Our long-time clients wanted a bit of outdoor entertainment space at their Boston penthouse, and while there were some challenges due to location and footprint, we agreed to help. The views are amazing as this space overlooks the harbor and Boston’s bustling Seaport below. With Logan Airport just on the other side of the Boston Harbor, the arriving jets are a mesmerizing site as their lights line up in preparation to land. The entire space we had to work with is less than 10 feet wide and 45 feet long (think bowling-alley-lane dimensions), so we worked extremely hard to get as much programmable space as possible without forcing any of the areas. The gathering spots are delineated by granite and IPE wood floor tiles supported on a custom pedestal system designed to protect the rubber roof below. The gas grill and wine fridge are installed within a custom-built IPE cabinet topped by jet-mist granite countertops. This countertop extends to a slightly-raised bar area for the ultimate view beyond and terminates as a waterfall of granite meets the same jet-mist floor tiles… custom-cut and honed to match, of course. Moving along the length of the space, the floor transitions from granite to wood, and is framed by sculptural containers and plants. Low-voltage lighting warms the space and creates a striking display that harmonizes with the city lights below. Once again, the floor transitions, this time back to granite in the seating area consisting of two counter-height chairs. "This purposeful back-and-forth of the floor really helps define the space and our furniture choices create these niches that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.” - Russell The terrace concludes with a large trough planter filled with ornamental grasses in the summer months and a seasonal holiday arrangements throughout the winter. An ‘L’-shaped couch offers a spot for multiple guests to relax and take in the sounds of a custom sound system — all hidden and out of sight — which adds to the magical feel of this ultimate night spot.

Jay Groccia © 2014 Granite Communications, inc.
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Boston

Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

The speckled lobster-colored back splash in the home's basement kitchen, sets up the vibrant energy for the space that extends throughout with bold touches of turquoise and orange.

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Orlando with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

“We could never have envisioned what could be” – Steiner Ranch Homeowner and Client It is an especially fulfilling Project for an Interior Designer when the outcome exceeds Client expectations, and imagination. This remodeling project required instilling modern sensibilities, openness, styles and textures into a dated house that was past its prime. Strategically, the goal was to tear down where it made sense without doing a complete teardown. Starting with the soul of the home, the kitchen, we expanded out room by room to create a cohesiveness and flow that invites, supports and provides the warmth and relaxation that only a home can. In the Kitchen, we started by removing the wooden beams and adding bright recessed lighting. We removed the old limestone accent wall and moved the sink and cooktop from the island on to the countertop – the key goal was to create room for the family to gather around the kitchen. We replaced all appliances with modern Energy Star ones, along with adding a wine rack. The first order of business for the Living Room was to brighten it up by adding more lighting and replacing an unused section with a glass door to the backyard. Multi-section windows were replaced with large no-split glass overlooking the backyard. Once more, the limestone accent was removed to create a clean, modern look. Replacing the dated wooden staircase with the clean lines of a metal, wire and wooded staircase added interest and freshness. An odd bend in the staircase was removed to clean things up. The Master Bedroom went from what looked like a motel room with green carpet and cheap blinds to an oasis of luxury and charm. A section of the wraparound doors were closed off to increase privacy, accentuate the best view from the bedroom and to add usable space. Artwork, rug, contemporary bed and other accent pieces brought together the seamless look across the home. The Master Bathroom remodel started by replacing the standard windows with a single glass pane that enhanced the view of the outdoors. The dated shower was replaced by a walk-in shower and soaking tub to create the ultimate at-home spa experience. Lighted LED mirrors frame His & Hers sinks and bathe them in a soft light. The flooring was upgraded throughout the house to reflect the contemporary color scheme. Each of the smaller bedrooms were similarly upgraded to match the clean and modern décor of the rest of the house. After such a transformation inside, it was only appropriate that the exterior needed an upgrade as well. All of the legacy limestone accents were replaced by stucco and the color scheme extended from the interior of the house to the gorgeous wrap around balconies, trim, garage doors etc. to complete the inside outside transformation.

