegant stone-style tiles, an expanded glass-enclosed shower, and a striking tiled feature wall framing the bathtub, delivering both beauty and improved functionality. To refresh the powder room and entryway on a budget, professional grout cleaning gave existing tiles a new life. Modern lighting and bright wallpaper added charm and energy, welcoming guests into the home. The basement, tailored for the teens and pets, became a cozy entertainment space, separated by subtle partitions for added privacy and comfort. One notable challenge involved seamlessly transitioning between wood-look porcelain tiles in the kitchen and the existing hardwood floors—a task achieved through careful planning and execution, ensuring a flawless blend. A highlight of the project came when the client saw the near-final result and expressed amazement at the transformation, calling it a “WOW factor.” The result is a home that perfectly balances style and practicality. The streamlined kitchen, spa-like ensuite, refreshed powder room, and tailored basement now enhance daily life and encourage quality time as a family. This project stands as a testament to thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship, creating a space that reflects the family’s energy and personality while supporting their needs for years to come.

This kitchen remodel blends bold design with everyday functionality, creating a space that feels both modern and timeless. The deep, rich cabinetry adds a dramatic foundation, beautifully contrasted by sleek quartz countertops with subtle veining that bring light and elegance into the space. A custom island sits at the center, offering additional prep space, seating, and a natural gathering point for family and guests. The backsplash features a unique geometric tile pattern that adds texture and visual interest while maintaining a clean, cohesive look. Under-cabinet lighting enhances both the functionality and ambiance, highlighting the details and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Stainless steel appliances and a streamlined hood complete the space, combining performance with a polished finish.

The Sand Cliffs project was a great modern dwelling built by Artisan Builders of Seagrove Beach in Florida. We constructed walnut cabinets throughout the kitchen and master bath. They incorporated a horizontal plank and an integrated, recessed finger pull within the wood for a very streamlined, modern look. This helped to accentuate the striking grain pattern and beautiful, varied wood tones of the walnut. The floating walnut shelves incorporated recessed led lights. Many design aspects, not just the cabinets of this house came together to create a great example of a modern beach dwelling that has a warm, inviting feel with rich color tones and contrast without feeling fussy and over the top. This was a pleasure to take part in. Photographer: Eric Marcus

Step inside and take a tour of this waterfront kitchen. The space opens with an expansive island topped with a clean, light surface and wrapped in warm Mouser cabinetry that immediately feels inviting. The microwave is discreetly built into the island with a pull out design, keeping the space clean while making access easy. Classic pendant lighting adds just the right amount of contrast while keeping everything bright and open. As you move through the kitchen, crisp white cabinetry creates a timeless backdrop and guides you toward the cooking area, anchored by a statement Wolf range and a custom hood that blends seamlessly into the design. The main refrigerator and dishwasher are fully integrated with custom cabinetry panels, allowing them to disappear into the design rather than stand out. At the sink, a Kohler faucet adds a polished, functional touch that works just as well for everyday use as it does when entertaining. Just beyond the main kitchen is a custom coffee bar designed to feel like a destination of its own. When open, it offers a beautifully detailed space for slow mornings and hosting. When not in use, two custom doors close to keep the kitchen looking clean and streamlined. Nearby, a Sub Zero wine refrigerator is thoughtfully placed for easy access when guests are over. Every detail in this kitchen was chosen to complement the home’s waterfront setting, creating a space that feels comfortable, elevated, and meant to be enjoyed.

This lovely Mountain Modern Home in Littleton, Colorado is perched at the top of a hill, allowing for beautiful views of Chatfield Reservoir and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The pink and orange sunsets viewed from the front of this home are breathtaking. Our team custom designed the large pivoting front door and sized it at an impressive 5' x 9' to fit properly with the scale of this expansive home. We thoughtfully selected the streamlined rustic exterior materials and the sleek black framed windows to complement the home's modern exterior architecture. Wild grasses and native plantings, selected by the landscape architect, complete the exterior. Our team worked closely with the builder and the landscape architect to create a cohesive mix of stunning native materials and finishes. Stone retaining walls allow for a charming walk-out basement patio on the side of the home. The lower-level patio area connects to the upper backyard pool area with a custom iron spiral staircase. The lower-level patio features an inviting seating area that looks as if it was plucked directly from the Italian countryside. A round stone firepit in the middle of this seating area provides warmth and ambiance on chilly nights.

This bespoke kitchen cabinetry showcases inset face frame construction, a timeless and refined technique where the cabinet doors and drawer fronts are precisely fitted within the frame openings. This style offers clean lines, a flush front, and a high-end furniture-like appearance, emphasizing craftsmanship and precision. The cabinet design features a mix of slab and shaker doors for a balanced aesthetic—slab drawer fronts bring a modern, streamlined look, while the shaker doors offer classic character and subtle detail. This thoughtful combination blends contemporary minimalism with traditional warmth. All cabinetry is finished in a soft, cheerful butter yellow—a warm, creamy hue that adds a cozy, inviting glow to the space without overpowering. It pairs beautifully with both natural wood and neutral countertops, contributing to a fresh, uplifting ambiance. A standout element is the pocket door pantry cabinet, cleverly designed with doors that slide back into the cabinet sides to reveal a full-height storage area. This feature is ideal for small appliances, coffee stations, or a hidden pantry setup, allowing for both functionality and a tidy appearance when closed.

