Nestled at the end of a private road on a forested riverfront property, our client’s cottage will be expanded on two sides to meet the needs of a growing extended family while maintaining the connection with the tranquil setting. The renovation/addition is designed to enhance the view of the river and welcome an abundance of natural sunlight from the southeast exposure. The original cottage was insulated and winterized, but the layout was a little too cozy when everyone gathered, and it was designed for warm-weather use. The vision is to expand it for use as our clients’ four-season retirement home and a comfortable vacation destination for their family and friends. The spacious great room addition and dining room caters to large family gatherings and a new kitchen boasts a large island with seating, significantly more counter space, and a generous pantry. The spacious new entryway off the covered porch welcomes guests and makes it much easier to shed coats and boots during the colder months. The spacious walk-in closet in the front foyer provides plentiful storage space for outerwear, hats, boots, shoes, and more. The laundry is now conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen. Creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, the expansive new screened porch will accommodate family and friends as they gather to enjoy the beautiful view and warm breezes off the water without the annoyance of bugs. On the lower level, the expanded space includes a new 5th bedroom, office, storage room and mechanical room. The exterior reflects a Modern Craftsman style, integrating existing with new to create a cohesive look. The project posed a unique challenge due to the irregular lot and the need to work with the existing locations of the cottage and existing detached garage. Our team navigated these constraints, creating a design that optimizes the existing and new space and maintains a strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape.

This project presented very unique challenges: the customer wanted to "open" the kitchen to the living room so that the room could be inclusive, while not losing the vital pantry space. The solution was to remove the former load bearing wall and pantry and build a custom island so the profile of the doors and drawers seamlessly matched with the current kitchen. Additionally, we had to locate the granite for the island to match the existing countertops. The results are, well, incredible!

Our clients Bill and Tammy approached us to construct a bonus room above the garage for their exercise equipment with an additional bedroom and bathroom for guests. This project has a few unique challenges including installing a 2 hour fire rated wall so that their home can be considered two separate structures for the Philomath fire marshal (so we don’t need to install a residential sprinkler system). We are also keeping their existing home operational during construction including their furnace and electrical panel which are directly underneath the new addition!

This 3,850-square-foot single-family home in New Jersey exemplifies modern design and architectural ingenuity. Built on a tight lot with stringent zoning regulations, the project posed unique challenges that were met with innovative solutions to deliver a truly

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes and each project has its unique challenges. This master bath remodel was no different. The room had been remodeled about 20 years ago as part of a large addition and consists of three separate zones – 1) tub zone, 2) vanity/storage zone and 3) shower and water closet zone. The room layout and zones had to remain the same, but the goal was to make each area more functional. In addition, having comfortable access to the tub and seating in the tub area was also high on the list, as the tub serves as an important part of the daily routine for the homeowners and their special needs son. We started out in the tub room and determined that an undermount tub and flush deck would be much more functional and comfortable for entering and exiting the tub than the existing drop in tub with its protruding lip. A redundant radiator was eliminated from this room allowing room for a large comfortable chair that can be used as part of the daily bathing routine. In the vanity and storage zone, the existing vanities size neither optimized the space nor provided much real storage. A few tweaks netted a much better storage solution that now includes cabinets, drawers, pull outs and a large custom built-in hutch that houses towels and other bathroom necessities. A framed custom mirror opens the space and bounces light around the room from the large existing bank of windows. We transformed the shower and water closet room into a large walk in shower with a trench drain, making for both ease of access and a seamless look. Next, we added a niche for shampoo storage to the back wall, and updated shower fixtures to give the space new life. The star of the bathroom is the custom marble mosaic floor tile. All the other materials take a simpler approach giving permission to the beautiful circular pattern of the mosaic to shine. White shaker cabinetry is topped with elegant Calacatta marble countertops, which also lines the shower walls. Polished nickel fixtures and sophisticated crystal lighting are simple yet sophisticated, allowing the beauty of the materials shines through. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Nestled on a steep, hard-to-access lot, this home and pool presented unique challenges. The aging pool had tilted more than four inches downhill, and with limited backyard access and a tight budget, a full replacement wasn’t an option. Instead, a creative design solution—one of our specialties—allowed for a seamless repair, featuring a new concrete coping and a vibrant tile accent that revitalized the space. The outdoor transformation didn’t stop there. The deteriorating decks required a complete rebuild, and the homeowners envisioned a detached art studio tucked into their nature-filled backyard. By embracing the site’s complexities, we crafted a design that connected the elevated outdoor living areas to the pool and studio, creating a cohesive, functional retreat. Every detail was executed with precision. Linear decking and cable rail demanded meticulous planning, while IPE wood was chosen for its natural beauty and durability. Thoughtful design elements—like the IPE wood cap that unifies the pool’s edge and art studio wall and a horizontal privacy fence that visually expands the space—elevate the project beyond a renovation. This is a space built not just for beauty, but for lasting enjoyment.