A new interpretation of utilitarian farm structures. This mountain modern home sits in the foothills of North Carolina and brings a distinctly modern element to a rural working farm. It got its name because it was built to structurally support a series of hammocks that can be hung when the homeowners family comes for extended stays biannually. The hammocks can easily be taken down or moved to a different location and allows the home to hold many people comfortably under one roof. 2016 Todd Crawford Photography

KITCHEN The kitchen’s previous island was totally redesigned for a new show-stopping effect. The counter was extended with two wooden legs for support, wainscot paneling around it with bead boards in the centers, and two custom built island bookcases with backlighting were added to increase the magic. Most of the cabinets were removed to keep a core three cabinets. The sink that was added to the island was double the size of the previous sink for entertaining purposes - major modifications were necessary to shoe horn the sink in. 1X wood boards and crown molding was added to the upper cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen to bring them up to the ceiling. The cabinet above the new refrigerator was custom fabricated to accommodate the new fridge (which was enormous compared to the owners’ previous one) and to match the cabinetry perfectly. The intricate gray tile backsplash throughout the kitchen added color, texture and a dynamic reflection of the under-counter lighting. The counter was redone in Cambria Quartz with an undermount stainless steel sink. New Thermador appliances were installed throughout the kitchen with a beautiful floating hood vent complimented by the ornate tile backsplash.

Rob Sanders Architects was asked to expand an 1856 CT farmhouse which had numerous additions, and to replace the 1920's garage with a separate but connected three-car garage and guest suite. The new garage structure includes a bedroom and bath for frequent long-term visitors as well as a Potting room for the owner's avid gardening interests. A covered porch overlooks the rear paddock, which is used for tent parties and barn dances. The garage is connected to the house by an arcaded covered breezeway, which angles to allow vehicle circulation between old stone farmwalls. The Breezeway opens to a new entry and Mudroom, which features brick and cherrywood floors. A new hallway is lined with wainscoating with a custom pattern taken from the antique trim of the house, and opens to a new kitchen with multiple workstations. The work island features a massive endgrain butcher block work surface, supported by repurposed sea creature finials the owners found in Asia. The kitchen opens to a remodeled Family Room with fieldstone fireplace. Upstairs, a new Master Bedroom suite extends the gable form of the original farmhouse, and has a roof deck to overlook the rear field. The residence incorporates flooring made from old-growth pine and cherry trees harvested, dried, and milled on site. The HVAC system was modernized with a geothermal ground-loop system, reflecting the owners avid concerns about the environment. Photography by David Sloane and Rob Sanders Architects.

This project is another iteration of our cantilevered solution for sites that are best served by 1 line of posts with an extended overhang, thereby keeping the patio and sight lines free of support posts. This project is located in Missouri and the client had a very attractive patio area that needed more vertical definition of the space. The goal was to have an overhang totally ensconced with vines. We trellised the posts and created a cantilever incorporating long tapered rafters.

A family in McLean VA decided to remodel two levels of their home. There was wasted floor space and disconnections throughout the living room and dining room area. The family room was very small and had a closet as washer and dryer closet. Two walls separating kitchen from adjacent dining room and family room. After several design meetings, the final blue print went into construction phase, gutting entire kitchen, family room, laundry room, open balcony. We built a seamless main level floor. The laundry room was relocated and we built a new space on the second floor for their convenience. The family room was expanded into the laundry room space, the kitchen expanded its wing into the adjacent family room and dining room, with a large middle Island that made it all stand tall. The use of extended lighting throughout the two levels has made this project brighter than ever. A walk -in pantry with pocket doors was added in hallway. We deleted two structure columns by the way of using large span beams, opening up the space. The open foyer was floored in and expanded the dining room over it. All new porcelain tile was installed in main level, a floor to ceiling fireplace(two story brick fireplace) was faced with highly decorative stone. The second floor was open to the two story living room, we replaced all handrails and spindles with Rod iron and stained handrails to match new floors. A new butler area with under cabinet beverage center was added in the living room area. The den was torn up and given stain grade paneling and molding to give a deep and mysterious look to the new library. The powder room was gutted, redefined, one doorway to the den was closed up and converted into a vanity space with glass accent background and built in niche. Upscale appliances and decorative mosaic back splash, fancy lighting fixtures and farm sink are all signature marks of the kitchen remodel portion of this amazing project. I don't think there is only one thing to define the interior remodeling of this revamped home, the transformation has been so grand.

