In their Brooklyn brownstone renovation, designers Jordan and Barry, known as the Brownstone Boys, transformed their previously underutilized basement into a multifunctional workspace with a vintage speakeasy ambiance. Central to this transformation was the installation of our Pattern #2 tin ceiling tiles in Bright White Satin, which not only concealed structural elements but also introduced a historic charm reminiscent of early 20th-century design. The white finish of the tiles enhanced the basement's brightness, creating an inviting atmosphere suitable for client meetings and creative work. Design: Jordan and Barry (The Brownstone Boys) Tin Tile Shown: Pattern #2 in Bright White Satin

The original home featured a dramatic two-story great room, but the layout no longer supported the family’s needs. With too few bedrooms and an undersized, outdated second-floor bathroom, the homeowners wanted a solution that would improve functionality, privacy, and comfort—without expanding the home’s footprint. Our design approach focused on reclaiming underutilized vertical space while creating a refined, highly functional primary suite and enhancing key living areas throughout the home.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Perectly balanced, this dramatic black and white bathroom is a stunner. Thoughtful design was top of mind for these clients as they approached the Renovisions team to help narrow down their choices and bring it to life. Finding balance while mixing darker, heavier black finishes and lighter, white finishes was the task at hand and the goal was to create a modern look with an industrial/rustic feel. The challenge on this project was incorporating all the desired elements and products in a tight spatial constraint of 9’ x 7.5’. The clients biggest concern in the old bathroom was inadequate storage, tired and under-utilized bathtub and they also needed an additional sink for their two daughters who often share this space. Renovisions recommended removing the wall between the shower and closet to gain additional floor space as you enter the bath, while providing wall space for the three towel bars. Collaborating with the clients and searching to find the right fixtures paid off nicely. This newly remodeled Renovision accommodated two rectangular sinks, a walk-in shower with hand-held shower, wall-mounted shower head and two soft spray body jets. The oil-rubbed bronze fixtures not only provided a luxurious spa experience, but also added warmth and softness to the vintage feel. The glass shower enclosure is trimmed in a matte black grid that boasts an industrial aesthetic with retro feel while delivering modernistic function. It’s unique in appearance while allowing the chic white subway and black and white diamond tile to peek through. The beautifully designed cabinetry in a matte black painted finish provides plenty of storage. This smart configuration included two banks of three drawers for toiletries and accessories, two towers with adjustable shelves for towels and two ‘garage’ doors for hair dryers. Another unique design detail to capture attention was the black and white curvy geometric floor tile which plays off the straight lines of the cabinets and square grids of the shower enclosure. The clients are thrilled with the results and their modern, high-contrast styled digs – a true customized relaxation sanctuary for the entire family.

This small, dark outdated kitchen got turned into a spectacular kitchen that is now bigger, brighter and much more functioning. We opened-up the kitchen by removing a wall between the existing kitchen and the underutilized formal dining room. We then added a large island with some seating and more storage. The new cabinets were done in the Manhattan door style from the Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. The island was done in the color Shale while the rest of the kitchen was done in Snow. Next we installed a quartz countertop in Blanco, a Villa Heirloom Linen backsplash, recessed can lights, new lighting fixtures, and new flooring. To complete the new look we also installed floating shelves and a barn door from reclaimed wood.

This custom kitchenette and laundry room transformation blends modern luxury with timeless functionality. Designed with warm light wood cabinetry, sleek flat-panel doors, and stunning full-height porcelain slab surfaces with soft veining, this space feels bright, elegant, and highly functional. The integrated floating shelf, under-cabinet LED lighting, and seamless countertop create a clean contemporary aesthetic while maximizing storage and workspace. The custom workstation sink, minimalist faucet, and floor-to-ceiling slab backsplash bring a high-end designer feel to this compact space. Every detail was carefully planned to turn an underutilized area into a stylish and efficient kitchenette/laundry room perfect for modern living. Designed & built by Sharon Stone Design Build in Silicon Valley, specializing in luxury custom remodeling, space planning, modern cabinetry, and high-end interior transformations.

Already a leader in the new class of Sacramento restaurants, Canon was looking to better align their brand with its creative and progressive menu. Our initial engagement included working to develop their underutilized outdoor space and private dining area. Forthcoming work involves a refresh of the brand and all branded touch-points.

