james ray spahn
Inspiration for a modern home bar remodel in Denver

Living room - living room idea in San Diego

The guest bathroom plays an important role on how your guests will perceive the architecture and style of your home. In this house we totally transformed the outdated bathroom. In collaboration with Roberto Lugo a daring designer from New York, the design process was focused on creating a contemporary space that could be elegant and comfortable. The initial renovation on this project started with the demolition of entire bathroom including doors, vanity, floor, plumbing and light fixture, toilet, tub, tile switches and outlet. For the vanity, a furniture-like cabinet style with soft close hardware. The brown stain was paired perfectly with a brown engineered quartz countertop that had specs of copper. We installed new undermount sinks and new chrome faucet. Instead of the typical matching stone 4” backsplash we opted to use the said mosaic used in the shower to tie the 2 areas together. The shower turned out beautifully. We coordinated the quarts from the vanity and used the same material on the shower seat and the top of the armrest. We used a total of 4 tile materials, a glass mosaic in the niche, floor, ceiling and outside of the shower. A linear mosaic from floor to ceiling and a large format tile installed vertically on the walls. The shower fixtures used in this shower were a ceiling-mounted rainfall shower and a handheld shower sprayer.

The exterior of what looks like a vernacular Hamptons shingle cottage, designed by architect Blaze Makoid, is intentionally deceiving. For the interiors, Axis Mundi typically decided not to play by the rules. Instead of de rigeur nautical artifacts, floppy sofas and wicker furniture, the firm responded to Makoid’s all-white interior envelope by injecting rooms with comfortable modern elegance that’s more contemporary Cap Ferrat than Eastern Long Island. Clean furniture silhouettes—from Cassina, Poltrona Frau and B&B Italia—a Massimo Vitali beach scene, a Moooi chandelier and industrial finishes (such as the steel of the fireplace surround and the anodized aluminum of a sleek Bulthaup kitchen) spark a creative tension between indoors and out. The gray palette provides a quiet backdrop for the nature outside, except for the master suite, where custom oak panels and blue shades create a reassuring warmth conducive to sleep. Photography: Mark Roskams

Addition off the side of a typical mid-century post-WWII colonial, including master suite with master bath expansion, first floor family room addition, a complete basement remodel with the addition of new bedroom suite for an AuPair. The clients realized it was more cost effective to do an addition over paying for outside child care for their growing family. Additionally, we helped the clients address some serious drainage issues that were causing settling issues in the home.

design: Studio TOOP, 2014 location: Amersfoort, NL status: built in 2014, Weldam Groenprojecten photo: Joanne Schweitzer photography A typical Dutch backyard, long and narrow with an access to an alley in the back, this designed to optimize the usable space. The garden is roughly broken up into four areas: a flower and plant rich section near the house with a small seating area, a grass field for the kids to play spanning the entire width of the garden, a pond with a marshy banks and stepping stones, and the veranda (complete with bike shed). All the lines in the garden emphasize the width. Existing or otherwise affordable materials are used. As much as possible the garden is given a fresh, bright and colorful feeling.

The Sentinel Series direct vent gas fireplaces deliver a clean-face design featuring one of the tallest viewing areas, realistic fire and a true masonry-built look. Combined with a large variety of options, the Sentinel Series will create a warm and inviting feeling in your home. EXCLUSIVE FEATURES Available in 36” and 42” models Conveniently located gas controls for easy installation and operation Energy saving electronic controls with seamless battery backup provide continued operation in the event of a power outage Clean-face design allows more flexibility for a custom look Tall opening provides an exceptional view of the flame Multi-level burner produces tall, dancing flames with beautiful ember bed Standard tempered glass and 2015 ANSI barrier compliant Ceramic fiber log set with cast-iron grate High definition refractory panels available in multiple styles and colors Includes on/off remote control Optional blower available Limited Lifetime Warranty This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. 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

This project hits very close to home for us. Not your typical office space, we re-purposed a 19th century carriage barn into our office and workshop. With no heat, minimum electricity and few windows (most of which were broken), a priority for CEO and Designer Jason Hoffman was to create a space that honors its historic architecture, era and purpose but still offers elements of understated sophistication. The building is nearly 140 years old, built before many of the trees towering around it had begun growing. It was originally built as a simple, Victorian carriage barn, used to store the family’s horse and buggy. Later, it housed 2,000 chickens when the Owners worked the property as their farm. Then, for many years, it was storage space. Today, it couples as a workshop for our carpentry team, building custom projects and storing equipment, as well as an office loft space ready to welcome clients, visitors and trade partners. We added a small addition onto the existing barn to offer a separate entry way for the office. New stairs and an entrance to the workshop provides for a small, yet inviting foyer space. From the beginning, even is it’s dark state, Jason loved the ambiance of the old hay loft with its unfinished, darker toned timbers. He knew he wanted to find a way to refinish the space with a focus on those timbers, evident in the statement they make when walking up the stairs. On the exterior, the building received new siding, a new roof and even a new foundation which is a story for another post. Inside, we added skylights, larger windows and a French door, with a small balcony. Along with heat, electricity, WiFi and office furniture, we’re ready for visitors!

