Mid-sized beach style u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with a drop-in sink, blue cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island and stainless steel appliances

This well-designed kitchen is so inviting it elevates the experience of cooking. Using the best materials, colorful tile backsplashes, warm woods, and a stone floor make this a cook's paradise!

Inspiration for a transitional porch remodel in Orange County

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Man Cave
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped dark wood floor wet bar remodel in Miami with dark wood cabinets and granite countertops

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

The Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU was designed and built to remain resilient in the face of natural disasters. Fortunately, the same great building strategies and design that provide resilience also provide a home that is incredibly comfortable and healthy while also visually stunning. This home’s journey began with a desire to design and build a house that meets the rigorous standards of Passive House. Before beginning the design/ construction process, the homeowners had already spent countless hours researching ways to minimize their global climate change footprint. As with any Passive House, a large portion of this research was focused on building envelope design and construction. The wall assembly is combination of six inch Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) and 2x6 stick frame construction filled with blown in insulation. The roof assembly is a combination of twelve inch SIPs and 2x12 stick frame construction filled with batt insulation. The pairing of SIPs and traditional stick framing allowed for easy air sealing details and a continuous thermal break between the panels and the wall framing. Beyond the building envelope, a number of other high performance strategies were used in constructing this home and ADU such as: battery storage of solar energy, ground source heat pump technology, Heat Recovery Ventilation, LED lighting, and heat pump water heating technology. In addition to the time and energy spent on reaching Passivhaus Standards, thoughtful design and carefully chosen interior finishes coalesce at the Twin Peaks Passive House + ADU into stunning interiors with modern farmhouse appeal. The result is a graceful combination of innovation, durability, and aesthetics that will last for a century to come. Despite the requirements of adhering to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in construction today, the homeowners chose to certify both their main home and their ADU to Passive House Standards. From a meticulously designed building envelope that tested at 0.62 ACH50, to the extensive solar array/ battery bank combination that allows designated circuits to function, uninterrupted for at least 48 hours, the Twin Peaks Passive House has a long list of high performance features that contributed to the completion of this arduous certification process. The ADU was also designed and built with these high standards in mind. Both homes have the same wall and roof assembly ,an HRV, and a Passive House Certified window and doors package. While the main home includes a ground source heat pump that warms both the radiant floors and domestic hot water tank, the more compact ADU is heated with a mini-split ductless heat pump. The end result is a home and ADU built to last, both of which are a testament to owners’ commitment to lessen their impact on the environment.

Example of a huge arts and crafts l-shaped concrete floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink and an island

Design/Build Complete Remodel, Renovation, and Additions. Demoed to studs, restructured framing, new decorative raised gypsum ceiling details, entirely new >/= Level 4 finished drywall, all new plumbing distributing with fixtures, spray-foam insulation, tank-less water heater, all new electrical wiring distribution with fixtures, all new HVAC, and all new modern finishes.

Transitional l-shaped kitchen photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

This rustic style home on Hartwell Lake was designed and built for the owners to enjoy with family and friends during their active weekend lifestyle. The home was built on a narrow, deep lot that was semi-level on the roadside and steep on the lakeside. The back half of the lot heavily wooded with mature oak and poplar trees reducing the harsh sun’s heat gain on the home. The exterior utilizes fiber cement cedar shake and lap siding complimented by deep brown colors for the windows, soffit, trim and the large square columns. A nice balance of natural earth toned stacked stone rounds out the exterior materials completing the rustic casual lake living. The home 5400 SF is designed and built on thee levels each having a primary focus. The main level creates primary daily living for the owners. This level features an open plan with an entry, stair, dining, kitchen and living areas leading to a large lakeside screened porch. A master suite is privately tucked off its own hallway and allowing it to enjoy the lakeside as well with its own private deck. On the opposite side are two bedrooms, a study and a shared bathroom for each to utilize. An open carport for two vehicles was created with the motor court and connects to the mudroom/utility room giving the owners direct entry into their home. The upper level is for the grand children with an oversized bedroom, bathroom and loft area for play. The lower level is the considered the party level. Its primary feature is an elevated stage for the owner’s band opened to a large seating area, dining and kitchen for viewing and listening with direct access to another screened porch. Flanking each side is a theater and two additional bedrooms and bathrooms. Energy Efficient features include: • The majority of the lower level sunk into the site below grade • 6” thick walls utilizing advanced framing techniques • Foil covered roof sheathing • Extensive use of blown in cellulous • All windows & doors are double paned low E argon filed glass • Tank-less water heaters • Three separate high efficiency HVAC units with programmable thermostats and a fresh air ERV. Lastly the owner requested we make every effort to sound proof the home. Many materials and techniques gave a duel purpose and added to the energy efficiency. These items include: • 2x6 walls with staggered studs • Extensive use if rock wool acoustic batting • Tempered glass in all exterior doors and windows • ¼ thick Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) was installed on the top and bottom of the floor trusses and on all lower level walls. The combination of the design and detailing utilizing these specific materials enabled us to achieve a 5 Star Plus Energy Star Certification with a HERS Index Score of 50. This home received a the 2015 Pinnacle Award from the SC Home Builders Association for the “Best Achievement in Energy Efficiency” sponsored by the SC Department Commerce.

