Our clients wanted a space to gather with friends and family for the children to play. There were 13 support posts that we had to work around. The awkward placement of the posts made the design a challenge. We created a floor plan to incorporate the 13 posts into special features including a built in wine fridge, custom shelving, and a playhouse. Now, some of the most challenging issues add character and a custom feel to the space. In addition to the large gathering areas, we finished out a charming powder room with a blue vanity, round mirror and brass fixtures.

This dark, dreary kitchen was large, but not being used well. The family of 7 had outgrown the limited storage and experienced traffic bottlenecks when in the kitchen together. A bright, cheerful and more functional kitchen was desired, as well as a new pantry space. We gutted the kitchen and closed off the landing through the door to the garage to create a new pantry. A frosted glass pocket door eliminates door swing issues. In the pantry, a small access door opens to the garage so groceries can be loaded easily. Grey wood-look tile was laid everywhere. We replaced the small window and added a 6’x4’ window, instantly adding tons of natural light. A modern motorized sheer roller shade helps control early morning glare. Three free-floating shelves are to the right of the window for favorite décor and collectables. White, ceiling-height cabinets surround the room. The full-overlay doors keep the look seamless. Double dishwashers, double ovens and a double refrigerator are essentials for this busy, large family. An induction cooktop was chosen for energy efficiency, child safety, and reliability in cooking. An appliance garage and a mixer lift house the much-used small appliances. An ice maker and beverage center were added to the side wall cabinet bank. The microwave and TV are hidden but have easy access. The inspiration for the room was an exclusive glass mosaic tile. The large island is a glossy classic blue. White quartz countertops feature small flecks of silver. Plus, the stainless metal accent was even added to the toe kick! Upper cabinet, under-cabinet and pendant ambient lighting, all on dimmers, was added and every light (even ceiling lights) is LED for energy efficiency. White-on-white modern counter stools are easy to clean. Plus, throughout the room, strategically placed USB outlets give tidy charging options.

Contractor: David Clough Photographer: Dan Gair/Blind Dog Photo, Inc.
Enclosed kitchen - traditional u-shaped enclosed kitchen idea in Boston with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, yellow cabinets, marble countertops, yellow backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

KitchenLab Interiors’ first, entirely new construction project in collaboration with GTH architects who designed the residence. KLI was responsible for all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design including the stairs, casework, interior doors, moldings and millwork. KLI also worked with the client on selecting the roof, exterior stucco and paint colors, stone, windows, and doors. The homeowners had purchased the existing home on a lakefront lot of the Valley Lo community in Glenview, thinking that it would be a gut renovation, but when they discovered a host of issues including mold, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch. The minute you look out the living room windows, you feel as though you're on a lakeside vacation in Wisconsin or Michigan. We wanted to help the homeowners achieve this feeling throughout the house - merging the causal vibe of a vacation home with the elegance desired for a primary residence. This project is unique and personal in many ways - Rebekah and the homeowner, Lorie, had grown up together in a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Lorie had been Rebekah's babysitter and was like an older sister growing up. They were both heavily influenced by the style of the late 70's and early 80's boho/hippy meets disco and 80's glam, and both credit their moms for an early interest in anything related to art, design, and style. One of the biggest challenges of doing a new construction project is that it takes so much longer to plan and execute and by the time tile and lighting is installed, you might be bored by the selections of feel like you've seen them everywhere already. “I really tried to pull myself, our team and the client away from the echo-chamber of Pinterest and Instagram. We fell in love with counter stools 3 years ago that I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on, thank god, because then they started showing up literally everywhere", Rebekah recalls. Lots of one of a kind vintage rugs and furnishings make the home feel less brand-spanking new. The best projects come from a team slightly outside their comfort zone. One of the funniest things Lorie says to Rebekah, "I gave you everything you wanted", which is pretty hilarious coming from a client to a designer.

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

A base cabinet fit with sliding shelves provide an organized space for tupperware containers and lids.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The original ensuite bathroom in this condominium required renovations to replace problematic Kitec plumbing. The layout in the space remained the same, but improvements were made to address certain design challenges with lighting, automation, and space. The aim was to create a modern bathroom design with textured wood features, and the feel of metallic black accents. A number of prominent changes were made to improve the use of space. The original entry, a left-handed door swinging into the bathroom, was replaced. It interfered with the vanity clear floor space. It also made the use of the bathroom difficult when two users were present. It was changed to a soft closing pocket door. To avoid losing space it was installed by creating a wall cavity on the outside of the bathroom. This door also included frosted glass panels to allow natural light into the space. Double sliding glass shower doors were also installed to address access issues to the shower valve. Storage improvements included the installation of dual inset medicine cabinets, and pull out drawers within the wall hung vanity. The depth of the medicine cabinets were extended outwards, and this nice detail was finished with a textured wood finish. The addition of the wall hung vanity also created the feeling of more space beneath the units and allowed for under cabinet lighting. Lighting and automation improvements included the addition of HUE LED lighting. This was done by installing two shower pot lights, a 6” main potlight, and under cabinet lighting. These are all controlled by the Philips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. Some of the other highlights of this modern bathroom include dark grout, which contrasts nicely with the elongated white tile, a thermostatic shower system, herringbone textured porcelain floor tile, and a Schluter Kerdi waterproofing shower system. This bathroom is made most unique though with the choice of wallpaper, which can be described as modern luxury, a graphic take on agate stone patterns with metallic embellishments.