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

This Woodland Home, built in 1946, had beautiful charm from the exterior but needed more love on the inside. The lack of storage in the kitchen, a dark family room and underutilized attic space led them to remodel the rest of the home. In the kitchen, walls were removed between the breakfast nook and kitchen and existing windows relocated and enlarged to maximize natural light. The cased opening into the dining was widened allowing better flow for serving dinner guests. Installing new hardwoods in the kitchen created a cohesive floorplan. Willow Gray cabinets installed to the ceiling, heightened the room and gave the homeowners much needed storage space. Bianco Ararus Granite and classic subway backsplash with dark grout added a finishing touch. A large cased opening was created between the family room and existing sunroom. New aluminum clad casement windows and large French door unit was installed which enhanced the natural light throughout the space. Window sashes were replaced on the lower level of the home. The existing attic stairs with heavy, worn carpet were rebuilt to widen as much as possible. New oak stair treads were installed and finished, tying into the original hardwood flooring throughout the main level. Black iron railing gives the illusion of more space while adding simple elegance. The attic, once used for storage, was updated with new windows, luxury vinyl plank flooring and cabinetry for seasonal clothing storage. The quaint space is especially enjoyed as a reading nook and quiet getaway. 205 Photography

This Delta home has a complete facelift, removing a dated and under-utilized porch from the front of the home in order to build a two bedroom suite for extended family dwelling. Photography: Paul Grdina

Saturday June 27, 4:00 to 5:30pm | Manhattan Pool Farm by David Seiter of Future Green Studio High above Midtown Manhattan, this transformed rooftop pool is now a farm-to-table restaurant, the Press Lounge, offering guests a dazzling view of the New York City skyline. From the 19th floor of Ink Hotel, a beautifully designed edible garden is meticulously cared for to create seasonal food and drink options from ingredients grown onsite. Utilizing themes of material reuse and urban infill, this custom design and fabricated system of wood terraced planters transforms an underutilized rooftop pool into a dynamic private dining experience. The project is inspired by the structure of a sushi mat- with flexibility in one direction and rigidity in the other, the mat rolls fluidly from deck to bench to planter to wall. In an effort to make the project sustainable and cost effective, ipe wood decking was salvaged from a recent renovation and repurposed. The planting palette was selected in consultation with the restaurant’s chef, professional forager and a rooftop farmer in order to orchestrate the edible garden with unique seasonal food and drink menus. A small slice of paradise has been found in Hell’s Kitchen. Photo by David Seiter

There is nothing more gratifying than seeing our clients return and ecstatic to start their next project with us. Last year, Project Manager, Steve Shanholtz, and Designer, Sarah McDonald, had the pleasure of transforming this Albany couple’s kitchen, and no sooner than we had finished our punch list were we ready to dive into the bathroom renovations just down the hall. The existing half-bath felt cramped and underutilized with a bulky double slop sink and built-ins. We relocated the sink to where the built-ins were stationed, installed a smaller tub (perfect for little ones or pets) where the doorway once stood and created a new entrance to the space. The lighted medicine cabinet seemed somewhat out of place in its new location. Thankfully, our lead carpenter, Dave Buran worked his magic and added some custom shelving around it providing extra storage for everyday toiletries. To create a cohesive look, we incorporated gold accents from the recently renovated kitchen for both the sink faucet and shower fixtures. Perhaps the most striking element of this bathroom is the tile work. We searched extensively to find the perfect tiles and the effort paid off. The shower’s exquisite jade-toned tiles bring a sense of elegance and are beautifully complimented by the accent tiles in the niches and around the backsplash. The end result is a fabulous new bathroom that feels much larger and stylish than before we had the Bennett Crew on site. If you’re considering a renovation: kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors, decks, we would love to make the space feel like your own!

This finished basement renovation in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania was designed to transform an underutilized lower level into a spacious and highly functional living area for relaxation, entertaining, and everyday family use. Completed by Craftsworth Construction, this Delaware County basement remodel creates a bright, open layout that adds significant livable square footage while maintaining a clean and timeless design. The newly finished basement features a large open entertainment space anchored by custom built-in cabinetry and shelving surrounding a wall-mounted media center. This built-in storage solution keeps the space organized while creating a natural focal point for movie nights, sports viewing, and family gatherings. Throughout the basement, luxury vinyl plank flooring was selected for its durability, warmth, and moisture resistance—an ideal flooring solution for finished basement spaces. The neutral wood tones help brighten the lower level while complementing the clean white trim, columns, and millwork used throughout the design. A custom basement wet bar with blue cabinetry adds both style and function to the entertainment area. The bar includes quartz countertops, glass-front beverage refrigerators, a bar sink, and floating wood shelves that provide additional storage and display space. This feature makes the basement perfect for hosting guests, game days, or casual family gatherings. Recessed LED lighting was installed across the entire ceiling to ensure the basement feels bright and inviting despite being below grade. Multiple zones were created within the open floor plan to accommodate a variety of uses, including a lounge area, entertainment space, and additional flexible living areas. The finished result is a modern, fully finished basement that feels like a natural extension of the home’s main living areas, providing a comfortable space for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday living. This project was completed by Craftsworth Construction, a basement finishing and remodeling contractor serving Newtown Square, Delaware County, West Chester, and homeowners throughout Chester County and the greater Philadelphia Main Line area.

