Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

In a downtown home, every bit of space counts. This basement family room and bar is no exception. Our aim was to create a luxurious space that would be as enjoyable as the rest of this home. Utilizing odd spaces under the stairs, we incorporated a bar, built-in Kitchen & Co. cabinetry, and a focal point containing the television with decorative wallpaper and Emperador Dark stone detailing. A sectional and ottoman utilizing a woven fabric and contrast piping continue the stylized feel of this space.

This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. We crafted custom made cupboards and cabinets from oak with several unique storage solutions within. The cabinets were finished with round silver Armac Martin handles and a polished Carrara stone worktop. Cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

Bespoke utility room in Henley -on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The large double Belfast sink provides practical cleaning of just about anything, with overhead pegs for hanging utensils just where you need them. For more inspiration visit https://www.langstaff-ellis.co.uk

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. The solid oak curved seating area was designed with space for shoes underneath and a designated umbrella stand, while the large dresser featured eight solid oak pull out drawers with brass cup handles and glazed display cabinets. We finished the cabinets with Armac Martin handles Cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. View of the large dress with Armac Martin brass cup handles. Cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. View of the large dress with Armac Martin brass cup handles. Cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. We crafted custom made cupboards and cabinets from oak with several unique storage solutions within. The cabinets were finished with round silver Armac Martin handles and a polished Carrara stone worktop. Cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. The solid oak curved seating area was designed with space for shoes underneath and a designated umbrella stand, while the large dresser featured eight solid oak pull out drawers with brass cup handles and glazed display cabinets. We finished the cabinets with Armac Martin handles Cabinets painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

This traditional green utility room was designed to work as a laundry room and boot room. View of mouldings on top of the bespoke oak cabinets which were painted in Farrow and Ball Lichen. Photo: Billy Bolton

Take a different look at The Fitz Workstation. This utility sink comes with all sorts of goodies: an easy access shelf, a removable drying rack, knobs for towels or hangers, and a pull out faucet.

Our clients were looking to erase the 90s from their master bathroom and create a space that blended their contemporary tastes with natural elements. This bathroom had wonderful bones with a high ceiling and plenty of space, but we were able to work with our clients to create a design that better met their needs and utilized the space to its full potential. We wanted to create a sense of warmth in this large master bathroom and adding a fireplace to the space did the trick. By moving the tub location, we were able to create a stunning accent wall of stacked stone that provided a home for the fireplace and a perfectly dramatic backdrop for the new freestanding bathtub. The sculptural copper light fixture helps to soften the stone wall and allowed us to emphasize those vaulted ceiling. Playing with metal finishes is one of our favorite pastimes, and this bathroom was the perfect opportunity to blend sleek matte black plumbing fixtures with a mirrored copper finish on the light fixtures. We tied the vanity wall sconces in with a dramatic sculptural chandelier above the bath tub by using copper finishes on both and allowing the light fixtures to be the shining stars of this space. We selected a clean white finish for the custom vanity cabinets and lit them from below to accentuate their floating design. We then completed the look with a waterfall quartz counter to add an elegant texture to the area and extended the stone onto the shower bench to bring the two elements together. The existing shower had been on the small side, so we expanded it into the room and gave them a more spacious shower complete with a built-in bench and recessed niche. Hard surfaces play an important role in any bathroom design, and we wanted to use this opportunity to create an interesting layer of texture through our tile selections. The bathroom floor utilizes a large-scale plank tile installed in a herringbone pattern, while the shower and walls are tiled in a polished white tile to add a bit of reflectivity. The newly transformed bathroom is now a sophisticated space the brings together sleek contemporary finishes with textured natural elements and provides the perfect retreat from the outside world.

