This early 20th century Indianapolis, IN basement remodel was in desperate need of help. The original and still operating hydronic radiant heating system had its plumbing configured without regard to any other use of the space. Fearful of harming the aged system and the high cost of doing so, these Clients were adamant that the existing system remain intact. Architect Lee Constantine developed a design that maintained the existing heating system while creating "niches" around the perimeter that would conceal the unsightly plumbing. Additionally, by removing free-standing structural supporting posts, amore flexible and inviting space was achieved. Because of an already low ceiling condition, the floor-ceiling structure above was kept exposed, painted and highlighted with indirect lighting to avoid further reducing the ceiling height. Constantine incorporated "clouds" on this ceiling to conceal certain existing components that either were cost prohibitive to relocate or couldn't be relocated. These "clouds"become a "visual element" through their geometry and hidden "indirect" light source rather than an undesirable complication. Now this family entertains frequently in the basement and reports "it doesn't feel like we're in a basement anymore"

This visionary homeowner found an idyllic property surrounded by gorgeous pastoral views, fertile soil perfect for a Truffle farm, and an easy distance to downtown Corvallis, Oregon. What was not ideal, however, was the existing house. Built in the 1980’s, this ranch had some undesirably unique features that were not at all the style that our client was imagining for her dream farmhouse. She came to us with the challenge of transforming this dated ranch into a classic southern style farmhouse complete with covered porches and wood burning fireplaces. She had dreams of hosting large parties as well as intimate family gatherings, requiring a modern open concept layout alongside more secluded areas, all while preserving the traditional aesthetic that she desired. Having lived in a wide variety of homes around the country, there were some features this homeowner knew she wanted to incorporate into this major rebuild. We thoughtfully considered how to include those elements in the design while addressing several structural challenges, remaining within budget, and creating a final product that would be both stunning and practical. Historic trim work, white oak flooring, and warm white walls provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing her treasured heirloom rugs and artwork. Incorporating numerous windows on every exterior wall possible, we were able to maximize natural light, and access panoramic views of the countryside, while allowing the fresh air to breeze through. Multiple sets of French doors lead onto the expansive front veranda that wraps around the main living room. This deep, full-length porch is an inviting, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of these design features provided the framework to capture the vision she had for her home.

It’s not uncommon for the primary bedroom to be an upper floor in an older home. Such was the case with Park House and as the owners were getting older, the desire to walk up a full flight of stairs multiple times a day was starting to become undesirable. The owners wanted to find away to create a new primary bedroom suite on the main floor of the house, which would allow the upstairs rooms to be dedicated for guests. The existing home had a 2-car garage attached to the rear façade, and was fed by a large expansive concrete driveway and lawn area. Both areas were largely unused, but afforded enough space for a new addition to be added to the house, and then a separate garage structure built adjacent to it. Our team developed a couple of sketch floor plan options on how such as an addition could work alongside a separate new garage structure. One of the goals for the project was that it had to feel like it belonged with the house in that it couldn’t be jarringly modern. The result is a new rear addition that harmoniously blends in with the existing home that provides a large tranquil bedroom with a spa-like bathroom on the main floor. In addition, a new rear entry vestibule was designed as a transition point between new and old, while also providing space for an adjacent laundry room. The new addition also provided an opportunity to create an enclosed private courtyard with lush landscaping and enough space for large family gatherings.

The homeowners, residing in a 1990s home, sought to update their primary bathroom to create a fresh, open space that still felt warm and cozy. The existing layout presented several challenges, including an undesirable first view of the toilet as you entered the room. They also wanted to reconfigure the tub and enlarge the shower for a more functional and luxurious experience. Additionally, the current vanity placement caused problems, as the door would frequently collide with someone using the sink. We rotated the tub 90 degrees to allow for more openness and room for the new toilet location. We changed the built in standard size tub to a deep freestanding tub with waterfall filler. The vanity was moved away from the entrance, helping with the flow in and out of the room. We also built a dedicated space for seating, along with convenient niches for shampoo and soap.

Kitchens aren't always in perfectly square boxes. Sometimes, J.S. Brown & Co. designers have awkward spaces to work with, particularly in older homes. When structural changes and additions are either undesirable, or don't fit the budget parameters, we go with the flow. We can design wonderful spaces, even when the space is challenging. Find out what our NARI Accredited and talented team can do for your home.