Core Remodel was contacted by the new owners of this single family home in Logan Square after they hired another general contractor to remodel their kitchen. Unfortunately, the original GC didn't finish the job and the owners were waiting over 6 months for work to commence - and expecting a newborn baby, living with their parents temporarily and needed a working and functional master bathroom to move back home. Core Remodel was able to come in and make the necessary changes to get this job moving along and completed with very little to work with. The new plumbing and electrical had to be completely redone as there was lots of mechanical errors from the old GC. The existing space had no master bathroom on the second floor, so this was an addition - not a typical remodel. The job was eventually completed and the owners were thrilled with the quality of work, timeliness and constant communication. This was one of our favorite jobs to see how happy the clients were after the job was completed. The owners are amazing and continue to give Core Remodel glowing reviews and referrals. Additionally, the owners had a very clear vision for what they wanted and we were able to complete the job while working with the owners!

With areas for every kind of tool and a proper space to use them, this storage solution fulfills every craftsman's need. • Classic White finish paired with Classic White slab door and drawer fronts creates a seamless, neutral backdrop. • Slat wall with accessories provides storage for tools. • Adjustable shelving provides flexibility for changing needs. • Integrated workstation creates a designated space for projects. • Cabinetry and drawers provide concealed storage.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2016 Houzz
Example of a mountain style patio design in Portland

Transitional Kid's Playroom and Study Photography by Paul Dyer
Example of a large transitional gender-neutral carpeted, multicolored floor, shiplap ceiling, vaulted ceiling and shiplap wall playroom design in San Francisco with white walls

Like the regular sized Moonrise, the Moonrise XL power reclining chair from Famaliving California reflects modern style due to its contemporary, rounded shape and extra large size, making it look almost like a small sofa. But what’s really special about the Moonrise XL is that it was designed as a recliner for two, making it a perfect choice for couples or close friends. It features rocking motion, 360 degrees rotation, and reclining capability, which will only enhance your experience; plus, it also comes with a powered reclining mechanism that allows the seat to be adjusted with a touch of a button. Built to last using pine wood and MDF materials in its frame construction, this special recliner is custom made and crafted by world-renowned Spanish manufacturer Famaliving. It’s also built with comfort in mind because of the cushioned foam used in the seat and fibersilk used in the back cushion and oversized arm pillows. And like all other Famaliving products, the Moonrise XL is made with a webbing system for suspension and support instead of the old spring design of the past, which typically sags over time. With more than 600 fabrics to choose from, the Moonrise XL can come upholstered in a wide range of colors or patterned fabrics, which means you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from to add to your home’s decor. The bottom has a circular metal base in a black finish that helps to maintain its low profile design and allow the 360 degree rotation.

The Modern New Haven TV Lift cabinet is designed for the ultimate outdoor living space, featuring marine grade wood, stainless steel mechanics, and a UV resistant finish. With your weatherproof TV, this cabinet will not only add another level of security, but will add a higher level of style guaranteed to impress your guests. The clean simple lines keep it modern and simplistic while the wood captures the imagination. The cabinet shown is made with Baltic Birch wood and your television is enclosed in a secure, finished to match, wooden TV case. This provides an added level of strength, stability, and beauty not typically offered by other TV Lift providers. A factory installed remote repeater system allows control of interior components through the closed cabinet doors. The lift system and components can be operated by your choice of remote controls, smart phones, home automation voice control systems and more. An on-board operation button is installed as well. Three factory installed HDMI cables, an optical audio wire, an Ethernet cable, a coaxial cable and a power surge protector are included. Factory installation of your television is offered complimentary with your purchase. Simply have your new (or existing) TV sent to us and we'll install it for you! This service is highly recommended to ensure proper TV mount. Custom Cabinet Sizing Available! Standard, Compact, and Low Profile Lift Styles Available! Featuring The Fastest TV Lift Mechanism You Will Ever Find, Guaranteed.

