With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

We recently took on an exciting whole-home renovation for this lovely historic Trinity in Center City Philadelphia. Originally built in the mid-1800s, the house footprint is just over 17’ x 13’. As is typical of this type of 3-story house, the kitchen is located in the basement, making this house four floors of occupied space with overall square footage totaling just under 900 square feet. The homeowner felt the former kitchen was cramped, dimly lit, and inefficiently designed, and she was in search of help in bringing her artistic vision for the space to life, blending both old and new elements through an exciting mix of textures and character. High on her priority list was integrating her wonderful collection of objects gathered from her travels around the world. We brought our design skills and construction experience to the team, working with the homeowner and the designer to develop a host of creative solutions, including the installation of an Indonesian screen as a sliding door covering a newly reconfigured utility area, which includes a new on-demand hot water heater, mounted next to a new electrical panel with ample room for service and access. Other Noteworthy Features and Solutions: New crisp drywall blended with original masonry wall textures and original exposed beams Custom-glazed adler wood cabinets, beautiful fusion Quartzite and custom cherry counters, and a copper sink were selected for a wonderful interplay of colors, textures, and Old World feel Small-space efficiencies designed for real-size humans, including built-ins wherever possible, limited free-standing furniture, and no upper cabinets Built-in storage and appliances under the counter (refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, and microwave drawer) Additional multi-function storage under stairs Extensive lighting plan with multiple sources and types of light to make this partially below-grade space feel bright and cheery Enlarged window well to bring much more light into the space Insulation added to create sound buffer from the floor above All Photos by Linda McManus Photography

Finding a reputable contractor to design and build your kitchen remodel in Maryland with quality results involves several steps. Here are some general guidelines to help you find the right professional for your project: 1. Ask for Recommendations: Start by asking friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who have recently completed kitchen remodels for recommendations. Personal referrals can be a valuable source of trustworthy contractors. 2. Check Online Reviews: Websites like Yelp, Angie's List, and Google Reviews can provide insights into the experiences of previous clients. Look for contractors with consistently positive feedback. 3. Check Credentials: Verify that the contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in Maryland. You can typically check this information on your state's licensing board website. 4. Ask for References: Request references from the contractor and contact previous clients to inquire about their experiences. Visit some of their completed projects if possible. 5. Review Portfolios: Examine the contractor's portfolio of past kitchen remodels. Look for examples of work that match your style and preferences. 6. Check for Permits: Ensure that the contractor will handle any necessary permits and inspections for your remodel. Avoid contractors who suggest bypassing required permits, as this can lead to legal and safety issues. 7. Discuss Communication: Clear communication is crucial throughout the project. Discuss how the contractor will keep you updated on progress and address any concerns or changes during the remodel. 8. Get Everything in Writing: Never rely solely on verbal agreements. Ensure that all project details, warranties, and expectations are documented in a written contract. 9. Check for Red Flags: Be wary of contractors who pressure you into making quick decisions, lack a physical business address, or have a history of disputes or legal issues. 10. Trust Your Instincts: Choose a contractor you feel comfortable working with. Trust your instincts and select someone who listens to your ideas and concerns. 11. Visit Completed Projects: If possible, visit some of the contractors’ completed kitchen remodels to assess the quality of their work in person. Once you've completed your due diligence and gathered all the necessary information, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which contractor to hire for your kitchen remodel in Maryland. Remember that quality results often come from working with experienced, licensed professionals who prioritize clear communication and transparency throughout the project.

