Mid-sized arts and crafts enclosed medium tone wood floor family room photo in Chicago with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and gray walls

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Blackstone Edge Studios
Example of a farmhouse home design design in Portland

These homeowners were anxiously ready to remodel their dated 80’s kitchen and reached out to Renovisions to handle the transformation. In this new undertaking we met to discuss plans to brighten the dark room with custom painted white inset cabinets, adding more functional storage, better task lighting and GE Monogram appliances, new hardwood flooring throughout and creating a better flow into the adjacent family room. In order to open up the space, Renovisions suggested creating an angle at the peninsula. Continuing with this approach we replaced the rear door with a new one-light door that swings out instead of in to accommodate new bar stools and a better flow of traffic in and out to the deck outside. Silestone’s quartz countertops in ‘Merope’ were the perfect choice adding a nice contrast yet truly durable and low maintenance. Creating a beautifully unique subway tile niche in linen color at cooktop area and backsplash added an elegant touch to the overall look and homeowners were thrilled with this refreshing look after the Renovision. Now their newly renovated kitchen is a showcase and nicely outfitted for family and friends.

mike mccaw
Inspiration for a craftsman basement remodel in Minneapolis

With a baby on the way and old cabinets falling apart at the seams, a kitchen remodel was the number one priority for our clients in their charming, historic Denver home. It was essential to make the kitchen feel more spacious and open, while still maintaining it’s original footprint and privacy from the rest of the house. Cabinets on three out of four walls caved into the center of the kitchen, making it feel small and difficult for even two people to be moving about! By eliminating cabinetry on the west wall, we were able to not only make the kitchen feel bigger and brighter, but we also revealed the characteristic exposed brick that was hiding behind a string of cabinets! The brick wall adds so much character and, paired with the wainscoting, is a beautiful nod to the home’s historic charm. As passionate cooks and hosts, it was crucial for our clients to have an island to utilize the counter space for prepping food and having a place for friends or family to sit and chat while they cooked a meal. Small but mighty, the island is the center of attention with a beautiful black walnut butcher block countertop, cabinets for storage, and seating for three! Our favorite feature in this kitchen sits just above the gas range; the custom wood surround on the range hood was handcrafted onsite as the final finishing touch. The elements of the natural wood, soft French grey cabinets, satin brass hardware and intricate marble herringbone backsplash all come together on this one wall, giving you a moment of cohesive glee. We are thrilled with the transformation, and our clients are elated to have a beautiful new kitchen for their new, growing family.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY MERIT AWARD WINNER This couple lived in their colonial home in Burke, Virginia, for more than 20 years. Now that their children were grown and gone, it was time for them to pay more attention to their home. First on their list was to renovate their master bathroom. Tight and dysfunctional is how they described the existing space. The homeowners always dreamed of having a whirlpool, a large steam shower and a private toilet area. Importantly, they wanted to use the latest products and materials to bring the bathroom into the 21st Century. Starting with exotic granite and porcelain tile from floor to ceiling, the new design does just that. Then, a highly sophisticated steam shower using granite benches, a heavy glass enclosure, chrome faucets and a rain shower head was installed. Modern body spray heads are embedded in the wall tiles. The shower is complemented by a bubble, jetted whirlpool tub with granite surrounds. A modern double vanity with vessel sinks, a granite countertop, high end cabinets and stylish faucets rest along one wall. Custom-built, recessed mirrored medicine cabinets provide storage for necessities. In the end, the homeowners are thrilled with the outcome and never imagined that their old and dark looking small bath could ever be transformed into such beautiful bathroom.

For a client with a deep appreciation for all manner of architectural styles – and the passion to transform his lifelong dream of a single home showcasing their wide variety into reality – we were thrilled to meet the challenge. Consider the elements: an English conservatory-style kitchen. A Bahamian plantation-inspired bedroom. Florentine palazzos, Swiss chalets, Lowcountry fishing huts – all informed our journey from broad concept to unified, cohesive actuality. First and foremost a home meant to cosset and comfort an active family, it is also an elegant and gracious example of the many handcrafted arts too seldom seen. From custom ceiling treatments to hand-woven rugs, evidence of the artist’s hand abounds, imparting exquisite detail on virtually each and every surface. Nestled waterside along shimmering shores, this home is truly a dream come true – and proof the fanciful notions of the heart can indeed be transformed into functional living spaces that nurture, inspire, and satisfy the soul. Photo: Carlos Domenech Photography

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

James Meyer Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional master beige tile and glass tile ceramic tile and white floor corner shower design in New York with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

This was originally a 5' x 8' bathroom that we expanded to nearly 7 x 10'. This allowed us to give them a 5' walk in shower and an 80" vanity. The tile beautifully accents the room and my clients are thrilled with the results!

