Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Adjustable shoe shelves provide the maximum versatility for shoe storage. If you incorporate higher heels or boots into your wardrobe, it’s easy to adjust the shelves to accommodate your newest acquisitions! Kara Lashuay

These homeowners decided to turn their ski home into a full-time home only to find that what was perfect as a vacation home, didn't function well for year-round living. In the master bathroom an unused tub was removed to make room for a larger vanity with storage. Using the same large format tiles on the floor and the walls provide the desired spa-like feel to the space. Floor to ceiling cabinets provide loads of storage for this kosher kitchen. Two dishwashers, two utensil drawers, a divided sink and two ovens are also included so that meat and dairy could be kept separated.

This contemporary rustic basement remodel transformed an unused part of the home into completely cozy, yet stylish, living, play, and work space for a young family. Starting with an elegant spiral staircase leading down to a multi-functional garden level basement. The living room set up serves as a gathering space for the family separate from the main level to allow for uninhibited entertainment and privacy. The floating shelves and gorgeous shiplap accent wall makes this room feel much more elegant than just a TV room. With plenty of storage for the entire family, adjacent from the TV room is an additional reading nook, including built-in custom shelving for optimal storage with contemporary design. Photo by Mark Quentin / StudioQphoto.com

Intimate Spaces turns unusable area into functional and beautiful spaces. Over 380 landscape timbers were used on this project. Retaining walls don't have to be ugly!

The interior of the home went from Colonial to Classic Lodge without changing the footprint of the home. Columns were removed, fur downs removed that defined space, fireplace relocated, kitchen layout and direction changed, breakfast room and sitting room flip flopped, study reduced in size, entry to master bedroom changed, master suite completely re-arranged and enlarged, custom hand railing designed to open up stairwell, hardwood added to stairs, solid knotty alder 8’ doors added, knotty alder crown moldings added, reclaimed beamed ceiling grid, tongue and groove ceiling in kitchen, knotty alder cabinetry, leather finish to granite, seeded glass insets, custom door to panty to showcase an antique stained glass window from childhood church, custom doors and handles made for study entry, shredded straw added to wall texture, custom glazing done to all walls, wood floor remnants created an antique quilt pattern for the back wall of the powder bath, custom wall treatment created by designer, and a mixture of new and antique furnishing were added, all to create a warm, yet lived in feeling for this special family. A new central stone wall reversed with an over scaled fireplace and reclaimed flooring from the East became the anchor for this level of the home. Removing all the “divisions” of space and using a unified surface made unused rooms, part of the daily living for this family. The desire to entertain large group in a unified space, yet still feel like you are in a cozy environment was the driving force for removing divisions of space. Photos by Randy Colwell

This unused corner of the loft was turned into a reading/work area complete with built-i file drawers under the windows and flanking the radiator.
Example of a mid-sized minimalist light wood floor sunroom design in New York

In the space of the shower once stood an unusable alcove bath tub/shower combo. By removing walls and opening up the space, we were able to give the homeowners everything they desired.

The children’s study was an unused and uninspiring space. We transformed this space in order to function for the family’s needs and to be a cheerful, exciting place for the children to relax, read and do homework. Paul S. Bartholomew

This homeowner wanted to convert an unused sunroom into her home office. The space was lightened with the addition of off-white paint and neutral furnishings. Pops of teal in the lamp, pillows, rug and cabinet add warmth and interest to the space. The two wingback chairs and antiqued side table make a great sitting area for the homeowner to meet with her clients. Mickey Ray, Kidsbizphotos, Fort Mill, SC

This single family residence is located adjacent to a lush park on the edge of the Scarborough bluffs. The house is configured to take advantage of the long side yard aspect overlooking the park. From the interior a generous office / family room with balcony appears to be perched high in the branches of an old tree, providing views to the lake while maintaining a sense of privacy. Photo by Tom Arban

My clients asked me to transform their current living and dining room into a music room as their children enjoy playing their Baby Grand piano on a regular basis. The wall and french door was removed that was between the living room and dining room and we installed a linear electric fireplace with storage pullouts for some of their music books along the bottom on either side as well as floating shelves above the pullouts. Their wall to wall carpet was removed and new hardwood was laid down. Ceilings were scraped and pot lights were also placed throughout the space and lighting was installed underneath the floating shelves. My client loves artwork by Toronto based artist Sharon Barr so she commissioned a piece from her and that sits above the fireplace. We also installed the "Frame" TV by Samsung on the other side of the fireplace which looks like another piece of artwork nicely framed. My client already had 2 beautiful occasional chairs that we designed at Gresham House 6 years earlier so we re-purposed them in this room to sit in front of the fireplace. In the cozy sitting area, we grounded it with a beautiful silk and wool area rug, added a comfortable leather ottoman, a small round swivel chair, a beautiful contemporary sectional and a set of nesting end tables. All of this furniture was designed by The Expert Touch Interiors at The Decorating Centre. Final touches with accessories and the floor lamp and pouff were found at Urban Barn. My client's once dated and unused space is now a well-used dual purpose room that the whole family can enjoy!

