MRG LLC
Example of a large transitional galley dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is one of the city's most iconic hotels. This downtown gem can easily be distinguished by its salmon color and Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Situated right on the bay, this luxury resort is just a short walk from all of the area’s major attractions such as the Dali Museum, Beach Drive, and the Mahaffey Theater. The Vinoy was constructed in 1925 and has been through a long history of renovations and construction within its lifetime. Efforts are constantly being made to preserve the hotel’s historic past while still providing guests with a unique, comfortable, and luxurious experience. With that being said, it was recently announced that the hotel will undergo a three-year $50 million plan to improve several aspects of the property. Patio Lane took part in these upgrades by designing and producing custom cushions for two locations on the property: the veranda and smoking area seating. We fabricated a total of 187 custom cushions with 13 different configurations for the hotel: dining chair seat, lounge chair, love seat, center sectional, end sectionals, as well as ottomans. Patio Lane directly competed with the original furniture and cushion manufacturer for this project. However, being an essential part of St. Petersburg, the resort appreciated a local vendor with strong initiative to earn their business. As far as the project requirements, the Vinoy needed something that will hold up through the harsh sun and storms of Central Florida. Typically, cushions in a commercial setting will last a few years depending on the human traffic. For a luxury hotel, such as the Vinoy, these cushions should have been replaced within 3 years. To ensure that they would have high performing seating for their guests, they chose cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain performance fabric. This fabric is 100% waterproof and specifically made for outdoor spaces that endure heavy rainfall or any kind of moisture. Sunbrella Rain eliminates drying time after wet weather. Resort staff can simply wipe the cushions down and their guests are ready to continue lounging and relaxing. The Vinoy’s original cushions used a polyurethane foam that had since lost its strength and was no longer providing a comfortable seat. (When we initially surveyed the Vinoy, we witnessed many customers doubling up on cushions to place behind their backs!) Numerous cushions had ripped at the seams and the zippers were non-functional. Dry-fast foam, the preferred option for cushions fabricated with Sunbrella Rain, was the perfect choice with the 4 in. thick seats & 5 in. thick backs because it will provide a firm seat and support for years to come.

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

This summer travel season, we're especially inspired by the possibilities presented by the Barndominium - a unique style of home which has emerged as a popular "up north" family getaway concept over the last couple of years. Barndominiums are the product of large barn kits which are converted into a living space. They tend to be affordable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient houses that typically include a large attached garage. For large families and outdoor enthusiasts, the allure of the barndominium is clear - it combines a cottage-like, open-concept living space with a large attached garage capable of accommodating all of your vacation toys! We recently had the pleasure of helping make one Byron Center client's barndominium dream a reality. The home sits on several acres of northern Michigan land in which the family enjoys hunting, fishing, and all the recreational activities that the great outdoors have to offer.

Originally built in 1938, this bungalow cottage had enduring character, but its traditional closed kitchen layout – typical of the era – didn’t align with the way the homeowners envisioned living in the space. Inspired by their travels through England’s Cotswolds, the French countryside, and Carmel’s whimsical Storybook Cottages by the Sea, the homeowners dreamed of a home that captured the romance of cottages and one that would seamlessly connect with their stunning English-style garden. After years of attempting to reimagine the kitchen in its original location the homeowners realized it would never truly suit the way they lived & wanted to entertain. The original kitchen was historical & was built when the kitchen was the last room you wanted guests to see. It was tucked into the front corner of the home off a hallway leading to the main level bedrooms and bath. To reach the dining room, you passed through a servery swing door, then continued into the living room. While the original door had charm, it disrupted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the main living areas. To bring the homeowners’ vision to life, the design called for a bold move—relocating the kitchen entirely. We designed a 560-square-foot addition off the living room – placing the kitchen at the heart of the home and connecting it to the gardens. The new space includes a sunlit breakfast nook, a charming butler’s pantry, a garden vestibule with its own entry porch, and a wraparound porch that encourages indoor-outdoor living. The main level remodel also redefined existing spaces: the old dining room was transformed into a cozy study library, while a former bedroom became an elegant dining room just off the new kitchen. Every design decision honored the home’s original 1938 architecture and character. Matching the home’s original 1.5-story proportions, the new kitchen wing was designed with intersecting gables that echo the scale and pitch of the existing roofline. A stone-wrapped chimney topped with a handcrafted copper cap is straight from the pages of a storybook. Decorative corbels, intricate window trim, and cedar shake in the gable ends further connect the new architecture to the home’s historic detailing. Finishes and fixtures were thoughtfully chosen to marry the home’s moodier, character-rich original rooms with the brighter, lighter new spaces. The result is a timeless transformation that feels as though it has always been part of the home – an enchanting blend of storybook charm, functional design, and garden-centered living. At the ground level, a Pennsylvania bluestone porch and stone skirting ground the addition in traditional materials. Inside, a tongue-and-groove ceiling with hand-hewn beams gives purpose and intimacy to the heightened kitchen ceiling. The home’s signature arched openings were meticulously replicated in the new kitchen, breakfast nook, and dining room, ensuring a seamless transition between old and new. Every element – inside and out – was chosen to honor the original home while enhancing the charm, character, and connection to the garden. Photos by MK Photography

