Search results for "Substantial enhancements" in Home Design Ideas

A handy, empty-nester couple, nearing retirement, sold their mansion, and purchased a fixer-upper on a sunlit hillside that features the spectacular ocean view of the Channel Islands. ENRarchitects was hired to assist with making minor enhancements to the plan, integrating the lower level parking court, and adding a patio deck. The owner, a retiring engineer, took on the responsibilities of general contracting during construction.
Our collaboration included opening the kitchen to the Living-Dining space, so all can enjoy the ocean view. A balcony was added to second floor Master Study, with a new laundry room below it. Both bathrooms were modestly enlarged to provide more spacious showers. Lastly, the Entry Foyer was opened to ceiling height into the Living Room.
In California, ocean views inherently include relentless west sunshine, and formidable interior heat gain. Multiple design studies explored various means to incorporate shading and solar screening measures to permit the view, and to reduce heat gain. Additional studies featured more substantial proposed additions, including a lower level guest suite, and a detached office.
A key feature, is the addition of a raised, covered entry porch, where passengers and goods can be offloaded, prior to parking on the lower level. The new porch also provides a secondary transition around the structure to the ocean view, split-level patio.
A 2nd phase included the suggestion of rebuilding the lower covered parking to include a roof deck, rooftop guest suite, and solar electricity, which was successfully completed. The property is now mildly reminiscent of the Sea Ranch community.
With the blessing of year-round comfortable weather, and ever-changing, dynamic views, the successfully remodeled home takes full advantage for a new generation of colorful living. (photo by owner)
"We are so happy with the results, and proud you’d include our place in your client list.
We are extremely happy and will always tout your skills."
-Bill & Janice, Camarillo

The Montego outdoor counter table features a striking mix of solid ipe and hand-welded, outdoor-grade stainless steel, making it as durable as it is eye-catching. Montego looks and feels substantial thanks to wide planks of wood that appear to float in the frame without visible screws or nails. Over time, the ipe will age to a rich grey color, enhancing this modern counter table's material mix.

In the expansive primary bedroom, a clever redesign eliminated the need for a closet addition to the house by adding six feet of closet space directly into the oversized room—while still leaving ample space for a four-poster king-size bed and a sitting alcove at the rear of the room. Motorized blackout draperies in embroidered gray-on-white fabric provide effortless light control, with matching sheer shades for soft daytime filtering. The same embroidery appears on the bed shams, creating a cohesive, custom look. A brushed gold bedside lamp with crystal accents and a contemporary square shade adds a touch of modern elegance. The space is framed with substantial crown and base molding, enhancing the room’s sense of proportion and quiet luxury.
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A complete remodel of this entire home provided the flow and functionality our clients hoped for, within a space that befittingly showcased their favourite artwork and unique elements of personal self-expression. An artistic spirit is apparent throughout the home as complementary tones of blues, greys, and whites reflect and enhance the ethereal worlds depicted in their cherished art collection.
Art is just one of the passions of this family, who also required a kitchen suited to their love of cooking. Vast counter space with high-end finishes and substantial storage in the form of elegant cabinetry frame the centrepiece – a beautifully anachronistic oven imported from France. With its pastel cerulean colour, the range draws the eye and evokes the homeowners’ artistic sensibilities.
Similar pops of blue infuse the rest of the home with this cool worldliness, from the refinished bathroom with its walk-in closet, to the décor surrounding the stonework fireplace. This domestic composition is one which could surely fit in alongside our clients’ collection.

A handy, empty-nester couple, nearing retirement, sold their mansion, and purchased a fixer-upper on a sunlit hillside that features the spectacular ocean view of the Channel Islands. ENRarchitects was hired to assist with making minor enhancements to the plan, integrating the lower level parking court, and adding a patio deck. The owner, a retiring engineer, took on the responsibilities of general contracting during construction.
Our collaboration included opening the kitchen to the Living-Dining space, so all can enjoy the ocean view. A balcony was added to second floor Master Study, with a new laundry room below it. Both bathrooms were modestly enlarged to provide more spacious showers. Lastly, the Entry Foyer was opened to ceiling height into the Living Room.
In California, ocean views inherently include relentless west sunshine, and formidable interior heat gain. Multiple design studies explored various means to incorporate shading and solar screening measures to permit the view, and to reduce heat gain. Additional studies featured more substantial proposed additions, including a lower level guest suite, and a detached office.
A key feature, is the addition of a raised, covered entry porch, where passengers and goods can be offloaded, prior to parking on the lower level. The new porch also provides a secondary transition around the structure to the ocean view, split-level patio.
A 2nd phase included the suggestion of rebuilding the lower covered parking to include a roof deck, rooftop guest suite, and solar electricity, which was successfully completed. The property is now mildly reminiscent of the Sea Ranch community.
With the blessing of year-round comfortable weather, and ever-changing, dynamic views, the successfully remodeled home takes full advantage for a new generation of colorful living. (photo by owner)
"We are so happy with the results, and proud you’d include our place in your client list.
We are extremely happy and will always tout your skills."
-Bill & Janice, Camarillo