Custom Built home designed to fit on an undesirable lot provided a great opportunity to think outside of the box with creating a large open concept living space with a kitchen, dining room, living room, and sitting area. This space has extra high ceilings with concrete radiant heat flooring and custom IKEA cabinetry throughout. The master suite sits tucked away on one side of the house while the other bedrooms are upstairs with a large flex space, great for a kids play area!

This visionary homeowner found an idyllic property surrounded by gorgeous pastoral views, fertile soil perfect for a Truffle farm, and an easy distance to downtown Corvallis, Oregon. What was not ideal, however, was the existing house. Built in the 1980’s, this ranch had some undesirably unique features that were not at all the style that our client was imagining for her dream farmhouse. She came to us with the challenge of transforming this dated ranch into a classic southern style farmhouse complete with covered porches and wood burning fireplaces. She had dreams of hosting large parties as well as intimate family gatherings, requiring a modern open concept layout alongside more secluded areas, all while preserving the traditional aesthetic that she desired. Having lived in a wide variety of homes around the country, there were some features this homeowner knew she wanted to incorporate into this major rebuild. We thoughtfully considered how to include those elements in the design while addressing several structural challenges, remaining within budget, and creating a final product that would be both stunning and practical. Historic trim work, white oak flooring, and warm white walls provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing her treasured heirloom rugs and artwork. Incorporating numerous windows on every exterior wall possible, we were able to maximize natural light, and access panoramic views of the countryside, while allowing the fresh air to breeze through. Multiple sets of French doors lead onto the expansive front veranda that wraps around the main living room. This deep, full-length porch is an inviting, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of these design features provided the framework to capture the vision she had for her home.

This visionary homeowner found an idyllic property surrounded by gorgeous pastoral views, fertile soil perfect for a Truffle farm, and an easy distance to downtown Corvallis, Oregon. What was not ideal, however, was the existing house. Built in the 1980’s, this ranch had some undesirably unique features that were not at all the style that our client was imagining for her dream farmhouse. She came to us with the challenge of transforming this dated ranch into a classic southern style farmhouse complete with covered porches and wood burning fireplaces. She had dreams of hosting large parties as well as intimate family gatherings, requiring a modern open concept layout alongside more secluded areas, all while preserving the traditional aesthetic that she desired. Having lived in a wide variety of homes around the country, there were some features this homeowner knew she wanted to incorporate into this major rebuild. We thoughtfully considered how to include those elements in the design while addressing several structural challenges, remaining within budget, and creating a final product that would be both stunning and practical. Historic trim work, white oak flooring, and warm white walls provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing her treasured heirloom rugs and artwork. Incorporating numerous windows on every exterior wall possible, we were able to maximize natural light, and access panoramic views of the countryside, while allowing the fresh air to breeze through. Multiple sets of French doors lead onto the expansive front veranda that wraps around the main living room. This deep, full-length porch is an inviting, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of these design features provided the framework to capture the vision she had for her home.

When all but the master suite was redesigned in a newly-purchased home, an opportunity arose for transformation. Lack of storage, low-height counters and an unnecessary closet space were all undesirable. Closing off the adjacent closet allowed for wider and taller vanities and a make-up station in the bathroom. Eliminating the tub, a shower sizable to wash large dogs is nestled by the windows offering ample light. The water-closet sits where the previous shower was, paired with French doors creating an airy feel while maintaining privacy.

Custom Built home designed to fit on an undesirable lot provided a great opportunity to think outside of the box with creating a large open concept living space with a kitchen, dining room, living room, and sitting area. This space has extra high ceilings with concrete radiant heat flooring and custom IKEA cabinetry throughout. The master suite sits tucked away on one side of the house while the other bedrooms are upstairs with a large flex space, great for a kids play area!

