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.

Brick retaining walls with limestone caps enclose this lowered pool area. Stonework involved in the installation of the limestone terraced snap steps was a precise and arduous undertaking considering the drainage implications in that specific area.

This kitchen oozes with personality! The Creative Kitchen Co. team worked closely with the homeowners to design and plan this major undertaking and labor of love. They were able to incorporate rustic and personal elements to create their ultimate kitchen.

Despite the billion-dollar views, premium homes are scant atop the Palisades. When the designer set out to create the perfect Palisades aerie, complete with a private pool, it proved to be quiet the undertaking. This property is situated just behind the cliff's edge with fantastic views, but equally as many challenges. After nearly three years of arduous renovations and improvements, it's now a sophisticated retreat with modern, industrial finishes throughout. Without a doubt, the crowning achievement of this spectacular renovation is the 10 foot by 12 foot stainless steel pool and hot tub situated on the roof. The 2017 Global Choice ARDA goes to Dixon Projects Designer: Dixon Projects From: New York, New York

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.

The reorganization of the house was a significant undertaking. A large bedroom next to the entry was transformed into an appropriately sized office, simplifying the layout and enhancing functionality. A powder room was added for convenience, discreetly located away from the entertainment spaces.

After: The vaulted pavilion was no small undertaking, but our clients agree it was worth it! Skylights help keep the natural light in their home, but keep them dry from any weather Oklahoma throws at them. After seeing the beautiful natural wood of the tongue-and-groove ceiling we were happy the clients opted to keep the color and choose a clear stain. No worries about the winter in this screened in porch-between the gas fireplace and infrared heater they will be nice and cozy while watching all those football games and entertaining outside.

Our Client decided to renovate and expand her home after living in it for close to 35 years. She had previously worked with John Crawley AIA to remodel her kitchen and dining areas and was ready to undertake the rest of the house. We loved John Crawley's approach of selectively lifting the ceilings and flooding the common areas with light and let this inform our design approach throughout. The addition of the new library and library bath was intended to open up the house to both the interior and the exterior, while maintaining a seamless connection to previous work. The original 1970's house had an outdated master suite with a vanity area outside the tiny bathroom and adjacent tiny closet. Our Client was ready to overhaul the space annexing an adjacent underutilized bedroom for a generous master bath and open it to the beautiful backyard hillside with a private patio. The remainder of the house was given a variety of touches and updates including new windows, bathroom countertops and millwork and new colors throughout. Finally, a brise soleil was added to the front of the house.

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.

Jen Denham of Reico Kitchen and Bath in White Plains, MD collaborated with Personal Touch Installation to design a transitional style inspired primary bathroom featuring Merillat Classic Cabinetry. The vanity cabinets are the Fox Harbor door style in Maple with a Cotton finish with MSI Q Galant Gray vanity countertops. The bathroom includes Nashville Bianco Coveland gloss shower wall tile, Nashville Moss Greige shower floor tile and Ceracasa Filita White floor tile. “Jennifer was absolutely fantastic; we couldn’t ask for anyone better. She made suggestions, listened to concerns, answered questions, and was exceptionally patient through multiple color changes. We never felt rushed to make a decision. Having previously worked with Jen on a complete remodel, it was an easy decision to return for our bath project," said the client. “The master bath was original to the house and was chopped up into two rooms, a huge wasted area for a giant soaker tub that was never used and small cramped spot for their shower toilet and vanity,” said Jen. "We all agreed that the design didn't quite fit their needs. After exploring several options, we settled on a spacious shower with aging-in-place features like a bench and handheld. We added more storage with the large vanity and bench off the back end of the shower. We also created a huge custom shower that is easier to get in and out of, with plenty of space compared to their tiny shower from before." “The clients were extremely kind, patient and understanding through the entire project. It was a huge undertaking and we were essentially creating a whole new room. It's hard to picture what it looked like before!” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

This home belonged to the controversial championship-winning IU basketball coach, but our client, who is trained as a landscape architect, has lived there over two decades now, undertaking several renovations over the years and beautifying the wooded grounds into a fairy tale setting. She came to us ready to make the coach’s former office into a gathering space and overnight accommodation, asking us to lean into the Craftsman shell rather than the Candy Stripe history of the space.

