Search results for "Undertake" in Home Design Ideas

One of our largest undertakings, Cornerstone Architectural Products designed, produced and installed all the dimensional veneer and architectural cast stone on this incredible palace-like home in Winnetka, Illinois.

This 1900's Victorian home was a huge undertaking! We took a dilapidated, neglected duplex and gave it a full make over. The exterior windows, doors, trim and siding were rebuilt in the areas where the wood rot or dry rot was extensive using the same materials and style as the original structure. The interior had been morphed into a duplex over the years, but the bones showed the truth of the original structure in the header for a single front door.

As general contractors in San Jose, another favorite of our expertise is bathroom remodeling in San Jose, CA and neighboring cities. we definitely welcome your personal design ideas and any concerns/questions you may have. Use our varied experience and expertise in undertaking assorted projects of bathroom remodeling in San Jose, from small bathroom remodeling to upscale luxurious bathrooms decoration, in minimizing the expenses to the core.
Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in San Jose, CA - https://www.espertobuilders.com/
Find the right local pro for your project

We undertook remodelling of an older property and completely overhauled it to be luxurious and contemporary. The floor plan was redesigned to create a big master bedroom with a walk in closet and a big en suite bathroom. We did away with all airconditioners in the common areas and master bedroom, and converted them to concealed ductable ones. The entire ceiling and lighting plan was redesigned to highlight and accentuate walls and art. Each piece of furniture, all the tv units and joinery, and art are bespoke - designed to synergise and flow seamlessly with the colour and style scheme of the entire house. The entire undertaking was completed from design stages to handing over in 7 months.

The “Rustic Classic” is a 17,000 square foot custom home built for a special client, a famous musician who wanted a home befitting a rockstar. This Langley, B.C. home has every detail you would want on a custom build.
For this home, every room was completed with the highest level of detail and craftsmanship; even though this residence was a huge undertaking, we didn’t take any shortcuts. From the marble counters to the tasteful use of stone walls, we selected each material carefully to create a luxurious, livable environment. The windows were sized and placed to allow for a bright interior, yet they also cultivate a sense of privacy and intimacy within the residence. Large doors and entryways, combined with high ceilings, create an abundance of space.
A home this size is meant to be shared, and has many features intended for visitors, such as an expansive games room with a full-scale bar, a home theatre, and a kitchen shaped to accommodate entertaining. In any of our homes, we can create both spaces intended for company and those intended to be just for the homeowners - we understand that each client has their own needs and priorities.
Our luxury builds combine tasteful elegance and attention to detail, and we are very proud of this remarkable home. Contact us if you would like to set up an appointment to build your next home! Whether you have an idea in mind or need inspiration, you’ll love the results.

The “Rustic Classic” is a 17,000 square foot custom home built for a special client, a famous musician who wanted a home befitting a rockstar. This Langley, B.C. home has every detail you would want on a custom build.
For this home, every room was completed with the highest level of detail and craftsmanship; even though this residence was a huge undertaking, we didn’t take any shortcuts. From the marble counters to the tasteful use of stone walls, we selected each material carefully to create a luxurious, livable environment. The windows were sized and placed to allow for a bright interior, yet they also cultivate a sense of privacy and intimacy within the residence. Large doors and entryways, combined with high ceilings, create an abundance of space.
A home this size is meant to be shared, and has many features intended for visitors, such as an expansive games room with a full-scale bar, a home theatre, and a kitchen shaped to accommodate entertaining. In any of our homes, we can create both spaces intended for company and those intended to be just for the homeowners - we understand that each client has their own needs and priorities.
Our luxury builds combine tasteful elegance and attention to detail, and we are very proud of this remarkable home. Contact us if you would like to set up an appointment to build your next home! Whether you have an idea in mind or need inspiration, you’ll love the results.

A whole home remodel is a significant undertaking that demands a highly skilled remodeling company with extensive experience in managing complex renovations. As a full-service company, we guide you through every phase of the project, from conceptualizing the initial design to adding the final touches that bring your vision to life. Our team ensures that each detail is executed to perfection, making your home exactly as you've imagined - functional, beautiful, and unique.