Our Gold Dust project is what we would call a rip out and replace, but with more effort. The kitchen before was decent, however it had an angle that protruded in the kitchen that only allowed for a small island. With keeping the floor, we knew that this was going to be a unique challenge. We also remodeled the bar and updated the laundry room as well. For the kitchen, our clients wanted more function and cohesive movement throughout the space. In the beginning, if you were standing at the sink, and turn, you would get hip checked by the island. So, we pushed back the angled walls that cut into the kitchen, then turned and extended the island to host more seats. We kept the rest of the kitchen with the same layout and updated the cabinetry. Our clients went with a classic white shaker for the perimeter and for the island they chose a dark blue stain on a poplar wood species. For the countertops, they went with a beautiful white quartz everywhere and a three inch mitered edge for the island. Marble backsplash was put in to continue that classic timeless style. For the hardware, a gold finish was chosen to add warmth and to compliment the black plumbing fixtures. In the bar, there were two massive columns that were taking up too much real estate. By removing them, we were able to add in a full-size wine refrigerator and open the space for a more functional entertaining bar. We kept the laundry with the same layout, but just updated the cabinets and added the same marble backsplash from the kitchen. By keeping the bar and the laundry room the same cabinets as in the kitchen, this house now feels timeless, classic, and cozy. We had such a joyful time working with our clients on this home.

A bathroom to suit a tween both now and as she grows was a unique challenge. By avoiding clichéd childish decor and incorporating timeless, elegant elements, we achieved a design that will evolve with her. We used classic materials like white subway tiles and recycled glass penny rounds for a pop of color and shimmer.

This Pacific Northwest kitchen remodel was all about creating connection, warmth, and thoughtful functionality within a long, narrow footprint. By removing a structural wall and replacing it with a 16-foot steel I-beam, we were able to open sightlines and seamlessly connect the kitchen to the family room, transforming how the space feels and functions. The design balances natural textures and inviting tones, featuring walnut cabinetry, custom green accents, and a one-of-a-kind bar area with an Ash River walnut/resin backsplash. A unique challenge was working around the existing brick fireplace, which we integrated by layering cabinetry and a Cement Elegance surround to visually extend the kitchen while maximizing storage. Custom details like the faux metal beam wraps, appliance garages, and full-height cabinetry elevate both form and function, resulting in a highly personalized space that feels expansive, cohesive, and distinctly Northwest.

We love coming across a space in dire need of updating, with a few unique challenges, and fabulous clients! Our favorite part of this master bath remodel was tiling the shower enclosure and the beautiful tile wainscoting.