BioNova® Natural Pools - A view from the baja shelf in the shallow area of the pool.
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Large tuscan u-shaped open concept kitchen photo in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

The client wanted to have an existing apartment remodeled and the kitchen, the bathroom and the powder room redesigned on a large-scale. For this purpose, the existing kitchen was gutted and also the wall to the storeroom was removed, which created much more space. She wanted a central kitchen element as a meeting place for family, friends and guests, flanked by a simple kitchenette and a wall unit with maximum storage space. A two-sided access to the kitchen makes it now easy to store purchases on short distances and to reach the nearby dining table in the open plan living area. White was chosen as the basic color for the cabinet furniture, which blends perfectly with the warm wooden elements of the surface material and the floor made of patterned ceramic tiles. All seems cozy and homely. Suspended lamps with vintage settings give the room a special touch. The existing interior bathroom was also gutted. We replaced the bathtub with a generous shower facility. The vanity unit in a classic oak look provides a lot of storage space, even for a washing machine and a dryer. The opposite wall construction offers additional storage space for a variety of personal items, but also technical units such as a hot water tank. The generous mirror coating creates a greatly enlarged space that turns this small bathroom into a spa oasis. The open-plan two-floor room concept was elegantly coordinated in terms of colors – white as the dominant color is alternated by delicate shades of gray. The existing wooden staircase was color-adapted with a special coating. Minimalist elements such as a fireplace in a concrete look give the room a modern touch, without neglecting the factor of coziness.

Inspiration for a small southwestern backyard stone and round aboveground pool landscaping remodel in Los Angeles

This remodel was one worth waiting for! Clients had a need for more storage, more counter and more room for entertaining friends and family. They love color and low maintenance materials so we went with a lovely happy green cabinet color, quartz counters, fun large hex porcelain floor tile and easy to clean backsplash. The original kitchen was lacking good flow, ample storage for this family. We started in the laundry room but re configuring the layout so now the W/D and fridge could be on one wall which opened up space for a drop area. We removed the old small closet that was the pantry and replaced the old water heater with a tank-less one to allow more place where they needed it the most. Drop area has outlets for charging and one in the broom cabinet as well. We removed the door to allow for us to relocate the garage entry door which now sits in the mud room instead of right in the middle of the kitchen. We added an actual walk in pantry which is equipped with drawers and plenty of shelf storage, we put the small appliances in here to allow for more counter space in the kitchen. To access the kitchen is now through a pocket door which is a big space saver and allows a more open feel. Let's get to this kitchen design! This was a odd layout before, now we have the fridge tucked away in it's proper home instead of sticking out. We relocated the garage entry door to the mud room to allow for this 36" range in its place featuring a pot filler as well. To maximize the kitchen footprint we closed up the door that went to the office and now we have a full L corner with plenty of storage and added some wood shelves for a sense of warmth and displace space in a beverage bar area, which also features an under-counter beverage fridge. Under-cabinet lighting, island fixture , a pendant above the sink and relocated the recessed lights to work better with the new kitchen layout. The island was a new addition which replaced the peninsula that used to cut off the kitchen from the rest of the home. We also removed a built in bookshelf and relocated the return air to the ceiling to free up even more floor space to truly transform this kitchen into the heart of the home.

This remodel was one worth waiting for! Clients had a need for more storage, more counter and more room for entertaining friends and family. They love color and low maintenance materials so we went with a lovely happy green cabinet color, quartz counters, fun large hex porcelain floor tile and easy to clean backsplash. The original kitchen was lacking good flow, ample storage for this family. We started in the laundry room but re configuring the layout so now the W/D and fridge could be on one wall which opened up space for a drop area. We removed the old small closet that was the pantry and replaced the old water heater with a tank-less one to allow more place where they needed it the most. Drop area has outlets for charging and one in the broom cabinet as well. We removed the door to allow for us to relocate the garage entry door which now sits in the mud room instead of right in the middle of the kitchen. We added an actual walk in pantry which is equipped with drawers and plenty of shelf storage, we put the small appliances in here to allow for more counter space in the kitchen. To access the kitchen is now through a pocket door which is a big space saver and allows a more open feel. Let's get to this kitchen design! This was a odd layout before, now we have the fridge tucked away in it's proper home instead of sticking out. We relocated the garage entry door to the mud room to allow for this 36" range in its place featuring a pot filler as well. To maximize the kitchen footprint we closed up the door that went to the office and now we have a full L corner with plenty of storage and added some wood shelves for a sense of warmth and displace space in a beverage bar area, which also features an under-counter beverage fridge. Under-cabinet lighting, island fixture , a pendant above the sink and relocated the recessed lights to work better with the new kitchen layout. The island was a new addition which replaced the peninsula that used to cut off the kitchen from the rest of the home. We also removed a built in bookshelf and relocated the return air to the ceiling to free up even more floor space to truly transform this kitchen into the heart of the home.

Fully custom and beautiful complete home renovation that brought our client's dreams to life. From interior to exterior, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, great room, bonus room--even a custom built in fish tank--this is truly one-of-a-kind.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.