With a little bit of love, you can transform your kitchen into a space you love to spend time in! Many people are so used to their surroundings that we don’t realize what a little bit of paint and new finishes can do to change a room. That’s exactly the case of this kitchen. Actually, the cabinetry was already refinished prior to us coming into the picture, our clients couldn’t wait! So, we had the opportunity to incorporate those finishing touches to really seal the deal of this space. Today, this kitchen is up-to-date and classic. It really will stand the test of time! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinets The cabinetry was already refinished prior to us doing our magic. But we love how the crisp and clean finishes of the cabinetry pairs so well with the new finishes and materials we incorporated. To elevate the cabinetry, we embellished the doors and drawers with 5 inch “Emerald” hardware from Top Knobs (TK288BSN). Countertops At first glance, you may have noticed we incorporated beautiful marble countertops to this space. So, what if we told you those countertops are not made of marble? Actually, not even close! These countertops are a beautiful 3cm Cambria quartz in the finish “Ironsbridge”. The specs of grey and veining in the countertops might have fooled you! We love the way it looks in this space. Backsplash Subway tiles have been around a long time. Still, we love the classic look of subway tile and our clients are always requesting it! A simple way to add interested to subway tile is to utilize tile with beveling, create a contrasting pattern, and add contrasting grout color, as we have done here. Here we have utilized a 3×6 Daltile Rittenhouse Square with beveled edges as the main tile. Then, over the range, we have framed the tile and changed the pattern to herringbone to add some pop! Fixtures The fixtures of this space are classically styled as well. From Blanco, we have the main sink in a Precis Super Single Bowl in White paired with an Atura kitchen faucet with pull-down spray in stainless steel. Then on the island, we have a Precis Medium Bowl in White and an Atura Pulldown bar faucet in stainless steel, also from Blanco.

Donald Chapman, AIA,CMB This unique project, located in Donalds, South Carolina began with the owners requesting three primary uses. First, it was have separate guest accommodations for family and friends when visiting their rural area. The desire to house and display collectible cars was the second goal. The owner’s passion of wine became the final feature incorporated into this multi use structure. This Guest House – Collector Garage – Wine Cellar was designed and constructed to settle into the picturesque farm setting and be reminiscent of an old house that once stood in the pasture. The front porch invites you to sit in a rocker or swing while enjoying the surrounding views. As you step inside the red oak door, the stair to the right leads guests up to a 1150 SF of living space that utilizes varied widths of red oak flooring that was harvested from the property and installed by the owner. Guest accommodations feature two bedroom suites joined by a nicely appointed living and dining area as well as fully stocked kitchen to provide a self-sufficient stay. Disguised behind two tone stained cement siding, cedar shutters and dark earth tones, the main level of the house features enough space for storing and displaying six of the owner’s automobiles. The collection is accented by natural light from the windows, painted wainscoting and trim while positioned on three toned speckled epoxy coated floors. The third and final use is located underground behind a custom built 3” thick arched door. This climatically controlled 2500 bottle wine cellar is highlighted with custom designed and owner built white oak racking system that was again constructed utilizing trees that were harvested from the property in earlier years. Other features are stained concrete floors, tongue and grooved pine ceiling and parch coated red walls. All are accented by low voltage track lighting along with a hand forged wrought iron & glass chandelier that is positioned above a wormy chestnut tasting table. Three wooden generator wheels salvaged from a local building were installed and act as additional storage and display for wine as well as give a historical tie to the community, always prompting interesting conversations among the owner’s and their guests. This all-electric Energy Star Certified project allowed the owner to capture all three desires into one environment… Three birds… one stone.

We decided to place the shower location directly under our clients' existing skylight. A major goal of this project was to incorporate a lot of natural light. Having a skylight in the shower is a great way to bring in light but still have your privacy. Photo Credit: Mike Irby

These clients retained MMI to assist with a full renovation of the 1st floor following the Harvey Flood. With 4 feet of water in their home, we worked tirelessly to put the home back in working order. While Harvey served our city lemons, we took the opportunity to make lemonade. The kitchen was expanded to accommodate seating at the island and a butler's pantry. A lovely free-standing tub replaced the former Jacuzzi drop-in and the shower was enlarged to take advantage of the expansive master bathroom. Finally, the fireplace was extended to the two-story ceiling to accommodate the TV over the mantel. While we were able to salvage much of the existing slate flooring, the overall color scheme was updated to reflect current trends and a desire for a fresh look and feel. As with our other Harvey projects, our proudest moments were seeing the family move back in to their beautifully renovated home.

Bespoke Boot Room area built into their utility room. Custom welly and she spaces with coat hooks. Painted in the same Farrow and Ball Old White colour with natural oak as well.