"We decided to do a complete remodel of our kitchen after the pipe burst in our kitchen. We picked Taylor Pro to work with after getting extensive quotes and looked at many reviews. Easy to work with, always on time, and cleaned up everyday. The TaylorPro crew installed everything from new cabinets and hardware, plumbing, appliances, and contracted painters, granite installer, and flooring for us. They raised our kitchen ceiling by six inches, installed new lighting, and fixed the area of damaged wall in the kitchen and dining room. Any issues we ran into during this long process were fixed immediately by Kerry or his team. The crew was friendly, punctual and cleaned up on a daily basis as well as an in-depth cleaning at the end of the remodel. We got our up dream kitchen and are so happy the way the dining room and family room look with new paint, lighting fixtures, and flooring. Although it was tough to be without a kitchen, the end result was more than worth it!" ~ Adam L, Client Cabinets by Kitchen Emporium, Jenn-Air appliances, hardwood floors by Joe's Hardwood, granite backsplash, under cabinet lighting, rectangular sink, corner cabinet, glass cabinet, lazy susan. Photo by: Kerry W. Taylor

"We decided to do a complete remodel of our kitchen after the pipe burst in our kitchen. We picked Taylor Pro to work with after getting extensive quotes and looked at many reviews. Easy to work with, always on time, and cleaned up everyday. The TaylorPro crew installed everything from new cabinets and hardware, plumbing, appliances, and contracted painters, granite installer, and flooring for us. They raised our kitchen ceiling by six inches, installed new lighting, and fixed the area of damaged wall in the kitchen and dining room. Any issues we ran into during this long process were fixed immediately by Kerry or his team. The crew was friendly, punctual and cleaned up on a daily basis as well as an in-depth cleaning at the end of the remodel. We got our up dream kitchen and are so happy the way the dining room and family room look with new paint, lighting fixtures, and flooring. Although it was tough to be without a kitchen, the end result was more than worth it!" ~ Adam L, Client Cabinets by Kitchen Emporium, Jenn-Air appliances, hardwood floors by Joe's Hardwood, granite backsplash, under cabinet lighting, rectangular sink, corner cabinet, glass cabinet, lazy susan. Photo by: Kerry W. Taylor

MCM Construction Inc. did a total remodel to the back and front yard of this lakefront property. We designed and built a new boathouse, dock and patio hardscapes with landscaping, where there was originally only a small yard with no boat slip or dock. Some of the challenges to construct this project were, excavating hundreds of yards of material including bedrock and large boulders that were blasted for removal. A new seawall was needed so a coffer dam was erected in order to pour the 100’ new concrete seawall and boathouse foundation. The dock was built with epoxy coated driven pin pile and Ipe decking. Stainless steel recessed cleats, mooring whips, bumpers and recessed LED lights in the decking were added to this beautiful and very functional dock. The stone walled boathouse was designed and built to match the home even down to the hand carved corbels and the octagon shaped window above the garage door. Inside the boathouse, lots of light is provided to operate the Hewitt boatlift with custom made divided light bypass wood doors, recessed lighting and recessed LED lights in the decking to highlight the owners beautifully restored mahogany Chris Craft ski boat. Underground storage below the upper patio is accessible through the inside of the boathouse and also through matching custom aluminum French doors under the patio above. At the upper patio, behind the boathouse, is a custom attic door built on site to access a full length storage attic above the boat. Small details like an outdoor shower head and hose bib finish off this wonderful boathouse. The backyard hardscapes are constructed with matching stone on the retaining walls and high grade Bluestone for the patios with ellipses being the base design element seen throughout. All new curved iron railings beautifully frame the upper patio. The grand staircase flows to the lower level with a small curved lawn and lounging area by the water front. The plantings were carefully selected with the owner to help soften up the stone terraced walls. The side of the home has more Bluestone but to add variety the selection was made to have these done with a tumbled bluestone sand set instead of the mortar set angular stone used in the back. This gives the curved pathway a very soft elegant feel. New cedar fencing, custom gates and plantings invites guests to the back yard. The front yard continues with the ellipse pattern in the lawn and path. New Bluestone was added to the front porch as well as modifying it from a rectangle to a radius design. The existing arbor was taken down and restored due to dry rot and other issues. A new sand finish driveway caps off the amazing front yard.