This stunning Avon Lake renovation showcases a thoughtfully reimagined kitchen and dining space, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. The project began with a reconfiguration of the kitchen, expanding it into the former dining room to create a spacious, open-concept layout perfect for entertaining and family gatherings. The hearth room was transformed into a sophisticated new dining room, complete with an updated fireplace and a stunning chandelier, adding warmth and elegance to the space. The centerpiece of this luxury kitchen remodel is its striking design and high-end finishes. The countertops and backsplash feature quartzite “Australian Pearl,” offering a luxurious, natural aesthetic. Custom Mullet cabinetry elevates the design, with white inset beaded cabinets paired with rich cherry wood cabinets on the islands for a striking contrast. Top Knobs honey bronze hardware adds a warm, polished touch, while paneled appliances seamlessly integrate into the cabinetry for a sleek, cohesive look. This kitchen boasts two islands, designed for both practicality and style, and includes two dishwashers by Fisher & Paykel to streamline cleanup. The Fisher & Paykel cooktop and double oven provide professional-grade performance, making this kitchen ideal for avid chefs. Underfoot, beautiful white oak floors tie the space together with warmth and character. Lighting plays a key role in the design, with pendant lighting over the islands and statement fixtures throughout the kitchen and dining areas. Each piece was carefully selected to enhance the ambiance and add a touch of elegance. This custom kitchen renovation in Avon Lake perfectly balances form and function, making it an inviting space for both everyday living and entertaining. With premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and a thoughtful layout, this project is a true showcase of Hurst Design Build Remodel’s commitment to creating dream spaces with timeless appeal.

This modestly sized transitional kitchen lives up to its name with soft and warm accents in every space. A counter-top height arched cutout in the wall separating the living room and kitchen space allows easy arm's length access to the perfect little beverage and coffee bar setup we designed, featuring a bar sink and plentiful base storage flanked by a beautiful decorative backsplash. Many avid cooks love having a recessed chef’s block located somewhere on their kitchen island, and this KI client was no different. Unlike the more traditionally thick chef’s block, the homeowner opted for a thinner and more streamlined design giving it a near flush install with the counter-top. You will notice it strategically located right next to the kitchen sink on one of the two facing islands with double pullout trash storage below to conveniently brush the chopped leftovers into and stainless dishwasher on the left. On the other side of this island, we designed in a stainless under-counter beverage refrigerator with pull-out trash to the left. A transitional induction cooktop rests on the other island just across from the seating area, giving the homeowner the option to easily converse with family and friends while cooking a meal. Just below the cooktop, you will notice plentiful pullout storage for pots and pans. Last but certainly not least is the creatively designed side-by-side Frigidaire stainless refrigerator and freezer encased in a custom built box stained to match the beige cabinets throughout the kitchen. They are flanked on either side by floating shelves with base pullout storage on the left and an under-counter oven on the right. All of these features combined with the tile flooring and ceiling accented by weathered wood beams and rustic hanging light fixture give this kitchen a truly warm and inviting glow.

Builder: Mike Schaap Builders Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Both chic and sleek, this streamlined Art Modern-influenced home is the equivalent of a work of contemporary sculpture and includes many of the features of this cutting-edge style, including a smooth wall surface, horizontal lines, a flat roof and an enduring asymmetrical appeal. Updated amenities include large windows on both stories with expansive views that make it perfect for lakefront lots, with stone accents, floor plan and overall design that are anything but traditional. Inside, the floor plan is spacious and airy. The 2,200-square foot first level features an open plan kitchen and dining area, a large living room with two story windows, a convenient laundry room and powder room and an inviting screened in porch that measures almost 400 square feet perfect for reading or relaxing. The three-car garage is also oversized, with almost 1,000 square feet of storage space. The other levels are equally roomy, with almost 2,000 square feet of living space in the lower level, where a family room with 10-foot ceilings, guest bedroom and bath, game room with shuffleboard and billiards are perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, the second level has more than 2,100 square feet and includes a large master bedroom suite complete with a spa-like bath with double vanity, a playroom and two additional family bedrooms with baths.