This Villa Park home was one of our most significant undertakings at APlus. The homeowners wanted to transform their home into a modern and stylish dwelling, but they also wanted to add square footage, in the form of a luxurious master retreat, including a bedroom and large en suite bathroom. What previously existed in this Villa Park home were low ceilings and beams that created an even more closed-in feeling. The kitchen felt outdated with limited storage and cabinetry space, and a relatively small island.
After working closely with the homeowners, Alex gave them a kitchen that was beautifully modern with an expansive island topped by waterfall-edge natural stone in pristine white, custom white cabinetry, hidden storage and pantries, and luxury stainless steel appliances. The kitchen concept also features recessed lights and pendants over the island, as well as a mosaic glass tile backsplash. This area of the home seamlessly carries into the dining and living area with flowing plank flooring. The family room features a revamped fireplace with a stacked stone surround and a stylish, floating mantel.
The bedroom addition added about 600 square feet of living space to this Villa Park property, and APlus was charged with the entire construction process, starting with the pouring of concrete and framing. The result is a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and a wall of closets, along with plentiful natural light. The bathroom features a spacious double vanity and a walk-in shower, as well as freestanding storage and a separate custom vanity area. This Villa Park renovation also included a revamp of the staircase, a refresh of the formal living area and its fireplace, and a remodel of the guest bathroom to include a modern floating vanity, new flooring and updated light fixtures.

Our firm is currently undertaking a full-home interior renovation that reimagines the residence with elevated materials, thoughtful spatial planning, and modern luxury throughout. The transformation begins with a completely redesigned primary bathroom suite featuring elegant marble flooring, large-format porcelain wall tile, and new brass plumbing fixtures. The space is centered around a deep soaking tub with a 43-inch television mounted above, complemented by integrated surround sound to create a spa-like retreat that balances comfort and sophistication.
Adjacent to the suite, the primary bedroom sitting area has been refreshed with new engineered wood flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the upper levels of the home. The space incorporates sculptural glass wall sconces, premium built-in cabinetry, a 63-inch television, and an entirely new furniture layout designed to enhance both relaxation and functionality. Two additional bathrooms on the top floor echo the home’s cohesive design language, utilizing porcelain floor and shower tile, newly installed cabinetry, and warm bronze hardware to create timeless yet durable spaces.
Moving downstairs, the foyer makes an immediate statement with a six-foot grand chandelier composed of crystal and polished nickel, establishing a dramatic focal point upon entry. Just off the foyer, the powder room introduces a more intimate and layered design, featuring stone elements, darker wall tones, decorative wallpaper, and a custom wall-mounted marble sink. The space is further elevated with a smart toilet and a custom semi-coffered ceiling that adds architectural interest.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home and has been fully reimagined with semi-custom cabinetry, professional-grade appliances, and distinctive gold welded wire mesh featured in many of the upper cabinet doors. Undercabinet LED lighting enhances both functionality and ambiance, while brass footrails invite guests to comfortably gather in the space. Quartz countertops and a full-height quartz backsplash complete the design, while thoughtful hidden features—such as pullout trash cans, a mixer lift, cutlery dividers, and other integrated storage solutions—ensure everyday convenience.
Engineered wood flooring runs throughout the kitchen and upper two levels, tying the home together with warmth and continuity. Most walls across these floors have been painted in Benjamin Moore 983 “Smokey Taupe,” while many of the ceilings feature “Silhouette” in a flat finish, adding subtle contrast and depth to the interiors.
Stay tuned for more reveals from this project, including the fully designed basement level, which will feature a private gym, bar, and theater space. Finished photography of this remarkable home will be coming soon.

As general contractors in Los Angeles, another favorite of our expertise is bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles, CA and neighboring cities. we definitely welcome your personal design ideas and any concerns/questions you may have. Use our varied experience and expertise in undertaking assorted projects of bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles, from small bathroom remodeling to upscale luxurious bathrooms decoration, in minimizing the expenses to the core.
Bathroom Renovation in Los Angeles, CA - https://www.kinghomeremodeling.com/

Upon first entering this early 1900s North Asheville home, Sean Perry felt as if he’d stepped back in time. And though it needed a full restoration — addressing multiple structural issues, as well as outdated electrical, plumbing, gas and insulation systems — maintaining the home’s historical integrity was at the forefront of this massive (and ultimately striking) undertaking.
With a goal of updating the home for modern living, The Hands of Sean Perry Co. rebuilt the original Porte Cochere to accommodate today’s vehicles. Then, the team installed a pool and stone deck in the backyard, giving the homeowners and their children a place to relax and enjoy sunny summer afternoons. Bringing even more light to the project, the crew relocated the home’s kitchen to its sunniest room, directly next to the veranda, drawing better connections between dining and entertaining.
In addition to these big changes, every room, including the basement, received updates and renovations — the dining room, kitchen, mudroom, living room, three full- and two half-bathrooms, four bedrooms, two office rooms and a finished attic space. Keeping as many details true to the home’s historic character as possible, the team even restored the original heart pine and oak floors, as well as its central staircase.