My client wanted to update her old builder grade basic powder room/bath. It was the only bath on the main floor, so it was important that we made this space memorable. The white custom vanity was created, with matching nine piece draw fronts, and beautiful classy polish nickel hardware, for a timeless look. We wanted this piece to look like a piece of furniture, and we topped it with a beautiful white marble top, that had subtle colors ranging from grays to warm golds. On the floor we went with a dolomite marble tile, that is like a geometric daisy. We also used the same dolomite marble behind the vanity wall. This time I decided to a herringbone pattern, as it was just the right amount of elegance needed, to leave that lasting impression. The same herringbone tile, was also repeated in the shower area, this time as a waterfall feature, along with a larger dolomite tile. The shower niche, was kept clean and simple, but we did use the same marble from the vanity top, for the niche shelves. The beautiful wall sconces, in polish nickel and acrylic, elevated the space, and was not your typical vanity light. All in all, I played with varying tones of white, that kept this space elegant. Project completed by Reka Jemmott, Jemm Interiors desgn firm, which serves Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Cumming, Roswell, Brookhaven and Atlanta areas. For more about Jemm Interiors, see here: https://jemminteriors.com/ https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/powder-room-pj-vj~6753789

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Metal Comp. A galvanized structural steel decking system that fully integrates with our IntegraStone tile system. Metal Comp radically changes the way decks are built because we can now build deck structures that last for generations, while still being cost effective. Metal Comp is: structural, waterproof and a non-combustible decking system that is made from 25 % recycled materials. The integrity of the whole system will remain for generations without shifting, warping or rotting. We create new possibilities for luxury outdoor living. Metal Comp Deck System is manufactured in components that can be assembled and built by certified builders. The Metal Comp Deck System is ordered to size and is delivered with all the components required to build the structure and tile the deck. We remove the “running around” that builders typically face in construction. Our goal is to provide the builder with all the materials that they will need to for the entire job

My client wanted to update her old builder grade basic powder room/bath. It was the only bath on the main floor, so it was important that we made this space memorable. The white custom vanity was created, with matching nine piece draw fronts, and beautiful classy polish nickel hardware, for a timeless look. We wanted this piece to look like a piece of furniture, and we topped it with a beautiful white marble top, that had subtle colors ranging from grays to warm golds. On the floor we went with a dolomite marble tile, that is like a geometric daisy. We also used the same dolomite marble behind the vanity wall. This time I decided to a herringbone pattern, as it was just the right amount of elegance needed, to leave that lasting impression. The same herringbone tile, was also repeated in the shower area, this time as a waterfall feature, along with a larger dolomite tile. The shower niche, was kept clean and simple, but we did use the same marble from the vanity top, for the niche shelves. The beautiful wall sconces, in polish nickel and acrylic, elevated the space, and was not your typical vanity light. All in all, I played with varying tones of white, that kept this space elegant. Project completed by Reka Jemmott, Jemm Interiors desgn firm, which serves Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Cumming, Roswell, Brookhaven and Atlanta areas. For more about Jemm Interiors, see here: https://jemminteriors.com/ https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/powder-room-pj-vj~6753789

Pool - contemporary pool idea in Los Angeles

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

This summer travel season, we're especially inspired by the possibilities presented by the Barndominium - a unique style of home which has emerged as a popular "up north" family getaway concept over the last couple of years. Barndominiums are the product of large barn kits which are converted into a living space. They tend to be affordable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient houses that typically include a large attached garage. For large families and outdoor enthusiasts, the allure of the barndominium is clear - it combines a cottage-like, open-concept living space with a large attached garage capable of accommodating all of your vacation toys! We recently had the pleasure of helping make one Byron Center client's barndominium dream a reality. The home sits on several acres of northern Michigan land in which the family enjoys hunting, fishing, and all the recreational activities that the great outdoors have to offer.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