Updated Spec Home: Basement Bathroom In our Updated Spec Home: Basement Bath, we reveal the newest addition to my mom and sister’s home – a half bath in the Basement. Since they were spending so much time in their Basement Family Room, the need to add a bath on that level quickly became apparent. Fortunately, they had unfinished storage area we could borrow from to make a nice size 8′ x 5′ bath. Working with a Budget and a Sister We were working with a budget, but as usual, my sister and I blew the budget on this awesome patterned tile flooring. (Don’t worry design clients – I can stick to a budget when my sister is not around to be a bad influence!). With that said, I do think this flooring makes a great focal point for the bath and worth the expense! On the Walls We painted the walls Sherwin Williams Sea Salt (SW6204). Then, we brought in lots of interest and color with this gorgeous acrylic wrapped canvas art and oversized decorative medallions. All of the plumbing fixtures, lighting and vanity were purchased at a local big box store. We were able to find streamlined options that work great in the space. We used brushed nickel as a light and airy metal option. As you can see this Updated Spec Home: Basement Bath is a functional and fabulous addition to this gorgeous home. Be sure to check out these other Powder Baths we have designed (here and here). And That’s a Wrap! Unless my mom and sister build an addition, we have come to the end of our blog series Updated Spec Home. I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I enjoyed being a part of making this Spec House a warm, inviting, and gorgeous home for two of my very favorite people!

This stunning Avon Lake renovation showcases a thoughtfully reimagined kitchen and dining space, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. The project began with a reconfiguration of the kitchen, expanding it into the former dining room to create a spacious, open-concept layout perfect for entertaining and family gatherings. The hearth room was transformed into a sophisticated new dining room, complete with an updated fireplace and a stunning chandelier, adding warmth and elegance to the space. The centerpiece of this luxury kitchen remodel is its striking design and high-end finishes. The countertops and backsplash feature quartzite “Australian Pearl,” offering a luxurious, natural aesthetic. Custom Mullet cabinetry elevates the design, with white inset beaded cabinets paired with rich cherry wood cabinets on the islands for a striking contrast. Top Knobs honey bronze hardware adds a warm, polished touch, while paneled appliances seamlessly integrate into the cabinetry for a sleek, cohesive look. This kitchen boasts two islands, designed for both practicality and style, and includes two dishwashers by Fisher & Paykel to streamline cleanup. The Fisher & Paykel cooktop and double oven provide professional-grade performance, making this kitchen ideal for avid chefs. Underfoot, beautiful white oak floors tie the space together with warmth and character. Lighting plays a key role in the design, with pendant lighting over the islands and statement fixtures throughout the kitchen and dining areas. Each piece was carefully selected to enhance the ambiance and add a touch of elegance. This custom kitchen renovation in Avon Lake perfectly balances form and function, making it an inviting space for both everyday living and entertaining. With premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and a thoughtful layout, this project is a true showcase of Hurst Design Build Remodel’s commitment to creating dream spaces with timeless appeal.

This fully renovated coastal modern pool house is a seamless blend of relaxed sophistication and thoughtful design. Crisp white shiplap walls set a breezy, timeless backdrop, complemented by warm wood accents and tailored yet inviting furnishings that create the perfect indoor-outdoor retreat. A custom bar, designed with both style and function in mind, serves as the ultimate entertaining hub, while hidden doors cleverly conceal a storage closet and a spa-like bathroom, maintaining the space’s clean, streamlined aesthetic. Every detail—from the curated finishes to the effortless flow—ensures this pool house is both a stylish escape and an extension of the home’s modern coastal charm.

Barndominiums beautifully blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Take this 3-bedroom gem, for example. Step onto the welcoming porch and enter an open layout encompassing dining, kitchen, and living areas, perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. Discover a rear porch accessible from the mudroom, providing a tranquil retreat. Inside, the master bedroom offers a closet and attached bath for ultimate relaxation. Additional bedrooms feature their own closets, ensuring ample storage. With a common bath and convenient laundry area, daily routines are streamlined. This Barndominium creates an inviting sanctuary for all to enjoy.

This stunning kitchen transformation in St Albans is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can completely reimagine a space. Our clients wanted to modernise and brighten their kitchen while keeping utility appliances discreetly out of sight. For this project, we used our EasyTouch handleless cabinetry in a sophisticated pairing of Sand and Taupe, bringing a subtle contrast and warmth to the room. The base units were finished in Taupe Grey, grounding the space with a sleek, contemporary tone. The overhead cabinets in Sand added a lighter, beige-toned lift that opens up the room beautifully. The result is a refined, layered look that feels both modern and inviting. Algarve Quartz worktops in Blanco Snow elevate the design with a crisp, polished surface, complemented by a matching quartz splashback behind the hob for a seamless finish. To maximise both form and function, we extended the peninsular area for additional worktop space and created a special freezer larder unit alongside a stylish wine and coffee niche. Siemens appliances were chosen for their sleek design and advanced performance, which are seamlessly integrated into the layout. The result is a beautifully streamlined kitchen with hidden functionality, soft tones, and a layout that works perfectly for modern living. Ready to transform your own kitchen? Book a free design consultation with our team today.

Traditional, luxurious materials like mahogany and in-laid stone create a warm and inviting interior space. Custom floating shelves feature hidden lighting for a streamlined look. A spacious walk-in pantry for plenty of storage space for food and small appliances.