This Dallas home originally built in 1958 had a one car garage that was filling up! The homeowners desired to turn that garage into living space for their family and build a new garage on their lot that would give them the storage and car protection. We came up with a plan and found materials that matched their home and the new structure looks as if it was original to the home. We built a new 2 car garage with plenty of space for extra storage and large attic above. A separate door entrance makes for easy entry to the new garage. A large timber bar that runs down the length of the outside wall is perfect for entertaining large groups of guests. We then renovated the old garage and turned it into an awesome living room. It features hardwood floors, large windows and French doors to the patio with an additional door to the driveway. We used reclaimed brick to fill in the outside of the home where the previous garage door was for an exact match! Our clients are thrilled with how this new garage and new living room enhance their home! Architect: Sarah Harper with H Designs | Design & Construction by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Inspired by native limestone waterfall, and designed to naturally blend into the landscape but make a huge impression and impact, this pondless waterfall built in the loess hills of Western Iowa is a signature project and an absolute stunner. Its placement on the hillside across the driveway for the house provided a perfect setting to make a dramatic impact. The variety of small and large waterfalls helps provide scale and interest, along with making different sounds as the water crashes over the rocks to fill the air with a fabulous ambiance. The character of the weathered limestone helps the feature appear seamless and as if it is naturally eroding out of the hillside. A variety of evergreens punctuate the landscape, and perennial natives and grasses blend into the native prairie grass establish beyond the waterfall. This waterfall feature's Aquascape products and LED lighting. Built to run in all four seasons, but with the ease of being shut of for vacations and quickly started upon returning with no need to fill the reservoir and with no hassle. Running the feature on a timer and the addition of an IonGen helps keep this feature free from algae. A similar project built in the Omaha Metro Area would have a budget around $30,000 and would take 2-3 weeks to create. Neptune's Water Gardens is the premier water feature design and installation company in the #Omaha Metro area. Our naturally balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem ponds work with Mother Nature, not against her. We pride ourselves in creating water features that appear to have always existed in their surrounding landscape. Whether you choose an ecosystem #pond, decorative #fountainscape, #Pondless® #Waterfall or the new #RainXchange™ System that pairs a rainwater harvesting system with a #decorative water feature – you'll be thrilled with the sight and sound that water brings to your #landscape. From #trees to #shrubs; #patios to retaining walls, the experienced #designers and #craftsman at #Neptune's Water Gardens will be able to bring all of your #outdoor living ideas to reality . For more information and inspiration visit our website http://www.neptuneswatergardens.com/pondless.html Serving the Omaha Metro Area and Eastern #Nebraska and Western #Iowa . Services include pond help, pond cleaning and repair, pond and water feature maintenance, boulder bubblers and fountains, water garden and koi pond design and installation, pondless and disappearing waterfall design and installation, landscape design installation and maintenance, Stone and paver patios and retaining walls . #neptuneswatergardens #ncn #cac #aquascape #pondstars Design, Installation, And Photographs By Jason Heller and Neptune's Water Gardens

This transitional kitchen brings in clean lines, simple cabinets, warm earth tones accents, and lots of function. This kitchen has a small footprint and had very little storage space. Our clients wanted to add more space, somehow, get the most storage possible, make it feel bright and open, have a desk area, and somewhere that could function as a coffee area. By taking out the doorway into the dining room, we were able to extend the cabinetry into the dining room, giving them their desk area as well as storage and a nice area for guests! A custom appliance garage was made that allows you to have all the necessities right at your hands and gives you the ability to close it up and hide all of the appliances. Trash, spice, tray, and drawer pull outs were added for function, as well as 2 lazy susans, wine storage, and deep drawers for pots and pans. The homeowner fell in love with the matte white GE Cafe appliances with the brushed bronze accents, and quite frankly, so did we! Once we found those, we knew we wanted to incorporate that metal throughout the kitchen. New hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen and finished to match the existing wood in the dining room. We brought the warmth up to eye level with open shelving stained to match. We love creating with our clients, and this kitchen was no exception! We are thrilled with how everything came together.