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.

These homeowners were anxiously ready to remodel their dated 80’s kitchen and reached out to Renovisions to handle the transformation. In this new undertaking we met to discuss plans to brighten the dark room with custom painted white inset cabinets, adding more functional storage, better task lighting and GE Monogram appliances, new hardwood flooring throughout and creating a better flow into the adjacent family room. In order to open up the space, Renovisions suggested creating an angle at the peninsula. Continuing with this approach we replaced the rear door with a new one-light door that swings out instead of in to accommodate new bar stools and a better flow of traffic in and out to the deck outside. Silestone’s quartz countertops in ‘Merope’ were the perfect choice adding a nice contrast yet truly durable and low maintenance. Creating a beautifully unique subway tile niche in linen color at cooktop area and backsplash added an elegant touch to the overall look and homeowners were thrilled with this refreshing look after the Renovision. Now their newly renovated kitchen is a showcase and nicely outfitted for family and friends.

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!

If you plan to undertake backyard renovation in Woodland Hills, it is important to choose the right backyard renovation contractor. A good contractor in Woodland Hills and neighboring cities can help you make the right choices in terms of design and material quality. With the right professionals, you can also be sure of getting the job done well and in time. As experts, we can create landscapes ideal for your modern life, and for hosting guests and socializing. Upgrades, renovations, and remodels are all convenient, attainable, and affordable with our company. Complete Backyard Renovation in Woodland Hills, CA - https://visionhomeremodeling.com/

This basement renovation / new construction makeover was a huge undertaking and would not have been possible without the incredible work from the various trades that Decoria Interiors is privileged to team up with! Interior Design / Contracting / Staging - Decoria Interiors. Carpentry / Construction - Obenaus Construction Ltd. 324-4875 Plumbing - First Town Plumbing. 324-0284 Electrical - Stone Foundation Electrical. 1-800-939-1672 Crackfilling - Mike Chase. 324-5006 Painting - Bob's Painting. 328-2651 HVAC / Mini Split - River Valley Ventilation. 324-0103 And of course, thank you to Hospitality Homes, Benjamin Moore - Woodstock, Sherry Deware (Seamstress), Kent - Woodstock, McLellan's Brandsource Home Furnishings, and my incredible clients for their patience and business! Ashley Marie Photography (325-0243) has done it again and delivered incredible photos of this project. Thank you so much Ashley - you're a lifesaver!

Our team was approached by a lovely client in early January 2022 to undertake a full home renovation project. The scope of the project initially included updating the interior of the home, with a focus on the kitchen, flooring, all the bathrooms, and the basement. We also took on the task of painting the entire interior of the house, giving it a fresh and updated look. As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in updating the exterior of the home as well. We worked with them to design and build a new deck that provided a functional and stylish space for outdoor entertaining. We also tackled the landscaping of the front and backyard of the property, creating a cohesive and inviting look that complemented the updated interior design. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the client to ensure that their vision was realized, taking care to incorporate their input and preferences into every aspect of the design. We also prioritized functionality and durability, selecting materials and finishes that would stand the test of time and provide lasting value for the homeowner. Despite the scale of the project, we were able to complete it in just four months, from day one to last one. Our team worked efficiently and effectively to ensure that every detail was taken care of, from the initial design to the final finishing touches. The end result is a stunning and functional home that the client is thrilled with. The updated interior provides a modern and comfortable living space, while the new deck and landscaping create a welcoming and inviting exterior. We are proud to have been a part of this transformative project and look forward to providing more high-quality renovation services in the future.

The Contemporary Residence, sits on 600 gracious acres that used to be a horse farm. The interior design is moody and dark partially to catch a break from the scorching Australian sun, but mostly because it creates the richness the clients desired. The Interior Designer also handled the architecture, stripping everything back to its structure and cladding the exterior in black Tasmanian oak. The Designer brought in his frequent collaborator, landscape designer Myles Baldwin. The centralized management of all these elements ensured a rare aesthetic consistency for such a huge undertaking design.

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.