It’s not uncommon for the primary bedroom to be an upper floor in an older home. Such was the case with Park House and as the owners were getting older, the desire to walk up a full flight of stairs multiple times a day was starting to become undesirable. The owners wanted to find away to create a new primary bedroom suite on the main floor of the house, which would allow the upstairs rooms to be dedicated for guests. The existing home had a 2-car garage attached to the rear façade, and was fed by a large expansive concrete driveway and lawn area. Both areas were largely unused, but afforded enough space for a new addition to be added to the house, and then a separate garage structure built adjacent to it. Our team developed a couple of sketch floor plan options on how such as an addition could work alongside a separate new garage structure. One of the goals for the project was that it had to feel like it belonged with the house in that it couldn’t be jarringly modern. The result is a new rear addition that harmoniously blends in with the existing home that provides a large tranquil bedroom with a spa-like bathroom on the main floor. In addition, a new rear entry vestibule was designed as a transition point between new and old, while also providing space for an adjacent laundry room. The new addition also provided an opportunity to create an enclosed private courtyard with lush landscaping and enough space for large family gatherings.

Kitchens aren't always in perfectly square boxes. Sometimes, J.S. Brown & Co. designers have awkward spaces to work with, particularly in older homes. When structural changes and additions are either undesirable, or don't fit the budget parameters, we go with the flow. We can design wonderful spaces, even when the space is challenging. Find out what our NARI Accredited and talented team can do for your home.

Outdoor structures are ever popular allowing guests to have the outdoor room effect, but also help with a subtle rain to keep the gathering alive. The custom privacy screen helps to shield undesired views and also serves as a perfect place for an outdoor television. This structure is also wired for sound - lighting - ceiling fan, making it a perfect space regardless of the time of day.

The designers were forced by site constraints to place the front door substantially pointed at the side of the neighbor's property. Deed restrictions prohibited a conventional privacy fence, and a fortress-like barrier was undesirable. The designer only had a little space to fit both plantings and the new metal screening. They worked out a patchwork of interesting metal mesh and other metal panels, along with more conventional iron fence pales and stock wire, to visually tie the new metal screening to fences found elsewhere on the property. An ARDA for Design Details goes to Hobbs’ Ink Designer: Janet Hobbs From: Bee cave, Texas

When all but the master suite was redesigned in a newly-purchased home, an opportunity arose for transformation. Lack of storage, low-height counters and an unnecessary closet space were all undesirable. Closing off the adjacent closet allowed for wider and taller vanities and a make-up station in the bathroom. Eliminating the tub, a shower sizable to wash large dogs is nestled by the windows offering ample light. The water-closet sits where the previous shower was, paired with French doors creating an airy feel while maintaining privacy.

The living room was undesirable with three dated bays of built in shelving units. New flooring, shiplap, grass cloth and furnishings brought new life into this space that now welcomes guests into the home.

Designed for the lifestyle and budget of a young married couple and growing family, this home offers a viable alternative to the generic speculative home. Occupying a small leftover developer site, just under four tenths of an acre at the end of a suburban cul-de-sac, the Lanning Residence site is anchored by a one hundred year old oak tree. The parcel, once undesirable to developers and their speculative plans, became the inspiration for the project form. Acting as both designers and builders, the decision was made early to utilize a strategy typical to most suburban construction; maximizing square footage while minimizing the building perimeter. An analysis of the surrounding suburban fabric revealed that the adjoining property lines were heavily planted. Views and window placement were organized to take advantage of the adjacent landscape while maximizing natural light. The house program is distributed within two main volumes that are connected by a translucent circulation volume. The spacious interior volumes, large windows, plywood shear walls, sheetrock, and simple details allowed for a light construction budget. Spray foam insulation and well designed mechanical systems allowed the family to reduce their monthly utility bills by over half, creating a far more energy efficient lifestyle.

This small Townhome's kitchen, with tight areas and angled walls made for an undesirable space.. For this homeowner who loves to bake, the existing kitchen did not have the storage or counter space needed to create her favorite recipes. Now, it's been transformed in a light and airy space with cooking in mind and a small island that houses the microwave drawer along with seating for 2.

Custom Built home designed to fit on an undesirable lot provided a great opportunity to think outside of the box with creating a large open concept living space with a kitchen, dining room, living room, and sitting area. This space has extra high ceilings with concrete radiant heat flooring and custom IKEA cabinetry throughout. The master suite sits tucked away on one side of the house while the other bedrooms are upstairs with a large flex space, great for a kids play area!