This grand 2 story open foyer has an eye catching curved staircase, with dark stained treads and handrail. The white colored spindles add grace and further enhance this grand architectural space . As we glimpse the powder room and it's fully wainscoted walls from the "curved" coffered hallway we see yet another architecturally interesting room. This home was featured in Philadelphia Magazine August 2014 issue to showcase its beauty and excellence. RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

The homeowners loved the look of granite, but did not want the maintenance of this type of product. Therefore, Zodiac countertops were installed, a quartz-based product that looks very similar to granite, but does not have the same maintenance issues. Mystic Black was chosen for the main body of the kitchen to provide for a contrasting look to the cabinets and Indus Red was chosen as an accent piece for the island to coordinate with the red knobs of the Viking range top. An Elkay stainless steel sink and Moen stainless steel faucet tie in nicely with the stainless steel appliances. To improve lighting, six recessed lights on a dimmer switch were installed in the ceiling along with two areas for drop pendant lights – over the sink and over the island. Traditional time period light fixtures were used with white alabaster shades. Under cabinet task lighting was also used, along with the accent lighting at the top of the upper cabinets that were dropped down from the ceiling.

The original ensuite bathroom in this condominium required renovations to replace problematic Kitec plumbing. The layout in the space remained the same, but improvements were made to address certain design challenges with lighting, automation, and space. The aim was to create a modern bathroom design with textured wood features, and the feel of metallic black accents. A number of prominent changes were made to improve the use of space. The original entry, a left-handed door swinging into the bathroom, was replaced. It interfered with the vanity clear floor space. It also made the use of the bathroom difficult when two users were present. It was changed to a soft closing pocket door. To avoid losing space it was installed by creating a wall cavity on the outside of the bathroom. This door also included frosted glass panels to allow natural light into the space. Double sliding glass shower doors were also installed to address access issues to the shower valve. Storage improvements included the installation of dual inset medicine cabinets, and pull out drawers within the wall hung vanity. The depth of the medicine cabinets were extended outwards, and this nice detail was finished with a textured wood finish. The addition of the wall hung vanity also created the feeling of more space beneath the units and allowed for under cabinet lighting. Lighting and automation improvements included the addition of HUE LED lighting. This was done by installing two shower pot lights, a 6” main potlight, and under cabinet lighting. These are all controlled by the Philips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. Some of the other highlights of this modern bathroom include dark grout, which contrasts nicely with the elongated white tile, a thermostatic shower system, herringbone textured porcelain floor tile, and a Schluter Kerdi waterproofing shower system. This bathroom is made most unique though with the choice of wallpaper, which can be described as modern luxury, a graphic take on agate stone patterns with metallic embellishments.

Adam Hartig
Large transitional gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile doorless shower photo with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and gray walls

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

"We decided to do a complete remodel of our kitchen after the pipe burst in our kitchen. We picked Taylor Pro to work with after getting extensive quotes and looked at many reviews. Easy to work with, always on time, and cleaned up everyday. The TaylorPro crew installed everything from new cabinets and hardware, plumbing, appliances, and contracted painters, granite installer, and flooring for us. They raised our kitchen ceiling by six inches, installed new lighting, and fixed the area of damaged wall in the kitchen and dining room. Any issues we ran into during this long process were fixed immediately by Kerry or his team. The crew was friendly, punctual and cleaned up on a daily basis as well as an in-depth cleaning at the end of the remodel. We got our up dream kitchen and are so happy the way the dining room and family room look with new paint, lighting fixtures, and flooring. Although it was tough to be without a kitchen, the end result was more than worth it!" ~ Adam L, Client Cabinets by Kitchen Emporium, Jenn-Air appliances, hardwood floors by Joe's Hardwood, granite backsplash, under cabinet lighting, rectangular sink, corner cabinet, glass cabinet, lazy susan. Photo by: Kerry W. Taylor

This couple spent their honeymoon in Hawaii and they wanted to incorporate that tropical feel into their bathroom. We created a custom palm tree mosaic and added a little dimension by letting it break through the frame. We added rain glass to the shower and gave the cabinets a nice dark wood look. We made sure to add lots of plants to give it a touch of green and finished it off with artwork purchased on their honeymoon.

Photo: A Darling Felicity Photography © 2015 Houzz
Example of a mid-sized country porcelain tile mudroom design in Seattle with green walls