Stonebuilt was thrilled to build Grande Prairie's 2016 Rotary Dream Home. This home is an elegantly styled, fully developed bungalow featuring a barrel vaulted ceiling, stunning central staircase, grand master suite, and a sports lounge and bar downstairs - all built and finished with Stonerbuilt’s first class craftsmanship. Robyn Salyers Photography

After a shoddy contractor was kicked off the job, ProSkill came in to fix and redesign this New Jersey kitchen. The kitchen is now functional and beautiful and the owner is thrilled! Have a look at the project BEFORE: http://youtu.be/TizgSPOCFUM

Stonebuilt was thrilled to build Grande Prairie's 2016 Rotary Dream Home. This home is an elegantly styled, fully developed bungalow featuring a barrel vaulted ceiling, stunning central staircase, grand master suite, and a sports lounge and bar downstairs - all built and finished with Stonerbuilt’s first class craftsmanship. Chic Perspective Photography

The Challenge This beautiful waterfront home was begging for an update. Our clients wanted a contemporary design with modern finishes. They craved improved functionality in the kitchen, hardwood flooring in the living areas, and a spacious walk-in closet in the master bathroom. With two children in school, our clients also needed the project completed during their summer vacation – leaving a slim 90 days for the entire remodel. Could we do it? …Challenge accepted! Our Solution With their active summer travel schedule, our clients elected to vacate their home for the duration of the project. This was ideal for the intrusive nature of the scope of work. In preparation, our design team created a project plan to suit our client’s needs. With such a clear timeline, we were able to select and order long-lead items in plenty of time for the project start date. In the kitchen, we rearranged the layout to provide superior ventilation for the cooktop on the exterior wall. We added two large storage cabinets with glass doors, accented by a sleek mosaic backsplash of glass tile. We also incorporated a large contemporary waterfall island into the room. With seating at one end, the island provides both increased functionality and an eye-catching focal point for the center of the room. On the interior wall of the kitchen, we maximized storage with a wall of built-in cabinetry – complete with pullout pantry cabinets, a double oven, and a large stainless refrigerator. Our clients wisely chose rich, dark-colored wood flooring to add warmth to the contemporary design. After installing the flooring in the kitchen, we brought it into the main living areas as well. In the great room, we wrapped the existing gas fireplace in a neutral stack stone. The effect of the stone on the media and window wall is breathtaking. In the master bathroom, we expanded the closet by pushing the wall back into the adjacent pass-through hallway. The new walk-in closet now includes an impressive closet organization system. Returning to the master bathroom, we removed the single vanity and repositioned the toilet, allowing for a new, curb-less glass shower and a his-and-hers vanity. The entire vanity and shower wall is finished in white 12×24 porcelain tile. The vertical glass mosaic accent band and backlit floating mirrors add to the clean, modern style. To the left of the master bathroom entry, we even added a matching make-up area. Finally, we installed a number of elegant enhancements in the remaining rooms. The clients chose a bronze metal relief accent wall as well as some colorful finishes and artwork for the entry and hallway. Exceptional Results Our clients were simply thrilled with the final product! Not only did they return from their summer vacation to a gorgeous home remodel, but we concluded the project a full week ahead of schedule. As a result, the family was able to move in sooner than planned, giving them plenty of time to acclimate to the renovated space before their kids returned to school. Ultimately, we provided the outstanding results and customer experience that our clients had been searching for. “We met with many other contractors leading up to signing with Progressive Design Build. When we met Mike, we finally felt safe. We had heard so many horror stories about contractors! Progressive was the best move we could have made. They made our dream house become a reality. Vernon was in charge of our project and everything went better than we expected. Our project was completed earlier than expected, too. Our questions and concerns were dealt with quickly and professionally, the job site was always clean, and all subs were friendly and professional. We had a wonderful experience with Progressive Design Build. We’re so grateful we found them.” – The Mader Family

This is one of our favorite bathrooms we've done. The Marvel porcelain tile used is a special product. It exemplifies the aesthetic and technical level today's technology has reached. This Calacatta Extra color is inspired by the world renowned carrara marble of Italy, Our customer was thrilled with their new bathroom!