THE SETUP
Multiple ovens, multiple workspaces, multiple sinks – when you think about it, non-jewish kitchens have been adapting the criteria of kosher kitchens for years.
Gladys’ clients in West Rogers Park are Orthodox Jewish. The house they bought already had a kosher kitchen – it just wasn’t done that well. It needed some more things to be duplicated for the dairy side and the meat side. Plus, it was dark and the configuration wasn’t very conducive for a family of eight.
It was time for a remodel.
Design Objectives
Improve kosher kitchen
Add more storage in the island
Better lighting
More open, lighter feel
Change the wood floor in the kitchen to tile
THE REMODEL
Design Challenges
- We had originally planned on removing a wing wall by the breakfast area. During demolition, we learned it contained a support beam.
- The kitchen is a substantial size, but having two sinks, dishwashers, and ovens presented a challenge – how do we fit it all in and make it flow with the storage still accessible near the work areas?
Where do you stop the materials for the new space? - -- The right tile, paint, lighting, etc. would be needed to make the remodeled area cohesive with the rest of the main floor.
- An existing column limited cabinet options and thus, storage capacity. Could we conceal it without disrupting the cabinetry flow?
Design Solutions
- We had to keep the wing wall, but decided to continue the tile on the sides of the cabinets and maintain the height of the tile to line up with the rest of the backsplash. This actually presented a very nice and cohesive look, especially since the opposite side has a wing wall to the left of the refrigerator.
- We used “L-shaped” corner sinks instead of the rectangular ones set on an angle. This gave us more of the legs of the triangles versus the hypotenuse, which allowed for the two dishwashers, and the pullout utensil canisters and spice pullouts while still keeping the 3-drawer cabinets on either side of the range (by the sinks). The old island had the recess for stools which the family never used. By extending the width of the island 6” and utilizing this leg space, we were able to fit 18”-deep cabinets on this side – adding lots of accessible storage. The family can now work simultaneously on the dairy side (the side with the fridge) and the meat side (opposite) without getting in each other’s way. We separated the cooking by using the range oven for the meat and a built-in microwave in the base cabinet. The wall oven with built-in microwave on top is for dairy.
- Corner sinks opened up the middle area for a wider range – we went from a 30” to a 36”. Removing all the wall cabinets (on the range wall) made a big difference. That opened up the entire space while adding some visual impact. (Not pictured: We also made the cabinets directly opposite the range wall tall and removed the countertop, resulting in more room for rollouts and even more storage!) The kitchen now has more storage than it did before.
- We ended up painting the ceiling of the kitchen into the hallway that leads to the foyer. The living and dining rooms were separated by a soffit, so that became a natural boundary. We kept the tile in the kitchen by stopping it short of the hallway and lining it up with the pantry wall. This creates a border between the breakfast area and family room. The rest of the existing wood floors were refinished to refresh and make the hue darker. We also painted a dark accent wall and carried it into the breakfast area to make the rooms look deeper.
- The in-the-way column housed plumbing and couldn’t be moved. We still built cabinets in that spot – we just had to build a chase inside it to conceal the pipes. There was still plenty of room for new storage. We also took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. The continuous tall cabinets added a functional elegance to the space.
THE RENEWED SPACE
The client’s long-awaited dream of a better kosher kitchen has finally been achieved, beautifully combining enhanced storage solutions with adherence to the family’s orthodox dietary laws. The kitchen’s standout feature, an expanded island, now offers a spacious and efficient workspace. This allows several family members to cook together comfortably, without the inconvenience of bumping into each other, ensuring a harmonious and productive cooking environment.

The Denver is very practical, and designed for those who favor the open room concept. At over 2700 square feet, it has substantial living space. The living room and kitchen areas are perfect for gathering, and the generous screened in room completes the picture perfect main floor. The loft is open to below and includes a beautiful large master bedroom. With a cathedral ceiling and abundance of windows, this design lets in tons of light, enhancing the most spectacular views. www.timberblock.com

This inviting entryway, expertly designed by Dallas landscape architects, significantly enhances curb appeal and emphasizes stylish outdoor living. A substantial wooden pergola with a corrugated metal roof creates a sheltered and architecturally striking transition to the home. The natural wood tones beautifully complement the brick and siding, adding warmth and visual interest. While detailed landscaping isn't fully visible, the prominent and well-crafted structure strongly suggests a thoughtfully planned outdoor living space just beyond the entrance, ideal for enjoying the North Texas climate. The focus on a covered and aesthetically pleasing entry elevates the home's overall appeal and functionality.