Dynamic Garage Door specializes in Tuscan Architectural beautification in the Newport Beach, CA through our custom designed and hand made architectural shutters, garden gates and garage doors. This Newport-Mesa Tuscan home was exquisitely decorated with a combination of custom gates, decorative shutters and balcony barn door style shutters all handcrafted out of authentic, century-old reclaimed barn wood specifically harvested for this custom project. Beginning with the balcony shutters which actually slide from side to side like a real barn door we worked a charming rustic shutter design that would typically be seen in the Tuscan Riviera. We opted for sliding shutters as the balcony spacing limited the swing action of even bi-folding shutters. Incorporating real barn door hardware railing and crowing it behind the faux reclaimed wood beam made an excellent statement while adding functional shutters that can be shut close for comfort during the summer morning when the sun beats down into the master suite. The four shutter leafs are decorated with real hand forged dummy straps that were hammered and crafted by hand to achieve that gorgeous rustic charm typical of Tuscan architecture. The reclaimed barn wood from a century-old barn gives off a timeless appearance that increase in characters as the years go by. Because rustic barn wood has already aged beautifully over hundreds of years, the next century will only increase its authentically gorgeous appearance. The culmination of this project has been a meticulous collaborative input of our in-house head designer and the clients themselves. Although the completion of this project is lengthy and intricate, the results speak volumes and the wait simply justifies the outcome. The rest of thew windows on this Tuscan home have been accessorized with rustic barn wood as well and accentuated with our custom designed and handmade dummy iron hinge straps. Our dummy hardware is so authentically done in the same tradition used for hundreds of years in Europe to create shutter hardware that looks authentic and functional although it is only decorative. The details of our custom shutters is evident in the slightest of details including the bolts used to hold the shutter straps in place. Each of the shutter also has a decorative ring pull with a hand-hammered back plate which enhances the appearance of true functional shutters and defining that authentic Tuscan look. The beauty of this Tuscan home is visible throughout the entire property including the garden gates, garage doors and entry door. Again, for the garden gates, we went with rustic barn wood carefully crafted to preserve the original surface that has aged over hundreds of years but building the gates on galvanized steel frames that will ensure structural durability for the next few hundred years. The gates are highly secure, sound and can definitely hold back a crowd with authentic rustic charm. Don't be fooled with the simple-looking gate design. It is quite intricate with its 45 degree angle cuts around the perimeter of the trim which deviates water away from crevices that would otherwise make the gates vulnerable to the accumulation of moisture from the elements, sprinkler system or simply air humidity since the home is located near the ocean. Each one of the garden gates is equipped with European style mortise lock mechanisms and roller catches. Dynamic Garage Door gates are not your typical garden gates, they are truly made with quality and durability in mind as well as aesthetic attention to detail. Everything, from the hardware used, the core steel frame and overlay material used is hand selected and approved individually for maximum beauty and timeless appreciation. At Dynamic Garage Door, we specialize in multiple facet projects that include garden gates, driveway gates as well as barn doors and shutters. It is very important because these are the accessories that can make or break the beauty and continuity of your home's architectural style and authenticity. Increase your curb appeal and home value with Dynamic Garage Door's gates, shutters and automatic custom garage doors. Our in-house designers would love to speak with you today! Design Consultation Center: (855) 343-3667

Allison Hornaday
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Indianapolis with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gray walls and an island

The guest bathroom plays an important role on how your guests will perceive the architecture and style of your home. In this house we totally transformed the outdated bathroom. In collaboration with Roberto Lugo a daring designer from New York, the design process was focused on creating a contemporary space that could be elegant and comfortable. The initial renovation on this project started with the demolition of entire bathroom including doors, vanity, floor, plumbing and light fixture, toilet, tub, tile switches and outlet. For the vanity, a furniture-like cabinet style with soft close hardware. The brown stain was paired perfectly with a brown engineered quartz countertop that had specs of copper. We installed new undermount sinks and new chrome faucet. Instead of the typical matching stone 4” backsplash we opted to use the said mosaic used in the shower to tie the 2 areas together. The shower turned out beautifully. We coordinated the quarts from the vanity and used the same material on the shower seat and the top of the armrest. We used a total of 4 tile materials, a glass mosaic in the niche, floor, ceiling and outside of the shower. A linear mosaic from floor to ceiling and a large format tile installed vertically on the walls. The shower fixtures used in this shower were a ceiling-mounted rainfall shower and a handheld shower sprayer.