This beach house was not only dated but the kitchen was suffering from a wall that closed it off and a peninsula that cut the space in half. Those were the first things we corrected. The wall was removed which opened the space up. The new layout has a large island instead of the peninsula for better flow and entertaining. This home is across the street from the beach so our design cues came from the ocean and natural surroundings. Our color pallet is white and coastal blue for the cabinets. The new luxury vinyl plank floor is light like the sand. The glass backsplash tile and quartz countertops carry the coastal feel. The main bathroom for the lower level is off the kitchen. We improved the shower size and updated all of the finishes. This beach house is now bright and open with a warm coastal feel.

This bathroom needed help as it was tired, dated and cramped! The vanity area was open to the master bedroom and sandwiched between a closet and existing bathroom wall. Behind the bathroom wall, was a second sink, a small walk-in shower and the commode. A poorly placed linen closet ate into the area and there was a soffit over the shower adding to the cramped feeling. The ceiling was cluttered with old-school heating lamps, flush-mount fixtures and ventilation grills. The “movie star” lighting meant to add some glamour only made the bathroom feel dated and sad. Our clients wanted to bring this bathroom to life. We built a wall and added a door between the bedroom and bathroom to ensure more privacy and define the space. In addition, we removed the wall separating the actual bathroom and vanity area to make the master bathroom larger. The linen closet was also taken out so the shower could be expanded significantly. Our homeowner had recently suffered a knee injury so they were looking for future solutions that would work for them as they continued to age. We made the shower large enough to include a bench and installed a handheld sprayer located near the seat. Shower walls were reinforced so that when the day came that a grab bar was needed, they would be ready. We added a tall cabinet that featured two, deep rollouts and interior shelving to keep linens and bathroom supplies organized. Beneath the sinks, we included rollout drawers so items would not get lost in those dark areas under the plumbing. Everything that had been cluttering the ceiling was removed including the shower soffit and heat lamp. With those gone, we added evenly-spaced, recessed ceiling lights to help brighten the space making it safer and more practical. We chose a custom blue-green paint for the cabinets which was understated enough to provide a sense of serenity while still offering a splash of color to help liven up the room. Walnut-framed mirrors added a touch of warmth and the patterned floor tile made the whole room fun! An old bathroom came alive!

The Dove White Glaze is one of our most popular traditional style cabinets for those searching for white cabinets with a glaze. The door style is a raised panel beautified with a hand drawn dark brown glaze. Similar to our White and Grey Shaker, what makes this line unique is the door is made from a one piece solid wood which means not only does it look clean and sleek; it is not prone to the issue white colored cabinets suffer from shrinkage and expansion. The most common issue for white cabinets with a five piece construction is when there is shrinkage or expansion, the lines from the joint or seams will be distorted and noticeable, but this does not happen in our Dove White Glaze cabinets due to the door being a one piece construction. Alone, the cabinets look gorgeous, but when combined with crown molding, decorative fillers, and other accessories, you must see it to believe how magnificent they truly look. Other great ideas to spruce up your kitchen with traditional style cabinets include: a high low or staggered height wall cabinet, decorative doors, different array of islands with pillars/columns, or even adding the cabinets in your bathroom and laundry room. The quality does not just stop at the door. If we dive deeper into this cabinet line, we will see that the cabinet comes with soft close hinges and drawer glides, dovetailed full extension drawers, a full piece plywood back panel, and 5/8” plywood box. Do not let the low price for the quality you are receiving deceive you. The low cost is possible only because we own the factory and only supply ourselves to bring homeowners quality & uniqueness at an affordable price. Don’t just take our word for it, order a sample door here and you be the judge!

This beautiful colonial in Marion, Massachusetts is even more gorgeous with its new GAF Timberline HD roof! There is more to a roof than shingles – in fact there are several components to a professionally installed GAF Lifetime Roofing System. Here is the anatomy of our Marion homeowner’s roof: GAF Timberline HD Shingles Marion, MAGAF Timberline HD Roof Shingles: A beautiful architectural shingle at an affordable price! This is our most popular roof shingle here at Care Free Homes! Our Marion customer selected the classic color, Charcoal. This high performance shingle features a 130 mph wind rating and highest possible fire rating. Underlayment: A felt/paper product that is installed over the entire roof deck, underlayment provides an additional layer of protection between the roof deck and the roof shingles. Ice Dam and Water Shield: After a brutal winter and unprecedented snow fall, many New England homes suffered damage from ice dams. Ice Dam and Water Shield provides added protection for eves, rakes, valleys as well as flashed areas around vent pipes, chimneys, dormers, and skylights. Whether it’s a winter wonderland or a hurricane, this homeowner will not have to worry about ice dams or driving rain. GAF Timberline HD, Marion, MA Dormers Premium Aluminum Drip Edge: Installed along the rakes, drip edge serves several purposes. It improves the efficiency of water shedding, prevents leaking from a wind-driven rain as well as movement between the deck and fascia boards. Drip edge also keeps pesky insects from infiltrating the space between the roof deck and the fascia boards. With a choice of three colors, white, brown and gray, it provides a finished look for a roof. GAF Pro-Start Eave/Rake Starter Strip: Every story has a beginning and every roof should have a starter strip. Here in New England we’ve got to have our roof be tougher than mother nature. To prevent shingle blow off, an ultra-adhered starter strip properly secures shingles in place during a storm. In contrast, the amateur roofer will often use cut-up shingles as a starter course. This weakened “starter course” lowers the wind resistance of a roof and makes it more susceptible to both wind and water damage. With straighter edges, Dura-Grip adhesive, and outstanding warranties – starter strip will provide beauty, performance and peace of mind. GAF Cobra Ridge Vent: Ridge vents provide necessary airflow to remove excess heat and moisture in an attic. It inhibits the growth of mold and protects the health of the homeowners as well as their stored possessions. A properly vented attic will also protect homes in harsh winter climates from ice damming. Why wait? Contact us today and make your house a Care Free home!

