Client had an existing deck and pergola off of the back of their home that was not properly built in the original construction. This caused sagging of some of the support beams and overall an unsafe structure. In order to give this a thicker and better look, we used 6X6 beams (instead of 4x4's) and properly bolted all members so that the structure did not move.

This craftsman kitchen borrows natural elements from architect and design icon, Frank Lloyd Wright. A slate backsplash, soapstone counters, and wood cabinetry is a perfect throwback to midcentury design. What ties this kitchen to present day design are elements such as stainless steel appliances and smart and hidden storage. This kitchen takes advantage of every nook and cranny to provide extra storage for pantry items and cookware.

Large trendy built-in desk light wood floor and beige floor study room photo in Miami with beige walls and no fireplace

Laundry room with in floor heating
Inspiration for a large contemporary laundry room remodel in Edmonton

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Kitchen
Inspiration for a small timeless l-shaped porcelain tile open concept kitchen remodel in Dallas with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, blue walls and an island

Brad Smith Photography
Large victorian brown two-story wood gable roof idea in Providence with a shingle roof

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, marble countertops and white backsplash

Transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and white countertops

View of the basement remodel
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional underground medium tone wood floor basement remodel in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

With two elementary school age kids and a dog, this clients' kitchen was understandably full of commotion at all times. In the old kitchen configuration, the standard table and chairs didn't allow enough seating to include guests during casual get-togethers with other families (where the dining room was too formal of a choice). This built-in banquette was the perfect answer. The bench cabinetry itself is Shaker in style, but we used contemporary fabric with a big print to make it more hip. Under each seat there are deep, full-extension drawers which provide much needed storage for the kids toys and other bulky items. The custom made dining table sits upon hidden casters for ease of moving. Photo Credit: Jeff Freeman Photography (See his full gallery on Houzz.com)

Before this remodel the support pole seemed like it was right in the middle of traffic pattern. I moved the refrigerator from the opposite kitchenette corner and ran the counter tops in a 'U' shape and created a peninsula that added seating, increased the counter space, improved flow in and out of the kitchen and removed the nuisance of the support pole.

Farmhouse patio photo in Dallas

This one-story brick rambler from the 50s got a new 2nd Floor and a complete makeover. We moved the bedrooms upstairs, added a large kitchen and great room on the rear, and had enough space for an office on the 1st Floor. The blue door is the highlight of the new front portico.

Before this remodel the support pole seemed like it was right in the middle of traffic pattern. I moved the refrigerator from the opposite kitchenette corner and ran the counter tops in a 'U' shape and created a peninsula that added seating, increased the counter space, improved flow in and out of the kitchen and removed the nuisance of the support pole.

To open up this kitchen, a support beam was moved up into the ceiling and special 30" upper cabinets were used instead of the standard 36", helping to create the illusion of height. A unique wavy backsplash is the focal point of this kitchen- used not only behind the cook top, but on a feature wall and to add interest to a support pillar. Our clients' 5 barstools got a facelift in the form of new upholstery to match their updated kitchen- and to match the table chairs.

This modern stacking chair from Humanscale® moves with the body and minimizes pressure points to provide superior comfort. The Cinto also features an innovative backrest that reclines and automatically adjusts lumbar support.

© Linda Jaquez
Elegant orange tile mosaic tile floor and orange floor alcove bathtub photo in New York with a console sink and yellow walls