Bathroom - 1960s bathroom idea in Austin

The owner's dream was for an elegant, prairie style kitchen. A bearing wall required removal to accomplish this plan. First, we shored up the second floor wall and roof. Electrical, plumbing, drywall and framing were removed from the existing bearing wall. A hole was then cut in the floor for the new steel post. The new steel was delivered into the home. The bearing wall was then removed. We welded a bracket to the side of the existing steel column. The new steel beam was installed on the welded bracket. A new steel column was installed at the opposite of beam, which extended through floor and welded to the steel beam in the crawl space. We framed and installed paneling around the new beam and two posts. General Contractor / Remodel: ED Enterprises, Inc.

This Chappaqua kitchen renovation completely reorganized the space in order to support the family’s needs. The kitchen was extended by six feet to allow room for a walk-in pantry with a built-in desk. The extra space also provided room for more counter space, an eight foot island, and an added wine refrigerator. The tray ceiling is set at the height of the original kitchen, and the rest of the ceiling was dropped to add drama to the space through use of crown molding detailing. All of the cabinetry is custom. The island has bookshelves at both ends, and a space for the dog’s water and food bowls. The quartzite slab backsplash adds a touch of modern sensibility. A fully custom chef’s kitchen gets warmed by the tin tray ceiling and polished nickel fittings. Interior Designer: Adams Interior Design Photo by: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Grilling deck next to screened in porch. All support columns are color keyed to match the project and house.
Home design - transitional home design idea in Atlanta

A family in McLean VA decided to remodel two levels of their home. There was wasted floor space and disconnections throughout the living room and dining room area. The family room was very small and had a closet as washer and dryer closet. Two walls separating kitchen from adjacent dining room and family room. After several design meetings, the final blue print went into construction phase, gutting entire kitchen, family room, laundry room, open balcony. We built a seamless main level floor. The laundry room was relocated and we built a new space on the second floor for their convenience. The family room was expanded into the laundry room space, the kitchen expanded its wing into the adjacent family room and dining room, with a large middle Island that made it all stand tall. The use of extended lighting throughout the two levels has made this project brighter than ever. A walk -in pantry with pocket doors was added in hallway. We deleted two structure columns by the way of using large span beams, opening up the space. The open foyer was floored in and expanded the dining room over it. All new porcelain tile was installed in main level, a floor to ceiling fireplace(two story brick fireplace) was faced with highly decorative stone. The second floor was open to the two story living room, we replaced all handrails and spindles with Rod iron and stained handrails to match new floors. A new butler area with under cabinet beverage center was added in the living room area. The den was torn up and given stain grade paneling and molding to give a deep and mysterious look to the new library. The powder room was gutted, redefined, one doorway to the den was closed up and converted into a vanity space with glass accent background and built in niche. Upscale appliances and decorative mosaic back splash, fancy lighting fixtures and farm sink are all signature marks of the kitchen remodel portion of this amazing project. I don't think there is only one thing to define the interior remodeling of this revamped home, the transformation has been so grand.

Front exterior with wrap around standing seam metal porch, stone piers, and inviting arched entry. Garage has standing seam dormer roof, extended roof supported by large stained brackets, faux wood garage doors, and garage end with decorative hipped standing seam metal roof.

This space completely transformed the flow of this house. Before it was a tiny galley kitchen that was the exterior wall of the home, and the family room was an enclosed patio. The client had no hope of merging the spaces but dreamed of an open concept kitchen. I kept the exterior supports and header in place and wrapped the beam plus added one false beam for balance (in the space where the exterior kitchen window had been), added millwork at the and extended the "island" into the step-down patio with tall bar stools on the patio side. In the end, the effect is that the space is an open great room and was always meant to be that way! (Photo Credit; Shawn Lober Construction)

White kitchen cabinets with custom-made shelving. Custom art- Cat etched a mountain scene (requested by clients) on aluminum insets created for pantry doors. Customized art work- Aluminum island "kick" with hand etched longitude and latitude coordinates (etched by Cat). Kitchen island with extended 16" overhang for eating area. Hidden support brackets holdup the extension. American Walnut butcherblock island countertop. White enamel apron front sink. Chef style kitchen faucet. Stainless steel appliances. Open shelves- industrial pipe shelf brackets, 2" thick wormy maple shelves with custom-made "live edge."