After years of suffering through a poorly designed kitchen that didn’t meet her needs, our client made the difficult decision to re-remodel her kitchen. Now that the kitchen is complete, she's happier than ever in her new kitchen. What used to be a space that was intimidating and difficult to use has become a place designed specifically for her needs, where every appliance and shelf is within comfortable reach and the design is tailored exactly to her personal style.

The living room in The Maslow House at Flanders Mill. Many Montanans suffer some degree of seasonal affective disorder during the long winter months. To help, generous windows and crisp white walls pipe daylight into every corner of the home's common spaces.

Kitchen — Project Description (Bolton, CT) (Full Renovation • Reconfiguration • Architectural Corrections) The original kitchen suffered from spatial imbalance and limited functionality: the right side was visually and physically heavy with cabinetry and appliances, the 135-degree angled walls lacked symmetry due to a missing window on the driveway side, and the small island could only seat two. Circulation was obstructed by a desk positioned in the main traffic flow, and the low French door felt disproportionate in scale compared to the large windows and adjacent two-story Great Room. Major Structural & Functional Improvements Repositioned window on the front elevation to the right, creating a long-desired view to the driveway while freeing space for a centered cooktop and statement hood — visually aligning with the Great Room’s redesigned fireplace focal wall. Installed a new custom sliding door, significantly taller and wider than the original French door. This upgrade enhances natural light, visually opens the kitchen to the deck, and provides unobstructed traffic flow thanks to its sliding operation. New Kitchen Layout & Enhanced Functionality Designed an entirely new layout centered around a 10' double-slab island, providing expansive workspace and a natural gathering zone. Added conversational seating for the whole family, allowing comfortable interaction on all sides of the island. Introduced purpose-designed storage solutions, including pullouts, rollouts, spice towers, tray organizers, and deep drawers to maximize usability. Reallocated the desk area to a dedicated window spot overlooking the backyard, removing it from traffic paths and improving both functionality and comfort. Cabinetry & Architectural Detailing Custom two-tone cabinetry in soft white and a serene blue-green tone reflects the visual language of the adjacent Great Room, creating whole-home cohesion. Installed lit upper glass cabinets along the entire perimeter, balancing vertical proportions and creating an elegant display band throughout the kitchen. A custom range hood was designed and painted to match the base cabinetry, becoming a focal point framed by symmetrical windows. Surfaces, Lighting & Finishes The island features a double-thickness quartz slab with a soft ogee radius for a timeless, furniture-like feel. A full-height, handcrafted aqua subway tile backsplash introduces depth, texture, and a gentle reflective quality. New layered lighting concept, including recessed lights, pendants, task lighting, and integrated cabinet lighting, ensures a warm and functional workspace at any time of day.

After years of suffering through a poorly designed kitchen that didn’t meet her needs, our client made the difficult decision to re-remodel her kitchen. Now that the kitchen is complete, she's happier than ever in her new kitchen. What used to be a space that was intimidating and difficult to use has become a place designed specifically for her needs, where every appliance and shelf is within comfortable reach and the design is tailored exactly to her personal style.

The Master Bath needed some updates as it suffered from an out of date, extra large tub, a very small shower and only one sink. Keeping with the Mood, a new larger vanity was added in a beautiful dark green with two sinks and ample drawer space, finished with gold framed mirrors and two glamorous gold leaf sconces. Taking in a small linen closet allowed for more room at the shower which is enclosed by a dramatic black framed door. Also, the old tub was replaced with a new alluring freestanding tub surrounded by beautiful marble tiles in a large format that sits under a deco glam chandelier. All warmed by the use of gold fixtures and hardware.