With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

“Full apartment design”. IF you have not yet seen this apartment conversion before, we strongly urge you to go to the bottom left of this page and click on the short 2-minutes video. It would put a lot of things into perspective when you come back and continue reading this. It is true we were literally handed the keys and told a list of things that they wanted to have happen and we were to go into the apartment, look at the space and come up with a design that would satisfy all of that need. UNTIL we showed up! The unit had really seen some better days but we knew we had to look past that and come up with a concept that would work for them. The immediate challenges were centered around 3 big ideas: 1. Adding a second bedroom to the already small footprint 2. Figuring out a way to make the kitchen bigger, better and brighter 3. Creating a master room walk in closet It’s always difficult to add new rooms into existing footprint without expanding out or up and not incurring any opportunity cost. In this case, that was exactly what we had to do. Item one and two above had to be tackled as one. We went ahead and switched out the location of the dining room and eliminating an area where there was a “nook” type eat-in area. By doing so, we were able to cut right into that footprint and change the layout of the kitchen. That one move allowed us to dig into the kitchen design because it was now the main focal point in the apartment. It was no longer an option to keep it in that tiny hole where it was, so we had to ensure that this design was functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. By adding the table into the space where an Island typically would go, we were able to both cut cost and still provide a dining experience. The Table serves as an Island as well when cooking. We then proceeded to block in the existing doorway to the dining room. By doing this, we were able to create a full room which allowed us to put a door on the other side and called that room Bedroom #2. This was easier to do because all of the mechanicals were already in that space (light, heater and windows). By shifting things around, we also achieved a huge wall to wall closet from inside. PERFECT! Then we moved into the Single bedroom. We thought it was a big room with a small closet, so by creatively adding an L shaped wall and steal some footprint into the bedroom side, we were able to put a door on that new room and design it for the walk-in closet. Even after this, the bedroom still holds a queen size bed with 2 night stands, a TV on the wall, a sitting chair and plenty of room to walk around. This was done by rethinking the location for the bed and night stands. The bathroom was gutted to make sure there was no leaks and rebuild from the ground up. We kept all of the plumbing where it was, added a new vanity, medicine cabinet, tiles and lighting and it was done. From there, the rest of the unit had new flooring all throughout, paint, and lighting. After completion and walk through, this project was handed over back to the clients. Execution and collaboration between all the trades were: Reggie and his team from Premier Interiors and Rohan from RD Mechanical Services. p.s. Please see our website to see the video.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

We recently took on an exciting whole-home renovation for this lovely historic Trinity in Center City Philadelphia. Originally built in the mid-1800s, the house footprint is just over 17’ x 13’. As is typical of this type of 3-story house, the kitchen is located in the basement, making this house four floors of occupied space with overall square footage totaling just under 900 square feet. The homeowner felt the former kitchen was cramped, dimly lit, and inefficiently designed, and she was in search of help in bringing her artistic vision for the space to life, blending both old and new elements through an exciting mix of textures and character. High on her priority list was integrating her wonderful collection of objects gathered from her travels around the world. We brought our design skills and construction experience to the team, working with the homeowner and the designer to develop a host of creative solutions, including the installation of an Indonesian screen as a sliding door covering a newly reconfigured utility area, which includes a new on-demand hot water heater, mounted next to a new electrical panel with ample room for service and access. Other Noteworthy Features and Solutions: New crisp drywall blended with original masonry wall textures and original exposed beams Custom-glazed adler wood cabinets, beautiful fusion Quartzite and custom cherry counters, and a copper sink were selected for a wonderful interplay of colors, textures, and Old World feel Small-space efficiencies designed for real-size humans, including built-ins wherever possible, limited free-standing furniture, and no upper cabinets Built-in storage and appliances under the counter (refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, and microwave drawer) Additional multi-function storage under stairs Extensive lighting plan with multiple sources and types of light to make this partially below-grade space feel bright and cheery Enlarged window well to bring much more light into the space Insulation added to create sound buffer from the floor above All Photos by Linda McManus Photography

With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

Downsizing doesn’t have to mean compromising. This master bath remodel proved to be quite the opposite. The homeowners’ wish list was actually exceeded. Wish we could say that for every project! Not only did the new design accomplish the generous his and her vanities and large shower they desired, but we were able to achieve a semi-private water closet by incorporating a tall armoire, providing extra storage as a bonus. Some aging in place features were added without detracting from the beauty. The finished room feels spacious and bright. Crisp white cabinetry, warm counter tops, and gorgeous tile are inviting and relaxing in this hazy retreat. Matt Villano Photography

The first thing all agents and their sellers should address when preparing a home for sale is deferred maintenance. The truth is, there are many things that a homeowner may be willing to overlook that will raise red flags for buyers—sending them running for the hills. Even the most well-maintained homes typically need some repairs and touch-ups to get market ready. Whether it’s a deep clean to remove built up dirt in grout and scuffs on walls or there’s deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed, Curbio’s got you covered with quick and easy repairs and touch-ups. Repairs and touch-ups often see the highest returns of any home improvements because, without them, a listing may receive less offers, fail to pass inspection, or be sold at a discount “as-is.”