This Villa Park home was one of our most significant undertakings at APlus. The homeowners wanted to transform their home into a modern and stylish dwelling, but they also wanted to add square footage, in the form of a luxurious master retreat, including a bedroom and large en suite bathroom. What previously existed in this Villa Park home were low ceilings and beams that created an even more closed-in feeling. The kitchen felt outdated with limited storage and cabinetry space, and a relatively small island.
After working closely with the homeowners, Alex gave them a kitchen that was beautifully modern with an expansive island topped by waterfall-edge natural stone in pristine white, custom white cabinetry, hidden storage and pantries, and luxury stainless steel appliances. The kitchen concept also features recessed lights and pendants over the island, as well as a mosaic glass tile backsplash. This area of the home seamlessly carries into the dining and living area with flowing plank flooring. The family room features a revamped fireplace with a stacked stone surround and a stylish, floating mantel.
The bedroom addition added about 600 square feet of living space to this Villa Park property, and APlus was charged with the entire construction process, starting with the pouring of concrete and framing. The result is a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and a wall of closets, along with plentiful natural light. The bathroom features a spacious double vanity and a walk-in shower, as well as freestanding storage and a separate custom vanity area. This Villa Park renovation also included a revamp of the staircase, a refresh of the formal living area and its fireplace, and a remodel of the guest bathroom to include a modern floating vanity, new flooring and updated light fixtures.

The renovation project at Hollywood Avenue in North York took a total of five months from start to finish. Astaneh Construction was hired to undertake the project, which involved a complete transformation of the house. The scope of work included creating an open concept living area, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting the entire house, upgrading the flooring and trim work.
The project began with a thorough assessment of the existing space and a detailed plan was developed to ensure that the final outcome would meet the client's expectations. The team at Astaneh Construction worked diligently to ensure that every detail of the project was completed to the highest standard. The end result was a beautiful and modern living space that exceeded the client's expectations.
The open concept design allowed for a seamless flow of natural light throughout the space, creating a bright and welcoming environment. The kitchen was completely renovated with modern fixtures and finishes, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace for the homeowners. The bathrooms were also transformed with new tiling, fixtures and vanities, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
The entire house was painted with a fresh coat of paint, creating a clean and modern look. The flooring was upgraded to high-quality materials, providing durability and comfort underfoot. The trim work was also upgraded, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
In summary, Astaneh Construction successfully completed a comprehensive renovation of Hollywood Avenue in North York, creating a beautiful and modern living space for the homeowners. The project took five months to complete and involved creating an open concept living area, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting, flooring and upgrading the trim work.

The “Rustic Classic” is a 17,000 square foot custom home built for a special client, a famous musician who wanted a home befitting a rockstar. This Langley, B.C. home has every detail you would want on a custom build.
For this home, every room was completed with the highest level of detail and craftsmanship; even though this residence was a huge undertaking, we didn’t take any shortcuts. From the marble counters to the tasteful use of stone walls, we selected each material carefully to create a luxurious, livable environment. The windows were sized and placed to allow for a bright interior, yet they also cultivate a sense of privacy and intimacy within the residence. Large doors and entryways, combined with high ceilings, create an abundance of space.
A home this size is meant to be shared, and has many features intended for visitors, such as an expansive games room with a full-scale bar, a home theatre, and a kitchen shaped to accommodate entertaining. In any of our homes, we can create both spaces intended for company and those intended to be just for the homeowners - we understand that each client has their own needs and priorities.
Our luxury builds combine tasteful elegance and attention to detail, and we are very proud of this remarkable home. Contact us if you would like to set up an appointment to build your next home! Whether you have an idea in mind or need inspiration, you’ll love the results.