This patio cover was a lighter build than our typical installations, thoughtfully designed to match the footprint of the homeowner’s original structure. We upgraded the materials to sealed rough cedar, offering a warm, natural aesthetic with enhanced durability against Houston’s humidity and sun exposure. For the roofing, we installed R-panel metal, a long-lasting, low-maintenance option that provides excellent protection and a clean, modern look. Because the entire structure weighs only 375 pounds, we were able to tie the cover in at the eave — a clean, secure connection that preserves the integrity of the existing home while supporting the lightweight design. And unlike traditional nailed assemblies, we screwed the entire cover together, allowing the homeowner to easily disassemble or relocate the structure in the future — a flexible solution that respects both form and function. If you're considering a custom patio cover in Cypress, Tomball, or Northwest Houston, we specialize in design-driven builds that blend beauty, performance, and long-term value. Reach out today to schedule a no-pressure consultation directly with Shaun — no sales reps, just expert advice and tailored solutions.

Metal Comp is a galvanized structural steel decking system that fully integrates with our IntegraStone tile system. Metal Comp radically changes the way decks are built because we can now build deck structures that last for generations, while still being cost effective. Metal Comp is: structural, waterproof and a non-combustible decking system that is made from 25 % recycled materials. The integrity of the whole system will remain for generations without shifting, warping or rotting. We create new possibilities for luxury outdoor living. Metal Comp Deck System is manufactured in components that can be assembled and built by certified builders. The Metal Comp Deck System is ordered to size and is delivered with all the components required to build the structure and tile the deck. We remove the “running around” that builders typically face in construction. Our goal is to provide the builder with all the materials that they will need to for the entire job

Waterproof vinyl decking material over living space. I really think this is the best material for going over a living space. You do have to moderately maintain this material, (basically keep it clean), and eventually replace it as it's life cycle comes to an end. I would say the typical life is 12 to 15 years for a medium grade product with a higher millage vinyl lasting 20 plus years with proper care. The railing is a powder coated aluminum with pickets. A great space to take in this water view. Photos by Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers

Photo Credits: ©️ Maxwell MacKenzie This custom home is situated on a typical, tight Arlington lot, but we were still able to fit a spacious house along with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and trampoline area in the backyard. The main floor consists of an in-law/guest suite, the kitchen, great room, dining room, and bi-fold sliding doors and pocket sliding doors that allow the main floor to be completely open and seamlessly transition to the outdoors. The floor to ceiling windows in the owner’s suite is another signature design choice for AV. With smart home features and all-around home speakers as well as many other small details, the home is deceptively simple and incredibly easy to use and maintain. Solar power fits right in because the system lasts for decades, and it requires almost no maintenance, consistent with our standard choices of low-hassle, high-quality exterior building materials.

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell

This very typical, 1947 built, story-and-a-half home in South Minneapolis had a small ‘U’ shaped kitchen adjacent to a similarly small dining room. These homeowners needed more space to prepare meals and store all the items needed in a modern kitchen. With a standard side entry access there was no more than a landing at the top of the basement stairs – no place to hang coats or even take off shoes! Many years earlier, a small screened-in porch had been added off the dining room, but it was getting minimal use in our Minnesota climate. With a new, spacious, family room addition in the place of the old screen porch and a 5’ expansion off the kitchen and side entry, along with removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, this home underwent a total transformation. What was once small cramped spaces is now a wide open great room containing kitchen, dining and family gathering spaces. As a bonus, a bright and functional mudroom was included to meet all their active family’s storage needs. Natural light now flows throughout the space and Carrara marble accents in both the kitchen and around the fireplace tie the rooms together quite nicely! An ample amount of kitchen storage space was gained with Bayer Interior Woods cabinetry and stainless steel appliances are one of many modern conveniences this family can now enjoy daily. The flooring selection (Red Oak hardwood floors) will not only last for decades to come but also adds a warm feel to the whole home. See full details (including before photos) on our website at http://www.castlebri.com/wholehouse/project-2408-1/ Designed by: Mark Benzell