This 3,850-square-foot single-family home in New Jersey exemplifies modern design and architectural ingenuity. Built on a tight lot with stringent zoning regulations, the project posed unique challenges that were met with innovative solutions to deliver a truly

Devereux Beach House Our client presented Flavin Architects with a unique challenge. On a site that previously hosted two houses, our client asked us to design a modestly sized house and separate art studio. Both structures reduce the height and bulk of the original buildings. The modern concrete house we designed is situated on the brow of a steep cliff overlooking Marblehead harbor. The concrete visually anchors the house to stone outcroppings on the property, and the low profile ensures the structure doesn’t conflict with the surround of traditional, gabled homes. Three primary concrete walls run north to south in parallel, forming the structural walls of the home. The entry sequence is carefully considered. The front door is hidden from view from the street. An entry path leads to an intimate courtyard, from which the front door is first visible. Upon entering, the visitor gets the first glimpse of the sea, framed by a portal of cast-in-place concrete. The kitchen, living, and dining space have a soaring 10-foot ceiling creating an especially spacious sense of interiority. A cantilevered deck runs the length of the living room, with a solid railing providing privacy from beach below. Where the house grows from a single to a two-story structure, the concrete walls rise magisterially to the full height of the building. The exterior concrete walls are accented with zinc gutters and downspouts, and wooden Ipe slats which softly filter light through the windows.

This stunning 8,600 sf single-family home gracefully blends contemporary aesthetic with historic architecture. Situated on a tight, urban lot in the bustling Wicker Park neighborhood, the project presented unique challenges associated with constructing a new structure while preserving and renovating the circa 1880’s coach house. Several notable elements: the use of 3 different window systems (including Chicago’s first installation of the “Thermal Evolution Technology” Hopes Windows), a structurally glazed 3-sided glass link seamlessly connecting the new home to the historical coach house, an exterior zinc metal panel system on the rear façade, polished terrazzo flooring, Carlisle Optimistic Stone wide plank flooring on the 2nd floor, and radiant floor heat throughout. Architect/Designer: Wheeler Kearns Architects Photography: Hedrich Blessing

This kitchen space provided some unique challenges with regards to construction and design. Our original design encompassed removing the post and a structural wall, but it wasn't in the client budget so we had a long narrow space to work with. Which I think turned out beautifully. The Family room Custom Entertainment built-in really flows well either going into or leaving the kitchen area. The wall pantry is most definitely the focal point in this kitchen. Not overly fussy just the right amount of detail.

Fully Retractable Screening Options Large opening spans present a unique challenge—how to enjoy the unobstructed view when the space is completely open, while also being able to move inside and out without letting in insects.

The primary bath presented a unique challenge with its compact footprint, but we made it feel airy and open while maximizing storage. The vanity was extended to its full potential, offering ample drawer storage, and a triple-medicine cabinet mirror above. To keep the shower feeling open and spacious, we added a small bench along the back wall and cleverly extruded a stone shampoo tower, creating a seamless and functional design element.

The primary bath presented a unique challenge with its compact footprint, but we made it feel airy and open while maximizing storage. The vanity was extended to its full potential, offering ample drawer storage, and a triple-medicine cabinet mirror above. To keep the shower feeling open and spacious, we added a small bench along the back wall and cleverly extruded a stone shampoo tower, creating a seamless and functional design element.

A sloped ceiling poses a unique challenge for wallpaper installation, but clean alignment and expert craftsmanship result in a seamless visual.
Example of an eclectic home design design in Los Angeles

Devereux Beach House Our client presented Flavin Architects with a unique challenge. On a site that previously hosted two houses, our client asked us to design a modestly sized house and separate art studio. Both structures reduce the height and bulk of the original buildings. The modern concrete house we designed is situated on the brow of a steep cliff overlooking Marblehead harbor. The concrete visually anchors the house to stone outcroppings on the property, and the low profile ensures the structure doesn’t conflict with the surround of traditional, gabled homes. Three primary concrete walls run north to south in parallel, forming the structural walls of the home. The entry sequence is carefully considered. The front door is hidden from view from the street. An entry path leads to an intimate courtyard, from which the front door is first visible. Upon entering, the visitor gets the first glimpse of the sea, framed by a portal of cast-in-place concrete. The kitchen, living, and dining space have a soaring 10-foot ceiling creating an especially spacious sense of interiority. A cantilevered deck runs the length of the living room, with a solid railing providing privacy from beach below. Where the house grows from a single to a two-story structure, the concrete walls rise magisterially to the full height of the building. The exterior concrete walls are accented with zinc gutters and downspouts, and wooden Ipe slats which softly filter light through the windows.