APD was hired to update the kitchen, living room, primary bathroom and bedroom, and laundry room in this suburban townhome. The design brought an aesthetic that incorporated a fresh updated and current take on traditional while remaining timeless and classic. The kitchen layout moved cooking to the exterior wall providing a beautiful range and hood moment. Removing an existing peninsula and re-orienting the island orientation provided a functional floorplan while adding extra storage in the same square footage. A specific design request from the client was bar cabinetry integrated into the stair railing, and we could not be more thrilled with how it came together! The primary bathroom experienced a major overhaul by relocating both the shower and double vanities and removing an un-used soaker tub. The design added linen storage and seated beauty vanity while expanding the shower to a luxurious size. Dimensional tile at the shower accent wall relates to the dimensional tile at the kitchen backsplash without matching the two spaces to each other while tones of cream, taupe, and warm woods with touches of gray are a cohesive thread throughout.

The existing bathroom was small, using a small unused closet helped to expand the footprint. The new bathroom now features a large vanity with 2 sinks and a walk in shower for 2. Infloor heating and a free standing towel warmer add luxury to the small space. The addition of the 1/2 wall in the shower, we were able to create a semi-private toilet space. Photography by Dale Lang

The unused third bay of a garage was used to create this incredible large side entry that houses space for two dog crates, two coat closets, a built in refrigerator, a built-in seat with shoe storage underneath and plenty of extra cabinetry for pantry items. Space design and decoration by AJ Margulis Interiors. Photo by Paul Bartholomew. Construction by Martin Builders.

This master bathroom was once shouting with coral wallpaper, harsh gold accents and an over sized, unused tub. Our client wanted to escape to their master bathroom and feel as if they were in a spa atmosphere. We were able to show our client’s 3D concept renderings to communicate our overall master bathroom design. Using a marble curved basket weave mosaic tile on the floor with a black granite outline and Carrara baseboard, this stunning design began to take place. We selected a solid white, gloss tile for the shower walls so that our tile accent would be the shower focal point. The shower features a curbless entry, linear drain and seamless glass design for the most luxurious shower experience. Since our client had two beautiful chandeliers from her late mother’s home, we incorporated the fixtures into the lighting plan for a touch of sentimental glam. Custom designed vanity cabinets along with a vessel sink and waterfall edge countertop provided a useful yet beautiful accent to this bathroom. Stunning black sconces offer a softer lighting option that is incorporated with new can lights overhead. The finishing touch on this beautiful master bathroom is the custom designed valances above the windows that offer a sleek black accent with a subtle floral print. This beautiful master bathroom was photographed by Michael Hunter Photography.

APD was hired to update the kitchen, living room, primary bathroom and bedroom, and laundry room in this suburban townhome. The design brought an aesthetic that incorporated a fresh updated and current take on traditional while remaining timeless and classic. The kitchen layout moved cooking to the exterior wall providing a beautiful range and hood moment. Removing an existing peninsula and re-orienting the island orientation provided a functional floorplan while adding extra storage in the same square footage. A specific design request from the client was bar cabinetry integrated into the stair railing, and we could not be more thrilled with how it came together! The primary bathroom experienced a major overhaul by relocating both the shower and double vanities and removing an un-used soaker tub. The design added linen storage and seated beauty vanity while expanding the shower to a luxurious size. Dimensional tile at the shower accent wall relates to the dimensional tile at the kitchen backsplash without matching the two spaces to each other while tones of cream, taupe, and warm woods with touches of gray are a cohesive thread throughout.

camilleriparismode projects and design team were approached to rethink a previously unused double height room in a wonderful villa. the lower part of the room was planned as a sitting and dining area, the sub level above as a tv den and games room. as the occupants enjoy their time together as a family, as well as their shared love of books, a floor-to-ceiling library was an ideal way of using and linking the large volume. the large library covers one wall of the room spilling into the den area above. it is given a sense of movement by the differing sizes of the verticals and shelves, broken up by randomly placed closed cupboards. the floating marble fireplace at the base of the library unit helps achieve a feeling of lightness despite it being a complex structure, while offering a cosy atmosphere to the family area below. the split-level den is reached via a solid oak staircase, below which is a custom made wine room. the staircase is concealed from the dining area by a high wall, painted in a bold colour on which a collection of paintings is displayed. photos by: brian grech

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography