The vision for my kitchen was to design a space that's chic, practical, and an extension of my personal style. I opted for an updated, contemporary neutral palette, using a soft green cabinetry for a touch of warmth. My favorite of these is the walnut pantry interior, which stores a ton of food, spices, and vitamins, and even has supplemental wine storage.

In order to furnish and style the interior of a modern builder’s show house in Los Feliz, many pieces from the SMJ furniture and accessory collection were supplemented by items from local sources in Los Angeles. This project was featured as an episode on HGTV's "Before and After" show. Paintings by artist Cindy Lopez. Stephen Mark Johnston

This south and west facing kitchen has spectacular sweeping views from Central Park to Columbus Circle. An eleven foot long island accommodates a microwave oven drawer and two supplementary refrigerator drawers as well as seating for three. The 6 burner Wolf range is supplemented with a convenient wall oven and steam oven. The white perimeter cabinets with white Glassos counters harmonize with the light gray island topped with Calacatta marble. The Mosaic House Nejarine tile backsplash unifies the subtle color variations. photo by Josh Nefsky

The Lincoln House is a residence in Rye Brook, NY. The project consisted of a complete gut renovation to a landmark home designed and built by architect Wilson Garces, a student of Mies van der Rohe, in 1961. The post and beam, mid-century modern house, had great bones and a super solid foundation integrated into the existing bedrock, but needed many updates in order to make it 21st-century modern and sustainable. All single pane glass panels were replaced with insulated units that consisted of two layers of tempered glass with low-e coating. New Runtal baseboard radiators were installed throughout the house along with ductless Mitsubishi City-Multi units, concealed in cabinetry, for air-conditioning and supplemental heat. All electrical systems were updated and LED recessed lighting was used to lower utility costs and create an overall general lighting, which was accented by warmer-toned sconces and pendants throughout. The roof was replaced and pitched to new interior roof drains, re-routed to irrigate newly planted ground cover. All insulation was replaced with spray-in foam to seal the house from air infiltration and to create a boundary to deter insects. Aside from making the house more sustainable, it was also made more modern by reconfiguring and updating all bathroom fixtures and finishes. The kitchen was expanded into the previous dining area to take advantage of the continuous views along the back of the house. All appliances were updated and a double chef sink was created to make cooking and cleaning more enjoyable. The mid-century modern home is now a 21st century modern home, and it made the transition beautifully! Photographed by: Maegan Walton

Photo by Mike Casey Cramped, uncomfortable, and out of date: when the owners of this home approached us about renovating their kitchen and adjoining sunroom, these were high on their list of complaints. OPENING UP THE KITCHEN Our plan kept the kitchen in the same location but took down the walls between both the dining room and the sunroom to create an expansive multi-purpose space with spectacular views to conservation land along the back of the property. We removed the powder room and in its place created a window-lined hallway to the living room—opening up direct access between these two previously disconnected spaces. We then built a new half bath between these two rooms, with a door along the back hallway. The result is a more private powder room that is easier to access than before. Significantly improved cabinetry provides ample storage for both human and canine needs. An island countertop is functional and pleasant, enabling the owners to prep for and clean up from dinner all while enjoying the view of the woods behind their house. CREATING COMFORT We also completely rebuilt the sunroom, thickening the framing to allow for extra insulation and raising the roof to accommodate a higher ceiling and tall windows that let in as much natural light as the skylights they replaced, but much less of the solar gain that had made the room so intolerable in the summer. We improved visual connections between spaces and admitted more natural light by converting the framing of the main stairway from full to half walls. We also insulated the attic and replaced an aging, inefficient central air conditioning system with ductless minisplit heat pumps, which can also be used as supplemental heat. All in all, this was our kind of project: we made the home more attractive, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient—all over the course of a single, well-integrated project.

The Doppler sideboards supplement the Doppler coffee table collection designed by Giuseppe Vigano for Bonaldo. They propose the same illusion of overlapping surfaces, whereas actually the doors are made up of a single surface: indeed, it is the combination of various brightly colored graphic patterns that creates this particular optical effect. The asymmetrical opening of the doors is an additional sign of originality. The lacquered wood frame is supported by a solid ash-wood base, in three finishes: natural, grey or painted walnut-wood. Made in Italy Call 1-800-880-7154 for a quote

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

This brownstone renovation was a full gut project in every sense of the word. On top of installing new floors, a kitchen and bath renovation, and all the typical restoration and refinishing involved in a brownstone built in 1899, we also completely updated the exterior, constructed a balcony that was not originally there, and converted the space from a single-family home into an an owner’s triplex. A newly separated studio rental on the garden level offers the opportunity for supplemental income, an uncommon and welcome addition to a New York brownstone. A TRANSITIONAL GEM The result is a two-family brownstone that perfectly combines classic townhouse living with today’s modern needs, including SmartHome technology that we installed to control Bluetooth speakers, Nest thermostats, and the security system. The overall aesthetic goal was to pay homage to the historical periods the brownstone has lived through in a cohesive way that is the hallmark of modern transitional style. In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and marble rather than quartz countertops bring a classically upscale sensibility. To modernize the space further, we opened up the back wall to create floor-to-ceiling windows that are also doors, opening up into the newly built balcony. TIMELY TOUCHES This brownstone renovation included many quintessential elements, such as millwork like the ceiling medallions. We restored some and custom built others, perfectly recreating their original appearance. The heated master bathroom is now serene, with a walk-in shower featuring a subtly modern linear drain. A herringbone Carrera marble tiled floor and marble slab sink complete the scene. In the powder room, we embraced a contemporary look by pairing dark hexagonal floors with light chevron tiles, accented with dramatic navy blue wallpaper. With its clear-cut 1920s-style, we selected the wall sconce to reference one of the brownstone’s earlier eras. DESIGN DETAILS Natural oak herringbone floors we installed throughout the entire home bring a modern yet warm touch. We restored the wood-burning marble fireplace, which is fully functioning. An elegant staircase with a custom-crafted black wooden banister and white balusters winds up and down alongside a real brick interior wall that we restored and refinished. In this brownstone renovation, we were also able to create ceiling height, an unexpected yet aesthetically pleasing side benefit. When working on the joists and beams to level out the floors (a common issue in pre-war renovations) we added ceiling height in the main parlor floor by taking the second floor and raising the ceiling an entire foot. The end result is a main floor with stunning 9-foot ceilings. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Solid natural oak herringbone floors throughout - A fully restored, refinished, and functioning wood burning fireplace with a marble mantle - Complete exterior renovation of the facade, cornices, windows, mouldings, and even the ironwork, including the railings leading up to the stoop and those facing the street - A brand new central air and heating system with uniquely modern vents – look above the couch in the living room with the fuzzy rug and large painting Considering a brownstone renovation? Contact us today! We specialize in brownstone renovations in New York as well as all pre-war apartments. When you work with a design-and-build firm like Gallery to renovate your brownstone, you get the full range of our expertise in working with all the finest details and pre-war architectural elements of these classic New York spaces. We also handle every step of the process, from filing permits and organizing schedules to sourcing custom pieces and building entirely new rooms (or even balconies). Call us for a free initial consultation when you’re ready.

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

Starry Nights Farm, an organic cattle farm in southern Wisconsin, requested a home in line with their sustainability goals: net zero energy, health-promoting, and a functional farmhouse. Durability and resilience were also priorities, so we chose Insulated Concrete Forms as the wall system, and in addition to heat-pump space conditioning, added a pellet stove for supplemental and backup heating.

We borrowed square footage from the bedroom to create a luxurious en suite bathroom. One of the homeowners’ concerns when carving out space for the bathroom was whether it would feel constricted to walk into the room and find a wall right in front of your face. In order to make sure this alcove didn't feel tight, we created a niche with a mirror in the entry alcove to the room. This recessed niche makes the entryway feel roomier while hanging onto the critical space needed for the luxurious bathroom of their dreams. We also designed custom built-ins in lieu of dressers. These drawer/shelf combination units perfectly blend with the white walls and, when supplemented with closet storage, provide clothing storage that is visually quiet and well-composed.