Discover the transformative power of meticulously installed countertops with Liberty Kitchen Design, a name synonymous with quality and finesse in the realm of kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Our countertop installation service isn't just about adding a piece to your space; it's about redefining your interiors with surfaces that resonate with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. At Liberty Kitchen Design, we bring to the fore decades of expertise in sculpting and installing countertops that are not only visually compelling but are also built to stand the test of time. Our passion for perfection and dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each installation is a seamless fusion of beauty and functionality, tailored to elevate your kitchen or bathroom's overall ambiance.
Our expansive showroom stands as a testament to our commitment to diversity and quality, featuring an array of countertop options that cater to every taste and design preference. From the timeless elegance of marble to the robust charm of granite and the modern allure of quartz, Liberty Kitchen Design offers a palette of choices, ensuring you find the perfect countertop to match your vision. Our experienced team is on hand to guide you through each selection process, offering insights into the unique characteristics, benefits, and care requirements of different materials. This personalized approach ensures that every countertop installation reflects the homeowner's personality and lifestyle, creating spaces that inspire and delight.
Embarking on a countertop installation project with Liberty Kitchen Design means entrusting your home to seasoned professionals who regard every project with the utmost significance. Our meticulous attention to detail, from precise measurements to the final touches, guarantees flawless execution and results that surpass expectations. We understand that a countertop is not just a work surface but a centerpiece that brings together the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen and bathroom. That's why we devote ourselves to crafting installations that blend seamlessly with your existing décor, enhancing both the visual appeal and the practicality of your space. Our dedication to excellence at every step of the installation process has cemented our reputation as industry leaders in kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
Liberty Kitchen Design's countertop installation service is where your quest for elegance, durability, and precision finds its answer. Our unyielding commitment to quality, coupled with our diverse showroom selection, ensures that every project we undertake is a hallmark of innovation and craftsmanship. Whether renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or simply seeking to inject a new lease of life into your home, partnering with Liberty Kitchen Design guarantees a service that transcends the ordinary. Experience the difference with us, where every countertop installation is a step towards realizing the home of your dreams. Let us help you transform your vision into reality, setting new benchmarks in beauty and functionality.

This Villa Park home was one of our most significant undertakings at APlus. The homeowners wanted to transform their home into a modern and stylish dwelling, but they also wanted to add square footage, in the form of a luxurious master retreat, including a bedroom and large en suite bathroom. What previously existed in this Villa Park home were low ceilings and beams that created an even more closed-in feeling. The kitchen felt outdated with limited storage and cabinetry space, and a relatively small island.
After working closely with the homeowners, Alex gave them a kitchen that was beautifully modern with an expansive island topped by waterfall-edge natural stone in pristine white, custom white cabinetry, hidden storage and pantries, and luxury stainless steel appliances. The kitchen concept also features recessed lights and pendants over the island, as well as a mosaic glass tile backsplash. This area of the home seamlessly carries into the dining and living area with flowing plank flooring. The family room features a revamped fireplace with a stacked stone surround and a stylish, floating mantel.
The bedroom addition added about 600 square feet of living space to this Villa Park property, and APlus was charged with the entire construction process, starting with the pouring of concrete and framing. The result is a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and a wall of closets, along with plentiful natural light. The bathroom features a spacious double vanity and a walk-in shower, as well as freestanding storage and a separate custom vanity area. This Villa Park renovation also included a revamp of the staircase, a refresh of the formal living area and its fireplace, and a remodel of the guest bathroom to include a modern floating vanity, new flooring and updated light fixtures.

Custom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~
Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped?
When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped?
Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?”
Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements.
The Secret is Out
For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.”
The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet.
And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable
Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories:
1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function.
2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement.
3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation.
4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size.
Our clients? They absolutely love them.
Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible
Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature.
Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop.
The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off.
We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later.
Where Imagination Meets Reality
But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor?
We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement.
What a ride, indeed.
Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure.
The People Behind the Dreams
What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box.
These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy.
Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for.
My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you!
Custom Curved Wooden Slides
What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart
Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship.
We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly.
But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality.
Your Home, Reimagined
Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary.
Ready to set your home apart?
~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end.
Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date.
New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space.
The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location.
High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use.
Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature.
Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end.
Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date.
New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space.
The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location.
High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use.
Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature.
Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

Construction: GD Nielsen Homes
It's all about you! Your dreams, your site, your budget…. that's our inspiration! It is all about creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your unique lifestyle. Every project has it's challenges, but underneath the real-life concerns of budget and bylaws lie opportunities to delight. At Kallweit Graham Architecture, it is these opportunities that we seek to discover for each and every project.
The key to good design is not an unlimited budget, nor following trends. Rather, it takes the limitations of a project and, through thoughtful design, brings out its uniqueness, and enhances the property and it's value.
Building new or renovating an existing home is exciting! We also understand that it can be an emotional undertaking and sometimes overwhelming. For over two decades we have helped hundreds of clients "find their way" through the building maze. We are careful listeners, helping people to identify and prioritize their needs. If you have questions like what is possible? what will it look like? and how much will it cost? our trademarked RenoReport can help… see our website for details www.kga.ca.
We welcome your enquiries, which can be addressed to Karen or Ross
Karen@kga.ca ext:4
Ross@kga.ca ext: 2
604.921.8044
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