We build high end custom homes and perform large scale renovations in the Charleston area. Our client’s locations range south to Edisto, Kiawah, and Seabrook Island, north to Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Dunes West.
Deep porches with generously appointed finishes complement the substantial presence of our homes. Exterior finishes, enhanced by their surroundings, create a lasting appearance that will stand the test of time. We focus on custom architectural style homes that truly represent the owner’s desires and vision.

The primary bathroom underwent a remarkable transformation during this project. Initially, it featured a cramped, traditional prefabricated shower and an oversized jetted tub that the clients rarely used. To optimize the space and enhance functionality, we made substantial changes. We removed both the shower and the bathtub, allowing us to construct a spacious, tiled, curbless shower in their place.

The Denver is very practical, and designed for those who favor the open room concept. At over 2700 square feet, it has substantial living space. The living room and kitchen areas are perfect for gathering, and the generous screened in room completes the picture perfect main floor. The loft is open to below and includes a beautiful large master bedroom. With a cathedral ceiling and abundance of windows, this design lets in tons of light, enhancing the most spectacular views. www.timberblock.com

The Denver is very practical, and designed for those who favor the open room concept. At over 2700 square feet, it has substantial living space. The living room and kitchen areas are perfect for gathering, and the generous screened in room completes the picture perfect main floor. The loft is open to below and includes a beautiful large master bedroom. With a cathedral ceiling and abundance of windows, this design lets in tons of light, enhancing the most spectacular views. www.timberblock.com

Bright, Airy, and Inviting Living Room Remodel
This stunning living room remodel is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space features a soft, neutral color palette with warm wood floors that provide an inviting foundation for relaxed living and entertaining.
The focal point of the room is the beautifully detailed fireplace, flanked by custom built-in shelving, ideal for displaying curated collections of art, books, and ceramics. A herringbone marble tile surround adds texture and sophistication to the fireplace design.
Sumptuous upholstered seating in creamy, textured fabrics is arranged for easy conversation, centered around a substantial wood coffee table that adds rustic charm. A mix of natural greenery and brass accents throughout the room provides warmth and depth, enhancing the calm and collected aesthetic.
Carefully chosen accessories and layered textiles — from cozy throws to decorative trays and candlesticks — add interest without clutter, making this space feel effortlessly chic and welcoming.
Perfect for both casual gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire, this remodeled living room is a serene retreat that feels timeless yet fresh.

A dilapidated addition at the rear of this Glebe home was removed and replaced. The floor area was increased which made it possible to substantially increase the size of the kitchen while improving the visual connection to the quiet park and pond adjacent to the property.
The room exudes a calm elegance; subtle paint colours and white oak flooring create a tranquil atmosphere, while trim and plaster mouldings are used to highlight and define openings. Two doorways link the kitchen to the formal dining room – making entertaining and hosting dinner parties a dream.
Traditional and antique fixtures and furnishings such as the armoire, the table and chairs in the breakfast nook, glass-fronted cabinetry, and European style windows all enhance the old world charm of the house.
The kitchen features a bay window and sitting area which has picturesque views of the park. A French door gives direct access to the back terrace. A sleek black and stainless faucet and dramatic chandelier create contrast in the all-white kitchen. Caesarstone countertops, glass-front cabinets, and crown mouldings tie into the home’s Parisian-inspired interior.
Photography: Adrien Williams

The steep hillside lot had been developed with a single-family residence (1965), which was at the maximum area for local zoning; therefore, the only way to enlarge the residence was to add a basement. During the cost analysis process, it became clear that supporting the house while creating a basement – and then substantially remodeling the remaining structure – would require far more effort and treasure than to replace the house entirely.
Located just over one mile from the San Andreas Fault, the Owners tasked the design team to find a superior solution to the “Life Safety” standard required by Code. The team combined advances in seismic analysis and building technology to create for the owners one of the most seismically resilient houses built in the US.
The newly designed house takes full advantage of the potential of this beautiful site. The home centers on large public rooms opening to outdoor spaces and the use of natural light. On the top level, the kitchen and family room sit side-by-side creating a shared space, with an expansive floor-to-ceiling folding door system allowing the rooms to open completely to the south-facing upper terrace and garage roof deck. An outdoor cooking area supports both family dinners as well as large gatherings of friends and family. Also on the top level, a living room and lounge area open to a large deck cantilevered high above the ground and oriented to the northern views. The feeling of being “in the trees” enhances the connection to the impressive landscape.