This 4 bedroom (2 en suite), 4.5 bath home features vertical board–formed concrete expressed both outside and inside, complemented by exposed structural steel, Western Red Cedar siding, gray stucco, and hot rolled steel soffits. An outdoor patio features a covered dining area and fire pit. Hydronically heated with a supplemental forced air system; a see-through fireplace between dining and great room; Henrybuilt cabinetry throughout; and, a beautiful staircase by MILK Design (Chicago). The owner contributed to many interior design details, including tile selection and layout.

Inner city residence in the exclusive Mt. Royal neighborhood of Calgary. Front garden includes a low retaining wall and steps that separates the public street from the private residence. Once inside the property the stone walkways, trees and lush planting welcome the visitors to the residence. The rear garden is geared to entertaining and providing a place for the children and family pet to play. The centerpiece of the garden is the outdoor fireplace located on the upper patio that provides an oasis for the family to sit and relax from the downtown core only minutes away. Raised beds allow for extra seating in a more casual environment all supplemented by flowering pots and a lower lawn area for play. The hot tub is located at the basement level patio and only steps away from the man cave complete with poker room, home theatre and bar area fit for a Viking.

A brand-new two bedroom laneway suite with a large balcony, perfect for aging-in-place or supplemental income, complements the renovated exterior on this charming bungalow. A new private porch complete with outdoor heater, ceiling fan and hidden storage completes the transformation. This is a thoughtful alternative to typical inner-city redevelopment, which allows for preservation of the existing home.

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photography: Laura Rockett Photography Design Challenge: MOTIV Interiors created this colorful yet relaxing retreat - a space for guests to unwind and recharge after a long day of exploring Nashville! Luxury, comfort, and functionality merge in this AirBNB project we completed in just 2 short weeks. Navigating a tight budget, we supplemented the homeowner’s existing personal items and local artwork with great finds from facebook marketplace, vintage + antique shops, and the local salvage yard. The result: a collected look that’s true to Nashville and vacation ready!

When the developer found this brownstone on the Upper Westside he immediately researched and found its potential for expansion. We were hired to maximize the existing brownstone and turn it from its current existence as 5 individual apartments into a large luxury single family home. The existing building was extended 16 feet into the rear yard and a new sixth story was added along with an occupied roof. The project was not a complete gut renovation, the character of the parlor floor was maintained, along with the original front facade, windows, shutters, and fireplaces throughout. A new solid oak stair was built from the garden floor to the roof in conjunction with a small supplemental passenger elevator directly adjacent to the staircase. The new brick rear facade features oversized windows; one special aspect of which is the folding window wall at the ground level that can be completely opened to the garden. The goal to keep the original character of the brownstone yet to update it with modern touches can be seen throughout the house. The large kitchen has Italian lacquer cabinetry with walnut and glass accents, white quartz counters and backsplash and a Calcutta gold arabesque mosaic accent wall. On the parlor floor a custom wetbar, large closet and powder room are housed in a new floor to ceiling wood paneled core. The master bathroom contains a large freestanding tub, a glass enclosed white marbled steam shower, and grey wood vanities accented by a white marble floral mosaic. The new forth floor front room is highlighted by a unique sloped skylight that offers wide skyline views. The house is topped off with a glass stair enclosure that contains an integrated window seat offering views of the roof and an intimate space to relax in the sun.

Interior Designer: MOTIV Interiors LLC Photography: Laura Rockett Photography Design Challenge: MOTIV Interiors created this colorful yet relaxing retreat - a space for guests to unwind and recharge after a long day of exploring Nashville! Luxury, comfort, and functionality merge in this AirBNB project we completed in just 2 short weeks. Navigating a tight budget, we supplemented the homeowner’s existing personal items and local artwork with great finds from facebook marketplace, vintage + antique shops, and the local salvage yard. The result: a collected look that’s true to Nashville and vacation ready!

To brighten this living room we added a soothing blue paint to the walls, a crisp white ceiling and trim. For even more light, we added a sun tunnel to bounce more natural light around the space. and supplemented that with ceiling lights on dimmers. We kept the style casual and cozy while still being appropriate with performance fabrics for lounging with beloved pets. We kept the original entertainment center and just gave it a touch up coat of paint.

I found a majority of the accessories and art work for the room at April’s on Main in St. Charles, and then supplemented with a few I found at Pier One Imports and Home Goods. Photo by 618 Creative of Waterloo, IL.