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units. 330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans. The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates. Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality; Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city. To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside. We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building. Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique. It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space. All images by KURV Architecture ©

JLC was charged with transforming a 35 year old home which had suffered a remodel or two into a cohesive and modern home. Sustainable design principles were placed at the forefront of the design process alongside functionality and aesthetics. The end result is a roughly 3,000 sf home that is both comfortable and beautiful. The exterior palette is defined by Resysta siding and decking, acrylic stucco, a standing seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors. At the interiors white oak and walnut cabinetry throughout bring natural warmth to the clean, white interior. The home achieved LEED Platinum in 2017 and was featured on the San Diego Green Building Council’s 2017 Green Homes Tour. Project website: neuhaus-encinitas.blogspot.com

What does a roof deck look like when every part of the roof, even areas deemed uninhabitable and structurally weak, is utilized and optimized? This large midcentury home on the edge of Presidio National Park in San Francisco had an incredible location and views. But the original roof deck suffered from poor design detailing that had rendered it a leaking, deteriorating mess. Even worse, the previous owner had covered three roof areas surrounding the deck with river stones, structurally overloading the building and endangering its occupants. We removed the river stones and everything else down to the framing. An expertly detailed drainage and waterproofing system underlies everything above. The deck and access stairs are surfaced with durable and refined porcelain pavers. The guardrail is made from custom stainless steel supports with clear, low-iron, laminated glass spanning between for an unobstructed view. Heated seats make watching the chilly fog roll in through the gate comfy. Planting and greenery surround the deck. The type varies depending on structural conditions- a deep planter sits on top of a structural wall, sedums in shallow soil occupy the strong edges of the surrounding rooftops, and faux grass turf fills out the middle in areas that can’t support the weight of wet soil.

The original Master bath suffered a tiny shower and a tub that was never used. It was very dark and cavernous and needed some softness to oppose angled walls. The tub was removed to make a larger, more accessible shower. The desired style was modern but not severe. We installed Cambria Britannica quartz slab with large veining and soft flowing movement on all the shower walls. A dark floor grounds the space. A combination of light walls, and sleek floating cabinets, creates an overall softness in this Modern Masterpiece.

The homeowners loved the lot this home sat on, but it lacked a garage and the exterior suffered from years of deferred maintenance before they purchased. With new siding, windows, roof, and an attached two-car garage addition with bonus room above, they have more living and storage space, and a clearly dedicated path to the front door — the addition also added a foyer. Corrugated metal accents add interest. Photo by Liz Smutko

Close to Lincoln Center Plaza, two existing apartments were combined into a single custom tailored 4-bedroom residence. Characteristic with other buildings from the same post-war era, the existing apartments suffered greatly from a low, monotonous ceiling slab. To break up the ceiling, floating planes containing low-profile LED recessed lighting were incorporated throughout. Grey-washed birch veneer millwork is seen as you enter into the new foyer space. A blackened steel inlaid panel serves as a datum that continues throughout the apartment, wrapping the entry unit and extending around the corner to then transform into a floating bookshelf. The unit not only divides the entry area from the Living room, but also serves its utilitarian purpose on the foyer side as coat and storage closets, and then an entertaining function on the opposing side with a TV niche and custom liquor bar. Whitewashed rift and quartered white oak floors were used to brighten the space. In the kitchen, marble counters extend up the wall and onto the ceiling marking the separation of the kitchen/dining area from the living room/entry area. The kid’s room contains a custom curved desk area built beneath the bay windows to take advantage of the views. In the master bedroom, the blackened steel inlay reappears inset into the wardrobe wall unit.

The Master Bath needed some updates as it suffered from an out of date, extra large tub, a very small shower and only one sink. Keeping with the Mood, a new larger vanity was added in a beautiful dark green with two sinks and ample drawer space, finished with gold framed mirrors and two glamorous gold leaf sconces. Taking in a small linen closet allowed for more room at the shower which is enclosed by a dramatic black framed door. Also, the old tub was replaced with a new alluring freestanding tub surrounded by beautiful marble tiles in a large format that sits under a deco glam chandelier. All warmed by the use of gold fixtures and hardware.

When this 6,000-square-foot vacation home suffered water damage in its family room, the homeowners decided it was time to update the interiors at large. They wanted an elegant, sophisticated, and comfortable style that served their lives but also required a design that would preserve and enhance various existing details. To begin, we focused on the timeless and most interesting aspects of the existing design. Details such as Spanish tile floors in the entry and kitchen were kept, as were the dining room's spirited marine-blue combed walls, which were refinished to add even more depth. A beloved lacquered linen coffee table was also incorporated into the great room's updated design. To modernize the interior, we looked to the home's gorgeous water views, bringing in colors and textures that related to sand, sea, and sky. In the great room, for example, textured wall coverings, nubby linen, woven chairs, and a custom mosaic backsplash all refer to the natural colors and textures just outside. Likewise, a rose garden outside the master bedroom and study informed color selections there. We updated lighting and plumbing fixtures and added a mix of antique and new furnishings. In the great room, seating and tables were specified to fit multiple configurations – the sofa can be moved to a window bay to maximize summer views, for example, but can easily be moved by the fireplace during chillier months. Project designed by Boston interior design Dane Austin Design. Dane serves Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/oyster-harbors-estate

The original bunk room featured bright blue carpet, green blue and red wallpaper coupled with maple trim. Contrasted with the existing country cabinets in the kitchen, log home features in the living / dining area and the Tuscan bathroom off the foyer ... to say the house suffered from an identity crisis is an understatement. We decided to re-imagine this space and create a fun yet functional bunk room that compliments the rustic industrial design throughout the rest of the property. Photo Credit: TraceJordan Properties

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units. 330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans. The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates. Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality; Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city. To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside. We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building. Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique. It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space. All images by KURV Architecture ©