With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

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With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

At the top of the list of requests (demands?) was ample storage. As we lost the typical drawer and base cabinet storage by choosing a floating vanity, we made up for it with a custom birch floating medicine cabinet. The lower door flips down and uses an armed hinge to hold it open at horizontally, creating an additional shelf when in use. Super handy outlets reside, unseen, at the back of the cabinet. Photography by Schweitzer Creative

With a listing price of just under $4 million, this gorgeous row home located near the Convention Center in Washington DC required a very specific look to attract the proper buyer. The home has been completely remodeled in a modern style with bamboo flooring and bamboo kitchen cabinetry so the furnishings and decor needed to be complimentary. Typically, transitional furnishings are used in staging across the board, however, for this property we wanted an urban loft, industrial look with heavy elements of reclaimed wood to create a city, hotel luxe style. As with all DC properties, this one is long and narrow but is completely open concept on each level, so continuity in color and design selections was critical. The row home had several open areas that needed a defined purpose such as a reception area, which includes a full bar service area, pub tables, stools and several comfortable seating areas for additional entertaining. It also boasts an in law suite with kitchen and living quarters as well as 3 outdoor spaces, which are highly sought after in the District.

“Full apartment design”. IF you have not yet seen this apartment conversion before, we strongly urge you to go to the bottom left of this page and click on the short 2-minutes video. It would put a lot of things into perspective when you come back and continue reading this. It is true we were literally handed the keys and told a list of things that they wanted to have happen and we were to go into the apartment, look at the space and come up with a design that would satisfy all of that need. UNTIL we showed up! The unit had really seen some better days but we knew we had to look past that and come up with a concept that would work for them. The immediate challenges were centered around 3 big ideas: 1. Adding a second bedroom to the already small footprint 2. Figuring out a way to make the kitchen bigger, better and brighter 3. Creating a master room walk in closet It’s always difficult to add new rooms into existing footprint without expanding out or up and not incurring any opportunity cost. In this case, that was exactly what we had to do. Item one and two above had to be tackled as one. We went ahead and switched out the location of the dining room and eliminating an area where there was a “nook” type eat-in area. By doing so, we were able to cut right into that footprint and change the layout of the kitchen. That one move allowed us to dig into the kitchen design because it was now the main focal point in the apartment. It was no longer an option to keep it in that tiny hole where it was, so we had to ensure that this design was functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. By adding the table into the space where an Island typically would go, we were able to both cut cost and still provide a dining experience. The Table serves as an Island as well when cooking. We then proceeded to block in the existing doorway to the dining room. By doing this, we were able to create a full room which allowed us to put a door on the other side and called that room Bedroom #2. This was easier to do because all of the mechanicals were already in that space (light, heater and windows). By shifting things around, we also achieved a huge wall to wall closet from inside. PERFECT! Then we moved into the Single bedroom. We thought it was a big room with a small closet, so by creatively adding an L shaped wall and steal some footprint into the bedroom side, we were able to put a door on that new room and design it for the walk-in closet. Even after this, the bedroom still holds a queen size bed with 2 night stands, a TV on the wall, a sitting chair and plenty of room to walk around. This was done by rethinking the location for the bed and night stands. The bathroom was gutted to make sure there was no leaks and rebuild from the ground up. We kept all of the plumbing where it was, added a new vanity, medicine cabinet, tiles and lighting and it was done. From there, the rest of the unit had new flooring all throughout, paint, and lighting. After completion and walk through, this project was handed over back to the clients. Execution and collaboration between all the trades were: Reggie and his team from Premier Interiors and Rohan from RD Mechanical Services. p.s. Please see our website to see the video.

Looking for an upgrade to their typical beige, builder kitchen this family was desired a timeless look reflecting their style and love of blue. White beadboard and rich knotty alder are complemented by beautiful granite with hints of blue, silver and bronze. High on the homeowners list of wants was a kitchen with room to seat five, beautiful wood floors, enhanced lighting, and a cozy desk area. In addition, two tall pantries were added in place of the old wall oven which was swapped with an efficient range/microwave hood combination. To dress up the area above the microwave, the panel has been left smooth and allows for a revolving display of photos and artwork. A reconfigured desk area becomes a focal point instead of an add-on at the end of a run and makes the refrigerator much more accessible. Improved task lighting as well as decorative lights add a flair that was lacking. Charming details, from farm sink to bridge faucet to bulletin board nailheads, bring a lovely ambiance to the room when entertaining family and friends. Designed by: The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com URL http://www.kitchenstudio-ge.com