Staging this 4-bedroom house, for sale came with some challenges. Walls and ceilings painted the same color were making the house feel dark and were not showcasing the architectural features of the house. I found a new appreciation for Navajo White and Alabaster White on this project. The initial plan was to paint a few key rooms, but as the project unfolded, it was clear the new paint was making the rest of the 18-year-old house show its age. The new wall and ceiling colors helped show off the natural wood trim and frame the beautiful exterior views. Queue the elk and cross-country skiers on the snow-covered bike path. The next challenge was furniture. A mixed variety of furniture styles were a distraction to the eye. This drew focus away from highlighting the house’s large spaces. We edited out all of the distracting and mismatched pieces then decided to stage with empty bedrooms rather than spend money on bedding and accessories. Next, space planning. During the initial build of the home a 900-foot bonus room was created over the 3-car garage. It was a huge multipurpose space that was underutilized for day to day living. The family room furniture was moved out of a cozy first floor guest bedroom and into the bonus space. The new family room now had purpose and allowed the first-floor guest room to be staged as a 4th bedroom. Finally, lighting and art. Dining, kitchen and living area lighting was updated from traditional craftsman fixtures to more current fixtures with a mix of bronze and clear glass. Eddison, filament style bulbs made the fixtures interesting and added warmth. Several track lights were replaced with can lights including the one highlighting new art over the fireplace. Simple things like changing outlets, switches and covers cleaned up the walls. Carpet stretching and cleaning brought a fresh clean look to the carpeted areas while cleaning and buffing the wood and concrete floors brought back their original shine.

Our latest kitchen remodel was at the home of one of our favorite previous clients. This incredible transformation started with Project Manager, Jason Watson, and Designer, Justina Auer, meeting with the client to discuss her dream of a bigger, more functional kitchen that would be the perfect space for cooking, baking and entertaining friends and family. We started by knocking down a wall between the original kitchen and an underutilized area which welcomed in an abundance of space and light. We moved the layout around allowing the kitchen to expand. Double ovens surrounded by pantry-like storage and extra counter space were constructed in the old kitchen’s footprint while the extra space in the new kitchen lent itself perfectly to an expansive island for seating, storage and prep space. In keeping with the eclectic farmhouse charm, we couldn’t resist an impeccable farmhouse sink set in a two-tone cabinet palette further enriched by the soft white canvas of the Cambria quartz countertops with deep blue and gray veins. As an added touch, curved valances were placed at the base of the cabinets hinting at the appearance of restored furniture. The weary original pine floors were lovingly restored to their former glory. The result of all this? A kitchen that’s not only functional, but also a dream come true ready for many more years of cherished memories to be had.

There is nothing more gratifying than seeing our clients return and ecstatic to start their next project with us. Last year, Project Manager, Steve Shanholtz, and Designer, Sarah McDonald, had the pleasure of transforming this Albany couple’s kitchen, and no sooner than we had finished our punch list were we ready to dive into the bathroom renovations just down the hall. The existing half-bath felt cramped and underutilized with a bulky double slop sink and built-ins. We relocated the sink to where the built-ins were stationed, installed a smaller tub (perfect for little ones or pets) where the doorway once stood and created a new entrance to the space. The lighted medicine cabinet seemed somewhat out of place in its new location. Thankfully, our lead carpenter, Dave Buran worked his magic and added some custom shelving around it providing extra storage for everyday toiletries. To create a cohesive look, we incorporated gold accents from the recently renovated kitchen for both the sink faucet and shower fixtures. Perhaps the most striking element of this bathroom is the tile work. We searched extensively to find the perfect tiles and the effort paid off. The shower’s exquisite jade-toned tiles bring a sense of elegance and are beautifully complimented by the accent tiles in the niches and around the backsplash. The end result is a fabulous new bathroom that feels much larger and stylish than before we had the Bennett Crew on site. If you’re considering a renovation: kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors, decks, we would love to make the space feel like your own!

In this transformative Laurelhurst Portland kitchen and basement renovation project, our team of seasoned professionals reimagined a dated and underutilized space into a captivating masterpiece of modern living. The kitchen received a complete makeover with custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, and a sleek central island, creating a functional and stylish culinary hub. Meanwhile, the basement was ingeniously converted into a versatile living area, featuring a home gym, a cozy lounge, a beautiful master bathroom, and a master suite. Meticulous attention was given to every detail, from luxurious flooring to ambient lighting, elevating the ambiance throughout. This renovation seamlessly blended contemporary aesthetics with the timeless charm of Laurelhurst, Producing a space that exudes elegance, comfort, and practicality, much to the delight of our esteemed clients.

Entryway - medium tone wood floor entryway idea in San Francisco

Wine cellar in Deerfield, Illinois was designed to transform an underutilized basement space into a striking wine storage feature. A black-framed insulated glass door reveals a warm, inviting cellar featuring custom walnut wine racks, vertical bottle displays, and dedicated storage for cases and larger collections. Integrated LED lighting highlights the wood grain and bottle presentation, creating a gallery-style display while maintaining a refined atmosphere. The layout maximizes storage capacity with a mix of display shelving, diamond bins, and horizontal bottle storage, ensuring both function and visual balance. Designed and built by Luxury Elements, specialists in custom wine cellars, wine rooms, and luxury wine storage throughout Deerfield and the greater Chicagoland area.