The Denver is very practical, and designed for those who favor the open room concept. At over 2700 square feet, it has substantial living space. The living room and kitchen areas are perfect for gathering, and the generous screened in room completes the picture perfect main floor. The loft is open to below and includes a beautiful large master bedroom. With a cathedral ceiling and abundance of windows, this design lets in tons of light, enhancing the most spectacular views. www.timberblock.com

A handy, empty-nester couple, nearing retirement, sold their mansion, and purchased a fixer-upper on a sunlit hillside that features the spectacular ocean view of the Channel Islands. ENRarchitects was hired to assist with making minor enhancements to the plan, integrating the lower level parking court, and adding a patio deck. The owner, a retiring engineer, took on the responsibilities of general contracting during construction.
Our collaboration included opening the kitchen to the Living-Dining space, so all can enjoy the ocean view. A balcony was added to second floor Master Study, with a new laundry room below it. Both bathrooms were modestly enlarged to provide more spacious showers. Lastly, the Entry Foyer was opened to ceiling height into the Living Room.
In California, ocean views inherently include relentless west sunshine, and formidable interior heat gain. Multiple design studies explored various means to incorporate shading and solar screening measures to permit the view, and to reduce heat gain. Additional studies featured more substantial proposed additions, including a lower level guest suite, and a detached office.
A key feature, is the addition of a raised, covered entry porch, where passengers and goods can be offloaded, prior to parking on the lower level. The new porch also provides a secondary transition around the structure to the ocean view, split-level patio.
A 2nd phase included the suggestion of rebuilding the lower covered parking to include a roof deck, rooftop guest suite, and solar electricity, which was successfully completed. The property is now mildly reminiscent of the Sea Ranch community.
With the blessing of year-round comfortable weather, and ever-changing, dynamic views, the successfully remodeled home takes full advantage for a new generation of colorful living. (photo by owner)
"We are so happy with the results, and proud you’d include our place in your client list.
We are extremely happy and will always tout your skills."
-Bill & Janice, Camarillo

Thoughtfully tucked into an alcove, this built-in cabinet nook blends function and design for a streamlined kitchen experience. The white shaker cabinetry maintains a cohesive look while offering substantial upper and lower storage. A dramatic dark quartz countertop provides durability and contrast, perfect for small appliances or meal prep. The surrounding marble-look backsplash continues the design flow with its elegant veining and neutral tones. Brushed nickel hardware adds a modern finish, enhancing the transitional style of the kitchen. This setup maximizes every square inch, ideal for keeping clutter out of sight while adding visual appeal. A clean, integrated look like this proves that even small spaces can make a big impact.

The Denver is very practical, and designed for those who favor the open room concept. At over 2700 square feet, it has substantial living space. The living room and kitchen areas are perfect for gathering, and the generous screened in room completes the picture perfect main floor. The loft is open to below and includes a beautiful large master bedroom. With a cathedral ceiling and abundance of windows, this design lets in tons of light, enhancing the most spectacular views. www.timberblock.com

This kitchen remodel was designed to make a statement—balancing bold character with refined craftsmanship to create a space that’s both highly functional and visually unforgettable.
At the heart of the design is a striking contrast palette. Crisp white perimeter cabinetry keeps the space bright and open, while rich black lower cabinets and a substantial island ground the room with depth and sophistication. The oversized island serves as both a functional workspace and a central gathering point, topped with a dramatic stone surface that adds movement and texture.
The flooring plays a defining role in the overall aesthetic. A custom black-and-white patterned tile layout introduces energy and personality, transforming the kitchen into a true design centerpiece while maintaining a timeless appeal. This bold foundation is thoughtfully balanced by clean lines, classic shaker cabinetry, and elegant hardware selections.
Functionality was a key driver throughout the project. The layout maximizes workflow efficiency with dedicated zones for cooking, prep, and cleanup. A professional-grade range anchors the island, while the farmhouse sink positioned beneath large windows brings in natural light and enhances the everyday experience. Custom storage solutions—including extended cabinetry, integrated dish storage, and built-in appliance areas—ensure everything has its place without compromising the clean aesthetic.
Lighting was carefully layered to elevate both form and function. Statement pendant fixtures above the island add architectural interest, while recessed lighting provides consistent illumination throughout the space.
The result is a kitchen that feels both elevated and livable—where bold design choices meet practical everyday use. It’s a space designed not just to cook in, but to gather, entertain, and truly enjoy.
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